[NLJ]

Considering his heighth, I doubt he'd find anything more comfortable than a big single dual sport, ie KLR650, DL650, etc. SUper high seat height with easy to manage power and decent enough brakes. Also to keep in mind a nighthawk 750 has enough power to get him into trouble quickly if he doesn't have some good sense about himself

 

[151]

4 grand sure limits your choices. The Nighthawk sounds like the right pick.

 

[beetsme]

I like big dirtbikes for beginners, maybe a Kawasaki KLR 650, cheap, easy to ride, tall enough for his size. Keep in mind that many people trade up shortly after becoming comfortable with riding, so I would start out with an inexpensive ride that would be easy to sell later. A lot of folks will suggest a cruiser, but I don't like cruisers for beginners, they don't really handle well and promote lazy posture, let the guy learn how to ride first. (boy I'll get into trouble for that remark!) Good luck, don't forget to check out a good safety course.

 

[27580]

How about a V-Strom? You can probably find one in that price range and they are tall.

 

[pplassm]

Yep, KLR is the way to go. Very comfortable for big guys. Any Dual Sport is a good choise.



Unfortunately, it doesn't have much poseur value.



Although a pack of dirtbikes riding through town is pretty neat.

 

[35244]

Used Wee-Strom. The taller DL1000 seat fits. Then go to somebody like Traxxion, etc., and get HD springs ft & rear so the sag will be right. A Cee windscreen should get rid of the buffeting.

 

[NLJ]

You don't see to many sub $4000 v-stroms out there but that would be a pretty good choice as well

 

[34449]

Another vote for the Wee-Strom. I weigh 250 pounds and my DL has no problem hauling my butt around.

 

[seruzawa]

Only one choice

Speed Triple!

It'll take him a long time to outgrow it.

 

[seruzawa]

Seriously

Or maybe a used Triumph Legend or a Thunderbird. Cool bikes, standard seating and Trumpet cachet. I've seen used Legends around $4000.

What's not to like?

 

[The_AirHawk]

Rebel 250.



'Cuz small guys an' wimmenz should start on BossHoss 502s ('cuz they'll only outgrow the 350 in six months!).



And big guys should start at the bottom, 'cuz a big bike like an SV650 isn't a good starter bike..........

 

[3810]

V-Strom DL1000 sounds like a good way to go. I'd also look at the Ducati 1100 or 1100S Multistrada, and the new Suzuki 1250 Bandit. It has been getting some great intial reviews. Has to be the bargain of the century at $8299. Hope this helps. Cheers, Jack

 

[Kenneth_Moore]

I suspect the Rebel would like like a match pack stuck between the butt cheeks of a monkey under this guy. Bad visual.

 

[Fenton]

K-L-R-6-5-0

 

[pplassm]

Jeezus! THE GUY'S NEVER BEEN ON A BIKE BEFORE!!!!!!!!



What's with all the big bike recommendations? Weren't we just castigating dealers for doing this?

 

[12er]

I'm 6'6" 300 and started back on the road on a KLR 650. I highly recommend the 650 dual sports, they are a blast with good power (to learn on) and plenty of leg room. Wish I didnt have to sell that thing...

 

[12er]

Tall guys and 23 inch seat heights dont mix, hence I never understand suggestions for cruisers. The dual sport suggestion is spot on.

 

[12er]

When I took the MSF course they tried to give me a 250 rebel, I ended up on the cb125 due to my knee's being wedged into the handle bars on the rebel.

 

[seruzawa]

You noticed?



I would have recommended an 883 Sportster but didn't want to deal with all the usual bs.

 

[acecycleins]

Tell him to choke up $7k-8K and buy a clean, used 88-92 HD FXR. If he wants to go a little more sporty than that buy a BMW R1100R. It's not a sport bike but, h3ll, he's a newbie- he won't know.;-)