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Anyone else freakishly tall out there? Anyone else freakishly tall out there?
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 15 Aug 2007
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Anyone else freakishly tall out there?
I've lurked on the site for a while, and I am finally getting ready to take the plunge and buy a new bike!

But I have a problem..... I am a freak. 6'6"+. Neadless to say, I am not too worried about standover on any bike out there. But can anyone give me a idea of which bike would be the best for longer trips through central and south america as well as a bike that would do well on shorter, more local trips?

I would like to have something that would perform well off road as well and on the tarmac. I have my eye on the older GSs since they are big and the price is dropping, but the new KTM adventure is definitely appealing.

To further complicate the matter, I would like a bike that I could ride two-up on without much difficulty. The wife definately wants to come along (on some shorter trips to begin with and possible progressing to longer trips) and obviously her comfort is paramount.

Just wondering
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Old 15 Aug 2007
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Im 6'3 and find both KTM and GS comfortable for my size. The GS is the smaller of the two height wise.

Your wife would prefer the GS on the back. You would prefer the KTM


There arent really other bikes to look at if you're intending on going off road. The capanord is _ok_ but is quite maintenance heavy from what i've found, and the varadero's have poor suspension. V-stroms lack 'oomf'.

Other alternatives could be africa twins - built like brick houses and easy to ride.
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Old 16 Aug 2007
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Unless you have disproportionately long legs you probably still too short for many of todays offroaders, I have seen some with about a metre high saddles. God knows who could flat foot on one of those... seem to be designes for goliath, giant orang outangs or giraffes.
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Old 16 Aug 2007
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"---V-stroms lack 'oomf' ---"

Please define oomf .
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Old 16 Aug 2007
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Ktm 950 S
Sold my 2003 KTM950 adventure S to a guy 6'5", he was more than happy with the seat height ( I was tip-toe on it at 6' tall). I seem to think that the early 950 range were a couple of inches higher than the later ones. I never had a problem with seat comfort, did 17,000 miles on it with the gel seat option.

Don't the off-roaders with the meter-high seats compress down several inches when your weight is on them? - Provided you can get your leg over in the first place (if you know what I mean...)
Bill
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Old 16 Aug 2007
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I think the KTM950S is a great choice too,
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Old 16 Aug 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dodger View Post
"---V-stroms lack 'oomf' ---"

Please define oomf .
You know, that "when i twist it to go, i feel myself tilt back..." feeling. 'oomf'!

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Old 16 Aug 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Holland View Post
Sold my 2003 KTM950 adventure S to a guy 6'5", he was more than happy with the seat height ( I was tip-toe on it at 6' tall). I seem to think that the early 950 range were a couple of inches higher than the later ones. I never had a problem with seat comfort, did 17,000 miles on it with the gel seat option.

Don't the off-roaders with the meter-high seats compress down several inches when your weight is on them? - Provided you can get your leg over in the first place (if you know what I mean...)
Bill
Nope, seems the only way to reach the ground is to wear platform high heels
and it is a real bugger trying to get riding boots or wellies configured like this. Even BMW dont supply them
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