Finding it challenging to find the best motorcycle for a big guy?
The unfortunate thing is that most motorbikes are tailored for medium or average-size riders. Because of this, big guys encounter difficulties when in the market for a motorbike to ride comfortably.
Fortunately, most of the motorbikes in the bike industry can be customized to a rider despite gender, weight, and height. It entails ensuring that you understand the ergonomics of a motorbike to alter the handlebar rise and seat position to fit your body shape.
However, if you do not have the time or resources to customize a motorbike, you can buy one that already addresses your big body.
Related: Best Scooters for Big Guys
If you have been looking for a motorcycle for big guys, you should consider the ones we have highlighted on this primer.
Motorcycles for Big Guys Buying Guide
Riders whose size is more than 6 feet tall or weight is more than average often struggle to find a motorbike that accommodates their long limbs. Most of the available ones are designed and built to take care of riders 5’7” – 5’11”.
Due to the challenging nature of finding a motorcycle for big guys, it is important to have some sort of guide to help you make the right decision.
Here are some of the factors we consider important to be considered before making the final decision:
Insurance
Are you over 25 and boasting a spotless driving record? If yes, then you can enjoy a decent insurance rate.
However, there is more to it than just your driving record and age. Some of the factor’s insurers consider include:
- Theft rate of bike model
- Population density of your area of residence
- The total cost of the bike
Related: Best Ebikes for Heavy Riders
Maintenance and Equipment
Cars tend to go longer between service intervals not to mention other things such as belt, spark plug, and tire replacement. When it comes to motorcycles, maintaining things such as tires can be costly.
Based on how hard you ride, changing the rear tire after a couple of miles can be necessary. The other areas that need occasional replacing are drive belts and chains.
Maintenance intervals of your motorcycle can run anywhere in the 5000 – 20,000 miles. This depends on the model of your motorcycle and how hard you ride it.
Gear
Before you buy your motorcycle, you must make sure that you have the right protective or safety gear. At the very least, owning a helmet for big heads is necessary.
If you value your skin and body, you will also have to purchase a motor jacket. The jacket must be high-abrasion grade pure leather.
Boots and gloves are also important to have.
While many motorcycle riders are into putting jeans while they are riding, this is not recommended. Just imagine cruising at speeds above 15 miles per hour with only some jeans!
At such high speeds, the jeans can come off like a paper towel. For this reason, you need to buy and put on some sort of special protective pants.
Size
Size can be in terms of engine and the general size of your prospective bike. Now that you are a big guy, it is obvious that you must settle for a big sized motorcycle.
In terms of engine size, consider settling for one in the 500 – 600 range. This will certainly serve you for many years as you enhance your skills.
Of great importance to note is that engine size is a relative factor. For instance, a Yamaha YZF-R6 is 600cc. However, it is a race bike that boasts serious acceleration as well as top-end speeds.
If you are a beginner, you need to avoid such.
A Triumph Bonneville is 865cc. While its engine capacity might be higher than the Yamaha, it is beginner-friendly.
Seating Position
Another factor to consider when in the market for the best motorcycle for big guys is the seating position. If you are a newbie, you should consider the standard seating position.
Related: Most Comfortable Bike Seat for Overweight Riders
Types of Motorcycles for Big People
Every big sized guy has his or her ideal type of motorcycle in mind. The best type is the comfortable one, fast, can do everything, and boasts the ability to go everywhere.
Here are the most common types of motorcycles for big people:
Dual-Sport
Dual sports motorcycles boast the ability to cruise the country, on the dirt, and even the highway. Therefore, if you are looking for a motorcycle type or style that can ride anywhere throughout the year, the dual-sport is exactly what you need.
The height of this motorcycle is a little higher to create off-road clearance. Consequently, be sure to try the sit before buying the motorcycle.
Standard
Standard styling is a mix of visual appeal and function. They are great performers on the street.
Standard motorcycles are available in an array of engine sizes and general size. Therefore, you will be able to find an option that fits you perfectly.
Touring
Touring is hands-down the most comfortable. While that is the case, of great importance to note is that they are the heaviest.
These motorcycles vary from brand to brand. Most of the time, they are mixed with the Sport Touring designs to provide the utmost levels of comfort.
Sport
In addition to being aerodynamic, they are designed to allow high lean angles on their corners. This means that shorter but bigger riders are at their toes’ tip as they try to reach the ground.
Cruisers
These types of motorcycles have low seat heights. They are great and popular options with beginner or new riders.
Cruisers come in different designs, from intricate to basic ones.
Related: Bikes for 300 lbs Man
Best Motorcycles for Big Guys Reviews
If you are a plus-size rider, you know how difficult it is to find a good motorcycle. Most bikes are designed for a one-size-fits-all approach, which means they rarely fit bikers who are on the larger side of the spectrum.
Here are our five recommendations of the best motorcycles for big guys:
2020 Kawasaki Ninja 650
The Kawasaki Ninja 2020 has new LED headlights but the back X lights remain intact. These new models turn signals that are pleasantly designed with a fabulous finish.
The best motorcycle for fat guys has been modified to remove the unsightly fastener bolts from its broadside, in a bid to give it a sleeker look. The air management system is designed to redirect hot air away from the engine and towards the ground and is very useful during hot weather.
Model Ninja 650 has a TFT display that is used to adjust brightness automatically, it reads tachometer, speedometer, and gear position indicator.
Its Rideology App and Bluetooth connectivity are great for monitoring intervals between maintenance, track the mileage and time, and check the fuel while it is parked.
The liquid-cooled DOHC parallel-twin provides a low-end torque which is mid-range.it has a peak torque of 6500rpm.
Features
- TFT color 4.3-inch display
- Rear brake 220mm petal disc
- 6500rpm maximum torque
- 6-speed gearbox
Pros
- Slanted nose section
- Air management system
- Radiology App
- Budget brakes
Cons
- Optional ABS at ($400)
Related: Best Mountain Bikes for Big Guys
2020 Suzuki SV650
SV 650 has black glass sparkle bodywork that comes along with the wheels and frame in matching metallic black paint. The Suzuki sv650 has a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 645cc DOHC, L-twin, 90-degree engine that pulls from idle to 10000rpm redline.
The motorcycle for fat guys has an advanced EFI system that a low rpm Assist feature that regulates engine speed at takeoff through to low-speed running seamlessly. Suzuki SV650 has a four-piston dual Tokico brake caliper at the front and a pair of 290mm floating stainless steel rotors.
It is an (ABS) compact anti brake system that enhances the braking performance to the traction. The stainless-steel covered muffler is placed in such a way that it allows lean angles when cornering.
2020 Suzuki SV650 low weight and its trim chassis are due to Trellis-style high-density steel tubes frame. A special resin coating is in every piston skirt while other parts that slide have been tinned to reduce friction.
Features
- Advanced EFI system
- 10000rpm redline
- Dual four-piston brake calipers
- 645cc four-stroke
Pros
- Weight is relatively light.
- Great for beginners.
- V-twin engine sounds great
- 74hp is preferable
Cons
- The suspension is relatively soft
2020 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6r predecessors were successful super sportbikes that were first introduced in 1995 to the world.
as it was known previously for its modern and sleek and sharp look, as well as for its superior handling, it is still so in 2020 only with minor changes it keeps its traction control, ABS, Suspension geometry, and Aluminum frame.
The best motorcycle for fat guys has a 636cc engine that is enclosed in an aluminum perimeter frame. It was designed to work coordinated with the Uni-Trak rear suspension and the Showa big piston fork.
It features a full set of riders assist technology such as a slipper clutch, an Up-only Quick shifter, two-way selectable power mode, 3 mode Kawasaki traction control (KTRC).
If it is an ABS model it is equipped with a Kawasaki Intelligent Antilock Braking System (KIBS). The braking power comprises of large 310mm rotors and Nissin four-piston calipers.
Ninja ZX-6R has an aerodynamic body with dual LED lights and its windscreen is wide.
Features
- 13500rpm redline.
- 6-speed transmission
- 636cc engine
- DOHC 16 valves
Pros
- Successful super sportbike
- Produces 127crack Hp
- Digital fuel injection
- Multifunction LCD
Cons
- Hard passenger seat
2020 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
There are two Vulcan 900 classics. The 900 classics and the 900 classic LT. The difference being the Standard classic LT cost $1000 more because of the added adjustable windscreen, saddlebags, and passenger backrest.
Kawasaki Vulcan 900 comes with a front 16-inch ire while the back tire is a 15 inch that is Dunlop D404s. Its 5-speed transmission with broad powerband and the positive neutral finder are great features in the 900.
This cruiser has a V-twin 903cc over the square that is SOHC inclusive of 4-cylinder heads that produce 58ft/lbs. of torque. Speed needs stability and the 900 classics have wide fat tires-130 at the front and -180 at the rear.
In terms of protection, the 900 classic includes a passenger backrest, LTs windshield, and the bags are a perfect size. It has a roomy 5.9 inches of the trail with a rake of 32 degrees. The standard 900 classics is equipped with the stylish whitewall tires.
These 900 classic cruisers are ideal for an urban city setting with its weight of 620 pounds and low seat height.
Features
- 27-inch seat height.
- 903cc v-Twin engine
- 3700rpm
- 300mm rotor two-piston caliper
Pros
- Light clutch action
- Good suspension
- Easy maneuverability
- Eye-catching paintwork
Cons
- It has no ABS/traction control
2020 Honda CB500X
The Honda CB500x has a 471cc engine that has plenty of torque with easily accessible power. It is light and powerful. Its front wheel is 19 inches and is equipped with a long travel shock and a slipper clutch. It has a relatively tall windscreen.
This bike is ruggedly styled with a good roll on response due to its valve timing. CB500x clutch design enables light lever pull that is essential in a stop and moves traffic scenario.
Before and after the catalytic converter, its muffler has a large volume.
The fuel injection settings are model specific and they help in linear power delivery that is thorough on midrange and low power with precise throttle response.
This Honda has a small battery, while its components are positioned to allow for good volumes of air intake. It has minimal turbulence because of its straight velocity stacks and the cylinders have separators in between.
Improved spray penetration in intake is improved by fuel-droplet size optimization. This creates linear power from throttle through to the rpm redline.
The best motorcycle for big guys has a racy-sounding exhaust note from the dual outlet muffler that matches its power.
Features
- 471cc parallel-twin
- 49 horsepower
- 42.7-inch seat height
- Weighs 430lbs
Pros
- LED lighting
- Fuel injection
- Honda care protection plan
- Slipper assist clutch
Cons
- Limited warranty
Related: Best Scooter for 300lb Man
Final Words
If you are taller or bigger than average, you might feel like your options are limited. The good thing is that the market today has numerous options that are not only fast and fun but will also not leave you to need the services of a chiropractor.
The best motorcycles for big guys are the ones that make the ride as enjoyable as possible. Many large men find themselves uncomfortable on a motorcycle due to issues with seating, having to reach for controls, and the shifting of their weight. If the bike is too small, it can feel like you’re sitting in the wrong position.
The motorcycles for fat guys that we have featured in this article are great for their spacious ergonomics. They are incredible for their all-round performance as well as capability to handle guys with big size.