Passed test,what bike next?

[sporlan66]

Hi all,haven't posted for some time.After failing my test twice [foot down on the u-turn twice],i lost confidence.Then i was offered a cancellation,with some trepidation took it and PASSEDI passed with Kent motorcycles who let me do my training and tests on their 700 transalp demonstrator,i cannot praise them enough.I am now thinking about my next bike,the alp was great and i am very tempted to go with one,but wondered what others thought about the other options available.Being 6ft 7ins and 20 stone,these bikes suit me well.A sports bike leaves me feeling like i need hip surgery after ten minutes.Also weight limits on bikes,because in the future i may want to take a pillion.
Wondered what people think.
Thanks
Gray

[BIGROG]

Hi Gray.

Well done Mate, Well done, As for bikes, try as many as you can then decide which bike you want, not the dealer wants to sell you.

As I said before, I am 6'6" and the best bike for me is the Africa twin, I tried loads of bikes including the BMW GS and none gave me enough legroom.

Good luck with your search gray and once again, well done

Rog

[micksylver]

Congrats on your pass, Gray. Well done mate - not easy overcoming knocked confidence.

Like Rog said, try loads and choose the one that suits you best and the type of riding you intend to do. When you find the right one you will know.

Good luck with your hunt.

Mick

[Lulu]

Can't advise on bikes, but well done for passing the test and beating the confidence thing .

Take time choosing your bike and then enjoy it and ride safe .

[winxp-master]

Different ppl are different sizes, i have a suzuki v-strom dl1000 and when showing palerider it i warned him to be carefull as it was quite high and he might not be able to touch the floor (me being considerably larger) but he sat on it and planted feet no bother, turns out hes got quite long legs for his size so just goes to show you never know what bike is gonna suit you till you try

[StumpyFingers]

Well done on the pass.
s for the bike if you fell comfortable when riding it and moving it around as in parking then go for it, if it feels awkward then look somewhere else, if you rush into the first bike you see you may end up regretting it later on.

[Tony M]

Congrats on the pass.

I'm almost 6' 5", and about 21 stone, and the Alp takes me and Mrs M (who is, ahem, petite) with no bother at all.

That said, it's a very personal choice - I reckon you should keep an open mind till you've tried as many bikes as you can. Changing your mind could cost you money!

[stuart]

I'm selling my transalp 700 if your interested, honda box and paniers, honda heated grips,honda tank guard, honda dash trim,givi engine bars strobel horn, 6000 miles dealer serviced, I've been offered £4000 trade in against my new bike but would prefer a biker rather than a dealer to get the benifit of a bike that cost over £6000 inc extras less than a year ago,
cheers

[sporlan66]

Thanks all for the congrats and advice,looks like i'm going to have to book loads of test rides and carefully consider all the options.
Thanks again
Gray

[Hagrid]

Hi all,haven't posted for some time.After failing my test twice [foot down on the u-turn twice],i lost confidence.Then i was offered a cancellation,with some trepidation took it and PASSED

Congrats Gray....

Firstly, whatever your budget; for a first bike go for something cheap you can dump, whether physically or mentally... (I avoided using the word 'Drop'... ).

An older AT or Alp would do you just fine... Great Rookie bikes... You're high; so can see more, they're big so easier to spot, with enough power for a little fun, but not to much to find yourself in potentially tempting and more challenging situations... And then you get to take it off-road as well...

Job Done...