|
| Scudbird | | Set |  |  | | Reg. Date | : | 21/12/2010 | | Posts | : | 10 | | Location | : | Australia |
|
| | Posted : 24 Dec 2010 - 09:30 Post title : How big is too big? | | | Ok all.... I need to draw on your experience.... One thing I have always tossed and turned about whilst thinking about my "cruiser" future is....., am I too big to be riding a standard bike (i.e. not modified to suit the tall boys)?
I'm 6'5" and 270 lbs (in the old language) and need to get some feedback from anyone else who is slightly on the large size 
Will I fit on a Thunderbird?
I know most answers will say.... "go and try one".... but I have never seen a TBird in the flesh and I live over 2 hrs from the closest dealer.
Surely there are some big fella's out there..... Let me know how you go.
Cheers
Pete
|
|
|
|
| BlueNose | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 29/09/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,478 | | Location | : | United Kingdom |
|
| | Posted : 24 Dec 2010 - 09:55 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: Scudbird) | | | I'm not quite as tall as you 6'2" and 200lbs and it fits me no problems. The modification I made was the highway pegs 'cos I damaged my knees playing rugby - use them evry now and then on long runs. My mate (Eight on here) is similar size to you and ride two up with no problems.
So in other words get yourself down to the dealer and take home a T'Bird - life changing experience.
|
|
|
|
| Eight | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 20/04/2010 | | Posts | : | 205 | | Location | : | Leeds, Gods Country, United Kingdom |
|
| | Posted : 24 Dec 2010 - 11:20 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: BlueNose) | | | Hang on a minute, I am only 6-4 and 264 pounds - no need to exaggerate it I am self conscious enough !!!
Seriously though, I guess I would be an almost identical build and I do ride 2 up frequently and very comfortably - also due to countless rugby injuries (similar to Bluenose), I am very inflexible and struggle on most bikes, but not the Bird.
I also have the touring seat, runner boards and highway pegs for additional comfort ??? can't fault bike and it handles like a dream
Cheers
Eight
| If you can keep your head when all around are losing theirs, then you haven't grasped the gravity of the situation !!!.
Live Fast, Dai Young, the latter being a Welsh rugby player.
Mat Black Storm
ST1300 Pan European
|
|
|
|
| Druid | | Jupiter | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 14/10/2009 | | Posts | : | 1,359 | | Location | : | United Kingdom |
|
| | Posted : 24 Dec 2010 - 11:30 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: Eight) | | | 6 foot 5 inches . No problems for me . Pegs more of a 90 degree angle of the knee though . Highway pegs next I think for those extra long outings .
| Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery - W.Churchill
|
|
|
|
| EnGage | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 14/07/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,155 | | Location | : | Grand Rapids, MI, United States |
|
| | Posted : 24 Dec 2010 - 12:22 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: Scudbird) | | | Perhaps Thatch will chime in. We call him Sasquatch and he is 6'6"
|
|
|
|
| davetac1 | | Thunderbird | | | Reg. Date | : | 06/09/2010 | | Posts | : | 8,379 | | Location | : | Haverhill, Ma., United States |
|
| | Posted : 24 Dec 2010 - 12:47 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: Druid) | | | At 6'5",I think you should try the T Bird out or atleast sit on it to see how comfortable or cramped you are before buying one.It is a great machine,but because of your size and weight,if it were me,I'd take a look at the RIII Tourer as well because it is a big machine and gentlemen such as yourself,should have no problems handling it or getting cramped when riding it.I have a friend who is 6'6" and has an RSV which is also a big machine.But even though it is big,he still gets cramped after a few miles.Before I bought my bird,I too had an RSV.The problem is that I'm gettin older and was starting to have problems balancing it when in traffic or parking.I'm just alittle guy at 6' and 200 lbs.and after 50 years mounted on two wheels,age is finally catching up with me now.But I did consider the RIII Tourer.Unfortunately though, because of its weight [it was real close to the RSV's weight], I opted for a smaller lighter machine which is why I bought the T Bird.But it's your decision and your hard earned money that you're laying down for it.So ya wanna get it right the first time.Follow me?? Dave!!!
|
|
|
|
| curtis41 | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 28/08/2010 | | Posts | : | 191 | | Location | : | United States |
|
| | Posted : 24 Dec 2010 - 13:36 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: Scudbird) | | | It is a small world, pun intended. I am 6'5" tall and 270 pounds. I ride a Thunderbird SE, with the touring seat and floor boards. It is a good fit and the engine has plenty of power and torque to haul around my gluteus maximus. To me, the floor boards and the touring seat are essential for longer rides. You sit more IN the seat than ON the seat. The Triumph Thunderbird, because of the relatively low seat at about 27.5-27.6 inches, the low center of gravity and the forward controls make it a bike that fits a surprising range of sizes and weights. The only change, if you will, that I made was to put 38 psi in the front tire and 40-42 psi in the rear, depending on extra load in the saddle bags or an additional rider. The reason for choosing a bike with floor boards is they permit more comfortable position changes on longer trips. Triumph did a great job designing and building this motorcycle. Best advice would be as above, go sit on the bike, and take a demonstration ride. You too can be a very happy Triumph Thunderbird rider.
|
|
|
|
| daz | | Zeus | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 12/05/2009 | | Posts | : | 7,731 | | Location | : | United States |
|
| | Posted : 24 Dec 2010 - 14:20 Post title : Re: How big is too big? | | | My god, i thought Thatch was the resident bigfoot, but i see we have an entire bigfoot squad here ! No wonder the BB kit is so popular !
| 2010 Blue/White Thunderbird, "Brutus". 1700 kit, short tors, gutted cat, UNI filter, filter seal off, custom tune. Brutus in his native habitat: Link
|
|
|
|
| RedBird2010 | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 11/10/2010 | | Posts | : | 666 | | Location | : | Spokane Valley, Washington, United States |
|
| | Posted : 24 Dec 2010 - 14:47 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: daz) | | | daz wrote:
My god, i thought Thatch was the resident bigfoot, but i see we have an entire bigfoot squad here ! No wonder the BB kit is so popular ! |
|
If you can, take a test ride, I think you will find it very comfortable.
| Rick 
2010 Thunderbird SE 1600
"Harley-Davidson; the worlds' most efficient method of turning gasoline into noise without the harmful side effect of horsepower."
"The wilderness holds answers to questions man has not yet learned to ask"
|
|
|
|
| Druid | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 14/10/2009 | | Posts | : | 1,359 | | Location | : | United Kingdom |
|
| | Posted : 24 Dec 2010 - 18:02 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: daz) | | |
daz wrote:
My god, i thought Thatch was the resident bigfoot, but i see we have an entire bigfoot squad here ! No wonder the BB kit is so popular ! |
|
I imagine we might look quite intimidating in a TBird social enviroment hehehe.
| Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery - W.Churchill
|
|
|
|
| EnGage | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 14/07/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,155 | | Location | : | Grand Rapids, MI, United States |
|
| | Posted : 24 Dec 2010 - 18:45 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: daz) | | | daz wrote:
My god, i thought Thatch was the resident bigfoot, but i see we have an entire bigfoot squad here ! No wonder the BB kit is so popular ! |
|
yeah, it must have been all those cigarettes and booze that our mothers consumed while pregnant back in the day
|
|
|
|
| Fordster | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 16/10/2009 | | Posts | : | 365 | | Location | : | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
|
| | Posted : 24 Dec 2010 - 21:17 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: EnGage) | | | 6'3" and 220 lbs. Fits me fine but I agree with the comments about highway pegs. I think that will be my next investment.
|
|
|
|
| MickeyBoy | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 18/09/2010 | | Posts | : | 553 | | Location | : | WiNe CoUnTrY TeMeCuLa, Socialist State of Kalifornia, United States |
|
| | Posted : 24 Dec 2010 - 21:38 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: daz) | |
|
|
| ataDude | | Chaac | | | Reg. Date | : | 19/10/2009 | | Posts | : | 527 | | Location | : | Texas, United States |
|
| | Posted : 24 Dec 2010 - 21:46 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: MickeyBoy) | | | I now officially feel like a midget at 5'10".
| ________________________
|
|
|
|
| metalb00 | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 02/07/2010 | | Posts | : | 343 | | Location | : | union, nj, United States |
|
| | Posted : 24 Dec 2010 - 22:00 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: Scudbird) | | | im 6' 2" 220 lbs and have absolutely no problem riding for 2+ hrs at a clip. its like riding a 2 wheeled lazy boy. 
| 2013 Thunderbird ABS Caspian Blue and Black Meercat crossover, D&D slipons, Black Wrapped Pipes, K&N air filter, Avon Grips, Hardstreet Slimline bags, Long haul dualseat, QR Sissy Bar
2012 Victory Cross Country Tour World Rally Blue Pearl and Obsidian Black Pearl
|
|
|
|
| coneye | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 29/07/2010 | | Posts | : | 420 | | Location | : | adelaide, Australia |
|
| | Posted : 25 Dec 2010 - 03:42 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: metalb00) | | | I agree with Davetec , try the t bird and give the rt3 a try , thats a big bike for big men , and just like the T bird its a awsome bike . Jeez i feel like a shrimp in here at 5'7'' and half
|
|
|
|
| Thatch | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 24/06/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,655 | | Location | : | Savannah, GA, United States |
|
| | Posted : 27 Dec 2010 - 10:40 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: Scudbird) | | | Well it's basically been covered already but I'll put in my thoughts...
I'm 6'6" and 260lbs. The bird fit me about as well as any bike has. That said there were a few issues that I had when I got the bike. The biggest problem I had was ankle pain. The throw from the bars to the seat and the seat to the pegs was such that it put my ankle at an oddly acute angle which after an hour or so would start to cause pain through my ankle. I'd have to try and constantly adjust to try to get some relief in my ankle (strangely it was more of an issue on the right than the left, probably due to the slightly different way I carried my foot to work the differing controls. On top of the ankle pain it put my heel in a very downward position which caused me to grind the heels off my boots on curves.
I also had an issue with some tailbone pain on longer rides. The stock riding position just put me a bit too far back in the saddle and cause all my weight to be concentrated on one spot and it would get pretty uncomfortable. (I'll assume I don't need to upload pictures of that particular issue )
Furthermore, I also had an issue that because I rode so far back on the saddle, I pushed the pillion pad into the rear fender causing the bracket on the pad to gouge the rear fender. This was replaced by warranty and bracket has since been altered with a recall replacement part but I still put a piece of a mousepad under my pillion 'just in case'
I have since put a drag bar on my bird and the riding position is much better for me. It pulls me over the tank and gets me off my tailbone. It also makes it were I put less pressure against the pillion pad (though the mouse pad is staying put) AND it rotates my legs forward enough that I now have a much better angle at my ankle and I no longer have any pain there either. So, one small mod and the bike is MUCH better for me.
Be warned though, my solution puts you on your wrists some and many folks won't like that and it also makes for a much more 'active' riding position, again, something that many cruiser riders aren't looking for. I have also had a seat recovered and when I did I had the seat shaved down some to give me a bit more room. It's not mounted yet but I'll report in when I have something to add on that front as well. I know this list sounds like a lot of issue but I have found most bikes don't fit big guys at all (Harleys are some of the worst... I was always surprised at how small a rider they seem to be built for) I see the mods I've done as simple tweaks to get it where I need it. I actually anticipated needing to get forward control extensions when I bought the bike but that is completely unnecessary for me. We are all built differently though and just because the length from one end to the other is the same, the distribution of those measurements are where the issues are, and ultimately the fit of any bike is going to be an exceedingly personal thing. I think it is a great frame and will easily fit you, but there may be some tweaks you need to do to get a perfect fit.
|
|
|
|
| EnGage | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 14/07/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,155 | | Location | : | Grand Rapids, MI, United States |
|
| | Posted : 27 Dec 2010 - 13:37 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: Thatch) | | | Thatch wrote:
.... I was always surprised at how small a rider they seem to be built for...
|
|
The average height of US men 20 years and older is 5 ft 9 1/2 in. I would probably be lower, but I suspect you scew the average upward 
| | Post edited by EnGage on 27 Dec 2010 - 13:38 |
|
|
|
| narsisco_lopez | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 09/09/2010 | | Posts | : | 2,765 | | Location | : | Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States |
|
| | Posted : 27 Dec 2010 - 13:45 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: EnGage) | | | Thatch wrote:
.... I was always surprised at how small a rider they seem to be built for...
|
|
It's funny how big guys always think things are built too small and small guys think things are built too big. I've been 5'7" since I was 17 and have just adapted to what I've always felt was a "Big, Fat, Guy America"  At least I'm not Danny Devito short and don't need to sit on a phone book and have block shoes to drive! I was actually surprised to find that the Thunderbird fits me (almost) perfectly (I have a slight stretch to reach raise the kick stand). I've always had a bit of shoulder pain and hand numbness on most of my bikes after a couple of hours in the saddle, but I don't have any of those issues with my 'Bird... probably the primary reason I'm still so in love with this bike.
coneye wrote:
Jeez i feel like a shrimp in here at 5'7'' and half |
|
5'7" and a half, huh??? Only guys that are our height would bother with that exta half inch 
| 2012 Storm (SOLD!)
Other Bikes:
2003 Suzuki DRZ400E (plated - my dual sport/mountain trail/camping bike)
Past Bikes:
2012 K13S
2009 KTM 990 Adventure
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 (the Alien Queen)
2009 Triumph Sprint ST (another great bike!)
2007 Kawasaki ZX10R
2000 Kawasaki ZRX1100
1975 Honda SB550T "Clubman"
1981 Kawasaki KZ1000J
1985 Suzuki GS550E
1978 Yamaha 650 Special
| | Post edited by narsisco_lopez on 27 Dec 2010 - 13:47 |
|
|
|
| DizzE | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 12/07/2010 | | Posts | : | 3,141 | | Location | : | Sunnyvale, CA, United States |
|
| | Posted : 27 Dec 2010 - 14:53 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: narsisco_lopez) | | | Some guys actually shrink. Like my Dad and me. He and I were both over 6 feet tall as adults. Now that we are old we lost inches
side to side as well as top to bottom.
At 83, he's now 5'7" I'm pushing 60 and under 5'9".
|
|
|
|
| Theazrp | | Set | | | Reg. Date | : | 14/10/2010 | | Posts | : | 111 | | Location | : | Gold Canyon, Arizona, United States |
|
| | Posted : 27 Dec 2010 - 15:47 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: DizzE) | | | Yeah me too. Isn't that something? Heck I used to be about 6" 3or 4" when I was a young guy, and now in my mid 60's I'm only 5"9. I think it's gravity that does it to ya. BTW way even though it seems to be built for guy's my size, I'd like the foot pegs just a bit further forward
|
|
|
|
| narsisco_lopez | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/09/2010 | | Posts | : | 2,765 | | Location | : | Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States |
|
| | Posted : 27 Dec 2010 - 15:47 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: DizzE) | | | DizzE wrote:
Some guys actually shrink. Like my Dad and me. He and I were both over 6 feet tall as adults. Now that we are old we lost inches
side to side as well as top to bottom.
At 83, he's now 5'7" I'm pushing 60 and under 5'9". |
|
Ain't that a bitch??? And to add insult to injury, the only body parts that KEEP growing larger as we age are our ears and noses! I guess for us motorcyclists, that ain't too bad: we can better hear and smell trouble coming down the road 
| 2012 Storm (SOLD!)
Other Bikes:
2003 Suzuki DRZ400E (plated - my dual sport/mountain trail/camping bike)
Past Bikes:
2012 K13S
2009 KTM 990 Adventure
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 (the Alien Queen)
2009 Triumph Sprint ST (another great bike!)
2007 Kawasaki ZX10R
2000 Kawasaki ZRX1100
1975 Honda SB550T "Clubman"
1981 Kawasaki KZ1000J
1985 Suzuki GS550E
1978 Yamaha 650 Special
| | Post edited by narsisco_lopez on 27 Dec 2010 - 15:49 |
|
|
|
| mat1600 | | Thunderbird | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 06/03/2010 | | Posts | : | 8,596 | | Location | : | Bridlington, Democratic Independant State of Yorkshire, United Kingdom |
|
| | Posted : 27 Dec 2010 - 15:57 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: DizzE) | | | Well at around 5'10'' I feel the bird fits perfect. The only comfort mods I have done are to pull the stock bars down towards me which pulls them closer (slightly) and I fitted the kuryakyn Iso grips. These are the best mod if you have bigger hands - with not having to 'over grip', spending 2-3 hours riding does not bother my hands as it did. I thought I would benefit from a rider backrest, so on a long ride I put my hold all on the pillion seat and secured it so that it would give me a bit of back support - the result was a very uncumfortably ride as I couldn't stretch or shift around -so that was that.
I have no other size issues with the bird. I thought I was having probs with side stand but when I concentrated on the prob there is none !! it is only cos I have had sports bikes (the stand being further back and shorter) that it is differant.
5 weeks 1 day and 55 mins since I last had that great pleasure - it's going to feel like a new bike when I get back on. This is the longest period not riding for 11 years.
| My first natural instinct is to breathe. My second is to evade tax's.
|
|
|
|
| Thatch | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/06/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,655 | | Location | : | Savannah, GA, United States |
|
| | Posted : 27 Dec 2010 - 16:05 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: narsisco_lopez) | | | narsisco_lopez wrote:
It's funny how big guys always think things are built too small and small guys think things are built too big. |
|
Oh I'm sure that is the case. My wife is 5' 3" and I get to hear it from her on the other end. That said, the tbird's frame is such that even if there were more problems with the ergonomics on it that I had there would still be room to put in forward control extensions or move the bars around more whereas on the Road Glide I most recently had as a loaner there just didn't seem to be any room on that thing at all. I couldn't imagine EVER making that bike work for me. It felt like riding a 'Hoveround' in a phone booth, slow, small, downright catastrophic if you leaned it and you hoped like hell no one you knew saw you while you were on it.
As for you short guys... I don't want to hear any whining, my head is a phrenologist dream (or is that nightmare) after all the years I've had slamming into things. And think about all the career choices open to you that are only a crushed dream for me... submariner, fighter pilot, jockey, oompal-oompa... the options are endless for you guys... .
|
|
|
|
| DizzE | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 12/07/2010 | | Posts | : | 3,141 | | Location | : | Sunnyvale, CA, United States |
|
| | Posted : 27 Dec 2010 - 16:17 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: Thatch) | | |
Thatch wrote:
career choices open to you that are only a crushed dream for me... submariner, fighter pilot, jockey, oompal-oompa... the options are endless for you guys... . |
|
Too true. The FAA standard pilot is 170 lbs.
|
|
|
|
| curtis41 | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/08/2010 | | Posts | : | 191 | | Location | : | United States |
|
| | Posted : 27 Dec 2010 - 16:40 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: DizzE) | | | Abraham Lincoln, when asked how long a man's legs should be replied "Long enough to reach the ground". Smart man that Abe Lincoln. Point is, the new Thunderbird is a pretty good fit across a wide range of height and weights. Possible Marfan Syndrome and all, my sense is Abe would have loved the Thunderbird 1600 or 1700 too.
|
|
|
|
| Birdy68 | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 16/07/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,352 | | Location | : | Bad Zurzach, Aargau, Switzerland |
|
| | Posted : 05 Jan 2011 - 15:48 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: Scudbird) | | | Scudbird wrote:
... I know most answers will say.... "go and try one".... but I have never seen a TBird in the flesh and I live over 2 hrs from the closest dealer.
Surely there are some big fella's out there..... Let me know how you go.
Cheers
Pete |
|
I can not give you any valid opinion - being only *mumbles* 5' 7'' ish - BUT I would think that maybe one of the guys here might live around your neck of the woods? 
Try looking into the people locator and see if anyone of the other AUS guys are nearer to you than the Triumph Dealer.
Just a thought!
| Birdy68
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Leave the pork pies for now - get the sausage rolls while they're hot!
 -x-  -x- 
more info at Fuelly.com
|
|
|
|
| Buzzo | | Set | | | Reg. Date | : | 20/01/2010 | | Posts | : | 110 | | Location | : | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
|
| | Posted : 05 Jan 2011 - 16:06 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: Birdy68) | | | Good point Birdy
Where are you Pete? I'm In Brisbane if that's any help. Your more than welcome to try it for size.
I like the Rocket better fit wise. I'm only 6' but with long arms and legs. I feel a little cramped after the Rocket and could do a lot longer stretches on it easier as well. I have trouble on the Bird , with the lip of the seat hurting my tail bone and I like to stretch to the bars a little for wind resistance rather than have a pronounced bend in the arm and strain to hold it. These things can be modified and will be. The Rocket has had its share of mechanical problems and that's something of a concern to me.
|
|
|
|
| Scudbird | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 21/12/2010 | | Posts | : | 10 | | Location | : | Australia |
|
| | Posted : 16 Apr 2011 - 00:24 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: Buzzo) | | | 
Well hello again to all..... I finally grabbed a couple of seconds to upload a pic of my first ever bike after sitting for my brief.
It's a Yamaha 650 VStar Classic with 4" extended front controls.... Just over 2 months cruising around and loving every second
I went to Melbourne and bought it privatly and rode it home for my first ever ride..... Must admit the old sphincter was fairly active on the way home for 200 k's but I got home safely and loved it (I was sore for 3 days and walking like the Duke for the next week).
While in Melbourne I called into a Triumph dealer and sat on a black bird, first time I had seen them in the flesh..... It only made me more determind to save for the ultimate.... Hopefully 2 years and a few more thousand k's under my belt
Great to catch up again and thoroughly enjoying all of the posts on this great site..... Take care all and i will keep you posted on my 2 wheel adventures.
Pete
|
|
|
|
| Fordster | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 16/10/2009 | | Posts | : | 365 | | Location | : | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
|
| | Posted : 16 Apr 2011 - 01:12 Post title : Re: How big is too big? (Re: Scudbird) | | | Congrats on the bike Pete, looks good! But keep in touch... now that you've sat on the bird... you'll be back!
|
|
|