I'm 6'3", but that's not the problem: leg length is. I wanted to buy a Ninja 250 for commuting, my wife has one and I love it. BUT, riding it my legs are too bent up and uncomfortable. So, I'm considering a Ninja 500, even though the dimensions are only marginally larger than a 250. Rode one, very briefly today, and found it only marginally more comfortable. I want to use it for short commutes and I'm certain I could tolerate the leg position but it would be nice to be able to take it on longer rides. I want a relatively inexpensive, light bike that gets good mileage, otherwise I might as well stick to a car. I'm 63, so not as flexible as I once was. I'm convinced that it's a great bike BUT how do you folk with longer legs tolerate it?

 

compared to my zx7r my girlfriends ex500 feels like a dream as far as posture is concerned. my inseam is 32" and i haven't found it uncomfy at all. many years ago i had a friend that was your height and rode a 500r... he never complained.

 

Thanks, postures' not a problem, folded up legs seem to be.

 

was including folded up legs in the posture category

 

You'll just get used to it. The 500 has fairly low pegs, but unfortunately also a very low seat. I'm 6'2" (33-34" inseam) and have ridden my 500 on a 6300 mile trip from San Diego to Whistler, British Columbia and back. I averaged 600-800 miles per day and didn't have any problems. Just stretch your legs out whenever you stop and take your time building up your tolerance & flexibility. It's amazing what a body can get used to, even at our age.

 

I have a +34" inseam. I'm 6'3" and weigh about 210lbs. I would suggest you go with the 500R. I understand what you mean by leg positioning. I commute daily on mine about 15 miles one-way. While the footpegs are low, the impression in the seat for the driver provides enough length to find a comfortable position. Suprisingly, the most comfortable position for me is to sit all the way forward against the tank. Be sure to stretch every hour or so. I have noticed one consistent way to induce a cramp. After riding for a while, be careful when maneuvering the bike while sitting on the saddle. The bike is light enough for me to move by pushing with my legs when trying to get into a tight parking spot or repositioning the bike in a lane during a traffic jam. After sitting in a riding postion for a while, this maneuver will cause your legs to cramp especially if you have long legs. Otherwise, you should have no problems. Good luck!

 

Hey chris I have the exact same bags for the back of my 500 but havent taken it or them on a trip yet..............did they hold enough stuff?

 

I second the full forward seating position. Add riding on the *****/toes of your feet (which will bend your knees a little more but changes a few pressure points in the seat) and at 34"/6'-00 my knees slip in just below the crease in the tank. I also found the shifter way too low for my size 10 booted foot, the adjuster rod will not yield much adjustment, move the front shifter arm a spline or two and your foot weill slide in nicely. Jim.

 

Absolutely. Enough clothes for an 11-day, 6300-mile trip, with one laundry stop (and I found out laundromats can be a good place to meet local single women); tent, sleeping bag, and all books, cameras.




-CCinC

 

Thanks for all the advice.