Tall Rider....what is the best bike for ergo's

[LTMFB]

Soo...... I am getting back into riding and had a 87 250r that fit me really well. Loved the ergo's and the feel when riding. I have sat on a yfz450 and my legs go above the tank to where i can't hug my legs. I have done the reviews and checked on all seat heights and Honda has the highest seat height but from what i've read they are inferior to the yfz450 and lt450r as far as performance goes...(please don't flame me Honda loyals.)

So I'm looking for some good feedback from taller riders on what bike they feel comfortable on. I'm 6'7" and 230lbs....

TIA

LTMFB

[Scro]

I have a buddy that's 6'2" or 3", and he runs a Honda. He runs the IMS lowered pegs, +2 stem, and CR-hi bars. It seems to fit him well.

[SRH]

id go with the suzuki

Suz is a bigger quad. But im short (5'5) and its alot smaller then it looks compared to my old kfx. the ltr has got a much lower seat-peg height then any of the 450s our there. It feels more of a boat. But all in all the honda is a bigger quad, taller quad.

Its a tuff choice there though. I would stay away from the old yfz and the KFX450 as i even felt a bit cramped on them both

[eastcoastpro20]

im 6' 3' and i cant ride a suzuki feels really small, can-am and honda have the best feel

[Canadian144]

I'm 6 foot 2 and am more than comfortable on my LTR450... with the stock handlebars/clamps it was a little uncomfortable, but with my mid bend Protapers and Trail tech clamp, it fits me perfectly.

Haven't sat on a YFZ450R yet... the DS450X felt pretty good stock, and I didn't like the feel of the Honda stock.

[fastredrider44]

Originally posted by Scro
I have a buddy that's 6'2" or 3", and he runs a Honda. He runs the IMS lowered pegs, +2 stem, and CR-hi bars. It seems to fit him well.

Well, I'm your buddy and I'm 6'4" and run a Honda 450R. and Jcoop is a giant and he runs a Honda...

[Keystone_Rider]

Not sure if your heart is set on a 450, but those 700 Raptors are pretty big with a high seat.

You can always get higher bars or with risers and possibly a higher seat on a 450 if that will help. Lower pegs could help too.

[BlaineKaiser450]

I have ridden a Suzuki and it felt rather small. Im only 6'1. What i would do is buy a Honda 450r and put a +2 stem and Pro Taper ATV Race/Pastrana freestyle bend bars. Thats what i run and all the short people hate it, but one of my friends whose 6'8 thought it was alright

[BlaineKaiser450]

Oh, and heres my 6'8 friend. He rides a Yamaha with a massive stem and does well

[LTMFB]

i rode my friend's yfz and I believe he had a +1 stem on it and it didn't seem too bad, but if the honda seat is that much higher........

YFZ. You won't be disappointed. You're on a Honda based forum so if Honda is in the choices it's going to win... You could ask what's the best drink and if Honda was a choice it would be #1 voted.

I'm 6' 3" and use the stock stem and am perfectly comfortable. Get a taller stem and you'll be more than satisfied.

[tayyo789]

if you arent riding mx, i would recommend a ds650. more room than any person could ever want, but big guys love them, and even though they are ugly, they can keep up with a raptor pretty easily.

[Ryan]

Originally posted by Nova
YFZ. You won't be disappointed. You're on a Honda based forum so if Honda is in the choices it's going to win... You could ask what's the best drink and if Honda was a choice it would be #1 voted.

I'm 6' 3" and use the stock stem and am perfectly comfortable. Get a taller stem and you'll be more than satisfied.


YFZ or YFZR? Im 6ft, 200 pounds, and ride an 08 yfz. Everything seems to be quite comfortable and in the right place, besides the handlebar height. The only time I really feel cramped is leaning in a turn. They definitly should of came with an inch longer stem, and/or taller handlebars. But adjusting the bars forward to its furthest position does make a world of difference. It was so low from the dealer, the bars keepin hittin me around every corner.

But didn't they fix this cramped problem with the YFZR?

[LTMFB]

Ya...the YFZ didn't feel too bad but the R that I sat on the other day wasn't very comfortable. I didn't like that my legs rode slightly above the gas tank.. maybe -1 nerfs and the +1 or +2 stem would help.

What bike has the best stock suspension? It'll be a while before I can change the front end out on it!

[Scro]

Originally posted by fastredrider44
Well, I'm your buddy and I'm 6'4" and run a Honda 450R. and Jcoop is a giant and he runs a Honda...

LOL, you too. I was talking about Tflatt. Everything is small when you are talking about Coop:p

[madskrillz2]

When I first got my LTR I felt a bit cramped and I'm only 5'11. Then again, I like a quad to feel smaller because it seems easier to handle in the long run. I'm perfectly comfortable on it now. It all basically comes down to setup. My friend is 6'3 and he used to ride a yfz with a +2 or +3 stem and lowered pegs. When I rode it, I felt like somebody had put a set of handlebars on top of a small car.

[LTMFB]

so the local dealer today told me that for $6K i could get an 09 YFZ450r....don't know if I can pass that one up!

[xrxmxcx]

I'm pretty tall and have my bikes set up for the height, a stem can make a big difference. Crap I'll sell you my old hybrid and it will feel like that R, have power like that YFZ, and its already got a taller stem!

:eek2:

YFZ I feel like the seat is way lower than my knees lol Dont like the feel at all. The LTR I havent really tried and the TRX well I like it a lot better for room I'm 6'3". DS was nice too.

[bugmenot2]

I am 6'3" and have had to set up every race ATV since the 250R days. Any ATV can be set up to fit your height, however, us tall guys have a big disadvantage in weight on the little guys! That is why I went with the DS 450. It is really light in stock form and I need every advantage I can get, 'cause I like to eat and I ain't losing weight any time soon!

I put a taller set of bars and stem on it and I can move around just fine. Sage Baker and Brandon Smith raced them and they are real tall, too.

Plus, there is a killer program with the DS 450 right now where you can get something like $2500 off the price. I'll quit trying to be a salesman now! :D

[LTMFB]

No, that is great info. I like the weight difference and seat height on the DS as well. Now I'm at ends w/the YFZ450r 09, it already has the great suspension (travel) and comes wider stock. It almost eliminates the need for aftermarket parts, suspension wise.

Does the extra 2-3" make that much of a difference? Is the long travel worth it?

As I said before, I can get into a "new" 09 450r for around $6K....i've never been a fan of buying new off the showroom floor but in this case it sounds intriguing!

[Tommy Warren]

Originally posted by BlaineKaiser450
. He rides a Yamaha with a massive stem and does well

LOL :eek: do you stare at his massive stem?

[Ryan]

I had a question... Those of you with high bars and/or longer stems. When your riding standing up, are you hunched over at all, or do you ride standing completely straight? Im always hunched over when I need to stand up on my yfz, thus always hovering a bit over the front end. Im comfortable and used to it that way. but it would seem if I wasn't hunched over while I was riding, i'd have a little more body control and overall balance, rather then having your upper body weight on top of the front end . A taller stem, and a stem with a foward bend would probably be a really good idea to invest in, right?

[fastredrider44]

I ride with a plus 1 stem, a GPR (add another inch) and Cr Bend bars. I'm hunched a lot. After a 2 hour race, my back is broke. But I've tried taller bars and a plus 2 stem and other things, and I still like my current set up. It keeps my weight foward and in attack position.

[banker30]

get a yamaha...call janssen motorsports in kaukana wi and tell them you need a +4+1 stem and your set. im only 5"11 and it was comfortable with a set of cr hi..it just got too twitchy for me now i run a +2 houser with cr hi's

[banker30]

here is a pic of my 05yfz with the janssen stem. plenty of room for a big guy as i got the stem for my cousin who is 6'3

[mad715]

I`am 6'4" and ride 05 Honda 450r With taller seat, + 1 stem with flexx bars, and 08 450r foot pegs that are lower than the 05 pegs. Just wear pads on your knees because the flair of the fuel tank will beat your knees up.

[backwoodsracer]

Originally posted by Scro
I have a buddy that's 6'2" or 3", and he runs a Honda. He runs the IMS lowered pegs, +2 stem, and CR-hi bars. It seems to fit him well.

yes but Honda is inferior to the yfz :devil:

[250r rider 88]

Joe Bryd is like 6'7" i think and he has done well on the honda for many years, extended stem(anti-vibe) and some CR hi bend bars will make it perfect for you,

those pieces are a must for a quad anyway

[zyoung04]

im about 6'5" i like the yfz i gotta a plus 1 stem i could prob use a +2 but havent got the money to spare right now im long legged n i have no prob moving around on it ive rode ive just about rode them all except for the newest ones like cam am n the new yfz and the outlaw and i still like the yfz the best so far

[400ex28]

if you're tall you do not want the yfz. i'd have to say honda.

[Canadian144]

Originally posted by Ryan
I had a question... Those of you with high bars and/or longer stems. When your riding standing up, are you hunched over at all, or do you ride standing completely straight?

Before when I would be out riding with the stock bars.... I would be hunched over sitting as well as standing....

but with my trail tech clamp (adds about an inch in height) and mid bend ProTapers, I am much more comfortable riding around, and standing up isn't as bad (still have to bend a little, but not much).

[LTMFB]

Been SERIOUSLY considering a new Can Am....given it's seat height, weight(lightest in class) and the new "racer program" that gives you $1000 off the price and many, many parts at 75% off I might have to jump on that one!

[Ryan]

Originally posted by fastredrider44
I ride with a plus 1 stem, a GPR (add another inch) and Cr Bend bars. I'm hunched a lot. After a 2 hour race, my back is broke. But I've tried taller bars and a plus 2 stem and other things, and I still like my current set up. It keeps my weight foward and in attack position.

Thanks for the info. How much higher does the cr bend bars make it compared to stock? I got my stock bars set all the way forward, and im only slightly hunched, but still comfortable. If I had another 2 inches, I'd be standing straight up. Im gonna have to look into the CR bars, or the trail tech clamp. Whichever is cheepier. Just as long as I don't need to get any extended cables... (on a very low budget this winter)

[fastredrider44]

Actually, the Standard CR bars aren't as tall as factory bars. I don't know why, but I never have felt right with real tall bars, even though I'm tall. Another possibilty for you would be to get the tag fat bar adapters. The adapters allow you to run fat bars, which are superior to stock IMO, and they will add height as well.

[Sjorge450R]

I ride an 05 450r and I have a burgard +2 +1 stem with CR high bars. I LOVE it. Perfect height for me and I am about 6' even on a good day...lol


the picture is how I typically stand when riding....if you were to go any higher than +3 it would prob hit the gas tank on the R.

[fastredrider44]

Here's my current set up.

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc281/fastredrider44/scan0001.jpg

[fastredrider44]

and the bars a little straighter...

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc281/fastredrider44/scan0002.jpg

[Canadian144]

I figured I'd add a few pics of my current handlebar setup:

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o116/kucan14/ATVs/IMG_1868.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o116/kucan14/ATVs/IMG_1869.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o116/kucan14/ATVs/IMG_1882.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o116/kucan14/ATVs/SN852599HDR-Copy.jpg

[Ryan]

setup looks good Canadian... How much for those risers?

And why do so many people switch from the stock handlebar setup? Is it the bend, or the strength? Im kinda lost here on this subject.

[Canadian144]

Thanks!

The Trail Tech risers ran me just over $100 on ebay... same with the computer.

I think that the ProTapers were $70 also.

I switched from the stock handlebar setup for a few reasons (no real order here)

1) The bend height is much more comfortable for me
2) They look sweet
3) They are much stronger (most guys bend the stock ones pretty easily I hear)
4) The Trail Tech riser only works with fat bars, and I wanted the riser so that the computer would be more protected.

[LTMFB]

So I called one of the ONLY local CanAm dealers and they have a new 08 DS450X but won't come down at all on the price, other than the $2000 rebate offered by CanAm. I LOVE the looks of the black plastics but for $5499???? Is it normal for them NOT to come down off of MSRP? It's not when I bought a while ago, maybe things have changed

[Canadian144]

Well that price isn't really that bad.... look on ebay, here are two DS450Xs I found:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2008-CAN-AM-DS450X-ATV_W0QQitemZ320455931419QQcmdZViewItemQQptZATVs?h ash=item4a9ca9761b

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-2008-Can-Am-DS450X-Sport-Quad-DS-450-X_W0QQitemZ260514641942QQcmdZViewItemQQptZATVs?has h=item3ca7e1f816

Both are hovering around the price that your dealer is offering you, so I'd say get your dealer to do something on parts, maybe give you a larger discount on a motoworks pipe or whatever. Maybe a free skid plate.

I paid just over $6800 for my 08 Suzuki LTR450. That was at an ATV show in October 2008 so they were wanting to get rid of it. They also threw in a free skid plate, free 1 year warranty, and gave us $1000 on a trade in for my Baja 90cc Chinese piece of junk. Mind you I live in Canada so these are Canadian dollars, and everything is more expensive in Canada.

[LTMFB]

So now the question is....should I go for the $5499 08 DS450X or jump on the 09 YFZ450r for $6000?

I like the weight and power-weight ratio of the DS but the R is an 09!

[Ryan]

Wow, I didn't know the DS's were that cheep. And the YFZ450r for 6 grand? I paid 7 grand for my 08.... WTF happened? I thought the MSRP was over 7 grand for the R?

But i'd say, go to your dealerships.... Sit on each atv... See what feels best for you. But I would probably go with the Can-am. You'll have an extra 500 bucks to change whatever you don't like.

[LTMFB]

So I went and sat on a CanAm DS450X and that is the bike. The most comfortable for my size BY FAR, they will do ALL service recall updates and I can get it for approx. $5500 and maybe have them throw in parts. They are a great dealer and certified to work on them. The guy said that he "needs" to get rid of it and let him know what he needs to do to get rid of it.

Now I just need to talk the wife into buying it 3 months earlier than expected. Theres only 1 LEFT, maybe that'll help me!

[Canadian144]

Awesome, good luck with it. Be sure to post some pictures up!

If I could have had the choice between an 08 DS450X and my 08 LTR450 then I would have have to think about it for a while.... originally I was going to get a DS450X but then we found that good deal on the LTR450 and jumped on it... in the end I am happy so it doesn't really matter.