Getting Back on The Bike After 10 Years as a GIANT...

Sleapy
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Sleapy 4/10/2019 9:34am
4/10/2019 9:34am
Mxracer6y wrote:
bro giant isnt even the world for it.

I thought you were on a 65
ecomphil wrote:
Oh common man haha... I didn't think I looked that bad Pinch
You make Benny Bloss look like a HobbitLaughing . I thought I had it rough at 6'3...
3
WheelieNelson 4/10/2019 9:41am
4/10/2019 9:41am
Get a 450 it will be so much better for your size.

Also
Tall seat
Tall bars
Tall bar mounts
Extended shift lever
Stiff as af suspension
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ecomphil
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ecomphil 4/10/2019 9:58am
4/10/2019 9:58am
WheelieNelson wrote:
Get a 450 it will be so much better for your size. Also Tall seat Tall bars Tall bar mounts Extended shift lever Stiff as af...
Get a 450 it will be so much better for your size.

Also
Tall seat
Tall bars
Tall bar mounts
Extended shift lever
Stiff as af suspension
Thanks for the advice Wheelie !

Why would it be better ? Would you have a model/year in particular to recommend ?

I was under the impressions that they are all pretty much the same size.


colintrax
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colintrax 4/10/2019 10:08am
4/10/2019 10:08am Edited Date/Time 4/10/2019 10:08am
A 250 2 stroke and 450 are the same size save for the motor. 2 strokes are more fun, so stick with them.
2017 is a better bike but the 2015-16 is still great. For sure get a 2tall kit.
Welcome back!
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ecomphil
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ecomphil 4/10/2019 10:17am
4/10/2019 10:17am
colintrax wrote:
A 250 2 stroke and 450 are the same size save for the motor. 2 strokes are more fun, so stick with them. 2017 is a...
A 250 2 stroke and 450 are the same size save for the motor. 2 strokes are more fun, so stick with them.
2017 is a better bike but the 2015-16 is still great. For sure get a 2tall kit.
Welcome back!
Thanks Colin,

I really appreciate it !

Is the 2017 Ktm 250 2 stroke the best one out of the other brands for bigger riders ?
nytsmaC
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nytsmaC 4/10/2019 10:30am
4/10/2019 10:30am
Being 6’6 I found some bikes worked for me and some just don’t. See if you can test ride some different brands before you buy something that is going to make life more difficult than it needs to be. Sitting on them in the showroom isn’t going to tell you much, either, unfortunately. I found comfort on TM’s. I always liked riding Kawi’s, too, but have not ridden one newer than a 16 KX250F. Some other brands I felt like I was riding a mini bike.
shaffstall721 4/10/2019 10:45am
4/10/2019 10:45am
I agree with people saying 450, at that weight the torque would pull you around much easier and smoother.

A 2T will be an on off switch, even more so with your weight (I would think)
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nytsmaC
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nytsmaC 4/10/2019 11:31am
4/10/2019 11:31am
^^^ I strongly disagree, it’s basically like saying he needs a CR500. Not at all true, especially just getting back into riding.
4
vdrsnk04
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vdrsnk04 4/10/2019 11:46am
4/10/2019 11:46am
I know you had mentioned KTM. But with your height maybe look at a Yamaha since they have a taller seat height then the rest. With your weight, maybe a YZ450FX, the FX would be slightly friendlier power delivery wise versus the YZ450F.
1
lukemoto
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lukemoto 4/10/2019 11:53am
4/10/2019 11:53am
The 2017 and newer ktms will be the best bang for your buck. Stock forks are decent and the two strokes hold their value pretty well.
1
IWreckALot
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IWreckALot 4/10/2019 11:59am
4/10/2019 11:59am
Have a buddy that is 6'4 and 250ish. Not on your scale but definitely not who the bikes are built for. He's constantly trying out different things on the bike to make it fit him. Lowering the foot pegs, taller seat and raising the handlebars seem like no brainers, but it changes the cornering dynamic and handling of the bike a LOT. There are a variety of peg offsets you can do. Some drop straight down and some drop down and back. He eventually landed on a KTM 450F with virtually a stock setup and some Windham bend bars. Being as you haven't ridden in awhile, it may be difficult for you to differentiate handling differences with various bolt ons.

As far as power, a 250 2t or 450 is what I'd look for if I were you. The KTM 300 is a really nice power range also if you want a 2 stroke with a good bit of power. You can make a 250f work, but it's going to lag pretty good with a 265 rider on it.

Welcome back to the sport and lower your posting quality going forward. It's a bit too refined for Vital.
newmann
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newmann 4/10/2019 12:03pm
4/10/2019 12:03pm
Haven't seen Spartacus around here lately, but that guy is another 6' 9" Vitard.

The pic of Smits on the modern KTM makes him look big, but when he is on a vintage bike?



1
samifan
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samifan 4/10/2019 12:11pm
4/10/2019 12:11pm
I'm 6'7" and use a 2tall stage 2 kit. It has its advantages and disadvantages, but for me I feel so much more comfortable on the bike with the kit that it more than makes up for the disadvantages. Kit is on a KTM 250sx and I ride primarily mx. Just my thoughts!
3
samifan
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samifan 4/10/2019 12:13pm
4/10/2019 12:13pm


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neverwas 4/10/2019 1:22pm
4/10/2019 1:22pm
newmann wrote:
Haven't seen Spartacus around here lately, but that guy is another 6' 9" Vitard. The pic of Smits on the modern KTM makes him look big...
Haven't seen Spartacus around here lately, but that guy is another 6' 9" Vitard.

The pic of Smits on the modern KTM makes him look big, but when he is on a vintage bike?



Smits is 7'4",He lives in AZ now and I see him at some of the Vintage races and he is a giant,cool guy and a good rider.
Super nice Maicos also.
#76
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#76 4/10/2019 1:34pm
4/10/2019 1:34pm
Welcome back to the way of life....

I have a 2014 SX 250 & a 2014 SX 250 with a 300SXS kit and full Ohlins I am just finishing building up, you would really enjoy either, good luck bro and have a blast!.
Falcon
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Falcon 4/10/2019 2:59pm
4/10/2019 2:59pm
One thing the OP could consider is that the KX450 offers adjustable footpeg positions. Just one more level of adjustability. Here's what I'd so in your situation, Phil-

-Tall bar bend, and move the bar mounts forward
-Tall seat foam
-Lower footpeg height
-Stiffer springs (to match your weight/speed. A springy stock setup won't be helping you.)
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WheelieNelson 4/11/2019 3:46am
4/11/2019 3:46am
Falcon wrote:
One thing the OP could consider is that the KX450 offers adjustable footpeg positions. Just one more level of adjustability. Here's what I'd so in your...
One thing the OP could consider is that the KX450 offers adjustable footpeg positions. Just one more level of adjustability. Here's what I'd so in your situation, Phil-

-Tall bar bend, and move the bar mounts forward
-Tall seat foam
-Lower footpeg height
-Stiffer springs (to match your weight/speed. A springy stock setup won't be helping you.)
Yeah I would recommend the 2019 kx 450. It's a really good bike this year and seems to have a pretty big chassis/cockpit plus all the adjustments. The 19 ktm,Honda, and Yamaha are pretty small currently. Only 6'1" and I'm pretty cramped on my 19 yz450.

And 250 two strokes are all good and fun but I just feel like someone of that size that's been out of it for a while would benefit more from the smooth powerband of a four stroke but that's just my opinion

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Talisker
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Talisker 4/11/2019 4:42am
4/11/2019 4:42am
Your a big guy, buy a 450. Make sure you sit on all bikes before you purchase. Some bikes are more cramped than others.
2
ecomphil
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ecomphil 4/19/2019 10:14am
4/19/2019 10:14am
UPDATE !

I placed a deposit on a 2017 Ktm 250sx and I'll be picking it up next week !

And YES, it was filthy when I went to take a look at it haha... One of my biggest pet peeves.


I took the bike for a spin in the residential area and that things just begging to be ridden wide open ! I really prefer the feel of the bike to the yz250 that I drove in Bali.

WHAT'S NEXT ?

- I have an appointment set-up with a suspension shop to get it adapted for my weight.

- I'll be getting a full-check up done on the bike.

- I've been trying for the past few days to get in contact with 2TALL Racing to order a Stage II kit from them. If anyone can help me get in touch it would be super appreciated!

- Looking for a pair of custom knee braces to stay safe while ridding !

- Last but not least, I'm about to start doing some cardio at the gym to get in better shape for the track ! I'm not a 15 year old Energizer bunny anymore haha...
9
scrallex
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Austin, TX US
scrallex 4/19/2019 10:46am
4/19/2019 10:46am
Falcon wrote:
One thing the OP could consider is that the KX450 offers adjustable footpeg positions. Just one more level of adjustability. Here's what I'd so in your...
One thing the OP could consider is that the KX450 offers adjustable footpeg positions. Just one more level of adjustability. Here's what I'd so in your situation, Phil-

-Tall bar bend, and move the bar mounts forward
-Tall seat foam
-Lower footpeg height
-Stiffer springs (to match your weight/speed. A springy stock setup won't be helping you.)
I was thinking the same thing but it looks like you'd have to give up on a 2Tall kit with Kaw as they only make kits for the Austrian bikes. OP landed a KTM250T, which I think was a great move on him (coming from a diehard Kawi guy)
1
HusqFan3
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HusqFan3 4/19/2019 11:35am
4/19/2019 11:35am
IWreckALot wrote:
Have a buddy that is 6'4 and 250ish. Not on your scale but definitely not who the bikes are built for. He's constantly trying out different...
Have a buddy that is 6'4 and 250ish. Not on your scale but definitely not who the bikes are built for. He's constantly trying out different things on the bike to make it fit him. Lowering the foot pegs, taller seat and raising the handlebars seem like no brainers, but it changes the cornering dynamic and handling of the bike a LOT. There are a variety of peg offsets you can do. Some drop straight down and some drop down and back. He eventually landed on a KTM 450F with virtually a stock setup and some Windham bend bars. Being as you haven't ridden in awhile, it may be difficult for you to differentiate handling differences with various bolt ons.

As far as power, a 250 2t or 450 is what I'd look for if I were you. The KTM 300 is a really nice power range also if you want a 2 stroke with a good bit of power. You can make a 250f work, but it's going to lag pretty good with a 265 rider on it.

Welcome back to the sport and lower your posting quality going forward. It's a bit too refined for Vital.
“Welcome back to the sport and lower your post quality. It’s a bit too refined for Vital”

Truer words have never been stated. After reading his post(great post btw OP), i had to double check the URL to make sure i was in the right forum...

With regard to the OP, I’m surprised no one has asked what type of riding you’ll be doing. I’m assuming MX since you mentioned motocross but sometimes people use the term rather broadly. Your power needs will depend on type and level of riding. If you’re wanting to hit the big triples eventually a 250f might present some challenges @285 but if you’re just looking to have fun and hit some singles, table tops, and eventually work your way back up to doubles a modern 250f should pull you around fine.

Another option you could consider that I’m surprised no one has mentioned would be a 350f. I’ve personally never ridden one but those who have seem to speak highly of them and their ability to provide the best of both worlds. i.e. revs like a 250 but has extra torque available when needed.

That said, I’m relatively new getting back in the sport myself(picked up a 250f about a year ago after taking a 20yr hiatus post riding 80’s as a kid) so I’ll defer to other, more knowledgeable posters. What i can say is i think you made a great decision picking it back up. I started back at ground 0 but slowly but surely getting better every time out. Each time i go to the track I’m already thinking about the next time before i have even left. i.e. it’s an addicting hobby
1
ecomphil
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ecomphil 4/19/2019 12:52pm
4/19/2019 12:52pm
Falcon wrote:
One thing the OP could consider is that the KX450 offers adjustable footpeg positions. Just one more level of adjustability. Here's what I'd so in your...
One thing the OP could consider is that the KX450 offers adjustable footpeg positions. Just one more level of adjustability. Here's what I'd so in your situation, Phil-

-Tall bar bend, and move the bar mounts forward
-Tall seat foam
-Lower footpeg height
-Stiffer springs (to match your weight/speed. A springy stock setup won't be helping you.)
scrallex wrote:
I was thinking the same thing but it looks like you'd have to give up on a 2Tall kit with Kaw as they only make kits...
I was thinking the same thing but it looks like you'd have to give up on a 2Tall kit with Kaw as they only make kits for the Austrian bikes. OP landed a KTM250T, which I think was a great move on him (coming from a diehard Kawi guy)
Thanks man !

Yes, it was the main reason why I went with the Ktm.
ecomphil
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ecomphil 4/20/2019 11:19am
4/20/2019 11:19am
IWreckALot wrote:
Have a buddy that is 6'4 and 250ish. Not on your scale but definitely not who the bikes are built for. He's constantly trying out different...
Have a buddy that is 6'4 and 250ish. Not on your scale but definitely not who the bikes are built for. He's constantly trying out different things on the bike to make it fit him. Lowering the foot pegs, taller seat and raising the handlebars seem like no brainers, but it changes the cornering dynamic and handling of the bike a LOT. There are a variety of peg offsets you can do. Some drop straight down and some drop down and back. He eventually landed on a KTM 450F with virtually a stock setup and some Windham bend bars. Being as you haven't ridden in awhile, it may be difficult for you to differentiate handling differences with various bolt ons.

As far as power, a 250 2t or 450 is what I'd look for if I were you. The KTM 300 is a really nice power range also if you want a 2 stroke with a good bit of power. You can make a 250f work, but it's going to lag pretty good with a 265 rider on it.

Welcome back to the sport and lower your posting quality going forward. It's a bit too refined for Vital.
HusqFan3 wrote:
“Welcome back to the sport and lower your post quality. It’s a bit too refined for Vital” Truer words have never been stated. After reading his...
“Welcome back to the sport and lower your post quality. It’s a bit too refined for Vital”

Truer words have never been stated. After reading his post(great post btw OP), i had to double check the URL to make sure i was in the right forum...

With regard to the OP, I’m surprised no one has asked what type of riding you’ll be doing. I’m assuming MX since you mentioned motocross but sometimes people use the term rather broadly. Your power needs will depend on type and level of riding. If you’re wanting to hit the big triples eventually a 250f might present some challenges @285 but if you’re just looking to have fun and hit some singles, table tops, and eventually work your way back up to doubles a modern 250f should pull you around fine.

Another option you could consider that I’m surprised no one has mentioned would be a 350f. I’ve personally never ridden one but those who have seem to speak highly of them and their ability to provide the best of both worlds. i.e. revs like a 250 but has extra torque available when needed.

That said, I’m relatively new getting back in the sport myself(picked up a 250f about a year ago after taking a 20yr hiatus post riding 80’s as a kid) so I’ll defer to other, more knowledgeable posters. What i can say is i think you made a great decision picking it back up. I started back at ground 0 but slowly but surely getting better every time out. Each time i go to the track I’m already thinking about the next time before i have even left. i.e. it’s an addicting hobby
Hahaha,

I appreciate the feedback and congrats on making a comeback after 20 years ! How did you find it on the cardio ?

I guess I could have been more specific, by motocross I meant that I'll be ridding mx tracks Smile .

Should be ridding within a couple of weeks Smile .
GeorgiePorgie 4/20/2019 11:25am
4/20/2019 11:25am
ecomophil! Man I like you! You got first hand world experience in culture and love riding.

Pumped to see you got a 17+. And the reason being is that 17 was the year he lord himself bestowed the almighty wisdom into the engineers at WP to release quite possibly the best suspended motorcycle of all time..... the wp AER 48.
1
ecomphil
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ecomphil 4/20/2019 11:26am
4/20/2019 11:26am
Crush wrote:
I've got a 2Tall kit for sale, have sent you a PM.
Hey Crush,

Can you resend me a PM ?

I had no idea that there was no message function on the forum.

I deleted my notifications from my email a while back so I lost your message.

I bought a 2017 ktm sx250 and I'm looking for a stage II kit.

Have been calling and sending messages to 2TallRacing but they must be on vacation or something ...

Thanks !
ecomphil
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ecomphil 4/20/2019 11:29am
4/20/2019 11:29am
GeorgiePorgie wrote:
ecomophil! Man I like you! You got first hand world experience in culture and love riding. Pumped to see you got a 17+. And the reason...
ecomophil! Man I like you! You got first hand world experience in culture and love riding.

Pumped to see you got a 17+. And the reason being is that 17 was the year he lord himself bestowed the almighty wisdom into the engineers at WP to release quite possibly the best suspended motorcycle of all time..... the wp AER 48.
Thanks for the love brother !

Yeah, I'm super stocked to have found a SWEET deal on her !

I already contacted a local suspension shop in the area to get it modified and set-up for me Smile .

Will be keeping you guys posted !
Jerkolantern
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Jerkolantern 4/20/2019 11:50am
4/20/2019 11:50am Edited Date/Time 4/20/2019 11:52am
Dude yer alright, loved the read. And your pics are epic, look like a cracker Shaq on a fn p-dub ! PLEASE keep posting pics. At only 5-10 I've felt kinda smurfy, but I think I'd rather be my height than yours. Just not a lot of product for super tall peeps. We most likely share the same condom size tho Smile Edit: needed more vitard in this thread
1
Mossy
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Mossy 4/20/2019 12:23pm
4/20/2019 12:23pm
Damn I’m 6 3 and thought I was tall. Plenty of mods to help you feel more comfortable on the bikes though!
ecomphil
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ecomphil 4/21/2019 7:14am
4/21/2019 7:14am
UPDATE

So the easter bunny came along today and ordered a couple of parts for my 2017 ktm sx250 Wink :

1) Guts Complete Tall Seat + 30MM thickness (hard)

2) Hammerhead extended shift lever + large break pedal

3) Fastway Evolution 4 Footpegs

In other news, I'm still waiting to hear from 2TallRacing and I'm just about too leave the house for my first cardio session!

Time to get my tall @ss in shape ! Cool

Happy easter everyone
1

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