Posts
11
Joined
7/19/2018
Location
GB
Edited Date/Time
5/9/2020 1:19pm
I'm currently trying to make the cockpit feel as nice as possible for me as im 6ft2 (188cm), and I've been looking into different things to make my bike feel better for me. I've already got bar risers (30mm) and they have helped me out a lot, but as of right now I just still feel like the lower half of my body just can't get grip or feels uncomfortable on the bike. So far I've seen online that people recommend lowboy fastway pegs and tall seats but I'm not sure how much change they'll have for me, what adjustments have you tall riders made and what do you recommend? thanks 
I’m 6’3”
Renthal RC High bars (You want the least amount of sweep you can tolerate to open the rider compartment)
Move bars forward (Method depends on the make and model of bike. On one particulary cramped bike I used risers that were one inch taller and one inch forward. Looked funky but it worked.)
Lower pegs
Stiffer than typical suspension to compensate for the increased leverage of your weight being carried higher.
Learn to scrunch down on the bike to keep weight lower.
Learn to sit as far forward as possible. Tall guys will naturally sit farther back without even realizing it.
Realize that the bike will almost always feel cramped because they were not designed for us.
DON'T use a taller seat. I have tried tall seats on many bikes and they never cornered right. It may sound crazy but a lower seat is actually better for a taller rider since we have more mass up higher.
Last but not least, run the bare minimum you need for a moto in the gas tank.
bars in forward position
pegs in low position
bar clamps in forward position.
taller seat foam
I found the Honda's to me felt a lot smaller in general because of how slim they are.
What has made a big difference for me is to run the bar clamps forward on the triple clamp. This really opens up the cockpit and gives me more room to move. I run a pretty flat bar with less sweep (971 bend) and it works great.
I've never tried the low pegs but that might be a good option.
The Shop
I don't do anything at all.
My experience with Bar Risers has been they change the geometry from the way it was designed to be, and typically lead to worse handling or cornering.
Never change the geometric triangulation of a bike, it was studied in that way.
Nowadays there are teams of engineers that work on this stuff. I get that it's uncomfortable but... my advice is to not change anything.
At most, go for a taller seat and higher bar. Don't start lowering pegs or that stuf... also i wouldn't use bar risers
Only put a little higher handlebar on my 110
Bar risers really throw of the the handling for me. I've tried them all, but really prefer a more standard setup.
Tall seat, while very comfortable and awesome for gripping the bike with your knees/legs, also mess with the center of gravity when seated for turns.
My strongest recommendation is for lowered foot pegs. Any amount helps. Not sure if the KX's still offer that as a stock adjustment, but their pegs were great.
Otherwise I've used the Pro Taper Spi platform pegs for a long time with the 5mm lower cleat. Doesn't sound like much but it makes a huge difference in the bike/leg control department as well as lower the rider's center of gravity on the bike.
Apart from pillow top grips are slight bigger and the titanium propegs have a little better grip and platform
Pit Row
Plus a tall seat that I shaved a bit out of...
I'm 6'3"
I'm 6'5"... 2019 Yamaha 450
** Fastway low pegs, down and back.
** 3/4" taller seat foam-- First time I've HAD to run a taller seat in years
** Bars and mounts furthest forward position
Bar risers or super high bars feel nice when stood tall or jumping but completely ruin cornering.
Tall seat was good for gripping with knees and easier on my legs for standing from sitting position, but again it ruined my cornering.
Low pegs are ok but my size 13 boots didn't like them as I kept catching my toes on ruts etc.
The most comfortable bike for my size was a 2018 KXF450 I had last year. I moved the bars forward on the clamp, and lowered the pegs 5mm, and it was perfect.
I've now got a 16 YZ250 and it feels like a bmx in comparison. Feels too small and slim, and i feel 100ft too tall for it, but man it's so much fun i love it lol
You won’t want to hear this but the true fix is get a Kawi. Best bike for tall guys
Btw, look at Arminas Jasikonis Factory FC450. That guy is massive and he has a pretty neutral bike.
Stock Rmz450 bars are Renthal KTM high, and I also put those on my Yz125, I feel like that bend is good for taller riders.
Post a reply to: Tall riders, what have you modified on your bike and feel like is a MUST for us lanky tall people?