Questions

[xNE0x_imp]

Im 6'1, 270. No issues with the bike here.

[gossman_imp]

6'4 no issues. A DLX seat and lower foot peg kit creats an extra 2 inches

[rboe]

Due to falling down and going boom I'm no long 6'-2", more like 5'-11" and of slim build (I prefer athletic, but that may be pushing things a bit ). However; I have a 36" inseam - have never met a bike I could not flat foot.

I installed lowered foot pegs which helped a lot (on two fairly tight low speed turns I have touched down with my boot toes). When I bought a Laam Custom seat he added about 3/4", also a bit help.

The bike is pretty relaxed with no tendancies to ask to be a hooligan (my Griso is the opposite). When you read about the design philosophy Honda used to build this bike they had you in mind.

The Bonnie is a good bike, but like the original Bonnie vs. CB-750, the CB will eat the Bonneville's clock. That said, you buy a Bonneville because you want a retro twin or you just like Bonnevilles and get a CB because you have fond memories of the older CB's or you just love the looks. I don't see these bikes as competitors like they were back in the day. I've ridden a Bonnie and I prefer a Moto Guzzi. Shrug. For old standard bikes, I prefer the CB.

All that said, this is a very well designed and executed motorcycle. You can get it and leave it stock and not really be disappointed. Or you can farkle it up as much as you want. Being a standard, it is real easy to make it your own.

Between the 13 and 14, if I bought today I'd go with the 14 strictly for the 6th gear. But if you can only find a 13 near by, if it was a good deal go ahead and get it. There are things on the 13 I prefer over the 14, like dash and controls. All pretty minor details.

My main complaint, with my Sidi Adventure boots, until I lowered the pegs, My right boot tended to ride the brake pedal and I ended up warping two discs before I noodled out what was going on. This is something to be aware of but from what I can tell, pretty rare. If I wore my Tourmaster touring boots this didn't happen. Different toe geopmetry and better foot feel.

For long road trips I prefer the locomotive thrum of my Moto Guzzi Griso, but for around town and on tight twisty bits the CB rocks.

[holy666diver_imp]

I am 6'4 34 inseam. I hate to break it to you but you will never find a bike that fits you perfect. Pretty much all bikes are modeled for people well under 6 ft. tall. I spent a good year looking for the perfect bike. I prefer control over anything. I own the cb and it's a heck of a lot better than a harley or my previous shadow. The long seat lets your scoot back a little if needed but the upright posture is super comfy and I'm friggin' tall. I like small easier to manuver. Anyways I test rode a few touring Harleys and Victorys recommended for tall people and hated them felt like I was driving a big a** boat not a bike.

[Entropy_imp]

Thanks for all the replies. I like the triumph bonneville as well as a lot of their other models. I fell in love with the looks of the CB. The Bonnie is what got me looking at a bike again when they first released it, a very nice looking retro.

My other option I was looking at was a Kawasaki versys. Light, tallish, upright, spunky but not silly power and reasonable price used.

Not sure which direction I will go yet, but the looks of the CB always pull me in.

I think the 2013 would be fine for me, but it think I want ABS and that can be a little hard to find. Non ABS 2013's are priced to move now.

[Cormanus]

Good luck in your hunting, Entropy. Even if you decide not to go with the CB, drop in and let us know what you do chose. We like pretty much all motorcycles here.

[rboe]

The Versys is a very nice bike. I have yet to ride one but was able to talk to a fellow touring on one outside Wibaux Montana. He was from the west coast.

The biggest complaint, and I can confirm from sitting on one in the showroom, the stock seat slants forward so you tend to slide into the tank. I do believe there is a factory optional tall seat available but you also have a boat load of custom seat makers that can fix that for you too.

Along the lines of the Versys, the KTM Duke, a 390 (??) water cooled single. Light as a feather, about 68hp - which is insane for such a light bike. A buddy just picked one up which makes two in our gang that have them (while folks I know have an extremely wide assortment of machines, no one has a Versys. Yet.). My buddy plans on touring with his Duke (he has a cafe'd DR800 imported from Germany that is just crazy cool and a Magni Guzzi that is a real ball buster and he has toured on all of them, says the Duke will feel like a Wing compared to the Magni. He is a thumper kinda guy though. The Duke is very much a niche bike.

For tall guys with, shall we say, robust inseams, Adventure bikes are your best bet. I had a Moto Guzzi Quota for several years (their adventure bike, since replaced by the Stelvio) and in truth it was a great road bike and handled way better than folks realized. The Vstroms are excellent choices in that regard and it is only a small miracle I don't have a 650 Vstrom.

Enjoy this phase, in many ways it's almost as much fun as actually riding. The International Motorcycle Show is touring again. http://www.motorcycleshows.com/phoenix Recommended. Especially if manufactures offer test rides when the show is in your area (easy to do in Phoenix this time of year. ).

From my experience, if you want a good looking standard bike that fits a tall person, the Bonneville and CB1100 are pretty much your only choices.

Oh, I have a Honda XR650L, easy peasy, the thing fits but you do have to replace the handle bar or add risers as it's too damn low. But 450/650 dual sports are a hoot and come with tons of leg room. Tons!

[the Ferret]

Rboe the 690 Duke produces 68 hp, the 390 44 hp

My nephew has the 690. Fun bike in the twisties, not so much anywhere else.

[JGran_imp]

Entropy, I have the Versys and overall it's a nice bike. I find it a little bland and am looking to sell mine but it's reliable and a friendly, easy ride. It'll go anywhere and do anything but doesn't try to excel at any one thing. I'm 6' with a 32" inseam and find it a bit tall to get on and off comfortably, though the height is nice around town in traffic. My torso is straight up when I ride...for some reason it makes me feel like a nerdy librarian. I also find the wind buffeting from the stock windshield just terrible. Two aftermarket shields I tried are a bit better but I'm happiest with no windshield at all. If you're looking at the Versys, I'd definitely recommend checking out the V-Strom as it's similar but perhaps a better ride. (Unless you want to buy my 2011 Versys, then you should definitely go with the Versys, lol!)

[rboe]

Rboe the 690 Duke produces 68 hp, the 390 44 hp

My nephew has the 690. Fun bike in the twisties, not so much anywhere else.

Well that makes a lot more sense. I need to talk to Glenn (too many Dukes), I thought he had the 390, I wonder if it was the 690 now. My head is spinning now. Thanks for the correction (as I get older, this happens way too often)