A tall boy's request

This letter was sent into Visordown HQ. We thought we'd put it out to you: the knowledge-packed masses. So all you tall riders, lend this guy a (big) hand.

Dear Mr Webeditor

My name is Allan Barnard, and I have a dilemma. I'm 6'6" so of course, this severely limits my choice of new motorbike. Smaller riders can have seats lowered or buy a Ducati, but there is nothing taller riders can do which is actually of use (for example, a Harley dealer will say "Pay us £400 to put forwards controls on and you'll be fine).

I'm 21, and I don't want to buy an adventure bike. I don't want to immediately be forced into that genre of bike for comfort because I'm tall, and I'm not interested in adventuring, or buying a grey and black Hein Gericke Textile jacket and hi-viz. Thus, this is why I have come to you. I question forums but I get, of course "have you tried the Versys". All tall riders know these bikes will be comfier for taller riders, I don't need to be told. However, above the fact you guys churn out the most unbiased, interesting material pertaining to motorbikes that the world has to offer, as a team, you've collectively ridden a huge range of bikes, regardless of whether you've properly reviewed them or not, so I ask of you to do a short article or response about bikes for tall people! From memory is fine. You have an article for short people, and nobody likes a tall-ist.

Searching the internet doesn't show me how comfortable a bike is. cycle-ergo.com gives me an idea, but not a very practical one at that. As I said, I'm 21, I want something cool with at least half-decent speed, preferably not a faired sportsbike, and not over £10k (I'm buying new and have been saving for a long time, whilst being a student! That defies logic, so I must get it right!). There are no dealers close than 40 minutes from me, and I don't have a bike to get to them anyway.

Thanks in advance! I await with excitement.

By Ben Cope