Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Size bike for me?, 650 v strom, msf rider course

Question
Ok I know you get these all the time. I am just trying to be smart here.
I am 5'10" and weight about 285. I recently bought a 2001 Honda XR650R I had not ridden a bike in several years (I am 32) I use this bike for dirt...but I am thinking of selling it and buying a street bike. For my weight, can you tell me what size would pack my fat butt without bogging down?? hahaha Also, which would you prefer 2 cyl or 4? and what are the main differences? I don't want to be wrapping it out the whole time.
Thank you,
Ed.
Salt Lake City, Utah

Answer
Hi Ed,

Sorry for the delay. I was out of town.

I can't tell how much experience you have with street bikes, so I'm going to assume "none," but that you at least know how to operate the controls and such from your XR experience.

You first have to decide what kind of street bike you want. A 2-cyl cruiser makes a lot of torque and can cart you around nicely. I'd go for something in the 650-800 range to start with. A standard bike like an Yam FZ6 or Kaw ZR7 (4-cyls) would be a fine motorcycle. If you're more into a dual-sport bike, you'd probably really like the Triumph Tiger (3-cyl) or maybe the new BMW 800 twin. As for a sport bike, there's not really anything appropriate to start on that won't feel like you're wringing the thing's neck all the time, but you could consider the Suz SV650 or 650 V-strom.

You'll want to avoid 600+cc sport bikes, and avoid any of the fancier, heavier, bigger cruisers for your first couple of years. Plan on buying a bike to learn/train on and then spend a couple years thinking about the bike you'll replace it with--the one you REALLY want.

Also, before you start riding on the street, make sure you take a basic MSF rider course. Lots of street stuff doesn't apply to the dirt, and vice-versa. A little training will go a long way to keeping you enthusiastic for a lifetime.

Good luck!

Pat