Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: First bike for BIG dude?, bmw 650 gs, honda st1300

Question
Hey.  I'm interested in getting a bike and I know I need something small that I can handle but...can I fit?

I'm 6'7" and 280lbs and I've got a itch for a bike.  A friend of mine has a kawa 600 and I couldn't comfortably reach the foot controls.  I am considering a cruiser because they're comfy but I don't know what to look for.  I tried to catch the "what bike should I get" questions from everyone else rather than throw another one on the funeral pire...but nobody's my size.  Help a man out

Answer
Take a hard look at the BMW 650 GS as a starter bike. It's tall and a ton of fun--an adventure-tourer. Once you've got a few years of experience, all the bigger sport-tourers (Honda ST1300, Yam FJR, BMW 1150 GS, et al) will fit you even better and are something you'll enjoy for the rest of your life.

Also consider the Suzuki 650 adventure-sport bike...can't recall the model name or number right now...similar to an SV but taller. If you're looking for something cheaper, all the Japanesse 450-650 dual-sports (dirt bikes with lights and a plate) are tall and fun as heck.

Pat