First bike/scooter recommendations for 6'5" son

[The_Sheriff]

A 650 is insane for a new rider. Way too much power. Start with something under 200cc for a few years. Then move up to a 350-500cc for a couple more. Then a full size bike.

These idiots on youtube promoting 650cc and bigger bikes as beginner bikes are one of the reasons so many people are dying on motorbikes.

That Honda XR 150L looks perfect. Stay alive. That's your number one concern and priority.

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It depends. A single cylinder 650 like the Kawasaki KLR is not too much power for a beginner, assuming they have a long enough inseam to deal with the seat height.

The same can be said for a Royal Enfield 650 twin. They are very tame, and seat height friendly. Get some proper training and away you go. Do you ride?
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[NibbanaBanana]

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It depends. A single cylinder 650 like the Kawasaki KLR is not too much power for a beginner, assuming they have a long enough inseam to deal with the seat height.

The same can be said for a Royal Enfield 650 twin. They are very tame, and seat height friendly. Get some proper training and away you go. Do you ride?
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Yes. Started riding motorbikes in the 1970's. No accidents. Learned on a nice light, low hp CB125. Moved up to a 350cc then 450. Then 650cc.

RE is still almost 50hp. Way too much for a beginner IMO.

 

[The_Sheriff]

Yes. Started riding motorbikes in the 1970's. No accidents. Learned on a nice light, low hp CB125. Moved up to a 350cc then 450. Then 650cc.

RE is still almost 50hp. Way too much for a beginner IMO.

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Again, it depends. A 6’5” teenage guy with plenty of strength will fare just fine with a low power 650. A 5’6” diminuitive guy or gal, not so much. Good and proper training is a must for any beginner, and even experienced riders as far as that goes.

Like you, I’ve been at it since the 70’s. No crashes either, but that doesn’t mean I won’t. Or you too. Fact! Motorcycling is unforgiving to inattentiveness and over riding ones skills.
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[Hermann]

A 650 is insane for a new rider. Way too much power. Start with something under 200cc for a few years. Then move up to a 350-500cc for a couple more. Then a full size bike.

These idiots on youtube promoting 650cc and bigger bikes as beginner bikes are one of the reasons so many people are dying on motorbikes.

That Honda XR 150L looks perfect. Stay alive. That's your number one concern and priority.

From a rider of 55 years, 40hp is the minimum I would consider riding in todays street environment.

 

[KrisZ]

Riding in the 70s simply cannot be compared to today. The tires, the suspension, the chassis and most importantly, the brakes were far, far inferior to what we have today, even on the cheapest of motorcycles.
Most motorcycles were also two strokes and their power delivery is quite tricky to master

The congestion wasn’t as bad as in most metropolitan areas as well.
Riding was simply much, much easier back then, with less congestion and crazies behind the wheel constantly being distracted by smartphones.

Today you do need a bit of power to get out of some sticky situations. Nothing crazy but like was mentioned, 40-50hp is a very tame combination these days due to linear throttle response and power delivery.

 

[NibbanaBanana]

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Again, it depends. A 6’5” teenage guy with plenty of strength will fare just fine with a low power 650. A 5’6” diminuitive guy or gal, not so much. Good and proper training is a must for any beginner, and even experienced riders as far as that goes.

Like you, I’ve been at it since the 70’s. No crashes either, but that doesn’t mean I won’t. Or you too. Fact! Motorcycling is unforgiving to inattentiveness and over riding ones skills.
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The chance of "over riding ones skills" increases exponentially with increasing horsepower.