u/Undescended_Balls

After thinking long and hard, and doing some research, I finally decided that I want to join the club and get a motorcycle for both commuting and a little fun. I also grocery shop about once a week, but it’s usually stuff that can fit inside a large shopping bag or two, nothing crazy.

Currently my commute is about 11 miles, with the max speed limit being 45. No crazy slopes except one bridge about halfway through that has a traffic light. Route would have 11 lights total. I am 6-5 and weigh 180 pounds, so from my limited understanding browsing various subs is that a 150-300cc would be a potentially good starting point. I know that others like to hark on the fact that eventually I’d want “more” if I choose something smaller, but for now if I really want to go on the interstate or across state lines, I have a car for that.

Now for selecting a beginner bike, I only really have two bug constraints: A top speed of around 65 I’d say (a little bit of a factor of safety doesn’t hurt even though the max limit is 45), and, something that doesn’t have that modern “sport bike” look (see attached examples). Lack of cargo rack isn’t a huge deal breaker because it looks like I can go aftermarket to meet the need for grocery bag carriage, but it doesn’t hurt to have either. I also don’t really plan on doing off roading at all, so decoy in some weird emergency scenario I couldn’t even think of.

Currently the three I have posted pics of (Triumph Speed 400, Suzuki Dr650s, and Honda Dax125) are a few of the bikes that interest me, but of course I have yet to actually go and try them on for size. I did try that one website that’s mentioned on the motorcycle sub that shows how’d you theoretically fit on a bike (I forgot the name of it), but I don’t want to rely on that solely. I also know that it’s usually recommended to buy used as well if possible from what I’ve seen on other subs.

If you guys could give me your two cents, and maybe fill in some gaps on what I’m missing, I’d appreciate it! (Worth mentioning I do plan on taking training/education)

Every time I pick up a PCC that isn’t rifle length (16”), I always feel like they’re too stout and they feel awkward and uncomfortable. I’ve shot/handled a full size MP5, GHM9, Stribog, MPX, and some Glock conversion kits, but none of them really feel like they fit me right because of how short the barrels/hand guards are.

While I do like how the rifle length guns feel, such as the PC carbine or sub 2K, I plan on running my suppressor pretty much full time on it and it seems like the 16” barrel length including the can, will be a bit of a drawback, especially since I plan to use it for home defense in a house with narrow hallways.

Generally, the shortest length I feel comfortable handling is something like a carbine gas AR, with the stock fully extended, hand almost to the gas block. Anything shorter feels awkward and suboptimal for my lanky ass arms, if that paints a picture.

Basically, all I am asking for is some recommendations on what the long arm folk are using, but also some inspiration for builds, since I know you can buy relatively short carbines, but then use things like extended hand guards that tuck the suppressor and keep it short while giving you some more grip zone**™**

TIA

Beginner looking for a commuter/small time grocery getter (America)

Need recommendations/Inspiration as someone with long arms who finds short PCCs awkward to handle