Motorcycle Riding Tips for Vertically Challenged People
When it comes to buying a motorcycle, you’ll want to get a bike that’s easy to control. You should be able to effortlessly reach the foot controls and handlebars while maintaining a comfortable riding posture that won’t tire you. However, if you are shorter than average height, you are going to face some problems as most motorcycles don’t come with a one-size-fits-all kind of build. Luckily, there are some strategies to make bike riding easier for vertically challenged people, which we’ve highlighted here. Keep reading to learn more. You can visit Biggs Harley-Davidson in San Marcos, CA, to explore our selection of Harley® motorcycles for sale.
Why It’s Difficult for Short Riders
If you are vertically challenged, there are many ergonomic problems that will become obvious when you hop aboard a motorcycle. You might not be able to reach the shift lever (or in an extreme case, the side stand) on a bike, or find that you can’t reach the ground without pulling a muscle. All the straining and stretching you might have to do will make motorcycling an exhausting experience. Since it’ll be tough for you to control the bike, it can even make riding less safe.
Buying a Bike
Most people assume that a vertically challenged rider’s main priority in a motorcycle is always seat height. However, the seat height is only the beginning, and there many other factors you’ll want to consider as you start shopping for a model that fits you right. To start with, you should look for a motorcycle with a frame that is much closer to the ground. Check out models with a narrow build, which will help you get your legs closer together so it’s easier to reach the ground.
You can also consider lightweight motorcycles because they’ll be easier to control. If you are new to motorcycling, you’ll want to focus on a smaller bike. This will be easier to control, which keeps you safer on the road. Once you become an expert, you can always upgrade to a heavier, more advanced model.
The bike’s engine is another key factor to keep in mind. The width of the engine plays an important role in how convenient it is to wrap your legs around the motorcycle and reach the ground. While some engines are wider, there are models with V-Twin engines that are slimmer and are a better fit for short riders.
We hope that these motorcycle riding tips have been useful. If you need help in selecting a model that’s perfect for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Biggs Harley-Davidson in San Marcos, California. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from San Diego and Oceanside, so stop by today!