Tips for Short Motorcyclists

Motorcycles are typically built for people, often men, of average height and weight. For women and shorter riders of any gender, this can make finding a motorcycle that fits your height more challenging. However, it is important to account for your height when choosing a motorcycle to ride, as your height can significantly impact how much control you have over the bike and how safe it is for you to ride.

Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County is your SoCal motorcycle dealer in Westminster, serving greater LA. Below, you’ll find some information on why shorter motorcyclists might struggle and how to prevent issues related to your height.

What Are the Challenges? 

If you are shorter than average, then the motorcycle you want to ride may not have been designed for someone with your body proportions. This creates a number of issues for you as the rider, including an inability to touch the ground with your feet and not being able to comfortably reach the controls. Riding your motorcycle might even fatigue you more than other riders because of how much stretching you have to do, and this in turn makes riding more dangerous because you won’t have as much control over the bike.

What to Look For In a Motorcycle

If you haven’t purchased a motorcycle yet, there are some things you can look for in a bike that can make it easier for a shorter person to ride. Narrower bikes that are lower to the ground will help to ensure you can plant your feet squarely on the ground when your motorcycle is stopped. A bike that is lighter in weight is also a good idea for a smaller rider, since it will be easier to control and this will keep you safer.

How to Adjust Your Current Bike

For those of you looking to alter your current motorcycle, rather than investing money into an entirely new bike, we have some recommendations. First, check out what the manufacturer of your motorcycle might have to offer in the way of parts; you may be able to get upgrades designed specifically for your make and model of bike that will make it much easier to ride at your height.

Adjusting the foam on your seat or replacing the seat to make it lower can help make riding easier. You can also ask your local motorcycle dealership to adjust your motorcycle’s suspension system a bit, although this can negatively affect your bike’s performance. Talk to a professional before you make this move.

Visit our dealership in Westminster, CA, today to check out our wide stock of new and used motorcycles for sale. We can help you find a bike that’s suitable for your height. Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County serves all of our customers in and around Los Angeles, CA, and Orange County.