A Guide to Riding Motorcycles for the Vertically Challenged

If you are shorter than average height, you are going to face unique challenges when it comes to motorcycle riding. Unfortunately, motorcycles aren’t usually built with you in mind, which can create a whole host of problems. Fortunately, there are solutions! We rounded up the best strategies you can use to make motorcycle riding easier. You can also stop by North County Indian Motorcycle® in San Marcos, California, to check out our motorcycles for sale near San Diego and Oceanside. We’re your premier Indian Motorcycle® dealer, so visit us today!

The Challenges

As a shorter-than-average individual, your body’s proportions may not match the proportions of the rider that your motorcycle was built for. This can create several challenges, from not being able to reach the ground with your feet to not being able to reach the shift lever. You may find riding your motorcycle to be more exhausting due to all the straining and stretching you must do. It can even make riding less safe since it’ll be harder to control your bike.

The challenges you’ll face also partly depend on your riding ability. For example, if you are new to motorcycle riding, it’ll matter more that you can’t put your feet on the ground. That’s because it interferes with your ability to fully control your motorcycle. As you gain experience, you are more suited to do tiptoeing or one-footing easier.

Buying a Motorcycle

If you don’t own a motorcycle yet, you can be intentional as you shop to get one ideal for your height. You’ll want a bike that is lower to the ground of course. You’ll also want one that is narrower, which helps you get your legs closer together so it’s easier to reach the ground. Lighter bikes are good as well since they’ll be easier to control if you are forced to stand on tiptoe. If you are a beginner rider, you’ll want to focus on a smaller bike. This will be easier to control, which keeps you safer on the road. Once your skills develop, you can always upgrade to a bigger bike.

Another key thing to consider is the type of engine. Some are wider, such as transverse inline fours. Others tend to be slimmer, such as V-Twins. The width of the engine affects how easy it is to wrap your legs around the bike and reach the ground. Generally, slimmer is better for short riders.

For the footpeg position, you want the right amount of knee bend to help you stay in control. Make sure it matches your height. You’ll also want to check that it matches your preferred riding posture (aggressively leaned forward, casually leaned back, et cetera).

It’s important to try several different options so that you can increase your odds of finding one that fits you. It helps to shop at a dealership because you’ll be able to sit on many models and even take a few for a test drive. 

Adjusting Your Motorcycle

If you already own a motorcycle, don’t fret! All is not lost. There are plenty of ways you can tweak your motorcycle to better fit your height. 

The motorcycle seat is a common adjustment to make. Sometimes all riders need is to adjust the foam on their seat. After all, the thinner the seat width between your thighs, the easier you’ll be able to touch the ground. Another strategy is to get a new seat altogether. Plenty of brands offer seat upgrades that change the riding height.

There are several more aftermarket parts adjustments you can do to affect your riding height, such as new handlebars. Look into the brand of your motorcycle - many of them offer upgrades and accessories designed with short riders in mind.

Finally, another option is to ask your dealership to adjust the suspension. This is a process that needs to be done by a professional! It can help adjust your motorcycle to your height. But it’s important to note that it will affect your bike’s performance and usually in a negative way.

Tips and Tricks

Adjusting how you approach motorcycle riding can help give you that extra inch or two you need. One strategy is to tweak how you step down. Simply slide your backside to the side you hope to step down on. It’ll adjust your leg length and get the one leg closer to the ground, making it easier to step down. Another tip is to buy sturdy platform shoes. These offer another inch or two, which give another inch or so. Just be sure that they still offer everything you need from motorcycle riding shoes.

Here at North County Indian Motorcycle®, we want all our riders to feel comfortable and safe, no matter their body shape. If you have specific ergonomic needs, then you’ll want to stop by our location in San Marcos, California, so we can help you find the right bike for you. We have lots of great Indian® motorcycles for sale for all riders, including those in San Diego and Oceanside.