Short Stature? Here are some Motorcycle Options!

With all the choice on the market, it’s not always easy to find the right bike for your size. 

Regardless of your gender and whether you have long or short legs, the right choice of motorcycle is crucial for your comfort, your driving experience and your safety. It is just as important to choose the right type of motorcycle based on the type of riding and on your needs. 

Having a small stature does not mean either being satisfied with a small displacement engine. Some motorcycles are lowered, others have a low seat and a few other alternatives are also available to remedy your situation. 

What is considered a short stature?  

The average height that is considered small for women is around 1.63 m, which is approximately 5 feet and 3 inches, and 1.72 m or 5 feet and 6 inches for men. That being said, statistics are what they are; especially since the most important factor is the length of the legs! Two bikers can be of the same height, yet one of them will have both feet flat on the ground while the other won’t. 

What are your options? 

Let’s explore just a few options. Of course, choosing a motorcycle with a low saddle makes sense. The lower your saddle is, the more easily your feet will touch the ground. This may mean choosing one with thinner foam. Though this approach is often it is the most effective, however, it may not be the most comfortable solution. Keep in mind that a saddle with less foam, and therefore less cushioning, is more conducive to pain for your buttocks! ?

Second, the position of the machine’s center of gravity is another factor to consider. If the bike is top heavy, it will be difficult to hold upright when stopped, even with a low saddle.

In addition, you can lower your suspension. This approach is quite simple. You simply have to adjust your rear shock to make it more flexible, so your bike sinks a little more when you get on it.

However, the shock absorber will be less effective. You can also adjust the spring trigger to make it shorter. In this case too, however, the blows will be less absorbed. I recommend asking your mechanic or a dealer for information, as some may offer shorter shock absorber kits. Keep in mind, though, that short shock absorbers means a harder suspension! 

The Customs 

1.Honda Rebel 500 

• Engine: Liquid-cooled in-line twin 
• Displacement: 500cc 
• Transmission: 6-speed 
• Front suspension: 41mm telescopic fork; 4.8 in. (121 mm) travel 
• Rear suspension: Two shocks with 5 spring preload adjustment positions, 95 mm (3.7 in.) Travel 
• Seat height: 690 mm (27.2 in.) 
• Wheelbase: 1,490 mm (58.7 in.) 
• Empty weight: 191 kg 
• Fuel Tank capacity: 11.2 liters 

2.Indian Scout SIXTY  

• Engine: Liquid cooling  
• Displacement: 999cc  
• Transmission: 5 speed  
• Front suspension: Telescopic fork  
• Rear suspension: Double shock absorber  
• Seat height: 650 mm (25.6 in.)  
• Wheelbase: 1.575mm (62 in.)  
• Empty weight: 245 kg  
• Fuel Tank capacity: 12.5 L 

The “Roadster” 

3.Honda CBF500 

• Engine: Liquid cooling 
• Displacement: 471cc 
• Transmission: 6-speed 
• Front suspension: 41mm telescopic fork 
• Rear suspension: Pro-Link with single shock absorber and 5 adjustment positions 
• Seat Height: 785mm (30.9 in.) 
• Wheelbase: 1.410mm (55.5 in.) 
• Empty weight: 189 kg 
• Fuel Tank capacity: 17.7 L 

4. Suzuki SV650 ABS

• Engine: Liquid cooling  
• Displacement: 645cc  
• Transmission: 6-speed  
• Front suspension: Telescopic coil spring oil damped  
• Rear suspension: Single coil spring oil damped  
• Seat height: 760 mm (29.92 in.)  
• Wheelbase: 1.445mm (56.9 in.)  
• Empty weight: 196 kg  
• Fuel Tank capacity: 14.5 L 

The sport bikes 

5.Kawasaki Ninja 650 

• Engine: Liquid cooling 
• Displacement: 649cc 
• Transmission: 6-speed 
• Front suspension: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork 
• Rear suspension: Central monoshock with 5.1 in. adjustable spring preload 
• Seat Height: 790mm (31.10 in.) 
• Wheelbase: 1.410mm (55.5 in.) 
• Empty weight: 192 kg 
• Fuel Tank capacity: 15 L 

6.Honda CBR650 

• Engine: Liquid cooling 
• Displacement: 649cc 
• Transmission: 6-speed 
• Front suspension: 41mm inverted fork 
• Rear suspension: Showa single shock with 7-stage spring preload adjustment 
• Seat Height: 810mm (31.9 in.) 
• Wheelbase: 1,450 mm (57.1 in) 
• Empty weight: 207 kg 
• Fuel Tank capacity: 15.4 L 

What do you think?  

There is a wide choice of motorcycles at your disposal, and in several brands as well. Nothing is stopping you from buying a Harley Davidson forty-eight with 26.2 inch seat height. Or you can even opt for a Trimph Tiger 800 XCA Adventure motorcycle with 31.88 inch seat height! The important thing is to go to a dealer and try the bike. Sitting on it will reveal whether it’S a good fit for you! Regardless of the motorcycle you choose, it’s always good to know that with riding experience will come the confidence and ease of handling any model of motorcycle. 

Finally, bear in mind that shorter bikes is not to be equated with smaller engines! Making the right choice of motorcycle is essential for your pleasure, but most importantly, for your safety! 

What are you riding?

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