Source
r/motorcycles•
DanMach

Stop it with the 'am I too short' posts. YOU ARE NOT TOO SHORT.

Its the current trend here in r/motorcycles to post 'I'm 5'5, can I ride a DR650?!'

Yes.

Yes you can.

How many points does it take to make an object stable? Three! How many points can a person make when they get one foot on the ground? Three!

Ipso facto: If you can get one foot on the ground, you can ride the bike and be stable when you stop.

I have a 30 inch inseam and I have never dropped my klr650 on-road. Not even once. Off-road I've had a few spills but nothing crazy, and none caused by my height.

Go watch dakar, motogp, AMA 1k, anything. Half the damn people are tip toeing on one foot.

Is it always easy as can be? No. It takes a small amount of time to adjust and you have a few minor issues to deal with. Namely backing up, but thats easy enough to fix by just using the front brake to 'push off' and get momentum. Worst case scenario you hop off and push it back.

It is really honestly not a big deal at all.

Posted Feb 7, 2013, 2:09 PM UTC

207281
XaviasRed (fastest) FZ-09, CO•

Yeah, science!

79
Katastic_Voyage•

I'm happy for that guy.

42
ShatophiliacTexas•

Well hell, looks like he's got his three points already. He's good to go, leg free!

24
barlistervtr1000 superhawk•

He could also ride an ATV but it hardly illustrates the point.

5
XaviasRed (fastest) FZ-09, CO•

Just a joke, relax. :)

4
barlistervtr1000 superhawk•

I think I was so relaxed I didn't get the joke. Maybe relaxed is the wrong word. Re-something or another.

3
[deleted]•

Spyders are NOT motorcycles.

0
XaviasRed (fastest) FZ-09, CO•

It's a joke, homeslice. Promise.

15
[deleted]•

I figured, but I have it out for those Spyders. If you're going to ride, then ride, don't wimp out on a 3-wheeler. The only exceptions are the elderly and disabled.

-2
XaviasRed (fastest) FZ-09, CO•

What about the dude in the picture? His feet barely go past the gas tank!

1
GloinsonHonda CBR 250R•

What about the countries where you put 1k€ and several weeks into the drivers license for bikes >= 50cc?

(In other words: there are reasons why first the BMW C1 (roofed over motorcycle) and the Piaggio mp3 (three wheeler) sold at all.)

1
[deleted]•

out of curiosity, do you consider scooters as motorcycles?

1
[deleted]•

Hell no!

-1
Lokky'07 BMW F650GS, '05 Atomic Fireball, '14 Honda Grom•

you might wanna check the entry for motorcycle in the dictionary.

2
[deleted]•

what about a 500cc scooter? how about a ninja 250? what about a 125cc bike? http://www.yamaha-motor.eu/eu/products/motorcycles/supersport/yzf-r125.aspx

what's more of a motorcycle? a 500cc scooter or the 125cc yamaha?

1
mjw2025United States•

Are Harley and Goldwing trikes motorcycles?

1
[deleted]•

For the elderly and disabled. See above.

0
CountFauxlof1979 Yamaha XS 750, 1995 Yamaha XT 600, 2012 ER6f•

Tell the vertically challenged gentleman who's finally able to enjoy an open cockpit that. I have very little respect for spyders in general, but I see this as an extenuating circumstance.

1
[deleted]•

Indeed.

1
cherlin2012 Bonneville t100•

Some people legitimately can't ride a tall bike though, They may have trouble (especially if it is a heavy bike) catching it on one foot. Also what happens if you go to put your foot down at the end of a freeway offramp or something and don't notice a small pot hole? all the sudden your dropping 3-4 inches to try and catch the bike, you may not hold it up.

Personally I have no trouble riding most bikes (5'11") but my father who rides at 66 years old and commutes 400+ miles a week to work and back had to get a shorter seat on his Beamer because he couldn't put both feet on the ground, and couldn't catch it if he had to. If he tells me there is such thing as a bike that is to tall, I will believe him and his 200k+ miles of experience.

57
Katastic_Voyage•

Some people legitimately can't ride a tall bike though,

I think it's more an issue of technique and fitness divided-by age when it comes to tall bikes.

  • You have to know what to do and be able to do it without much thought.

  • You have to be physically capable of exerting enough force on the bike. Younger people can stress themselves more than older people. Fitter people are more within their limits.

12
MongoAbidesTriumph Scrambler EFI (gone but not forgotten)•

I have a 28" inseam, if I rode a KLR I would have to slide my ass off the seat to plant a foot down. Not that I can't hold it on my toes but really, how long is that good for? Do I wanna be doing that at a long red light, stop and go traffic? I might be able to take one on a trip, but in my daily life it would be a bad fit for basic comfort.

You can ride any bike but you may be better off with some over others.

1
A_Sluss'82 Honda CM450A•

I think its usually inexperience that scares people though. I'm 5'9" and although my 450 feels tiny to me now, when I started riding it felt SOOO tall and I was terrified I wouldn't be able to touch the ground.

2
volatile_ant'81 KZ1100 - '80 KZ440•
0
[deleted]•

As a short dude with a really short inseam (27"), I'll add a caveat here.

A bike is essentially a lever on a fulcrum, with the wheel's contact point with the ground as the fulcrum. So, the greater the lean angle of the bike, the greater the percentage of the bike's weight that will need to be offset to keep it upright with that third point of contact.

Three factors can affect how much leverage you can exert against that force: how far out from the midline of the bike you can safely plant, how much of your foot you can get contact with, and thus exert force through, and how strong your legs are. Really short dudes like me can only touch with the ball of the foot, and only right next to the bike, so there's a maximum amount of force we can counteract.

In other words, that bike starts to lean, we have a little window to react in time and if we can't react in time, the lean angle gets too great and we can't exert enough force to keep the bike upright. Past that point, the bike's going over no matter what we do. That happens with everyone, because few of us can lift 400lbs with one leg, but the margin for error for shorties is much narrower.

This matters on windy days where you'll get gusts crosswise, really wide bikes that force you to plant further out (and thus increase the lean angle of the bike before you can touch), really heavy bikes that increase the amount of force we have to counteract, or if you're inflexible and can't slide easily off the seat to give you more of a contact point to exert leverage through.

47
midri1973 Yamaha XT500, 2000 Yamaha YZF-R1, 1980 Honda CX500•

People never talk about going backwards either, only being able to tip toe means you're going to have a hell of a time backing it up on anything but flat surfaces. I can't flat foot my CX500 (going to lower the seat a bit, then hopefully I can) and I've had a few times where I was trying to line up my bike with some others outside a restaurant with a lot of bikes out front and backing it up over a small incline was a nightmare.

21
runamok2009 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R•

Generally backing a bike with your feet sucks anyways ESPECIALLY if there is any kind of grade. You just can't get decent leverage. I usually just get off the bike, leave the side stand down and back it out walking. It's faster and less error prone in my opinion.

7
[deleted]•

[deleted]

5
witoldcGSXR600 + SMC690•

If you want to go backwards, you get off the bike, get your hands on both handlebars/clipons and push backwards. This is easier and more comfortable for everybody, not just shorter people.

4
midri1973 Yamaha XT500, 2000 Yamaha YZF-R1, 1980 Honda CX500•

Any time I try to move the damn thing when I'm not sitting on it it becomes unwieldy...

3
witoldcGSXR600 + SMC690•

Hmmm... Have you seen how other people do it? It should be more stable and much easier when you're off the bike. Hands on controls, feather the brake as needed, lean your body into the tank for stability.... a bit hard to give tips via interwebs...

1
thisistragic•

It takes a little practice but I usually stand on the left hand side of the bike with my left hand on the clutch side grip, my right hand on the seat just before the passenger seat , push backwards. It's really easy and becomes very fluid.

1
runamok2009 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R•

How slippery the surface that your foot contacts is also a factor. Gravel, wet asphalt, etc...

4
[deleted]•

True, and also where the center of gravity is on the bike, because that varies by design and affects what percentage of the bike's weight you have to counter by the degree of lean. The more I thought of it, the more factors I found!

1
NiceGuysFinishLast•

I noticed the geometry thing immediately when I switched from my old GS500 (steel frame, topheavy) to my new (to me) SV650S. The 650 is roughly the same weight, and has a higher seat height, but was much easier for me to support at stop lights, thanks to its lighter aluminum frame and the engine/COG being so much lower.

1
[deleted]•

Same for me. I switched from my 490lb DL650, with a nice, wide seat, wide body, and really high CoG to a 450lb Versys with a very narrow seat, narrow body, and low CoG and the difference was remarkable. The day I borrowed my buddy's Versys to try was the day I bought mine. :-)

2
Lokky'07 BMW F650GS, '05 Atomic Fireball, '14 Honda Grom•

While looking at bikes this shop really wanted me to sit on a '73 CB750 and try riding it. Honestly it was just too tall for me, I could barely keep the bike up while still because of the lean angle and say I needed to shuffle my feet at the light to pop it into first, there is no way I can give enough leverage to push the bike upright and then put down my right foot to catch it. Best I could do was lay it down super slowly since it had crash bars. No easy way for me to even reach for the kickstand while on the bike, and I had no realistic way of dismounting without dropping it.

3
[deleted]•

I've been there, but there are techniques.

Just leave the bike in first and hold in the clutch. You need to adjust your levers more often ane replace your cables more often, and definitely get cramps in your hand in stop and go traffic, but that's better than running the risk of dropping the bike every time you shift from left to right to change into 1st from neutral.

And go narrow on the bike. A good comparison is the V-Strom and the Versys. Both are roughly about the same weight and height, but the Versys is much easier to handle because it's quite a bit narrower and it's CG is lower than the top-heavy V-Strom. Lean the two bikes 5 degrees each, and you'll be holding up a lot more of the V-Strom's weight.

Older CBs have those wide, flat seats. Those are always a pain.

3
Lokky'07 BMW F650GS, '05 Atomic Fireball, '14 Honda Grom•

Yeah I realize there are ways around it but as a year round rider with no other form of transportation I want to be comfortable on my bike. I ended up buying the blast because I can flafoot it no problem and it is really easy to handle. Not a fast bike by any means but can still do over the limit on the interstate and accelerate faster than cars so it fits all my needs (plus it was pretty cheap)

3
MongoAbidesTriumph Scrambler EFI (gone but not forgotten)•

I got a scrambler, for a while I was really considering a KLR650 but honestly it would have made things a chore. The scrambler is too tall for me to flatfoot without sliding off the seat a bit. The KLR is like 2-4" higher than that. It would make a lot of things less convenient for me...so I got the less efficient and more fashionable bike because fuckit, I don't need to make my life harder, it's the only thing I have.

1
NiceGuysFinishLast•

You shouldn't need to put the bike in first at a light. Unless there's a few cars stopped behind you, you should be in gear at the light.

1
Lokky'07 BMW F650GS, '05 Atomic Fireball, '14 Honda Grom•

You never had the need to pop the bike into neutral at a long light because you needed your left hand to do something other than holding the clutch?

1
NiceGuysFinishLast•

Not generally, no. About the only time I do something like that is at a drive through ATM, or a tollbooth. Which might be once a month, or less.

1
eli4672•

Can you explain what you mean by this? Isn't being in first being in gear?

1
NiceGuysFinishLast•

Yes. What I mean is that he should never shift out of 1st while at a light. You should always be ready to pull away in case a driver behind you doesn't see you and attempts to plow through you. So if he never shifts out of first, he won't have to juggle his feet at a light.

1
[deleted]•

That makes so much sense it's scary. Well said.

3
ForrestChumpEdmonton, '02 ZR-7S•

How did you get used to only using one foot, and being comfortable with a taller bike?

My sister is reasonably competent at riding, but she's too uncomfortable to ride my bike much since it sits relatively high. I'm not sure exactly what the seat height is, but I've got a 32" inseam and it just fits me comfortably.

1
[deleted]•

It was a lot of factors working together.

I rode a lot of dirt bikes as a kid, and they are all tall. Thankfully, they are also light and when riding off road, mostly the ground is soft. Having lots of forgiveness for drops and a bike light enough to manhandle around did wonders for my confidence in riding a tall bike.

But so did some targeted practice. I probably did more parking lot practice than most because I wanted to be able to toodle around at low speeds without putting my foot down as often. No one gets motivated to do that unless putting your foot down is a bit of a pain ... ;-)

With you in tow, have her sit on the bike and practice shifting from left foot to right foot and back again, over and over. She'll get used to the idea of sliding across the seat. Racers do it all the time, but many street riders feel they have to stick their butt to the saddle and never move it. She'll get used to that motion. Have her also consciously lean the bike over and then push it back vertical with that leg, slowly increasing the lean angle each time until she knows the angle she starts to struggle at. Knowing her limits will help increase her confidence so she doesn't panic with even a slight bit of effort.

Good luck!

2
NiceGuysFinishLast•

Miles, miles, miles. After a few thousand miles (I've got roughly 20K now) it was second nature, much like leaning/steering into cross winds on the interstate becomes natural after awhile. Once you're used to only putting one foot down, you can ride damn near anything, which I find nice. I even rode a CRF450 once... Had to let a friend kick start it, then I put my left foot on the peg and rode away while swinging my other leg over. When it was time to stop, I just stopped and leaned and fell until my leg finally hit the ground (the bike was at better than a 45 degree angle)

1
SAWKLiberia Proud !!! - '09 Versys•

What do you ride?

1
NiceGuysFinishLast•

'Nother short guy (28" inseam) here, and I wanted to add one note. Watch where you put your feet! If you only put one foot down, and you put it on a wet paint line (slippery like glass), or in a dumped out milkshake (watched a friend go over at a stoplight on a Steak n Shake shake), or on anything else that makes you lose traction, even for a second, you're likely going down in an undignified heap of bike and person.

1
[deleted]•

LOL. The number of times I've been too lazy to walk out the bike and instead tip toe backwards, only to lose grip because of sand or water and have the bike nearly go down is legendary.

3
Lokky'07 BMW F650GS, '05 Atomic Fireball, '14 Honda Grom•

yeah, I guess that's not as important if you are riding three blocks to the bar but if you are commuting on your bike, especially in traffic, the number of mishaps waiting to happen is too great for me to be comfortable with only putting down one foot.

1
ThenethielBCS, Texas. '04 V-Strom 1000•

Not trying to be a smartass or anything, but am I only one that actually looks at the ground before putting my foot down? I'm really curious, I hear tons of stories of people slipping/falling because they put their foot in a hole or on something slippery, seems like an easy thing to avoid. I almost always only put one foot down cause I can't reach the ground on my 'Strom, never had a problem with it on the road.

1
Lokky'07 BMW F650GS, '05 Atomic Fireball, '14 Honda Grom•

When I am stopping I am usually keeping my eyes on two things: the car in front of me in case they decide to brake much harder than they need to and the mirrors to make sure the car behind me isn't going to plow into me. Commuting in the city kinda requires you to shift your priorities.

1
Lokky'07 BMW F650GS, '05 Atomic Fireball, '14 Honda Grom•

When I am stopping I am usually keeping my eyes on two things: the car in front of me in case they decide to brake much harder than they need to and the mirrors to make sure the car behind me isn't going to plow into me. Commuting in the city kinda requires you to shift your priorities.

1
NiceGuysFinishLast•

I was motorcycle only for 2+ years in freaking Atlanta. I know what it's like to commute. Do what makes you comfortable, but really there is no difference between one foot and two after you acclimate.

1
hellkitten'14 Honda Grom, '01 Honda XR200•

This site will give you a pretty good idea of how you will fit on a bike, feet on the ground/on the pegs, as well as adjusting lean angle and arm bend: http://cycle-ergo.com

Edit: obviously you should still sit on a bike, but I still found this to be helpful. :)

31
Szoro2002 Suzuki SV650S•

Well thank god for that, I should be fine

4
[deleted]•

[deleted]

5
Szoro2002 Suzuki SV650S•

Wow, you're mildly irritating... Why not?

-3
[deleted]•

[deleted]

4
hellkitten'14 Honda Grom, '01 Honda XR200•

Hahaha. Oh my god. That's great!

1
[deleted]•

That is an awesome site!!! Good user name too :)

2
hellkitten'14 Honda Grom, '01 Honda XR200•

Haha thanks! My husband showed me the site. I'm sure it has made its way around this subreddit but I figured it was worth mentioning again.

1
[deleted]•

I hadn't seen it before, wish I had when I was searching for a bike! Do you ride? Always awesome to meet another female biker!

1
hellkitten'14 Honda Grom, '01 Honda XR200•

Starting to! Got started about a year ago on dirt with my '01 XR200. Decided I wanted to do street so I took the MSF course. Now the husband and I are fixing up his '00 Bandit 600 (his first bike) and converting it to unfaired. Should make a great first bike for me. :)

1
JonSnape•

the same applies to people who are 6'4'' and think they are some kind of behemoth that couldn't possibly ride a bike like us other mere mortals. i'm the shortest of my riding buddy's, i'm 6'2'', when i was 17 me and my friends rode Honda cbr125's and various other mini-sportbikes all over the bloody country, some of whom are in excess of 6'5'', stop being fucking silly unless your bigfoot or a fucking leprechaun, you can fit on a motorcycle.

28
[deleted]•

Just because can you can, doesn't mean you're going to be comfortable, which is really the point of this discussion. I can technically ride a child's tricycle down a hill, make some turns, and look like a circus bear, doesn't mean its working for me.

Sportsbikes are designed for people who are averaging 5'5" / 165cm, with a stock suspension tuned for that average 165 pound rider. Motorcycle racing is like being a jockey. Even the larger Americans in the AMA are predominately all under 6 feet (182cm), and they tend to be lean and thin. I'll give some leniency and say that most of us want to flat foot the streets for practicality, so that sweet spot is slightly larger than the average Japanese male. ~5'7 - 5'9?

If you were 6'4" and riding a modern sportbike, you can do it but I sure bet its cramped without some mods and struggle to tune it for you.

15
Holy_Smokes1978 Suzuki GS 750•

Those numbers smell a little like you pulled them from your derriere, no offense.

12
[deleted]•

I mean just google around?...

Video on stock suspension of CBR600 08 The fat guy at 240lb would need to redo the suspension setup, and the girl at 140lb is also too tiny. Dude at 180lb has some problems, but its mostly in the right range. Obviously narrator is a bit biased and highly critical of a stock setup, as he is a current suspension savant, but you can see where its roughly targeted at in terms of rider weight.

MotoGP 2011 Roster for height and weight.

They're all tiny guys for the most part. Looks like i'm off 2 inches, whatever. Mean is 171cm. But then you can see how Rossi is throwing that off being one of the largest dudes at 182cm/ 5'11.5" All the guys tend be even lighter featherweights when we deal with weight.

2
[deleted]•

[deleted]

0
MycroftPwns'08 Honda Shadow 750•

You mean pulled them out of his 尻.

1
Beer_Is_So_Awesome2007 Aprilia Tuono•

As someone who's 5'7" and 160 lbs, I can tell you that I fit most average-sized bikes.

1
spykid08 Z1000, 82 KZ550 (SD,CA)•

im right in the sweet spot :)

1
[deleted]•

[deleted]

0
themightykpFZ6•

Yes, he can ride without suspension adjustments. However, suspension adjustments will make worlds of difference. Respringing the forks and rear shock on my track R6 has vastly improved my comfort and abilities. This is not a unique story, anyone who has had their suspension tuned to their body will attest similarly. Suspensions aren't one size fits all and even bikes with several presets are only set for a relatively minor variance.

My ego manifests in entirely different ways, suspension adjustment is legit. :)

3
Beer_Is_So_Awesome2007 Aprilia Tuono•

i think this is an ergo thing with taller people

FTFY

2
horrificredditorTBS900•

At 6"1' i find most sport bikes uncomfortable, even sport cruisers. My solution; clubman bars mounted backwards and rolled down (or modified clip ons) coupled with rearset foot pegs/controls. Before the mods I was lucky to get a couple hours riding before my hips cramped and back pain set in. Now i can go all day.

13
[deleted]•

The hell is wrong with your spine? I'm 6 1 and have never had an issue being too tall for any bike.

3
horrificredditorTBS900•

I sit hunched over 90% of the time because of my job.

1
Beartin2008 GSR600, 2002 FZ1, 1999 CBR250RR•

This has me all kinds of confused. I'm 6'1" and started on a CBR250RR, and never had too many issues. Rode it 1000 miles home from where I bought it. CBR600RR was roomier, and never had a problem with it either. This FZ1 I'm on now feels like I'm floating around in space.

2
dj_squelch2009 BMW k1300R & 1996 KLR 650•

I totally disagree with this. I am 6'4" and I don't fit on certain bikes. Sorry but it's the truth. I have ridden a CBR125R down the street, that was entertaining, but to think that I could actually operate one in a competent fashion is ludicrous!

I recently attended a bike show and tried on a number of new motorcycles to see what will work for me. Let me give you a hint; if it's a crotch rocket I'm not gonna be going very far on it! Yes I don't need the newest hog from the HD barn but an R6 just isn't going to happen without the circus bear look and some very sore muscles in a very short period of time.

Getting a bike that fits makes sense. It allows you to ride longer, in more comfort with more confidence.

11
50CAL5NIP3RPark City- UT _ TOTALED - 2012 Ninja 650 / SOLD 2005 hayabusa•

At 6'7" im a big guy and most bikes dont fit. But the reason i bought my ninja is because its the one bike i was comfortable on. The busa is comfy too but its not setup to be ridden on the street

2
dj_squelch2009 BMW k1300R & 1996 KLR 650•

I tried the busa and found it to be one of the most comfortable sport bikes out there but I still looked silly on it IMO. Did you mod the rider position on your busa (rear sets, different bars, taller seat)? I've ridden a 98 ZX7R but nothing newer from Kawasaki, maybe I should try one.

1
50CAL5NIP3RPark City- UT _ TOTALED - 2012 Ninja 650 / SOLD 2005 hayabusa•

Busa has differant bars to pass tech at the strip and a streched swingarm to help with that front end coming off the ground durring launch. Other then that she is pretty stock.

I tried the new r1 an r6 and then the ninja. Ninja was most comfortable.

1
[deleted]•

[deleted]

-3
da1hoboHouston, TX | 2011-KLR650E | Restores and Repairs•

It isn't so much the size as it is the ergonomics. I can't ride most Ducatis or a GXSR because I just don't fit the shape of the bike. I can however fit quite well on the new Ninja ZX-6R or Ninja 300.

3
Beer_Is_So_Awesome2007 Aprilia Tuono•

My buddy is 6'4" and while shopping for bikes, found that with a few smaller cruisers his knees would actually bump the handlebars. Yes, it's possible to be too big for a bike.

6
peen_wasTriumph Speed Triple 1050 | DR-Z400SM•

Same here, had that exact problem w/my first bike.

1
bazrkrmany bikes•

I'm 6'2", and if I place the balls of my feet on the stock pegs of an 08-12 ninja 250, my knees are above the crease line in the tank. Very uncomfortable.

I think this whole "you aren't too large/small for a bike!!!" argument is bullshit. Yeah I can operate a 250 and think they're fun, but I wouldn't have that particular model because it's uncomfortable as hell.

The same has to apply to shorter folk on bikes like a KLR650, they can operate it but they might just be too short to feel confident.

1
Beer_Is_So_Awesome2007 Aprilia Tuono•

And in terms of being too short for a bike, it's not just a matter of "can you get one foot down?" We had to lower my ex's WR250X a few inches because at full height it wasn't just a matter of not being able to put both feet down. Up on the ball of one foot, she couldn't even straddle the bike-- the crook of her knee was on the center of the seat, free leg dangling on the other side. An experienced rider could learn to manage a bike that way, but it's really not relaxing at all, and definitely not acceptable for daily riding.

1
DanMachOPUnited States '82 XS400J || '05 KLR688(EM) || 03 VTX1300C•

Agreed. Sometimes you will have to modify a few things(as horrificredditor said) but that's an acceptable compromise.

2
JonSnape•

personally i dont find that the case, but each to his own

3
DanMachOPUnited States '82 XS400J || '05 KLR688(EM) || 03 VTX1300C•

Which part? That its an acceptable compromise? I feel that if you want a certain bike bad enough for whichever reason that the idea of getting a lowered seat, raised handlebars, moving the pegs, whatever... that its perfectly acceptable.

1
50CAL5NIP3RPark City- UT _ TOTALED - 2012 Ninja 650 / SOLD 2005 hayabusa•

What are the qualifications to be bigfoot? Im 6' 7" sitting on my ninja it looks like a toy bike.

2
JonSnape•

if your hairy and way more then 300lb? but you can ride your ninja am i right? you haven't snapped the handlebars or ground your fenders into your tires? as some people over 5'11'' seem to think they'll do if they ride anything other then an adventure bike

1
50CAL5NIP3RPark City- UT _ TOTALED - 2012 Ninja 650 / SOLD 2005 hayabusa•

Nope. Havent broken anything yet. My dad is 6'2" and he likes it too. Really comfy imo. Still able to hit 145mph on her too.

2
JonSnape•

there we go then, thank you for proving my point, and not having this wierd ego issue that your far to large to ride normal people bikes. also i fucking love busa's, much respect, bet you fit that thing alright.

1
[deleted]•

[deleted]

1
peen_wasTriumph Speed Triple 1050 | DR-Z400SM•

This is not entirely true. I'm 6'4". My first bike was a Honda Rebel 450 and it was barely rideable. The handlebars hit my knees.

A lot of older 600cc bikes have the creases on the tank that are low so your legs can't fit under them. This makes is so taller guys have to bow their legs out to ride.

1
JonSnape•

dont know what was wrong with it then, it dwarves a cbr125 and i've seen some pretty big chaps riding one

1
Donkey-boner09 gt250r Hyo•

Fuark, I bet that felt great after a couple hours of riding :/ Im only 6'2" and sitting on the little bikes is very uncomfortable.

1
BillBillerson'00 SV650, '92 GSXR 750, '81 XV920RH•

I too disagree. I'm 6'6" and I'm not comfortable on a lot of bikes. I think shorter guys and girls probably have it easier since a lot of bikes are designed for shorter people. Adjustable rearsets, seats and moving the handlebars (dirty bars on a sports bike help a lot IMO; think streetfighter) help a lot.

-1
Sir_Fancy_Pants•

you can fit on it, but do you look ridiculous is the question.

being 7ft tall and riding a small 125 for example the issue will not be comfort , it will be constantly asked which way to the circus by strangers

-2
BillScarabBonneville, Van Van 125, Bandit 650S (RIP)•

The thing is if you live in Europe and possibly other places you can only ide a 125 until you've passed your test by law. It doesn't matter if you're 6'6'" or 300lbs you're riding a 125!

1
JonSnape•

exactly, and tall people manage dont they? due to the sixteener law i've had my 6'4'' mate on tiny little 50's!

1
Sir_Fancy_Pants•

i know, but that not quite ridiculous as you think.

you cant have legislation relating to weight, its just common sense

0
releaseme88SW England. Triumph Speed Four 2006•

I'm 4ft2 and I feel offended by this.

21
Leakybubbleruckus, cb250•

I was about to be offended because I'm 5'2 but you win.

16
LiteSh0wUnited States•

How do you ride anyhow? I'm not trying to be rude but I'm curious.

3
PvtCaboose•

Side car

13
Lokky'07 BMW F650GS, '05 Atomic Fireball, '14 Honda Grom•

i want a sidecar really badly, my club has one attached to a vespa and I have so much fun on that thing, can't decide if I want to go the vespa route or get either a ural with sidecar or a royal enfield and attach one to it

2
releaseme88SW England. Triumph Speed Four 2006•

I fitted tiny wheels. And stablisers

3
me_groovyVFR 750 (x2), Fazer 600, Tuono '08•

respect for fitting on a speed 4

2
DanMachOPUnited States '82 XS400J || '05 KLR688(EM) || 03 VTX1300C•

lol... there is always one :)

-1
GunskiNinja 250 '06•

One...?

1
patternfall2008 Kawasaki KLR650•

Apparently OP believes there is only one person that short on the planet.

2
me_groovyVFR 750 (x2), Fazer 600, Tuono '08•

personally I think this is balls.

I sat on my mate's 990SMT and I could tietoe and that's fine. but if I had to stop suddenly where the tarmac where my foot was going to stand dipped then that bike would be on the floor and I've got pretty strong legs (5'8" for the record).

also your comparison to race bikes is balls. last I checked, motoGP riders don't put their feet down apart from at the start. even when they stop someone is there to catch the bike!

15
mothsandlace2012 Honda CBR250r•

Bullshit. If you are short, it usually follows that you are not very strong. As a 5'1'' girl here, I might be able to lean over and stand up on a Hayabusa, but if it starts to wobble, or I have to stop unexpectedly, I'd be on the floor. This isn't just blathering, it's from experience. You need leg strength to make up for lack of height.

14
schnoomyCentral/Northeast OH | '04 Suzuki SV650•

It's not what other people say, it's what YOU feel comfortable on. I give that same answer to people who say "well what kind of bike should I get?"

I'm 5'9" with a 31"-32" inseam. My first road legal bike was a tall KLR 650. I never once had to ask anyone if i was too short for it. I test rode it, knew I would only be able to tip toe it, or one foot it at a stop, and dealt with it. The bike was comfortable for me.

12
gardengnome8•

Have you ever taken in to account that more cautious people may not feel safe with only one foot on the ground? Two feet solidly touching the ground gives greater stability and less risk of losing balance in case one foot slips on a freshly rained on road. While some people may be fine with using only one foot, others would prefer to not take the risk.

11
Aero_2010 Ural Patrol T, 2009 KLX250SF, 2006 DR650•

No one is ever comfortable dangling a leg at first, but you get used to it. Short people can also plant both balls of their feet down rather than flatfooting one and still be stable.

Ir should also be noted that the super tall (35"+) dualsport bikes are typically lightweight (klr aside) and don't mind being dropped.

3
da1hoboHouston, TX | 2011-KLR650E | Restores and Repairs•

KLR isn't that much heavier than a DR650. Something like 40lbs.

1
Aero_2010 Ural Patrol T, 2009 KLX250SF, 2006 DR650•

Yeah but its much heavier than a husky/KTM/drz/etc

1
da1hoboHouston, TX | 2011-KLR650E | Restores and Repairs•

Wet weight difference between a DRZ and a KLR is in the neighborhood of 80 lbs for the 2008+ models and 60lbs for the 2007- models. It does make a difference but not a huge amount.

The big difference between the DRZ and KLR is torque, gearing, and physical size. The KLR is not the big fat beast it is made out to be. It is just set up for the highway. Do some simple sprocket changes and a KLR can easily keep up with a DRZ just about anywhere.

1
TreesACrowdStreet Triple Arrrgh•

...and that's a choice the rider has to make for him/herself. No point in asking reddit to decide for him/her.

2
Dif3rLess yap, more brap!•

I'd feel a lot better if I can flat foot it TBH. I live in an area that's kind of hilly and until I get better I don't think I would just have my toes on the ground. If I had an Enduro I'd definitely get the lowering link for riding in city.

10
israel_torresHarley-Davidson '13 XL883N•

I'd feel a lot better if I can flat foot it TBH.

this! I ride a cruiser and can't imagine not flat footing...

4
TreesACrowdStreet Triple Arrrgh•

It's definitely good to have the added confidence when you're a novice building experience, but as you get more comfortable you will find that being able to flatfoot becomes less and less important. I'm 5'5" with a 29.5" inseam and I've ridden a few sportbikes with 32+" seat heights. I live in a pretty hilly area as well.

1
Lokky'07 BMW F650GS, '05 Atomic Fireball, '14 Honda Grom•

I have been riding 12 years, commuting year round by motorcycle and I am not comfortable with not being able to flatfoot the bike. There are just too many potential hazards for me to risk dumping my bike, plus waiting at lights on your tiptoes would be extremely uncomfortable.

1
Aero_2010 Ural Patrol T, 2009 KLX250SF, 2006 DR650•

And if you have a good kickstand it's ok to mount a tall motorcycle like you would a horse (stand on the left peg and throw your right leg over the seat).

8
BackSlapperDR650•

I'm 6'1", but my tail bag makes it hard to throw my leg over. So this is how I mount my DR650. Works like a charm.

4
Katastic_Voyage•

I missed the "bag" part initially. And went "no way, that guy has a tail?!" and only then did I realize how stupid that thought was.

Fun fact: Humans can actually have tails.

5
Aero_2010 Ural Patrol T, 2009 KLX250SF, 2006 DR650•

I've dinged my knees on my racks so many times, I think I should start doing it too :P

3
SAWKLiberia Proud !!! - '09 Versys•

That's better than racking your ding on your knee.

2
[deleted]•

[deleted]

1
Raptor51502001 CBR 929RR•

This is how i get on my Fireblade since I cant lift my right leg up and over the bike very good it sucks when its wet out but it works nice.

3
[deleted]•

[deleted]

2
Lokky'07 BMW F650GS, '05 Atomic Fireball, '14 Honda Grom•

ok so you are now sitting on the bike... you have to straighten the bike and push the kickstand up... how are you gonna do it while the bike is leaning on it? You are too short to keep it straight so your left foot has to be on the ground to support the bike...

2
DanMachOPUnited States '82 XS400J || '05 KLR688(EM) || 03 VTX1300C•

Yes! I should of said this too.. thanks for saying it!! My klr650 has an aftermarket kickstand from the PO who was my height and I almost always mount like a horse. It works fantastic! :)

1
rogueman999'90 GS500E, '08 zongshen 200gy-2, '09 ER6-N, 2001 SV650•

This video convinced me to get a Transalp, and I don't regret it.

BUT. I own two bikes, and in the city I much prefer riding the lower, lighter GS500. I've dropped the Transalp from a standstil... maybe 4 time? (once with a passenger... good thing she has a sense of humor). I could get used to it if I rode it more often, and it is absolutely no issue on longer trips - I rather enjoy the high guard and the offroad possibilities if offers. But in the city, when you have to put your feet down every 30 seconds, you will occasionally put it in a hole.

5
falafelburger•

Has anyone mentioned this yet?

5
[deleted]•

That is AWESOME. I'm gonna learn how to do this!!!

1
tehsocks2008 SV650SA•

i used to do that on my mountain bikes all the time... never thought of it for my bike though

1
Lokky'07 BMW F650GS, '05 Atomic Fireball, '14 Honda Grom•

I can imagine that having to come off like that every time you have to stop would get old very fast

1
falafelburger•

I know! It makes me chuckle to think of him stood next to his bike at every traffic light, then taking off like that when it goes green :-)

1
sky4•

that was just smooth as hell. I'd probably end up with 500 dollars in damage to my bike and scuffed up gear....

1
creak•

haha I am too short...4'11 and I can tiptoe my honda rebel...

4
FozzegrimVFR700F 87•

Its not like they are insanely tall in Japan where they make so many of these bikes either.

3
bloodmoneyXIII2006 Yamaha YZF-R1•

I feel like a lot of the bigger bikes are export only though, kinda like the Toyota Tundra.

3
da1hoboHouston, TX | 2011-KLR650E | Restores and Repairs•

I don't think Tundra's are exported at all. They are made in Texas and sold in the US.

2
bloodmoneyXIII2006 Yamaha YZF-R1•

I know the new ones are, I'm not sure if the older ones were made in Japan. Kind of a bad example, but I know bigger bikes like the Hayabusa and ZX-14 were made with the US in mind.

2
Lokky'07 BMW F650GS, '05 Atomic Fireball, '14 Honda Grom•

most people in japan don't buy the bigger bikes either...

1
blazerzHonda Unicorn Dazzler•

So much this. My sister is 5 feet 2. She wants to learn to ride. She's only 16, and you need to be 18 to ride in India. I tell her to wait 2 years. My mom is not too keen on the idea. She thinks my sis is too short.

3
Leakybubbleruckus, cb250•

I'm 5'2, she'll be fine :)

4
fear_the_spear'03 Kawasaki EX500•

Please tell me that Honda really makes a bike called the "unicorn dazzler"

4
DoesntFearZeus2013 Ninja 300 / 2014 Street Triple R•

To the Google Machine!

Yep. It's a 150cc naked sport-type bike.

5
[deleted]•

Research needs to be conducted to determine whether or not it does, in fact, dazzle unicorns :)

3
[deleted]•

I'm also 5'2". My Ninja 250 was a perfect sized bike. She can do it!

1
joecuster05 Ninja 250/ 2001 R6•

i'm 5'2 28 inch inseam. It's doable

3
RealityRush2009 CBR600RR Repsol•

Wtf... I must be some kind of freak of nature because I have a 28" inseam and I'm 5'9"...

4
Katastic_Voyage•

I'm 5'3" and I've got a 29-30" inseam. Maybe you're the freak of nature. ;)

3
[deleted]•

[deleted]

2
RealityRush2009 CBR600RR Repsol•

... I am, that's what I said O.o

2
Katastic_Voyage•

No seriously, you are the freak of nature. Not me!

1
Katastic_Voyage•

I'm 5'3".

I had to use boots but that was smart anyway.

1
canyonchaser•

I'm 5'6" ish and ride a Multistrada 1200

3
[deleted]•

What's your inseam? I'm your height, but when I want to touch ground on my brother's Multi, I essentially have to get completely off the seat. I'm hanging my right leg over the seat and my butt is off the left side of the bike. Getting started at a light is a little comedy of a) get the bike moving, and b) hop once or twice to get back into the saddle.

1
canyonchaser•

I dunno exactly. I wear 30/31" jeans.

1
effortDee•

I use to ride supermoto's and a lady with us on rideouts rode a CCM RC30 and she was 5'2" tops! She just had her rear suspension lowered slightly :))

3
[deleted]•

I bought an Enfield as my first bike a few months ago because they're endlessly modifiable, but it turned out I didn't need to lower it or swap out the rear wheel for a smaller one, etc. I'm 5'5" ish.

0