I know you can get the seat lowered on your motorcycle if you're a shorty, but... how low can you go? :/?

Question

I'm learning to ride a motorcycle, but is it all just a waste of time, considering I'm only 4'11"? I was planning on getting a small, low power bike and have the seat lowered- but CAN it even be lowered enough so I can put my feet on the ground comfortably? Is it legal, or even possible?

thanks

Answer 1

We have three bikes with altered seats.

With cruiser bikes, the problem is often a seat that is too wide and your feet stick out too far.  The seats on our bikes are narrowed as well as shortened.  Its a matter of removing the seat cover and carving the foam with an electric knife, then recovering the seat.

Another trick is to find riding boots with thick soles ( some short men who ride big bikes and do this).

Answer 2

Yes, a bike can be lowered for your height.

Yes, it is legal.

No, it is not a big waste of time.

Your local bike shop can help with picking the right bike and if your in southern California some will even lower it for your height when you buy it.

Answer 3

Yup, people do it all the time.  But it helps to start with a low bike.  Most street bikes start at about 30 inches seat height.

Most cruisers start at 25 inches seat height.  By lowering them it can be even more comfortable.

My Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD was just 25 inches (and 500cc).  I'm just 5 ft 3 inches and I can sit comfortably (with flip flops).  If you were to wear riding boots (heels) you might find they can be a fit for you without any mods.

Good Luck...

Answer 4

There are three ways you can lower the bike.

1.   Take the seat to the upholstery shop and have them thin the rider side seating down a few inches.

2.  Lower the front forks a few inches ( not sure if this will affect the handling).  Loosen the tripletree bolts and allow the front tip of the fork to go higher.

3.  If the bike come with dog-bone style on the rear shock.  You can purchase a longer dog-bone, making it lower.  If you don't have a dog-bone style shocks and have dual type shocks, you may want to set the shocks to the softest position.

hopes this help

Answer 5

I'm sure you could find a small road bike that would work well for you without lowering the seat. There are many with seat heights around 27 inches.

Answer 6

well if you are strting out you should get a little bike to start with it will just scare you if you get a big bike and when you get better you should go bigger