Motorcycle Mods For Short Riders | MC Garage
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- čas přidán 28. 06. 2018
- If nature gave you short legs, you may struggle with the seat height on your motorcycle. Luckily, there are a number of mods that can help get you a little closer to the ground, and we’ll outline them in this video from the MC Garage.
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Unless you ride a cruiser or a small-displacement bike, you’re likely dealing with a seat height of 31 inches or more. And unless you’re 5-foot-6 or taller, you’ll likely find it difficult or impossible to get both feet on the ground. For starters, it’s worth pointing out that while it is nice to be able to put both feet flat on the ground when you roll to a stop, it’s not necessary. One foot is sufficient if you have enough experience and confidence, but if you’d prefer to be a little closer to the pavement, here are a few options.
Check Your Suspension Sag
The very first thing you should do is check your suspension sag. If you’re short, you may also be light, and your bike’s shock and fork springs might have too much preload on them. That could make the ride harsh as well as put your suspension higher in the stroke, putting your Pumas farther from the pavement. Checking your rider sag is free, easy to do, and it’s the first step in properly setting up your suspension, so it’s something you should definitely attend to.
Order A Lower Seat Or Cut Down Your Stock One
Your next best option is a lower seat, and there are a couple of avenues you can pursue here. Plenty of manufacturers offer accessory “low” seats that can reduce the seat height by as much as an inch. Alternatively, you can customize your existing seat yourself by removing the cover and shaving down the foam. There are loads of videos and articles out there explaining how to do this, and while it’s a cheap and fairly easy mod, the end result doesn’t always look great or feel great on your backside since the foam will be thinner.
If you're willing to spend the money, you could send your stock seat off to companies like Sargent and Saddlemen to have it professionally customized. They'll rebuild it with thinner, more comfortable foam and can even modify the shape to better fit your butt.
Lower Your Motorcycle
Finally, if a lower seat isn’t getting you close enough to the ground, you could mechanically lower your bike by as much as an inch and a half. Lowering your motorcycle should be a last resort since it will reduce your cornering clearance, likely alter your bike’s handling, and possibly render your sidestand useless since it’ll be too long.
How To Lower A Motorcycle
The safest and best way to lower your bike is to have a mechanic shorten the fork and shock internally. It'll cost a lot, but you'll maintain your ride quality. There's also a more affordable DIY route, but it should be approached with caution. Most rear suspension systems use linkages, and installing different-length links, often called "dog bones" because of the way they look, will drop your bike's back end, and lower the seat. There are a couple of different kinds, from links with different hole spacing to threaded setups that let you fine-tune the length. Companies like T-Rex Racing offer a variety of different lowering links as well as shorter, adjustable sidestands so you'll be able to safely park your bike.
If you’re going to lower your motorcycle, it’s very important that you reduce the front and rear ride height by the same amount to maintain chassis attitude. To lower the front you loosen the triple-clamp bolts and slide the fork legs up. It seems easy enough, but you’ll be giving up precious clearance between the fender and the lower triple clamp and the wheel and the radiator, so be very careful and make sure nothing makes contact when the suspension compresses under braking. Again, lowering the bike should be the last resort, and it’s really not advisable to do yourself unless you have a solid understanding of chassis geometry and riding dynamics.
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Here's an article explaining how to cut down your stock seat to lower its height: www.motorcyclistonline.com/how-to-cut-down-motorcycle-saddle
Motorcyclist Magazine I think height is one of the most intimidating factors for me at the moment
Motorcyclist Magazine I live in Bangladesh. In my country there are only permission for 165cc bikes. In my country the best sports bikes are CBR150R, GSX R150 and Yamaha R15 v3.
The front tires of those bikes are 90,100 section and the rare tires are 130,140.
I like fat tires. And I have CBR150R. So, which tire size will be fat and perfect for my bike. And How many milage have to sacrifice???
RABIUL ISLAM RIDOY
M
Thanks Bro!
Good thing I'm fat, the bike compresses just fine
Rizqi Rizaldo 🤣🤣😂
Lmao
lmao 2x
Lol...
Rizqi Rizaldo lmao(3x)
i’m not short...
my bike is tall
My bikes seem to have the same problem.
dont let them hurt you
Same
😂 right
Finally a video for short riders that doesn't outright say "don't lower your bike". I'm way too short to have the option of not lowering my bike sadly. At least until I have more experience and am more confortable on my bike I will keep it lowered. I might think about getting it back to stock later on though. Thanks for the insight on what to look out for when lowering your bike!
When I was riding. It wasn't so much coming up to a stop and having to put a foot down. But more when you needed to back up.
That's where the Lower height comes into play most. Sometimes you just can't plan your ability to power forward out of a parking spot. Sometimes you have to nose in or worse yet backup uphill
I quickly learned to never put myself in a position where i needed to back up after finding myself struggling to backup uphill.
Yep I learnt that pretty quick too. lol
I get off and walk mine if I have to also. I’ve learned to always put the kickstand down while doing this, that way you don’t have to worry about dropping it.
I just walk it even if I could back it up, it's just faster that way and I can see behind the bike with all my gear on.
Okay so it’s not just me that’s literally my only issue and stopping is a bit iffy but it’s nowhere near as bad as me sweating my balls off trying to park my bike bike tried using the trick where you hold the front brake push it forward and let go it helped a little bit but I would lean too much to one side at times
I am so glad you guys covered this one. There's a ton of good info packed into a little bit of video people can watch as much as we want.
Being 5'3 28" inseam if lowering the bike is a must I firmly believe in the infinite type rear lowering links the dual heim joint type after shaving the seat foam they make it possible to get away with making the smallest change to rear height. On my ZX6R I think we got away with 7/16ths drop rear and 9/16ths front followed by a professional suspension setup for aggressive but stable on road handling. Having your suspension professionally setup makes such a vast improvement to handling and confidence best mod you can do for yourself and your bike and it usually costs between $75-150.
You’re the comment I’ve been looking for. 5’2 rider here with a similar inseam as you and I ride I ninja 400. I bought a lowering kit but have yet to install it because I’m hesitant on the handling and clearance of the bike and seeing if shaving the seat was worth sacrificing comfort for better foot reach
At 57 I'm a brand new rider. I have a 2021 mt07 that I tip toe on. On a good day I'm 5'8" with a 28 or 29 inseam. I bought a link to lower the bike. I can honestly say I don't know much about motorcycles, except the prices, so would either one of you know how it's done? How do I lower the front? I'm seriously considering taking my seat and having foam taking out and replacing the foam with a piece of 3/4" gel pad. And you might think I'm nuts but I bought a
2 1/2" shoe lifts for my boots. By wearing them I was able to flat foot my bike. The lifts come in different heights that equal 2 1/2". Any help you two could give me would be greatly appreciated...
....Ride Safe my friends
@@Robocoppat As far as lowering the front end it done thru the triple tree by loosening and changing the fork placement. Seat foam changes can work but can also be uncomfortable on longish riding sessions.
Most bikes are "too big" for me, so therefore I've been forced to master the one foot approach--as a shorter rider, experience, balance, AND technique are the ingredients to success
Thanks a lot man. You're a life saver. Very comprehensively explained. Awesome!
Aren't you the same bobs and vagene guy ? 🤣
Shortie here in the process of shaving the seat on my moto to be a little closer to the ground. Great video. Much thanks :D
5'5 here reporting for duty
5’3 also reporting for duty xD
5’6 here reporting for duty 😂
@@SlimmyJimmySonjan Same here. I found a nice Ninja 300 SE for sale, but not sure I can lower it enough to feel safe,
@@cbond99 i wish i was like *two* inches taller xD
@@SlimmyJimmySonjan Guess I'll go with the Rebel 500. 3 inch shorter seat height. Don't think I can get the ninja that low. Ninja is a steal at 2 grand though. I see gas going sky high soon. ~ Take care
You deserve more audience. Thank you for the quality content and being objective.
You can also glue extra rubber to your boots - it can help you to win 1/2 inch or even more! And it's much cheaper than suspensions tricks!
Fantastic video, I'm 5'9 but I've got a short inseam and struggle to get flat footed on my Ninja 1000. It's encouraging to know It's not considered necessary to get both feet flat on the ground, and I won't make any changes to my motorcycle and instead simply park or come to a stop in smarter positions to avoid having to walk the motorcycle or stopping on a slope with my foot on the downhill side. Thanks for the information, excellent channel
Borge I'm 5'7" and tip toe on my ninja 1000. Great bike but wish it was an inch shorter.
Borge how much is you inseam. Im 5‘7.5 inseam is 33 can i flat Footed Ninja 1000?
jeff westbrooke How much is your inseam Bro
@@bdl4712 damn youre lucky. I'm the same height but with a 30 inch inseam. I tiptoe on my cbr300r smh
I'm less than 5'3, I needed this so much ..
Great video!! Could you also make a video to show how can we align the front forks of our motorcycles? That's going to be super helpful for many of us.
Ari you shoud upload more videos to your other channed, i´ve seen the video with the cbr 250r and i love it. nice work man.
Loved the opening shot, made Ari look shorter lol. As always thanks MC garage for what you do for us!
I am 6' tall and never had a problem reaching the ground, but I love this channel and it's content. Thanks for all the great info Ari!
If your motorcycle has a shaft drive, you can not blindly lower the back of the motorcycle by installing shorter shocks. Most drive shafts only have about 8° of rotation, your driveshaft will not turn freely at the U joint if you go to far, it will bind at the end of the Shock stroke.. also: a narrow Seat will help someone with shorter inseam reach the ground easier than a wide seat.
Most driveshafts have 360° of rotation ;)
Dani Pedrosa liked this video
ZING!
savage
lol
"Just hire somebody to hold the bike for you when you come to a stop" -Dani Pedrosa, probably.
Love these vids. Helping me learn so much. many thanks Ari.
I’m 4’11”, i feel like I’m never going to find a comfortable ride 🙄 unfortunately I’m definitely not growing anymore either. I’m 21 😭
Don't loose hope! Go for lower seat height cruiser bikes
cruiser bikes and scooters will do for starters.
If you'll ride a cruiser, the Yamaha V-Star 950 has probably the lowest seat height for a full sized bike. Here's mine on a long trip. czcams.com/video/tDikSuhROnU/video.html
I’m also 4’11” and riding the Yamaha R3 just fine.
Honda rebel is a great ride for short riders. I almost bought one... and although I love my Duke, it would've been cheaper had I gone w a rebel.
5ft3, riding 32inch seat height bike for my daily (cb150x). Intimidated in the beggining, and gets better the more you ride it. 1 foot on the ground is actually enough to support you and ur bike.
I just let about 20psi out of my tires. Worked perfectly 😁
The last message makes me confident. Thnk you
I'm 6 foot 1 and clicked immediately. That should say something about the quality of your videos!
I always love it when you guys act as though everyone of a certain height has the same inseam. I am 5'7" and my inseam is 26". It sucks and I have just learned to deal with it. I can't ride the tall bikes. Well, I probably could, but it isn't worth the trouble when I find a place where the wheels are on high spots and my foot is in a hole.
Bruh 5'7 is preety decent
Am 5'1 and 18 so yep i am vertically challenged
Finally! Ive been waiting for this video for years!!!
You should have asked for it! We take audience suggestions seriously, so if you have an idea for a vid, lay it on us.
Ari Henning im 5'3 and the sturggle is real on my RC... Im just happy with anything u throw at us 😂 keep em coming... 1 issue that keeps coming up in our group page is oil, proper sae and when to change. Some does it ever 1k some every 7k kms
Another alternative...is modify our legs 😂
Watched the whole thing even though I’m tall.
the8jrfan lucky you
@@captainmerica2498 what height is considered tall anyway?
If you can't see tomorrow then you aren't tall ..
🤣 same here lol
Watched the whole video even though I don't have a bike
It is so true that one foot on the ground is sufficient to balance the bike. Just takes some practice and enough experience with the bike
You guys pull out some excellent videos with excellent tips explained in an excellent way. Good thing I'm 6'1", though - it seems very complicated to solve that height problem. Thanks a lot for the video!
Some vital info provided. Thanks bruh
We need a video for tall guys too, thank you so much!
I have short legs. This could be a thing to return to in the future whenever I need to upgrade. My current bike is very “short person friendly”
JoVi []_[] what bike is it?
I'm a small light rider and for the most part, other than VERY tall dirt bikes I've never had much issue with seat height. Although I do wish more bikes had a wider ranger of suspension adjustment out of the box as at just over 100lbs most bikes are just oversprung for me. Even my Ducati Scrambler which is often denigrated for being overpsrung barely sags with my butt on it.
If you are short don't be afraid to shift your left butt check off the seat at a stop to get more of your foot on the ground.
I'm 6'4'' and I'm still watching this video because I love this channel so much
The best advice is the first i think. Try to be a one foot ground rider, and the problem solved for any bike. I saw a man who s tall just 160 cm and riding standart seat height 1200 GS. And yes, he can stop at the traffic lights with one foot on the ground.
There are people who are less than 160cm and it is very common in asia.
It's very informative for us asians, so thank you mc garage 👍 thumbs up
Benedict lalican weeee. 120cc lang naman motor mo ulol
purchasing my Ducati Monster 821 Dark tomorrow, can't wait
I'm 5'3 and I had a difficult time getting my Honda CBR500r to my liking. Should have seen me try to test ride them, poor sales guy had to basically throw me onto the bike. We ended up shaving the seat and I had to buy some boots with a tall heel, totally doesn't match the rest of my gear, but you gotta do what you gotta do!
Can you guys do an entire video of a walk around with a list of routine maintenance checks you should do regularly on a sport bike?
Hell yeah! About time! Hehehe
THANK.YOU. I'm 5'5" and I bought the Z650 because it fits me. I want to get another bike, but they're all so tall.
Learn to ride without putting two feet down.
Good One! A friend of mine suffers with this short issue and I have seen him adjust sag, buy expensive custom saddles and pay big bucks for suspension shortening. He essentially ruins hid bike to accommodate his height. I told him to buy taller shoes and get used to one footing it. Thanks and keep em coming.
like the way you tell things with all pros and cons....thanks
Can you please have the next video be monoshock vs dual shock setup
Im 5'3. I got a Corbin seat, so worth the money. So worth it. I slap got good boys. I can happily plant one entire foot, or ball of the foot two feet. I have a 14' ninja 650.
Being able to put one foot down is ALL you need. Remember a kickstand is only one side of the bike!
@@stuartbear922 It always scared me because my bike is heavy. But you're right! One foot is all.
How thin is the corbin seat compared to the stock seat?
@chriscam9946 it's thicker and heavier, but because of the cut, it makes it so you have a lower seat height. Your feet can touch the ground better. But it's pretty comfortable thick.
My riding boots are my last resort so as to keep my ride stock. It's got style and helps me to stay balanced, even during rains.
Great clip thank you 🙏♥️
It's crazy how the geometry of your bike changes with millimeters of adjustment on the forks. I adjusted mine professionally on a 2008 Ducati Hypermotard and am looking to raise it back for better handling. Since I'm 5'5", I think getting a lower seat will be a better option.....and/or boots.
I lowered my v storm 3/4" front and back and it handles just fine. But I don't ride my bike hard to really push it.
Purchase a seat off of a Hypermotard 796, iirc the 796 seat is around 20mm shorter than the stock 1100 one.
5'6" here riding a Suzuki GS500, PERFECT seat height!
I ride a 2011 Yamaha XJR1300 - and this is a motorcycle that was never released in the USA. Check it out online - it is a 1300cc naked muscle bike - the last of its kind - it is an absolute joy to ride. I had to actually get the seat shaven by an upholsterer and take it to a suspension specialist (Suspension Smith in Fyshwick ACT) to bring the factory Ohlins suspension as low as possible without messing up the ride quality. I still cannot have my feet flat on the ground - but it is great fun to ride. Lowering the motorcycle any other way reduces the lean angle and can affect ride dynamics too.
Having back issues using the left leg full weight on and right on pegs.. sliding the butt, increases stress on my back .. which has issues.....Yet I think shaving the seat is the best option.. just have to find a shop in my area in Asia.. cheers mate..
Do a video about mods for tall riders next please, would really apreaceate that!
Very good video.
I feel compelled to talk on this subject as I'm 5' tall. I've owned 6 different bikes in approx 30 years and have approx 200k miles on bikes. I've done all the things you talk about. I found the bottom line is suspension mods. It's ok, but one more item that I've came to believe is the best. That being I have added approx 2" to my heels and sole's of my boots. My largest was a Yamaha Roadstar full dress and the smallest was my first a 250cc dream by Honda. Put your mind to it and you can ride any bike.
I'm 5'5" with a 27 inch inseam and I can manage to ride a dorsoduro 900. As he said, all you need is one lil tippy toe and you're good.
Thanks!
Sadly I can deal with the tippy toes at stops but can't do to much to reach the forward controls
Perfect my friend
can you do a video about changing from stock gearing?
Can you do a video explaining exhaust? Like the purpose of the CAT and Servo.
i have one for you
wear boots like timberlands! thicker and higher
might need to adjust shift lever and brake pedal due to the thickness hehe
I want to patent my idea for shortys, a ram inside the suspension spring and when the bike senses its below 5 mph it just pulls the rear suspension up 4 inches viola you can reach when you stop
Thank god for this video. I hope more and more women go into riding. Maybe then manufacturers will finally start making bikes other than cruisers for short people.
I like the last sentence.. the very best rider is the short
My inspiration is Gaston Rahier 😎
Imagine if cars were made that didn’t have seat adjustments and they just said “ehh figure it out” small things like this are why motorcycles in the us isn’t as popular as it could be
Being able to put one foot down is ALL you need. Remember a kickstand is only on one side of the bike!
I’m 4’10 or 4’11 not sure it’s been a while but I’m down to two options a cruiser or ninja 250 think I’ll start with a cruiser I’ve been suggested to go with a rebel 500
When we seen third parties made a comparison between numerous type of superbikes, comparing them by riding in both public road and circuits, they have always mentioned and compared the power delivery of each superbikes.
Ari and MC Garage team, appreciate if you can explain to us the definition, examples and differences of 1000 cc superbikes with low end, top end and mid range power, their differences, pros and cons, and the characteristics that made the engine different between one and the other.
Thanks.....
Mr. Ari Henning, i'm your fan from Bali. Can you make explanation video about why some companies uses LED headlight for their product like 2018 Ninja 250/400 and other companies still using Halogen like the Yamaha YZF-R3? and will it effect the electrical system if some riders mods their bike to change from the Halogen headlight to LED headlight? i hope you understand, i'm sorry if my English so bad. thank you!
Haa I need this... thanks for the vids..love from a midget
I came here because it’s really hard for me parking because I’m literally using the front of my toes to a bit lower to push the back and I can’t get enough grip that way. Though I was using shoes I’m sure it’s easier with boots but I’m learning with my shoes because my boots don’t fit under the shifter
Sweet!
And MC scores again ! 😎 great stuff as usual 👍👌
How abt reducing the front tyre size from 120/70 to 120/60? Will it makes much differents?
Do these mods also apply to tall riders (6 feet 2 and taller)? Or will that be covered in another video?
My bike came with Yamaha's oem lower seat. Wouldn't have bought the bike without it.
Which spark plug is best for the bike?
Iridium , platinum or just the normal one?
Hey. I love ur vidz. I want to ask that my bike is always Parked outside and sometimes it is not driven for 3 to 4 days and sometimes even 7 to 10 days. Plz tell me that if that bad and can i take some steps that would keep it ok. Thank u.
What are the best ways to do this for a DRZ400SM and a 5'6 rider? How much would adjusting the suspension and lowering link cost?
I’m 5’2 gonna buy a ninja 400 soon
It'll fit ya great. And it's a great bike!
Buy the new Triumph Street Triple R Low if you can afford it. It’s probably as low or lower to the ground than the ninja 400, and a blast to drive!
I've been riding a 650 for three years and I would like to try out the Ninja 400, I think with mods and it's light weight it would be great.
Zirc5 DRIFT nice!!
ShoGo Racing yeah thats a bit much for a beginner
I'm 5'6 tall i struggled riding my Gilera vxr 200. So i lowered the rear spring and modded the front fork.
I can reach one foot to the ground now but the handling and ride comfort got worse..
Well I heard that Gilera VXR 03 is a scooter for the dutch :D
Hi when using lower links does this effect the equaision used to set the correct sag on the rear shock
You know you just insulted my entire race of people?
But yes, i need this.
You missed the most easy one: "Just add a couple of inches of layers to the soles of the boot"
Shifting gear up on the left foot would be a problem with that thick sole.
@@wolfdue2236
Wear your platform shoes from the 1970's
Can you please do "Tube vs. Tubeless Tires" ?
Totally agree with your last point that lowering the height should be the last resort.
I am only 5.4ft tall and my bike's seat height is 800mm which is close to 31.5inches.
I also believe that height ia just another number that we have to overcome in our mind as we don't need both the feets on the ground to manage the bike , same as you said in the start of the video.
You make really informative videos, respect from India.
Im surprised you did not mentioned anything about the riding boots. I know shorter riders sometimes look for the beefy ADV boots to give them that extra inch they are looking for...but the title is “‘motorcycle” mods =P
Watching 🙂 5'4 here and struggling with my gsxr
How about changing the wheels for a sligthly smaller diameter (or maybe even choosing slimmer tire)??? You know, like super low profile for the cars.
Why wasn't "installing smaller wheels" mentioned in the options for lowering a motorycle seat-height?
Granted, there are considerations (clearances and fit with other parts, changing the rear sprocket to maintain gear ratios and top speed, and etc.).
But, it is feasible, right?
I am 5 7 I found it best to never stop lol. Then no need for short legs to bother me lol. Truly I learned to get one solid foot down at stops. I hate lowering bikes it messes up suspension geometry. One foot is just fine even on tall bike just slide ass off to one side. It does screw up hard launches as weight is not centered but as I do not drag race who needs bad fast launch.
Want to know about increasing handle bar effect handling my t hight is low
What about replacing tyres with ones having low sidewall height
Great video! Do you by chance know if the KTM Super Adventure S can be lowered? I'm looking to buy this bike soon but the seat height has me changing my mind. I talked to my KTM dealer in St Louis and they said they don't think it can be lowered.
Any/all suspension can be lowered, but like I say in the vid, it's not recommended. It'll be cheaper and better to get a customer low seat made and leave the suspension as-is.
165 cm, any suggestion of an adventure bike?