Buying a motorcycle sounds so simple, right? But buying one that fits you perfectly as per your height, weight, and comfort level is a bit difficult. If that’s the case, we can provide you some tips that might help you.
While you’re riding a motorcycle, the most vital thing is how well does the motorcycle fits you. Does the grip feel right? Is it too high or too low for you? Too wide that your feet are unable to even touch the ground? Are you able to balance it from side to side? These are the reasons due to which a motorcycle may not fit you. Along with cost, performance, and durability, the size of the motorcycle is also a key factor that you should consider when buying one.
Motorcycle riding is all about comfort and feel. It can be very unsettling and dangerous if your motorcycle doesn’t fit you perfectly. Therefore, you need to know what size of the motorcycle fits you.
So, let us have a look at some vital factors to consider if you want to buy the right sized motorcycle.
If we talk particularly about motorcycles, there’s no such thing that one size can fit all. The size of motorcycles varies according to the design and functionality of models. They are designed for a specific height and weight limit. Some bikes can carry heavier weights, like Harleys, while others are designed for comparatively lighter loads. With that being said, it is very crucial to know the weight capacity of a certain motorcycle model before you buy it. And if you’re a heavy rider, that becomes more important for you.
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Bodyweight
Before buying your best fit motorcycle, the most important thing to consider is the carrying capacity of the bike. So, your weightage plays a key role while selecting a motorcycle. Even though movability and engine capacity are as much as important, but before jumping onto that, you must know the weight limit of the model you’re considering buying.
Consider this functional aspect that a smaller bike can struggle to accelerate faster when driven by a heavy guy. Similarly, a light weighted guy might face difficulty in accelerating a heavier bike. Therefore, knowing the weight limit of a selected model beforehand is preferable in order to get the right bike according to your weight.
Determine the weight limit of the motorcycle
Generally, the weight limit of a motorcycle is calculated by using a specific formula. It is calculated by subtracting the weight of the bike from its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The result of this calculation indicates the optimum amount of weight the manufacturer left for you that a specific model can carry. However, for most models, the weight limit is between 350 and 450 pounds.
The GVWR is usually designated on the service manual, owner’s manual, or the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It is found on the steering head or the frame of the bike.
Height
A large number of motorcycles that are available in the market are designed for both tall and short people. Whereas adjustable suspensions are also present in some motorbikes, so you can adjust them accordingly. Larger bikes are not ideal for people below the height of 5 ft. 2 inches, while there are smaller ones too that very huge and tall people can’t handle comfortably. So. It’s better to get a bike that can fit you easily as per your height and weight.
Choosing a motorcycle that fits you
If you want to buy a motorcycle that fits you, the best way is to visit a motorcycle dealer and try several models for size. By doing this, you will get an appropriate idea about the weight distribution from side to side and also about the overall feel of the motorcycle. Moreover, an additional check can be made by sitting on the motorcycle and look for the distance from the seat to foot and hand controls. It will also help you to find out whether your legs are easily reaching the ground or not. There is also a nifty motorcycle ergonomic simulator in which you simply input your height and inseam, and it’ll give you a good head start on which models to try first. You can preferably try it out before heading to the dealership.
Following are some tips and tricks that will help you get your best fit motorcycle:
When you sit on the motorcycle, hold it up and step across to straddle the seat. If both of your feet are firmly planted on the ground, then the height of the motorcycle is perfect for you. However, if you need to lean to either side to reach the ground, the motorcycle is too tall. So, clearly, this is not the one that fits you the best as it won’t be comfortable and safe.
Also, while sitting on the motorcycle, reach out both of your hands to hold the handlebars. Now, this should be a comfortable and easy reach. You don’t have to stretch your hands way out to reach them. On the contrary, the handlebars shouldn’t be so close that your arms are bent awkwardly. If you face either of the two difficulties, then the motorcycle isn’t for you. After that, reach out to pull the clutch and brake levers on the handlebars. Your thumb should remain locked around the handlebar grip. Reach and pull back with your four fingers. This movement should be smooth and quick. As you will probably spend miles in this position, so you need to be comfortable.
Now, make sure that the motorcycle in on the belly stands for support. Rest yоur feet оn the рegs. This shоuld feel соmfоrtаble tо yоu. Yоur knees shоuldn’t be uр in the hаndle bаrs. Now, is it comfortable when you reach your feet towards the shift lever and brake lever on either side? Or are you stretched out to reach them? Besides, all of this shouldn’t also seem too small or close together for you. If this is the case, you may need a larger-sized motorcycle.
Lastly, work the kickstand up and down to make sure you can do it easily, both on and off the bike. If you feel comfortable in all of these different positions and you are able to reach it all out easily, so it indicates that it is a perfect sized motorbike for you.
In conclusion, comfort and safety can make your riding experience a whole lot better. And you can achieve it by getting your best fit motorcycle.
