Its a dilemma that many motorbike riders know all too well, but don’t always like to admit: being vertically challenged. Yes, we're talking about the plight of short riders who find themselves on tiptoe—or worse, on one toe—when stopping their bikes. It's an issue that goes beyond just comfort; it touches on safety, confidence, and overall riding enjoyment.
The Tall Bike Problem
Imagine this: You’re cruising down the road on your dream bike, wind in your face, engine purring beneath you. But then, as you approach a stoplight, the realization hits—you’re about to come to a stop on a bike that feels like it's designed for a giant. The ground seems miles away, and you're suddenly reminded that the Ducati Multistrada 1260 and BMW R1250GS, as magnificent as they are, might as well be perched on stilts. These bikes, with seat heights reaching over 33 inches, can turn a simple stop into a balancing act worthy of a circus.
Safety Concerns: The Tipping Point
This height issue isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a legitimate safety concern. When you can’t plant both feet firmly on the ground, stopping becomes a nerve-wracking experience. A slight miscalculation or uneven road surface could tip the bike over. For short riders, this isn’t just a hypothetical scenario—it's a genuine fear every time they come to a stop. And let’s face it, picking up a fully loaded adventure bike from the pavement isn’t anyone’s idea of fun.
Confidence Crisis: The Psychological Toll
Beyond the physical challenge, there’s the mental game. Motorcycling is as much about confidence as it is about skill. If you’re constantly worried about stopping safely, that anxiety seeps into your overall riding experience. The joy of the open road diminishes when every red light feels like a gamble. Short riders might shy away from riding altogether, or worse, avoid upgrading to more powerful bikes that could enhance their riding experience, all because they can’t confidently reach the ground.
Tackling the Height Challenge
Fortunately, there are ways to address this problem. Some manufacturers offer factory-lowered versions of their bikes, or adjustable seat heights to cater to shorter riders. The Triumph Tiger 900, for instance, offers a low-seat version that’s much more accessible. Aftermarket solutions, such as lowering kits, can also help by reducing seat height by an inch or two, which can make a world of difference. Even choosing the right boots—those with a thicker sole—can give riders that extra reach they need.
Often however this just isn't practical or indeed enough. If you would like to reach the ground with confidence without technical modifications, or compromising on the bike of your choice, bootlift® is all you need.