Tips for being a short motorcycle rider
Вставка
- Опубліковано 26 бер 2024
- A few tips for dealing with being a shorter rider. From lowering your bike and sidestand, to planning where and how to stop.
Thanks for watching. Please comment, like, subscribe & share.
See you soon,
Leanna
![Introduction to advanced motorcycling [first advanced lesson after DAS]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/AjNhEZPqMoo/mqdefault.jpg)
![When to change gear [timing your gear changes]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3SW3l1rQhKQ/mqdefault.jpg)
02:53 - Not to mention the passer by... Can't imagine not trying to help.
I've got an Africa Twin, some of these tips are relevant to me, regarding the weight.
Thanks for the videos you make, you got me through my Mod 1 and 2, far more than my instructor did.
Haha, no, they didn't seem to care either 😂 Good job I had so many layers on I bounced 😂 Happy to hear you've found the channel helpful, thanks for letting me know 😊
The other problems with being a shorty is getting leathers that fit. For normal clothes I always have to chop off four or five inches off the bottom of my trousers or get arms shortened on suits! I call it the Tailor TAX! I don't even bother buying long sleeve shirts. It took me a while but managed to find a company that make short leg leathers and jeans for bikers. JTS biker clothing, based in Leicester. They do 27 inch inside leg. Still a bit long but best compromise. When it comes to leather biker jackets the sleeves are too long and tight for my little muscle bound arms!!:)
Ah well at least you have found a good company. I don't tend to wear leathers these days. Not practical for instructing 😂
I have the Daytona Mstar boots as I wear size uk 7 and the ladystar only goes up to size 6. They are very good, have mine about 10 yrs now I think. I ride an R1200rt and tried lower seat but found normal seat easier and comfier. I slide to left so can get 1 foot flat and leave right on back brake. Planning ahead definitely helps.
I noticed they don't go up to the larger sizes! Not very helpful and rather unusual 😕 You're lucky your balance is good enough to do the "side slide"; for some people this is more difficult. Well done for getting around the issues. I know what you mean about the BMW lower seats not being as comfortable. Thanks for the comment 😊
I double checked recently and yes ladystar are up to 39, and turns to mstars from 40 upwards. To be honest I wear the 41 and mine have been great. Just got new ones for work so I'm like a kid at Christmas! Was told to do the side slide by others watching me and most times works for me as I'm happy once 1 got is down vs 2 tippy toes! Especially on gravely roads. I am lucky and find it easier to do in my leathers vs textiles. I did get a seat lowered on previous bike (bought 2nd one) and it helped a bit. But the RT is only a bit troublesome for me when fully loaded for long trips or at end of long day on steep cambers. I am working on training up some more to improve my own skills to help also, and most importantly confidence. But definitely agree with looking ahead or even slowing down more on approaches and you might be able to keep moving instead of awkward stops. 😊
Thanks. With the best will in the world, being short with short legs and arms AND also having way less upper body strength is a challenge most men don't fully comprehend. Doesn't mean we can't do it though. For me at the moment, weight is the biggest consideration. That's why I'll be starting on a Grom 😊
I have a nice boots now 🙌🏽😈
I’m not afraid anymore 🙈❤️
Thank you for recommending them 🥰
You're welcome 🤗
Looking for my Short friend a channel to get help with being a new rider and came across your channel and thought i know that voice i allways recommend you to females and short riders so this is perfect, great to see you doing a channel
Brilliant, thank you, I really appreciate that 😊
Dropin your bike is never funny a lad outside tescos dropped his nearly new mto9sp luckily i was just commin out he forgot to put the side stand down so he stayed under the bike to shild it from gettin scratched clever lad, i picked it up, no damage apart form a scratch on the mirror. Alas he was gutted. Gr8 vid keep rockin ✌️ 👍👍
Awww bless. Good job you were there to help, I expect he was very grateful 😊
Poor chap passed his test 6 months. only time he's dropped a bike, he said all the shoppers in the bloody big tescos windows distracted him. Lovely bike got attention eyes were on him and a mind fart just popped out, it can happen 😁✌️✌️
@@Craigravon very unfortunate 😔
Well said, I’m a shorty at 5’1” lowered my bike and wear Daytona lady Gt boots for some extra height and leg reach. Coming to a stop is always entertaining! 😂
It's certainly more challenging being small 😂
Good afternoon Leanne on this very windy and rainy day 🤣
great video for the little legs of this world 🤣🤣🤣
I am 5ft 2 too and had my bike lowered although was told id get use to it but !!
a day like today i like to know that when i stop in the wind i do have some foot on the ground and not waiting to get use to it 🤣( advice from the longer legs of this world )🤣🤣
I think adjust the bike to yourself is the same meaning as ride your own ride
I have seen some people under 5ft and they handle there bikes with no lowering kit on big bikes and they are very happy in their comfort zone.
as to picking bikes up and moving them around yes its all about practice and there are plenty of videos on here with ways of doing it..
i park at work forward then i turn the bike around on its side stand like they do in the shops etc so longs as your mindful and practice!! this it becomes easy and of course side stand must be of quality 🤣🤣
ops time for work
have a lovely Easter
stay safe and stay healthy
Kev
Thanks Kev. Quite right, although advice from others is sometimes useful, other times it really isn't, especially those who are not in the same shoes as us! Ahhhh I'm not a fan of using the sideatand to turn the bike round though. Not especially good for the stand, but each to their own. The sun is out today, hurray 🌞😁
I have quite the opposite problem, most bikes are too small for me physically, especially with lower spine tissue damage from an accident a few years ago. My Sprint ST1050, SV650S with handlebar conversion and lowered footrests and my 125s were all pretty bad for me and resulted in a lot of pain. Now I have a Pan Euro 1300 which is nearly there for me, just need the footpegs to be about half an inch lower and maybe the handlebars the same but higher and it'll be spotty-dog. I have an aftermarket seat which is much thicker on the highest seat level and it's tolerable for 3 hours, but anything more pain territory
It's very difficult to find the perfect bike when we have what shall I call it, "special requirements", for want of a better phrase. I spend hours deliberating over whether a new bike might or might not be suitable, for different reasons but still it takes a lot of thought and consideration, trial and error. I'm glad you've nearly found the perfect combination though 😊
Thank you
You're welcome 😊
I am finding all your videos so very helpful and informative
I’m a short guy only 5ft 5
I’ll definitely look at this once I’ve got my full license
Many thanks
I'm the same hight as you mate.. 5ft5... I passed my bike test on an yamaha mt07 about that was lowered for for learner riders and I could reach the floor I could nearly put my feet flat on it... the manual handling side of wasn't so bad but as long as you have one hand steering and on hand on the back of bike and Lean the bike towards you a little makes it easier.....
When I did my test I had as one to one but the rider instructors was alright for me as he let me keep redoing certain manual handling unlimited takes until I got it spot on.....
Also like what she said in the video if you know someone who's got a bike that would help to learn manual handling it would be easier too
You're welcome, I'm glad you're finding the channel useful 😊
@@liamcoomber94 thanks it’s great to get more feedback as well
Really appreciate it
@@motorcyclelessonsuk I have also shared your channel with another person that is finding some things a challenge in riding bikes so I said for him to check your channel as well 👍🏼
@@warhobbit7951 lovely, I hope it helps 😊 thank you.
Lots of sensible and useful advice. One trick you didn't mention was, and I cannot express this delicately, the bum slide, to the left or right side of the seat depending on which foot you want to put down.
Another thing is that the width of the seat matters a lot. Some bikes' seats are quite narrow at the front, so even if these are relatively high a shorter rider can slide forward a bit and touch the ground with both feet.
Purposely omissed the bum slide because it doesn't suit all riders, there's a lot of people who can't balance a bike and slide their own centre of balance to one side. You're right about the seat width, I did forget that 😂 thanks for adding it in, much appreciated 👍🏻
Sliding half an ass off the seat and wearing Adv boots is a pretty easy to fix on most naked bikes to get flat foot on one side.
Haha yes, but only if you have good balance within yourself to hold the bike upright whilst sliding to one side. It's quite easy for novices, or those who don't have very good innate balance, to overbalance and/or panic and grab the brake, causing a fall. Thanks 😊
I remember you saying 'the only person thats dropped this bike is me" when i was riding it 😂😂
And now you've seen the proof 😂😂
thanks. i have to push my bike through a thick big gravel patch, where i start the engine and maneuver it like that. But later this year I will put stronger pathway there
Thick gravel is very difficult! I'm impressed you manage it 👍🏻 A better path sounds very sensible.
The notes for my Mod1 next month are "Shorty" 😂 I can't wait to get stuck in.
Bril work by the way, thank you!
Haha, thanks and you're welcome 😊
you struggle with bikes at 250kg and over? So do we!!!! Love the videos, can you do some for us riders who have been around for years but have picked up bad habits please?
😂 oooh, I like that for an idea. I'll have a think about it and get it filmed soon, thank you 😊
I am 5’3 with a 28”inseam. I am used to putting my left foot down when coming to a stop then I will put my right foot down afterwards. I use both brakes and taper off the front when coming to a stop. I finish with more pressure on the rear brake. I really need to practice both feet down and get to know my front brake better. I have gotten into trouble when the left side of the road is lower. Not fun! 😊
This sounds very sensible to me. The camber can make all the difference - the key is in the assessment of it before you get there 😬😂
@@motorcyclelessonsuk 😊
Even in the early '80s you wouldn't believe how many bikes I sat on to find one the 'right' size. As you well know it's not just about seat height, the width of the seat (Kawasaki I'm looking at you back in the 80's KH400???) can be a deal breaker. I'm not a big fan of lowering bikes if I'm honest even when the manufacturer does it....BMW did a ST that was lowered, so uncomfortable just to sit on...felt like my knees were under my chin. Plenty of videos on here of short people riding adventure bikes using riding technique alone to ride bikes 'obviously too big for them'. What are your thoughts if they have the skills? At 5'-5"" and an inside leg of 28" I rode a BMW R100RT at an Open Day when I was 19...over 40 years ago...luckily I don't think I had to stop until I got back to the dealership..and I used the kerb to stand on. 🤣🤣🤣 It was quite a 'step up' from my Yamaha RS100 🤣🤣🤣
It's very much a case of doing what works for you. I think it's quite an individual thing, mainly because not everybody has the same innate sense of balance. Some people can easily slide off the seat to land whilst still holding the bike upright, others will lose their balance with the slightest of changes of their centre of gravity, so it's not easy to pass judgement. You're right about the seat heights and widths, they are very variable!
Brilliant advice and very funny.... showing male response at its best 😅
Haha, yes, very entertaining 😂
Hi Leanna. I'm 6'4" but even so, I really enjoyed this video - always something to gain from hearing what you say. I have a request for a possible upload of I may? I wonder if you could do something about making tight turns from a stop. There is one junction local to me where I need to make a left turn that goes beyond 90 degrees. Added to that, the road that you are turning into is a narrow section of a road that is a 40mph limit, so quite tricky. Cars tend to wait until both directions are clear which I do on the bike I case I go wide (which I tend to do). This isn't something that I ever got any training on so your expertise would be really helpful to build confidence. Thanks as ever.
Hi Phil, yes, I can. I've been trying to think of an acute turn from a standstill that is local. I think I have one in mind so I'll try to get it filmed soon 😊 Thanks again.
@@motorcyclelessonsuk brilliant! Thanks Leanna.
Hiya I have a quick question, I recently passed my mod 1 and have my mod 2 coming up, but my theory expires the same day as my test. Is it still possible to do the mod 2 on that day or do I need to try and rebook for sooner many thanks :)
As far as I'm aware, so long as it is not beyond the date of expiry on the theory pass certificate, you'll be fine to take the mod 2. You can always call the DVSA, or your local test cebtre to ask them. Thanks and good luck.
@@motorcyclelessonsuk thank you very much for the reply, u have put my mind at ease thanks again :)
I’m only 5”2 and chubby and 😢short legs do I really need to have a lowered bike
Nothing wrong with needing a lowered bike, I prefer it too 😊
Hi Leanna how’s you? 👋
I’m as you know at the other end of the height scale 6’4”, so as a learner rider 125’s aren’t the most accommodating bikes for tall riders like me 🙂
Haha yes, we are at opposite ends of the scale aren't we?! All good thanks, hope you are too 😊
@@motorcyclelessonsuk glad you’re ok. I’ll give you some of my height, how much would you like 🙂
I’m ok thanks 🙂
I’ve corrected my spelling hahah 🤣
Interested topic. I'm only 5ft 4. Pity the considerations that you mentioned are taken into consideration on the manual handling exercise on mod 1. I can't get a full licence because of the manual handling exercise. I have mobility, complex spinal, and weight bear issues and when off the bike I use a stick and my mobility chair to get me about. I can do all the other exercises in mod 1 no bother. I'm actually not allowed to do that exercise. My doctor and my advanced nurse practitioner don't want me doing it. I have broken down before and I just paddle the bike across the road or when I want to get it out backwards I do the same thing paddle. I can only ride cruisers because of the leg position. I Need foot forward controls. I ride my own big bikes with an instructor anyway, as thats all I can do till things change. Currently riding a 58kw with 79/80 bhp bike. I hope they get rid of mod 1 and go back to the single test.
When I did mod 1, the examiner was great, after the manual handling he lets you have a rest before carrying on.
@ShortyBikerUK Where did you do your test? Are you disabled?
My test center is Shieldhall Glasgow. It has officially been rated as the most difficult test centre in the UK with only a pass rate of 50%. They are not accommodating. I'm stuck on a cbt for 4 years now. I'm disabled. How do you expect someone like me to push a 300kg motorcycle from one parking bay to three parking bays down. I have to bring medical evidence to my test from the senior consultant at my doctors practice. That e'll be £200 please! I would also have to bring a letter from my lawyer to my test. The DVSA are in violation of the equal equality act. I'm more than happy to begin legal proceedings against them. Someone has to make a stand over this issue. It's totally unacceptable.
All I want to is to get my Harley-davidson with the sidecar platform from Watsonian on, so I can put my mobility chair on. I need something around 1800/1900cc with at least 100bhp. My mobility chair weights 100kg plus all my gear I need for my medical issues. Also all my gear for when I want to go touring. You are so lucky that your examiner let you have a rest.
That is most unfortunate. It sounds strange that there isn't an adjusted test for this, as being able to push a bike shouldn't preclude anyone from riding it. I really feel for you 😔
HI, i'm in Peterborough UK.@@anthonygreen5160
@motorcyclelessonsuk Thank you. I spoke to the chap that has his own channel PWR. Has training schools in Chorley and Manchester. He says that the DVSA examiners are usually very accommodating. What are they like where you are? I'm wondering to see if I can take my test elsewhere. I hardly ever go into Glasgow. It's just not somewhere I would ride or even have the desire to. I could take it on a bike with a sidecar but they will issue me with that sort of licence. I can't get insurance cos of being on a cbt. That's no good to me as I still want to be able to ride 2 wheels. I like off road cone competitions.
The next issue is that the DVSA inform the DWP when you have a full driving licence. I'm on disability benefits enhanced rate for mobility and daily living. They've started to penalise disabled people for having driving licenses. There are cameras at the test centre and I can't be seen pushing a 300kg + motorcycle round from 1 parking bay to another even if I could. I'd lose my disability benefits which I just cannot afford to. I lose access to care ,the lot and they'd take my equipment away.
I'm a member of benefits and work and a panel member for Social Security Scotland. This is how I know this information.
Licences should be issued by approved training bodies and not some person who doesn't know you from Adam, that sees your riding for 40 minutes. You as an instructor know your students. You would be more knowledgeable about a students riding ability to issue a full licence to them or not.
Being 5’5 with 28 inside leg I feel your pain ..
had my SV650 lowerd 30mm, Had a custom seat also . It’s leather and gel and I seem to sit slightly more into it now .
Getting the bike out the garage to us a pain . It’s downhill , then flat and then uphill!
I’m constantly planing as I ride , well, when I’m about to stop or park .
Yes , the taller ones have it easier for sure .
Haha, sounds similar to my garage, downhill into it, push the bike backwards up the drive to turn around, forwards, backwards, forwards, backwards 😂
I definitely used to sit "in" not "on" my TDM. But it was very comfortable and I stopped noticing after a while 😊
@@motorcyclelessonsuk
I bloody dropped it yesterday too , first time , stalled it fir some reason, why on earth I couldn’t get my right foot down ? Over I went , bruise on leg and a bent brake foot pedal .
It’s a learning experience..
Ran wide to on an acute left turn , my position was poor ..
love your lessons x
@@peterkenworthy9219 oh no! It happens, but it's quite useful in making us more careful in future. Now then... What exactly was the cause of the stall? Not enough revs or wrong gear? Analyse that and you'll probably avoid it again 😬 Thanks for your kind comments 😊
@@motorcyclelessonsuk
Insufficient revs ..
as for the acute left turn.
I’ve been advised , better road position closer to white line ( pos 3 so to speak. Slip the clutch and use of rear brake..
you could do a lesson on that !!
Yes, you’re a great tutor with a lovely style with your students ..
could have done with you for my DAS ..
ride safe ….
@@peterkenworthy9219 if the turn is exceptionally tight, the last place you want to be is position 3 unless you can see that there is nothing coming the other way. Otherwise you're putting yourself in a position where as yet unseen oncoming traffic could be cutting the corner off. Going slowly enough, in the correct gear, either with clutch out and a little rear brake to temper the speed, or slipping the clutch (depending on what is most helpful) should assist your handling of this. Going wide on the approach isn't always the safest thing to do especially if you can't see around the bend.
Have all the same problems so bought a honda rebel
I did, too. But then, something changed in my riding techniques and I found it uncomfortably low. Now ride a mainstream litre bike (830cm seat height) with no problems.
@@m2menuiserie540 did you buy stilts?
😂😂😂😂 this made me actually belly laugh
@@specialized500 I wondered about stilts but, no, I just practised a lot, especially very low speed riding, polished my skills and regained confidence. There are loads of videos on UA-cam on this theme, about 20% of which are worth watching. I include this contributor among them.
I had a situation where I parked my motorcycle on the street and the end of the street was going slightly down.
I couldn’t straight my motorcycle after 🥲
Haha yes this has happened to me too, luckily with people about to give me a push back upright 😂🤔🤦🏻♀️