Do you want to travel the roads by motorcycle, but your size makes you hesitant about which model to choose?
The passion for motorcycling is available to everyone, regardless of your stature. There are plenty of ways to make you feel comfortable on the road. In this article, we give you practical advice for choosing the right motorcycle for your body type, and how Good Motors Agency can become your ideal road partner, allowing you to rent the right motorcycle adapted to your size.
The challenges faced by small bikers
The difficulty in taking good support on the ground
One of the main challenges for smaller riders is being able to put their feet flat on the ground. A crucial step in maintaining balance when stopping or at low speeds, for example when waiting at a red light or when maneuvering in a traffic jam. Being able to put your feet firmly on the ground makes it possible to better stabilize the motorcycle and reduce the risk of tipping over, especially on irregular or slippery surfaces (gravel, markings on the ground, private roads, etc.). Apart from the exception of being used to operating a motorcycle stationary on one foot, the other being on the selector, the rule is to be able to put both feet flat on the ground without difficulty!
The feeling of not being in total control
Not feeling in total control of your motorcycle can affect the confidence you can have in your own ability to make a trip, whether it's a daily commute or a long ride. A motorcycle adapted to your body type is essential to develop peaceful confidence on the road.
Choose a lightweight bike with a low center of gravity to make it easier to handle and build confidence from the first few kilometers. A low center of gravity means that the weight of the bike is distributed closer to the ground, making the bike more stable, especially at low speeds or during tight maneuvers. Our models like the Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber or the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 are designed in this way, making them ideal for riders who want a bike that is easier to control. This configuration also reduces the feeling of tipping when cornering and improves handling, especially for beginner riders or those who feel less comfortable using heavier bikes.
Sometimes more limited control of orders
Reaching orders comfortably can be a challenge. For example, when you have to brake or activate the clutch quickly, having handlebars or levers that are too far apart makes these actions difficult and tiring, especially in heavy traffic situations or in the city. Handlebars or levers that are too far away limit control and increase fatigue, especially during daily trips such as commuting, where frequent stops and maneuvers quickly become exhausting.
Choose bikes with adjustable controls or make changes to adapt the bike to your body type. For example, you can have a handlebar clamp installed, specially designed to allow the handlebars to come closer to you, which in a few centimeters can considerably improve your grip on the controls, as well as driving comfort.
Increased safety
A suitable motorcycle reduces the risk of accidents associated with a loss of control. For example, a motorcycle with an appropriate seat height allows you to put your feet better on the ground, which reduces the risk of imbalance at stops. In addition, an ergonomic driving position, where the arms and legs are well aligned and relaxed, reduces the risk of pilot errors by 20%. This means that necessary movements, such as changing directions or braking, are performed with greater precision and less fatigue, which contributes to safer everyday driving.
Driving comfort
A good fit between rider and motorcycle improves comfort during trips, reducing muscle tension and fatigue. For example, a motorcycle with a seat at the right height allows you to keep your knees slightly bent, avoiding leg pain during long trips. Likewise, a well-positioned handlebar limits tension in the shoulders and back. These adjustments not only reduce physical fatigue, but also mental fatigue, allowing you to stay focused on the road and make the most of every moment, whether it's for a drive in the countryside or for daily trips around town.
Tips for choosing a bike that fits your size
Check and adjust seat height
Seat height is one of the most important criteria, but not the only criterion to take into account, however. At the end of the article, we provide you with a summary table of the seat heights of our machines!
On this point it is possible to modify certain characteristics of the bike of your dreams.
Modify the saddle
One of the most easily conceivable solutions is simply to change the saddle, or to have it dug! The advantage lies mainly in the behavior of the motorcycle, which will not be affected by a purely mechanical modification. Depending on the number of centimeters missing, it is possible to have it dug more or less, while keeping in mind that comfort on the road will be impacted! The price varies from a hundred euros, to several hundred depending on what you want to install or modify.
The lowering kit
Another solution lies in the installation of a lowering kit, which can allow you to gain several centimeters depending on the model, which is no small thing! To do this, be sure to check with your dealer, it is indeed very important to choose the right kit for your machine. Concretely, the lowering kit replaces the original suspension rod, at the level of the rear shock absorber, which makes it possible to lower the height of the motorcycle by a few millimeters. The longer the tie rod, the lower your bike will be (you will also have to remember to balance the size delta by raising the fork tubes in the front suspension, this is about half the gain obtained by changing the rear link).
Adjusting the shock absorber
More technical, but it is possible to adjust the shock absorber preload. This is not without consequences, as it will change the overall behavior of the bike. To lower the rear slightly, simply reduce the spring preload. Be careful though, it will make the bike more flexible. This can be a delicate operation, so we recommend that you consult a professional before making these adjustments.
Adapted boots!
Finally, a last option is simply to buy platform boots, a practical and accessible solution to improve stability. These boots offer an additional height of a few centimeters, making it easy to make up for the slight differential that may have been missing, but which nevertheless makes all the difference.
The impact of saddle width
A narrow saddle allows you to better place your feet on the ground. Models like the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 offer a slim seat that's ideal for smaller riders.
To determine if a motorcycle is suitable for your body type, it is important to measure the inseam arc length. This arch combines both the height of the saddle and its width: it is this parameter that will define whether you can put your feet on the ground safely. For example, two bikes with the same seat height can behave very differently depending on their width. A motorcycle with a narrower seat will allow you to rest your feet better, while a wider one may get in the way. It is therefore crucial to take these two aspects into account before making your choice.
The weight of the motorcycle
Lighter bikes are more maneuverable because they have reduced inertia, which allows the rider to respond more quickly to quick changes of direction or maneuvers at low speeds. The inertia of a motorcycle depends on its weight and the distribution of that weight; a light motorcycle requires less force to be set in motion or stopped, which improves handling, especially in the city or in heavy traffic conditions. In addition, a lighter motorcycle generates less centrifugal force when cornering, allowing the rider to lean more easily and resume the trajectory with greater precision.
On this last point there is no absolute truth, a person of small stature can quite drive a really heavy bike, it's all a question of experience and habit, as is often the case when it comes to riding a motorcycle.
The center of gravity
A low center of gravity on the motorcycle improves its stability, in fact reducing the tilting effect of the motorcycle, especially during sudden turns or stops. A motorcycle with a low center of gravity reduces the tipping moment, which is the force that acts to make the bike lean in a turn. It also improves inertia control, making it easier to maneuver at low speeds. When cornering, the centrifugal force that acts on the motorcycle is better managed thanks to a lower center of gravity, which gives a feeling of increased safety and greater control of the vehicle. For example, the Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber is renowned for its low center of gravity, offering better control on the road.
Why rent a suitable motorcycle with Good Motors Agency
Varied selection of suitable models
We offer a wide range of motorcycles adapted to all body types. Among our models, you will find options specially selected to ensure comfort and maneuverability. For example, cruisers like the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 (740mm) and Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber (785mm) offer low seat height and a low center of gravity, perfect for better stability. Roadsters such as the Yamaha XSR 125cc (815mm) combine moderate height and light weight for excellent handling, even for beginner riders. For trail lovers, the Royal Enfield Himalayan (800 mm) is a good compromise, offering accessible height and excellent comfort on long trips. Each model is carefully selected to guarantee comfort and safety.
Responsive and flexible customer service
With a presence in more than 12 cities in France, Good Motors Agency greatly facilitates rental by offering flexible hours and the possibility of returning the motorcycle at a point other than the point of departure. Our branches are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to meet all needs. Our customer service is at your service from 9 am to 7 pm every day, and remains available at night for emergencies. We make it a point of honor to provide personalized support, in order to guarantee a smooth and worry-free rental experience.
Test comfort before buying
Renting a motorcycle at Good Motors Agency is a great opportunity to test the comfort and adaptability of a model before buying it, especially if you have doubts about its compatibility with your size. For example, if you are wondering if the Royal Enfield Himalayan is suitable for your height or if you could be more comfortable on a Royal Enfield Meteor, renting will allow you to get a clear idea before engaging.
The advantages of renting before buying are multiple:
- A real driving experience: Riding in real conditions gives you a better idea of how the bike behaves on different types of roads.
- Assessment of comfort over time: A short test is not always enough to detect the discomforts that may appear on long trips, leaving for a whole day (or even longer) is essential to be sure not to regret your purchase later
- Informed decision: After testing the bike, you will be in a position to make a purchase choice that is more thoughtful and adapted to your needs.
Good Motors Agency allows you to rent different models, in order to compare and find the motorcycle that best suits you before making a purchase.
Conclusion
The road awaits you, no matter what size you are. With the right bike choice and a few adjustments, you can live your passion for motorcycling to the fullest. Good Motors Agency is here to support you in this adventure, with a selection of adapted motorcycles and tailor-made advice.
Whether for a stay in the Alps starting from lyons, or a one-week road trip in the Pyrenees from biarritz, we can help you prepare for your two-wheeler trip. We also provide helmets and gloves suitable for all sizes, from XS to XL. Our offer also includes insurance that covers you in all countries of the European Union!
Do not wait any longer! Book your bike now by going to our home page, and participate in our survey to choose the bikes that will be in our catalog next season!
