10 tips for small bikers: Adjustments of motorcycles

I love motorcycles and adventures. I have no problem with taking a motorbike and getting lost on the roads. I am a man that measures 1.70 meters. I have no problem using any motorcycle and riding on it... the problem is when I stop and put my feet on the floor. Experience and training is required to control any motorcycle, small or large.These are my 10 tips to choose your ideal motorcycle and configure it correctly.

1. Buy a motorcycle that suits you

You can be captivated by the last, magnificent and tremendous motorcycle adventure, or you can choose a motorcycle that best fits and serves your need. Do not worry about the bikes your popular friends hang around. Buy a bike that fits you best.

2. The measurement of the tires

Adventure bikes usually come with 21 “or 19” front tires. Both measures are good for uncovering and asphalt. Those of 21 “are for more difficult terrains in off road, those of 19” are for a less aggressive handling. A larger size on the front tire usually translates to more aggressive handling, longer suspension travel, more ground clearance and a raised seat. If you have an ability for aggressive uncovering, you probably want a large diameter front tire. But if you have a more casual driving mode and less skill, a 19 “front tire can have a much more comfortable seat.

3. Suspension

The suspension, the path of the front and rear rims to absorb ground deformities, can be complicated and affects the handling and comfort characteristics. Releasing the triple clamps allows the fork to be raised, causing the weight of the motorcycle to lower at the front. This quick adjustment affects the geometry and handling of the motorcycle. Just make sure that the front bumper does not hit the bottom of the bike when the damper is compressed when braking. Although a better solution is to visit an expert company in suspension to modify the internal part of the fork to limit the travel of the fork. Depending on your weight, an appropriate spring will give you better control of the bike and more comfortable handling.

Ideally, any change made to the front suspension should be the same as the rear suspension. Some motorcycles connect the rear suspension to the swingarm with rods. These rods can be changed to lower the rear suspension of the motorcycle. In other cases, the rear suspension is directly connected to the swingarm. For this case, it is worth paying for a professional to customize the suspension according to your weight and driving style. And do not forget that if you lower the suspension you will also need to shorten the side support of the bike. A good welder can adjust this in an instant.

4. The height of the seat

The specifications of the seat height are available, but the width is not. The width of the seat has a dramatic effect when it comes to reaching the floor with your feet. A narrow seat allows you to reach the floor much easier than with a wide seat, with which, the legs are opened at a greater angle, making it difficult to reach the floor with confidence. In the market we can find many seating options for recognized brands of motorcycles. On the other hand, we can find professionals in seats that can offer us different types of materials and designs, to modify your seat without sacrificing your comfort.

5. Footrests

The low seats can leave your legs tight. Installing low footrests can give your legs more space. Keep in mind that if you have large stirrups on your bike, that can also affect your reach to the ground. After installing the large size in my motorcycle adventure, I almost fell at a traffic light when I tried to lower my foot and the wider and longer footrests hooked my leg pant.

6. The weight

Weight is important I’ll start with some typical weights on several bikes. The dirt-bikes usually weigh less than 109 kg, the dual-sport weigh less than 163 kg, and Adventure bikes with everything weigh more than 227 kg.

7. Center of gravity

The center of gravity of the bikes affects the ability to balance them. A low center of gravity is more stable than when you have a high center of gravity. That is why we try to have our heavy luggage in a lowest possible position of the motorcycle. Weight, combined with the center of gravity, is important for short riders. Especially in women. Why? Because women have 40% less muscle mass than men, Estro translates into less strength in the upper body. Most women rely on the strength of their legs to control the bike.

8. Electronic ignition

This tip applies to dirt-bike and dualsport. The electronic ignition is your best friend. When you do not have this type of ignition, on a large motorcycle, you have to look for a balanced point in the uncovered to put the bike and turn on the leg. In the case of an electronic system it is much easier.

9. Handlebar

By adjusting the handlebar and placing it in a comfortable position you can have a better control of the bike. The handlebar extenders can be used to raise, lower, move forward or backward the handlebar for a better fit. This can reduce fatigue and improve the maneuverability of the bike in difficult terrain.

10. The controls

Adjustable and flexible clutch levers and brake are a great investment. The flexible levers do not break when we fall. The adjustable cams can be modified so that we have easy access with the length of our fingers, giving us more control. Some bikers fight by activating the clutch. A smoother spring in the clutch assembly helps us to not be so hard. If this is not an option, they can look for longer cams or make them to measure. Keeping the guayas clean and lubricated will also make a difference.