Confirmed: This is how the most common fear of riding a motorcycle disappears

Studying a motorcycle's measurements is very important advice to keep in mind. Some data tell you whether a motorcycle is suitable for you or not.

Excessive seat height from the motorcycle to the ground could be a problem if you are a user of below-average height. Let's see what solutions exist to find an extra dose of safety in this aspect when riding your motorcycle.

The seat height of a motorcycle from the ground can reduce the rider's confidence depending on different factors, not just the distance itself from the ground.

There are many elements at play when talking about proper ergonomics, for which the rider's perspective is so vital that it could make them give up if they "don't see it clearly."

What is your motorcycle?

Let's start step by step. Perhaps the first step, precisely because of how obvious it is, should be considered from the beginning.

What type of motorcycle are we talking about?

As is logical, a trail or even just off-road will offer longer suspension to absorb all kinds of irregularities.

In that case, if you are one of those with rather short legs, difficulties will inevitably arise.

Is your motorcycle too tall? Solutions

There are users who dare to ride any trail regardless of the problems they entail. Is it a fashion effect or pure courage?

The ideal would be to reach the ground with your feet without having to perform "circus tricks" or anticipate movements and actions before every stop.

As could not be otherwise, brands are not unaware of this issue.

Brands like BMW, KTM, Ducati, or Triumph offer future owners of their respective trail models adjustable seats in height.

It's not complicated at all: you switch between different anchor points and check how the seat lets you stretch your legs more or less to reach the ground.

Perhaps while riding you find that you have to bend your legs too much, which is not pleasant especially if you are going to enjoy a long day at the controls.

What is most important here for riders with short legs?

Reaching the ground well, so any small design effort that manages to reduce the overall height of the motorcycle will be welcome.

The seat height, or the whole motorcycle?

The answer to this question is... both! In many cases, both are viable.

The seat is just one part of the whole, but if we manage to lower a few centimeters (1 in. = 2.54 cm) the height "of everything," the goal will be considered achieved.

Be careful, because before getting down to work we may have simpler solutions available.

As mentioned: don't forget to ask at the dealership what distance their "very low height" seat provides or, better yet, get on it right there.

If even so you are not convinced, there is no need to worry, at least for now. There are certain tricks applicable to certain motorcycles.

Long-travel suspensions

As you know, trail bikes are tall as such, but the good news is that "there is room" to lower... in principle.

If you lower the total height of the motorcycle, the ground clearance is also reduced at critical points like the footpegs or the kickstand.

Remember that both parts have been designed as "a whole," although perhaps you would have to be very aggressive riding to actually scrape something on the ground...

By lowering the height, the required effort is less. If you transfer this to a 100 percent asphalt motorcycle, the issue will be more delicate.

Therefore, before working on the suspensions, do so on less "tricky" matters like the padding of your seat.

Trim the padding by removing the upholstery, work on the inner cushioning, and then close it again by sewing or reupholstering.

More complicated, but not always impossible

Let's move on to the fork. To begin with, the height of the triple clamp will be lower and the bars higher.

With this, you have already gained something in the front end, as long as the front fairing doesn't end up "kissing" the fender with every braking.

If that were the case, you would have to act on the amount of oil in search of a "preventive" stop, before the fairing and the fender come together.

Less material...

There are those who directly cut the fork tubes to eliminate part of their travel and thus lower the height of the motorcycle.

This is a maneuver that requires expert hands and whose result is even sought after in sports specialties like supermotard.

What about the shock absorber? Brands like Ducati have offered the option to modify the height with a greater or lesser distance than the standard one.

The measurement of the linkages also plays an important role in the progressiveness of the rear suspension's operation.

It affects the ideal geometry and, therefore, the ground clearance. Even changing or modifying the original spring could yield results.

The best advice

Today, designs are more streamlined, so it's not necessary to move your legs away from the tank or the center of the motorcycle to reach the ground.

Perhaps the best advice would be to go to a trusted workshop so they can make all the necessary modifications to adapt your motorcycle.

Step by step and with the help of professionals, you will manage to fine-tune everything to the maximum, which is what you really need.