Choosing your first motorcycle or new motorcycle

Part 1 - How do I choose a motorcycle for fit my body ?

Does it fit ?

I'm starting with a rarely examined aspect of choosing a bike. Namely your body shape. When reading this be completely honest.

Does that following describe you :

Extra tall
Make sure you have adequate space for ALL your body parts.
Remember that not all your body parts a extra long.
Eg. You may have long legs but proportionally shorter torso.

Short legs
Make sure you can touch the ground comfortably.

Short arms
Make sure you can reach the bars without stretching too much.
If your willing to compromise then at least you've considered it and can't blame the bike.

Long legs
Make sure your legs 'fit' Fried leg hairs and skin ain't pretty.
Note : noise emissions details or the oil capacity of the engine should not be burnt into your leg.

Heavy weight
Let's be realistic make sure you are comfortable. If you have to ride a 250 you know what I mean.

Big feet
All motorcycles require that you can co-ordinate reasonably well.
Big feet will hinder your control so make sure the bike you have has enough space for them.
If you are blessed?? with long legs AND big feet it this is even more important.

Back problems
Riding position on the bike will make you feel comfortable so choose well.
Of course don't expect a sports bike to be ultra comfy the position is like that so you can control the bike.

Hands and wrists
Your bike's handle bars are a very important aspect of the bike.
Most bikes try to cater for everyone hence a compromise.
Try out the bars to see if its to your liking ensuring it doesn't place your arms wrists at an uncomfortable angle.
See if it can be adjusted or replaced if it doesn't quite fit.
Remember to check out the span to the brake and clutch levers.
Not all motorcycles have span adjusters.
If you have a sports bike it is highly likely that you will eventually lean on your wrists causing severe pain so take a rest every so often.
Of course don't expect a sports bike to be ultra comfy after all the position is like that so you can control the bike.

Your Butt
Every has one and it is pretty important that you find a bike that fits yours the best way possible. Note that some seats are great for up to 1 hour and after that they 'suddenly' turn to steel. There are heaps of after market seats so its clear that the OEM versions don't fit everyone. (OEM - Original Equipment)

As you can see there are many combinations

As you can see there are heaps of factors that will effect how comfortable you are on the bike...aside from the bike its self. Remember that there aren't generally many aftermarket parts you can get easily to fit you to your motorcycle perfectly.

All these things will effect how happy you are with you bike especially once the novelty has worn off !
Any bike when first ridden will feel great so even if at stand still check out weather you are happy with the feel.
If you're willing to compromise on comfort then at least you're aware of it - if anything else....

Go to Part II