There are many factors to consider when choosing a motorcycle, such as your experience level, your riding style and preferences, and your budget. As you decide on the criteria for your next motorcycle purchase, remember to consider your height and weight! If your motorcycle is a poor fit, it may cause you pain or discomfort, or even threaten your safety.
This guide from Honda Parts Direct explains how to select a motorcycle that fits your height and weight, so you can ride with confidence. If you need more advice on buying a motorcycle, please feel free to contact us! Honda Parts Direct is your trusted online source for Honda® motorcycle parts, serving customers from around the world.
Finding the Right Height
Most of the time, you can easily tell if a motorcycle is the correct height for your needs just by sitting on it. Taking measurements may not give you the most accurate picture, because the seat height will be affected by how the suspension responds to your weight. The width of the seat is another important variable, as a wider seat will lift your legs further from the ground.
Sitting on the motorcycle – or better yet, taking it for a test ride – is the best way to know for certain whether the seat is the correct height for your needs. Your footwear may also have an impact on seat height, so make sure to wear your riding boots when testing out motorcycles.
Making Height Adjustments
If you can’t find a motorcycle that fits you perfectly from the start, don’t be discouraged: most motorcycles can be adjusted and fine-tuned to meet your individual needs. Sometimes, simply adjusting the suspension makes all the difference: a softer suspension will sink under your weight and position your feet closer to the ground. You can also customize the seat height by swapping out the seat for a thicker or thinner alternative.
Finding the Right Weight Capacity
When looking at the weight capacity of a motorcycle, remember that your bike will be carrying more than just your own body weight. At a bare minimum, you should always store an emergency kit and some repair tools on your bike – but you might also want to save room for groceries, sports equipment, or even a passenger. Meanwhile, the gasoline and fluids your motorcycle needs to operate also add about 50 lbs to its weight.
Overloading your bike can cause serious maintenance issues, and may even lead to an accident. Erring on the side of caution is always the best approach. If you need a bike that can handle heavy loads, you should seek out a model with a large and powerful engine. Cruisers, three-wheelers, and touring models are all great options to consider.
We hope you found this information helpful! If you need to customize your Honda motorcycle for a better fit, you can find all the parts you need here on our website. Honda Parts Direct is based out of Palestine, TX, and we offer international shipping and free local pickup.