5 Problems only short Bikers will understand! - and ways to solve them.
Here are 5 problems only Short Bikers will understand and ways to solve them. Being a shorter biker comes with its fair share of obstacles and a lot of the times it can be challenging. Luckily, you’re in the right place, I, as a petite biker myself understand short biker problems, and through the years I’ve discovered some creative ways to solve them.
1. It's not easy finding a bike you love and one you can reach the ground on.
Stating the obvious. But bikes are limited when it comes to shorter riders. Most shorter riders have accepted a life of choppers and cruisers – because you can be sure you will be able to get your foot flat on the ground. However, there are other options, even if it seems like a struggle. I had to go through 5 bikes to find the one that worked for me, but hopefully, with petitebikers now existing you won’t have too.
Solution?
This may be obvious again, but do your research, before you go bike hunting, make sure you have some ideas on the bikes that work for you. Join the Petitebikers Instagram, there is a section called petitebikers around the world where you can find a range of other short riders and the bikes they ride – they’ve already researched the tough parts, so you can save some time. I’ve even written a blog post of bikes for shorter riders, here.
2. You always have to double check where you can park.
Have you ever parked downhill into a parking spot and directly regretted it. There have been times I have big bruises on my shins, attempting to roll the bike backward. And let’s be honest, the hill doesn’t even need to be steep.
Solution?
Learn how to park strategically. I always look for flat, no bumps, easy entry and exit parking spots where I can be certain I won’t have issues getting the bike out. But if you’re a new rider and if parking makes you especially nervous, try google street viewing ahead of time so you’re mentally prepared where you can park when going shopping, or visiting friends.
3. Whenever you stop at a traffic light, or stop sign, you check the evenness of the road ahead.
You know that feeling you get when missing a step, that’s the same feeling shorter riders get when they stop and there is a pothole on the leg they’re putting down. It just takes a few cm of unevenness and that bike can come tumbling down. Luckily my bike has never tumbled but there have been moments my stomach nearly jumped out.
Solution?
So the art of looking ahead becomes second nature. If you’re new, make sure you keep this point in mind. Especially if the roads where you are have a lot of uneven bumps.
4. People always ask you, how do YOU, (yes you short person) ride a motorcycle?
Some people may argue this isn’t a problem, but after the 100th time, it becomes a problem. I know people are surprised because motorcycles are huge, and not built for shorter riders, so yes it’s not something people see every day. But hey, I’m not alone, there are a lot of shorter riders out there.
Solution?
Solving this will take a collective change, the more petite bikers out there means the more coverage they have, within the industry and the world. So it won’t be a shock to see shorter riders it will be as common as a woman car driver. So help us all and convince ALL your shorter friends to get their motorcycle licenses.
5. Going to buy motorcycle gear is like a treasure hunt.
You’re lucky if you find something that actually fits. The amount of times I’ve been to bike shops to look for motorcycle gear and left feeling exhausted, because everything in the store didn’t fit. Now I just order gear online – and wish for the best.
Solution?
To be honest this is something I am still working on. My go to motorcycle leggings are the GoGo Kevlar leggings. But I still need to do a lot more research in order to find gear I can recommend. Do you have any brands that you can recommend? Leave a comment below.
My girlfriend is 5’1” and 110 lbs at her heaviest. We are having a very difficult time finding good protective gear for her. Can you suggest anything at all?
Hi Michael! Thanks for getting in touch. I recently proposed that comment to the petitebikers community in my Instagram (click here) . I myself have the GoGo kevlar Jeans and I love them – Not only are they fully kevlar but they also have knee and hip protective gear and my leather jacket is from Held – but I feel like It’s still not as perfect as I wish.
Buffalo Jackets (hard to find, try ebay) fit petite girls without bunching up. Im 5ft and their jackets fit me really well.
Gearchic (Joanne Donn) at RevZilla was incredibly helpful to me when I was searching for gear. She steered my towards brands that have shorter inseams (like Bull-it) so I was able to find protective brands that fit my short, stubby legs.
I got my leggings from Revzilla. I’m 5.5”. I got the Alpinestars Banshee Women’s Leggings. They were $179. They were nice for my curvy figure. A little stiff at first but they got better.
Here’s more info on the protective elements:
Full aramid fiber lining provides abrasion resistance and CE level 1 armor at the knees soaks up impact energy. Be sure to add the optional hip armor to upgrade to full CE protection. The Alpinestars Banshee Women’s Leggings provide curve hugging protection so you can attack apexes on your next ride.
Directly from Revzilla.com
I totally understand all of these issues! At 5’’4 I have dropped bikes too many times to count! I have a ninja zx-6( lowered) a 2017 ninja650( my all time favorite bike! It actually fits me so well) and I just started adventure riding this year. For that I got a Versys 300- these bikes are challenging because so tall! But- I am working again on getting better at taller bikes. But- I still am very careful about where I can park or get out!!
Thanks Susan for sharing this :-).
I almost forgot- gear! I found a place in Denver that sells Rev’it gear – it’s made fir women!!
Hi all! New to riding (3 months), and shorter than short! (5’1″). I was happy to see lots of others having maneuvering and potential bike dropping issues; I have already dropped my bike 3 times! One thing I suggest if possible; get a nice cushioning (like an old yoga mat), GENTLY place your bike down, and practice getting it up a few times. The only thing worse than dropping your bike in the street is to not be able to pick it up.
And as for gear, I have the added challenge of hips and a butt, so jackets that fit my shoulders and chest dont zip or fall too low. Any suggestions?