People often make the mistake of going for heavier and fancier bikes. Though these bikes are dreamy and fantastic, they might not always be the right one for you. The right motorcycle will be easy for your body to handle. It should be comfortable for your hands, feet, and backside. In a nutshell, you should be comfortably positioned. For now, you might be tempted to pick a bike based on its features and aesthetics. However, before making that mistake, give this article a thorough read.
Why is it Essential to Choose A Bike With A Proper Fit:
Importance of Proper Fit
Choosing the right bike size might look all about comfort, but it is more than that. A right-sized bike can also be essential for your safety. It can prevent short-term and long-term injuries. Remember that the position of your body is also dependent on the bike size. Bike fit also tends to impact control. Here are some issues that you might face with an incorrect bike fit:
- Riding the wrong bike fit can give you back pain and poor posture.
- It can be fatiguing if you constantly have to stretch to access brakes or the ground.
- If you spend a lot of time riding a too big or small bike, your wrists and knees will begin to ache and receive a lot more pressure.
- When the bike is not the right fit for you, the risk of crashes and accidents also increases substantially. With improper bike fit, you'll be giving up a lot of control, which is not recommended.
About Proper Fit
When we talk about good fit, what do we mean? Are we referring to the bike size? Well, you can understand all about it in-depth below:
- Hands: A well-fitting bike would be the one which is easy for your hands to access. All the switches in the bike should be well within reach of your fingertips. The same thing applies to the front brakes and clutch levers. They should be angled for your fingertips to reach them naturally. As for the handlebars, they shouldn't feel uncomfortable or unbearably heavy to clasp. Heavy handlebars make it difficult to negotiate narrow spaces and u-turns. You need to understand whether you are comfortable with a lower, higher, narrower, or broader bar.
- Feet: Your feet should easily be able to touch the rear brakes. Additionally, you should be able to operate the shifter without sliding your foot off the peg. Make sure to pick a motorcycle with an adjustable footpeg position.
- Saddle: On some days, you might have to ride the motorcycle for hours at a stretch. In such a situation, having uncomfortable seating can be painstaking. The saddle should be comfortable and ergonomically designed. Also, the saddle affects how your feet reach the ground. The seat height should be just about tall enough for you to plant both your feet firmly on the ground. The best thing to do here would be to customise the seat height to your requirements
When you pick a bike suitable for you, it will enhance the riding experience and safety. A heavier motorcycle will ultimately become a burden and be problematic to handle.
