Depending on the type of usage, motorcycle seat height (or saddle height) must be carefully chosen. It particularly plays an important role when going on long-distance rides. In this guide, we are going to explain the accurate importance of motorcycle seat height and inside tips about choosing one.
Motorbike seat height is usually measured in inches, but riders must take into account that even a few millimetres should not be dodged. A difference in height, however minor, can make you feel uncomfortable during the ride.
WHAT DOES MOTORCYCLE SEAT HEIGHT MEAN?
Motorbike seat height is measured from the ground and up to the lowest point of the seat when the motorcycle is resting in its upright position, with no tilt. However, as a result of different conditions such as passenger and rider weight as well as suspension settings, the measurements can still differ once you actually ride.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT MOTORCYCLE SEAT HEIGHTS?
As we mentioned earlier, different types of motorbikes have different specs for seat/saddle height. There is ideally no one size fits all – instead, there are a wide variety of shapes and sizes engineered according to the purpose of your motorcycle. Hence, various engineering and styling variables create different effects on your saddle as well as your ability to reach the ground.
Below you will find a variety of motorbikes and the dissimilarity in their seat heights.
SPORT/SUPER-SPORT MOTORBIKES
Since they are designed to withstand greater impact, sport motorbikes have little cushioning and hard suspensions. This makes the seat tough and firm which is not really preferred for a comfy ride, and it also doesn’t vary much upon loading. The seat height is ideally within the reach of the average height rider, whereas there are taller saddles to allow for greater leaning. If this type of saddle seat fits your requirements, you may opt to buy a used sports bike in the UAE.
NAKED MOTORBIKES
The seat height of naked motorbikes is in an accessible range, with a tad bit softer suspension settings to enable the rider to lower the seat. And since the seat is cushier itself, the weight gives it a push in.
CRUISER MOTORBIKES
If you wish to buy a used cruiser motorbike in the UAE, then here is what you need to know about its saddle seat. Cruiser motorbikes are fancier with their engines ahead of the rider and seats much lower to the ground. Therefore, with all the extra room, the saddle can easily be positioned closer to the ground on cruiser motorbikes.
OFF-ROAD MOTORBIKES
The motorcycle seat height for this one is slightly taller, as compared to cruiser motorbikes, but nevertheless, their narrow saddles allow the easy placing of both feet on the ground. Thus, buying a used off-road motorcycle in the UAE is perfect for those who have seat height issues.
TOURING/SPORT-TOURING MOTORBIKES
With around the same height as their peers, touring motorcycles have wider seats to facilitate maximum comfort. But since this forces the rider to spread their legs further away, it makes the rider reach the ground with lesser ease. Therefore, while seat height is crucial, the inner leg curve is much more critical to riding. However, despite this fact, if you are interested in investing in one, then you may opt to buy a used touring motorbike in the UAE.
TRAIL/MAXI-TRAIL MOTORBIKES
Trail motorbikes are off-road in nature but with bigger wheels. Hence, the ground clearance must also be bigger to not scrape the ground. As a result, short heighted riders can encounter difficulty by riding trail or maxi-trail motorbikes as the combination of high-seat height and heavier weight falters the balance.
A FEW TIPS FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDERS
We understand the dilemma of motorbike riders who find it difficult to place their feet on the ground on most types of motorcycles. Given that we have discussed motorcycle seat height and its significance concerning the motorbike’s functionality, below are some tips you can apply to solve your plight.
- Your choice of foot protection matters. If you’re wearing boots, they will offer more cash protection and the thick soles will make contact with the pavement.
- Steer your motorcycle and lean towards the side you are putting your leg down. With this tilt, you will form a tripod that would make for a stable stop.
- If you are a regular rider, you would know that you can stand on just one foot on either side when you are resting on the motorbike. If it’s an off-road pilot beneath you, ideally go for the higher side.
Motorcycle seat height depends on various factors that we discussed above. Whether you are buying a used motorcycle in the UAE or a new one, you must first get on the motorcycle to gauge how the suspensions give in as per their weight and then judge the width of the seat. Besides, those who wish to invest in a new motorcycle can head to the motorcycle showrooms in the UAE.
The key point, nevertheless, is observing how far you feel safe and comfortable riding on it. Besides the seat height, at the end of the day, the weight of the motorbike itself can affect your comfort level and posture. Lightweight motorcycles can be held up on the tip of your toes, whereas heavier models may allow you to stand firmly on both feet.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information about different vehicle parts, repair/maintenance guides and useful tips.
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