Renting the right motorcycle for your size: our guide

You want to hit the open road on a motorcycle, but your size makes you hesitate about which model to choose?

The passion of motorcycling is accessible to everyone, whatever your stature. There are many ways to make sure you feel comfortable on the road. In this article, we'll give you some practical advice on how to choose the right bike for you, and how Good Motors Agency can become your ideal partner on the road, allowing you to rent the right bike for your size.

Challenges faced by smaller riders

Difficulty gaining a firm foothold on the ground

One of the main challenges for shorter riders is to be able to put their feet flat on the ground. This is crucial for maintaining balance when stopping or riding at low speed, for example when waiting at a red light or maneuvering in a traffic jam. Being able to place your feet firmly on the ground helps stabilize the motorcycle and reduces the risk of tipping over, especially on uneven or slippery surfaces (gravel, road markings, private paths, etc.). Apart from the exception of being used to operating a stationary motorcycle on one foot, with the other on the gearshift, the rule is to be able to place both feet flat on the ground without difficulty!

The feeling of not being in total control

Not feeling in total control of your bike can affect your confidence in your own ability to ride, whether it's a daily commute or a long ride. A bike that's adapted to your body shape is essential to developing serene confidence on the road.

Choose a lightweight motorcycle with a low center of gravity to make it easier to handle and boost confidence from the very first kilometers. A low center of gravity means that the bike's weight is distributed closer to the ground, making it more stable, especially at low speeds or during tight maneuvers. Our models like the Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber or the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 are designed this way, making them ideal for riders who want a bike that's easier to control. This configuration also reduces the sensation of tipping over when cornering and improves handling, especially for beginners or those who feel less at ease with heavier bikes.

Limited control over orders

Reaching the controls comfortably can be a challenge. For example, when you need to brake quickly or operate the clutch, having handlebars or levers too far apart makes these actions difficult and tiring, especially in heavy traffic or in the city. Handlebars or levers that are too far apart limit control and increase fatigue, especially on daily journeys such as commuting, where frequent stops and manoeuvres quickly become exhausting.

Choose bikes with adjustable controls, or make modifications to adapt the bike to your body shape. For example, you can have a handlebar trigger guard installed, specially designed to bring the handlebars closer to you, which in just a few centimetres can considerably improve your grip on the controls, as well as your riding comfort.

Increased safety

An adapted motorcycle reduces the risk of accidents due to loss of control. For example, a motorcycle with an appropriate seat height allows you to place your feet more firmly on the ground, reducing the risk of imbalance when stopping. What's more, an ergonomic riding position, where arms and legs are well aligned and relaxed, reduces the risk of riding errors by 20%. This means that necessary movements, such as changing direction or braking, are carried out with greater precision and less fatigue, contributing to safer everyday driving.

Driving comfort

A good fit between rider and motorcycle improves comfort during rides, reducing muscular tension and fatigue. For example, a motorcycle with a seat at the right height allows you to keep your knees slightly bent, avoiding leg pain on long journeys. Similarly, well-positioned handlebars reduce shoulder and back strain. These adjustments not only reduce physical fatigue, but also mental fatigue, allowing you to stay focused on the road and make the most of every moment, whether you're out for a ride in the countryside or commuting in the city.

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Tips for choosing the right bike for you

Check and adjust saddle height

Saddle height is one of the most important criteria, but not the only one. At the end of this article, we'll provide you with a table summarizing the saddle heights of our machines!

On this point, you can modify certain features of the bike of your dreams.

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Modifying the saddle

One of the easiest solutions is simply to change the saddle, or have it hollowed out! The advantage lies mainly in the bike's handling, which will not be affected by a purely mechanical modification. Depending on the number of centimetres missing, it's possible to have the saddle hollowed out to a greater or lesser extent, bearing in mind that comfort on the road will be impacted! Prices vary from around a hundred euros to several hundred, depending on what you want to install or modify.

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The lowering kit

Another solution is the installation of a lowering kit, which can save you several centimetres, depending on the model - no mean feat! It's very important to choose the right kit for your machine. In concrete terms, the lowering kit replaces the original suspension rod at the rear shock absorber, enabling you to lower the height of your bike by a few millimetres. The longer the linkage, the lower your bike will be (you'll also need to balance the height delta by raising the fork tubes in the front suspension, by about half the gain achieved by changing the rear linkage).

Shock absorber adjustment

More technical, but it is possible to adjust the shock absorber preload. This is not without consequence, as it will modify the bike's overall behavior. To lower the rear slightly, simply reduce the spring preload. Be careful, however, as this will make the bike softer. This can be a tricky operation, so we recommend that you consult a professional before making these adjustments.

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The right boots!

A final option is simply to buy boots with wedge soles, a practical and affordable solution for improving stability. These boots offer a few extra centimetres of height, making it easy to make up for the slight differential that may be missing, but which makes all the difference.

The impact of saddle width

A narrow saddle makes it easier to put your feet on the ground. Models like the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 offer a slim saddle ideal for smaller riders.

To determine whether a bike is right for you, it's important to measure the length of the crotch. This arc combines both the height of the saddle and its width: it's this parameter that will define whether you can safely place your feet on the ground. For example, two bikes with the same saddle height can behave very differently depending on their width. A bike with a narrower saddle will allow you to put your feet down better, while one with a wider saddle may get in the way. So it's crucial to take these two aspects into account before making your choice.

Motorcycle weight

Lighter motorcycles are more maneuverable because they have less inertia, enabling the rider to react more quickly to quick changes of direction or low-speed maneuvers. The inertia of a motorcycle depends on its weight and the distribution of that weight; a lighter motorcycle requires less force to be set in motion or stopped, which improves handling, especially in town or in dense traffic conditions. In addition, a lighter motorcycle generates less centrifugal force when cornering, enabling the rider to lean more easily and resume the trajectory with greater precision.

On this last point, there's no absolute truth: a person of small stature can ride a really heavy bike, it's all a question of experience and habit, as is often the case when it comes to riding a motorcycle.

The center of gravity

A low center of gravity on the motorcycle improves its stability, reducing the tilting effect of the bike, especially when cornering or stopping abruptly. A motorcycle with a low center of gravity reduces the tilting moment, i.e. the force that acts to tilt the bike in a bend. It also improves inertia control, making low-speed maneuvers easier. When cornering, the centrifugal force acting on the bike is better managed thanks to a lower center of gravity, resulting in a greater sense of safety and greater control of the vehicle. The Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber, for example, is renowned for its lower center of gravity, offering greater control on the road.

Why rent an adapted motorcycle from Good Motors Agency

Wide selection of suitable models

We offer a wide range of motorcycles to suit every body type. Among our models, you'll find options specially selected to ensure comfort and handling. For example, cruisers like the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 (740 mm) and Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber (785 mm) offer a low seat height and low center of gravity, perfect for improved stability. Roadsters such as the Yamaha XSR 125cc (815 mm) combine moderate height and light weight for excellent handling, even for novice riders. For trail riders, the Royal Enfield Himalayan (800 mm) is a good compromise, offering accessible height and excellent comfort over long distances. Each model is carefully selected to guarantee comfort and safety.

Responsive, flexible customer service

With a presence in more than 12 cities in France, Good Motors Agency makes renting easy by offering flexible hours and the possibility of returning the motorcycle to a different location than the one from which it was originally rented. Our agencies are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to meet every need. Our customer service is available from 9am to 7pm every day, and at night for emergencies. We make a point of providing personalized support, to ensure a smooth and worry-free rental experience.

Test comfort before you buy

Renting a motorcycle from Good Motors Agency is an excellent opportunity to test the comfort and adaptability of a model before buying it, especially if you have doubts about its compatibility with your size. For example, if you're wondering whether the Royal Enfield Himalayan is right for your stature, or whether you might be more comfortable on a Royal Enfield Meteor, renting will give you a clear idea before you commit yourself.

There are many advantages to renting before you buy:

• Real riding experience: Riding in real conditions gives you a better idea of how the bike behaves on different types of road.

• Evaluating comfort over time: A short test drive is not always enough to detect the discomforts that can arise on long journeys. A full day's driving (or even more) is essential to ensure that you won't regret your purchase later on.
• Informed decision: Once you've tested the bike, you'll be in a position to make a more informed purchase decision that's tailored to your needs.

Good Motors Agency lets you rent different models, so you can compare and find the bike that's right for you before committing to a purchase.

Conclusion

The road is waiting for you, whatever your size. With the right choice of bike and a few adjustments, you can live your passion for motorcycling to the full. Good Motors Agency is here to accompany you on this adventure, with a selection of suitable motorcycles and tailored advice.

Whether you're planning a trip to the Alps from Lyon, or a week-long road trip to the Pyrenees from Biarritz, we can help you plan your two-wheeled trip. We also supply helmets and gloves to suit all sizes, from XS to XL. Our offer also includes insurance to cover you in all European Union countries!

Don't wait any longer! Reserve your bike now by visiting our home page, and take part in our survey to choose the bikes that will be in our catalog next season!

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