When selecting a motorcycle, motorcycle seat height is a crucial factor. What is information about seat height necessary?
When a motorcycle stands upright, the seat height is the distance (often measured in millimeters or inches) between the lowest point of the saddle and the ground (i.e., not on its side stand or center stand). However, the number can change depending on how the bike’s suspension is configured. For example, a bike with a greater preload may sit taller and settle less when a rider puts weight on the saddle.
The length of your inseam, or the distance between your crotch and the floor, is the easiest way to match seat height to body type.
Motorcycle Seat Height And Type Of Vehicle
Due to each motorbike model’s diverse functions and purposes, saddles come in a broad range of designs, widths, and heights. Motorcycle saddles can take on a variety of designs that affect the rider’s ability to reach the ground. This is a direct result of the engineering and styling factors incorporated into a bike. Since their engines are typically narrow inline V-twins that sit ahead of the rider, cruiser bikes in India often have the lowest seat heights. This gives the saddle enough room to get down to the ground.
Sports bikes often feature higher saddles since the bike may lean over more during turns because of its high ground clearance. Sportbikes frequently have transversely mounted, multi-cylinder engines, which can result in tighter packaging and higher seat placement.
Off-road bikes, dual-purpose, and superbikes feature longer suspension travel, which can effectively minimize surface irregularities. Additionally, raising the overall elevation of the bike and, inevitably, the saddle increases suspension travel. However, as you’ll see below, you shouldn’t necessarily take off-road bike seat height ratings at face value.
Choose your bike by seat height with the help of our bike selection tool.
The Shape Of The Saddle Is Just As Critical As The Seat’s Height
It’s simple to fixate on specs, and motorcycle manufacturers frequently employ seat height data as a sales strategy because lower numbers allow for more prospective customers. A feature that highlights low-seat height bikes is even available on some manufacturers’ websites. Sometimes a figure merely conveys a portion of the tale.
Narrow saddles on off-road bikes allow for increased leg extension. Despite their tall seats, their narrow saddles make it easier to touch the ground. Thus those seat height statistics may be slightly misleading. On the other hand, Sportbikes frequently have wider seats since the rider is positioned over a multi-cylinder, transversely configured engine, which calls for a larger surface. Due to the rider’s legs having to wrap around the wide, flat region of the seat, it is typically tougher to reach the ground.
How High Is Too High?
While having both feet firmly on the ground at a stoplight can be comforting, it’s more of a luxury than a need. Your comfort level should be the deciding factor in your choice of bike. The easiest way to determine that is to sit on potential bikes and experience how they feel. You’ll observe that the bike’s weight significantly impacts how simple it is to remain upright.
You might be able to support a bike by standing on the tips of your toes if it is a lightweight bike. You might need to stand with your feet flat if you have a heavy-weight bike. If you test a bike on flat ground, keep in mind that stopping or parking will be more difficult on uneven pavement (or where the road has a “crown” or slopes on the sides).
Ultimately, choosing a seat height is a matter of personal preference that is best determined by your comfort level and preferences.
Short Riders
Shorter riders will note that the foot protection they choose impacts their ability to touch the ground. Boots provide better crash protection, and their thick soles make it easier to touch the pavement. Steering your bike away from the side you’re about to put a leg down can also help you extend your leg reach. The motorcycle will tilt slightly as a result, and you may then effectively use a tripod for a solid stop until it’s time to resume moving.
Seat height on motorcycles has a significant impact on rider comfort and control. The 800mm seat height can provide better balance and confidence for taller riders while ensuring a secure base. Additionally, there’s a good chance that your bike has an extra saddle that will lower your altitude and make it simpler to touch the ground.
