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Are you riding the perfect motorcycle for your fit.
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Amado and Luis sitting comfortably on their Choppers
My dream bike is a chopper! I am a mere 5 .1 ft tall so the forward controls are way out of my reach. I have tried, squeezing as much up front as I can get, wearing higher boots, you name it, I have tried it. There is just no way, I can comfortably sit on a chopper with good control of the vehicle. So whenever you see me at motorcycle events, I am usually the one drooling, over in the chopper area. There is of course, custom making a bike to fit you, but unless you want to spend that kind of money you should look at other options.
The one thing I have learned is that not all bikes are suitable for you. You must have great control over the bike for your security and everyone else on the road with you. You must be comfortable, otherwise, you will begin to hate riding and can actually cause strain on various parts of your body, which could lead to bigger problems down the road.
The first step is to decide on the style of motorcycle you think you like, and go try it out. NEVER walk into a motorcycle store and buy a bike, without trying it out and riding it. Sit on it and feel the comfort. How does your arms feel reaching those handlebars? Can your feet reach the controls easily? Can you stand on both feet and control the bike between your thighs? Once you can answer these questions then take it for a ride and again, look for the ease of movement between the components as well as the comfort of your entire body.
I had none of the above when I sat on a chopper. So, I listed everything I liked about the chopper which was the high handlebars, the lowered seat, the look of - sitting IN the bike, not on it. So to compromise and get a style that I will be happy with, that is also right for my fit, I am customizing the Harley Davidson Iron1200, with mini apes with a 2 inch riser, lowering the back with progressive shocks, the 430 series, changing the seat to a solo spring seat, adding new Vance and Hines short stop pipes. It will have that "bobber" look which I also love. On this bike, I can do all of the above and feel completely comfortable and in control and be happy with the style of my motorcycle.
You hear many stories about men and women who love motorcycles, and finally, get to buy their bikes. But, on their first long ride, they complain about aching arms, sore back, legs hurting from leaning improperly when they have to stop at lights or not having a feeling of complete control when standing. I know quite a few, especially women friends who sold their bike within the first year and will not ride anymore. It is so important to make sure that, the style you like is the style that's right - for you.
Luis and Amado, two very good friends and officers of the Miami Dade Police Force, ride their choppers frequently. "I love my chopper," stated Luis, "I always knew, I wanted a chopper, so when it came time to buy a motorcycle my mind was pretty much made up. I did try out a couple of Harley's, just to see what the difference was and then I went straight back to the choppers. I knew it was perfect for me."
"We do ride long distance on the choppers" said Amado. "We have gone to Key West several times with no problems." "For me, it is the most comfortable ride." "Like Luis, I also tried out a couple of other motorcycles but, I was the most comfortable on my chopper."
Andrew Kennedy also liked choppers, but, when he tried them out, he realized that it was not as comfortable as he thought it would be. After trying various motorcycles Andrew ended up with a Harley Davidson Fatboy and loves it.
So whether you like, choppers, sport bikes or cruisers, you should make sure the style is right for you. Comfort and Control are the two main things to think about when purchasing your motorcycle.
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