[lovex123]

Hi everyone, I would like some feedback and tips for short (petite female) riders like myself. I have a 2022 R3 as my first bike. I knew it’s seat height and weight and specs before buying it because I researched it extensively. Anyway, I’m still trying to get the feel of shifting my weight from one side to another so that at least one foot can be stable enough on the ground (still slightly tip toeing though). However, I’m worried about the weight of the bike and not able to balance it when I’m by myself at a stop. I just bought some riding shoes that add about 28.5mm of height, hoping to try it out when it finally arrives. Any other tips? I asked the shop if there’s any lowering kit for the 2022 model but don’t think there is yet. Will there be one eventually? What’re your thoughts on having it dropped 2 inches once there is? Some advice and feedback would be appreciated 😇

 

[StarLord728]

Theres def a way to lower it, but dont suggest doing that, as you dramatically change the bikes overall geometry and therefore change the physics of the bike. When coming to a stop, learn to balance to the very last moment and then use your left leg to lean into and balance it. The bike is 375lb.ish filled max. thats not a leaning weight tho. The bike weighs massively less on a lean and you should be learning to use your leg as a sort of tripod(bipod?) Im not much bigger, weight wise I am but im only 5'8" and I def have to lean slightly. Do you follow any female riders on social media? I suggest following Antiparallali and/or DoodleOnAMotorcycle. Theyre small female riders, you will also get the hang of it.

 

[lovex123]

Theres def a way to lower it, but dont suggest doing that, as you dramatically change the bikes overall geometry and therefore change the physics of the bike. When coming to a stop, learn to balance to the very last moment and then use your left leg to lean into and balance it. The bike is 375lb.ish filled max. thats not a leaning weight tho. The bike weighs massively less on a lean and you should be learning to use your leg as a sort of tripod(bipod?) Im not much bigger, weight wise I am but im only 5'8" and I def have to lean slightly. Do you follow any female riders on social media? I suggest following Antiparallali and/or DoodleOnAMotorcycle. Theyre small female riders, you will also get the hang of it.

Thank you for your input! As a new rider I feel I would be more confident and steady if I could balance the bike’s weight at a stop with at least one foot down (if it was slightly lowered). Being that it is a 2022, I was told there might not be a lowering kit yet. I don’t have social media like IG but will still look into those female accounts for some tips!

With the bike being at it’s stock height right now, and when I’m at a complete stop and I’m supporting the bike with my left foot down (still on tip toes), do you think that with time and practice that I will be able to manage its weight and get the bike going again when it’s time to accelerate? With my petite size and small stature I’m worried about dropping it at a 4-way stop and struggling to get it back up

 

[StarLord728]

Take your time with learning new techniques, slow maneuver practice is essential. Take the bike to an empty school parking lot and make a mental obstacle course, or get some cheap cones off ebay. and learn what you would learn in the MSF BRC x10 lol. And whoever told you that was wrong/misinformed....theres always something like this. When i come to a stop i have to lean the bike ever so slightly to the left side and i keep my foot down on that side planted flat, if you could tip it enough to be on the ball of your foot youll be golden. Remember that practice makes you better, so to answer your question...yes, of course. Riding, like anything, is not something someone masters over-night.

I would also highly suggest looking those two riders up, theyre on youtube so you can watch their videos that way, no need to have IG or other social media if you dont want. Dropping the bike would suck for sure, but get prepared it will probs happen...and if nice people are around someone will probably get out/come over to help you. What area are you from if i may ask? Theres lots of area specific sub-reddits and Discord servers. Im in Mass

 

[lovex123]

Take your time with learning new techniques, slow maneuver practice is essential. Take the bike to an empty school parking lot and make a mental obstacle course, or get some cheap cones off ebay. and learn what you would learn in the MSF BRC x10 lol. And whoever told you that was wrong/misinformed....theres always something like this. When i come to a stop i have to lean the bike ever so slightly to the left side and i keep my foot down on that side planted flat, if you could tip it enough to be on the ball of your foot youll be golden. Remember that practice makes you better, so to answer your question...yes, of course. Riding, like anything, is not something someone masters over-night.

I would also highly suggest looking those two riders up, theyre on youtube so you can watch their videos that way, no need to have IG or other social media if you dont want. Dropping the bike would suck for sure, but get prepared it will probs happen...and if nice people are around someone will probably get out/come over to help you. What area are you from if i may ask? Theres lots of area specific sub-reddits and Discord servers. Im in Mass

That’s a great idea, especially since I plan on taking my skills test for my license soon, not with the R3 though. I was told that they will supply a much smaller bike to use for the test (so relieved). I will look into that kit, thank you! I would need the shop who told me that there is no kit to lower it for me though lol. I live in Hawaii, not much bike shops and options. Not much female bikers either (using sport bikes that is, mainly cruisers). I am able to get on the ball of my left foot which is good. Funny and quite scary thing for me also is that when I switch my balance to my right side so that I can get the kickstand up or down, sometimes I can’t reach it and I end up feeling like a cat playing with the door stopper lol. Embarrassing. But definitely will keep practicing. You’re right, I can’t expect myself to master everything as a new rider overnight or even in a month. It may take me some time, but I understand everyone starts somewhere.

 

[unsweetenedthy]

You can most definitely ride an R3. I'm also 5'0". Practice stops in an empty parking lot and feel for balance point. I would also have someone spot you while you shift the bike from left to right so you can feel where you start becoming really uncomfortable with rebalancing the bike on your own. Then you know your threshold and go from there.

 

[lovex123]

You can most definitely ride an R3. I'm also 5'0". Practice stops in an empty parking lot and feel for balance point. I would also have someone spot you while you shift the bike from left to right so you can feel where you start becoming really uncomfortable with rebalancing the bike on your own. Then you know your threshold and go from there.

I always make sure to have someone spot me since I’m not used to the weight yet lol. Looking forward to the day I’m more comfortable!

 

[unsweetenedthy]

I always make sure to have someone spot me since I’m not used to the weight yet lol. Looking forward to the day I’m more comfortable!

Wonderful! As you progress in comfort and confidence, you’ll be so rewarded. Riding is a skill set that is continually rewarding, straight out fun, and ya look like a badass doing it. Ride safe and enjoy!!!