5 Essential Techniques for Mounting and Balancing Tall Motorcycles: A Complete Guide for Short Riders

Method 1: Mounting a Tall Motorcycle Made Easy

If you find getting on a tall motorcycle challenging, try this trick: turn the handlebars away from you before mounting or dismounting. Engaging the gear can also help stabilize the bike. When approaching from the left, turn the handlebars fully to the right. This will make the bike lean towards you, reducing the height you need to overcome.

For large adventure bikes with sturdy kickstands, leave the side stand down when mounting. On lighter dirt bikes, it's best to mount with the side stand up. Once seated, lift the side stand by shifting your weight to the right, planting your right foot on the ground, and pushing the bike upright. Use the combined force of your arms, right leg, and left foot peg for support.

Another option is the "running mount" technique. With the side stand up, start the engine, engage the clutch, and begin jogging alongside the bike for a few steps before stepping onto the left foot peg and swinging your leg over. This technique takes practice and requires good balance and coordination.

Method 2: One Foot Down Balance for Shorter Riders

Putting just one foot down is an important skill for shorter riders, especially on adventure and dirt bikes. Practice shifting smoothly from one foot to the other while maintaining balance. Start with the engine off, and have someone behind the bike to assist if needed.

Place your left foot next to the foot peg, keeping your right foot on the opposite peg with your weight leaning to the left side. Use your legs to push up and switch feet. Repeat this movement until it feels natural. This helps train muscle memory and ensures you become comfortable moving dynamically on the bike without using your arms.

After getting used to side-to-side movements, work on balancing while seated. Shift your weight until you can keep the bike upright without touching the ground. Once comfortable, practice moving from seated balance to standing position while keeping your balance.

Method 3: Mastering Slow Speed Control - "Rock It, Crawl It, Walk It"

For shorter riders, controlling a bike at low speeds is crucial. Mastering clutch control will help maintain balance at a slow pace. Start by sitting astride the bike with the engine running, clutch pulled in, and in first gear. Without using the throttle, gradually release the clutch until you feel it engage, then pull it back in—this is the "rock it" phase. The bike should rock slightly without rolling forward.

Once you're comfortable, move on to the "crawl" phase by releasing the clutch just enough to move forward a few inches. Practice stopping and starting in this way without using the brakes or throttle.

Finally, move on to the "walk it" phase. Release the clutch enough to move five or six feet before pulling it back in and coasting to a stop. Repeating this process will help you control the motorcycle at very low speeds, perfecting your balance and coordination.

Method 4: Using the Bike Squat for Slow Speed Stability

The "bike squat" technique is a great way for shorter riders to gain more control at slow speeds. During slow drills, always use the rear brake instead of the front. Applying the front brake can cause the bike to dive forward, while using the rear brake keeps it stable. The bike squat technique requires coordination of throttle, clutch, and rear brake.

From a standing position, keep the throttle steady and use the clutch and rear brake to maintain tension. This causes the bike to "squat" down, providing stability. With practice, you can add a clutch release to lift the front wheel, helping with obstacles on tricky terrain.

Method 5: The Jacques Turn for Tight Maneuvering

For slow-speed turns, putting your inside foot down can throw off your balance and lead to tip-overs. Instead, use the "Jacques Turn" to keep control in tight turns and prevent imbalance. This technique helps align your body with the direction of the turn, providing better stability.

Follow these steps:

1. Inside Foot on the Peg: Keep your inside foot on the foot peg.
2. Shift Your Weight: Move your weight to the outside of the seat by shifting your inside butt cheek outward.
3. Position Your Foot: Move your outside foot forward and point your toes in the direction of the turn.
4. Turn the Handlebars: Point the handlebars towards the turn.

With your body properly aligned, use clutch control to "walk" the motorcycle through tight turns. As you get more comfortable, place your weight on the outside foot peg to counterbalance the motorcycle effectively. This positioning helps seamlessly transition to a standing position for better control during maneuvers.