Hey guys im new, i dont have a bike yet but im in the process of getting one now, just gotta find it. but i have a few questions for you guys. Im a pretty short guy say 5'4" and my question is when i stop, i tend to use both feet, but im at the tips of my feet is this good or bad? I've been told to try and use one foot flat on the ground since im shorter and leave the other on the gear. Im just not comfortable doing this, i feel a lot more stable with both feet down even though its just a little part of my feet. Any suggestions?
New to the forum and riding
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The MSF says it's best to have one foot on the rear brake when stopped, so your left foot should be on the ground and your right foot should be on the brake. I tend to just flat foot it and use the front brake when stopped.
You can lower the bike until you can easily flat foot it.
But really it's all just personal preference.
You can lower the bike until you can easily flat foot it.
But really it's all just personal preference.
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426 Posts
+ 1:thumbup:
I am also new to both forum and riding. I just figured why start a new thread. Anyway, never owned a bike before. Always had vehicles with 4 wheels. My brother had a CBR600 back in the late 90's and I rode that. I'm 6' and 200lbs and am about to make my first purchase of a bike. I went for a used bike first. It's a GSXR600. I'm a father and husband so this is just a toy. Don't plan on dragging a knee or doing wheelies. Just fun cruising with my other friends that have cruising bikes. I don't like the looks of those cruisers. I am planning on taking an MSF course. I've heard it is the way to go for new riders.
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I took the basic MSF course after having been riding for 3 years and still found it to be valuable. Would definitely recommend it. I also took a more specialized 1 day sport bike course a few weeks back which I really enjoyed.
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Welcome to the site and addiction! The MSF is defiantly a good idea. As far as you wanting both feet on the ground you can lower the bike but keep in mind that that will change how the bike will handle (not a lot but change nun the less) and or you can have your seat redone and have some of the foam cut out witch will lower you and not the bike. Not sure how much lowering the bike will change it but there a lot of folks on here that will bee able to tell you what it is going to do.
Hope this helps you out GL and be safe out there!
I highly recommend the MSF course i learned a lot from it. As for the height issues I am 5'5 and bought a GSXR 750 and could barely touch. I went out and bought some lowering links on E-bay for bout $30, now i am completely comfortable on the bike and the handling I guess would be different but due to changing it immediately i know no difference. I lowered the front and back 1.5in equally. Still not flat foot but close enough.
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:hello::welcome:
I've finished the course and got my license already, i've been riding my roommate and friends bike when i get the chance (08 gsxr600 and 05 R6) and i plan on getting the same year gsxr. I do do the one feet on the rear brake thing, but once in a while only or when i remember to. But most times i do the two feet thingy. I might consider the seat thing, as i dont want to change to much on the bike because i dont want to change the sensativty or feel of the bike.
thanks all for comments
thanks all for comments
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59 Posts
If you are comfortable with putting both feet down to keep yourself stabilized while you are sitting as well as taking off from a stop, then do it. I have actually seen people start accelerating from a dead stop when they only had thier left foot down and end up curving slightly too the left upon take off. If this seems to happen to you then just do the "two feet thingy".
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Welcome!
I am 5'6 and I just bought an 06 k1 and had it lowered 3 inches!
I rode the bike like that for about a month handle fine. Just wanted to get used to it. Then this past week brought it up 2 inches (so now it's just 1 inch lower). Now I am just barely flat footed but having gotten used to the bike first, then bringing it back up has help me dramatically I feel just about the same on the bike and yes the there is a difference in handling. It's easier cornering and feels more stable at 100+. I plan on setting it back to stock height after about another month or two of getting used to it again.
This might not be the best approach as some may disagree here but it help me a lot and may help you as well. just my 2cents.
Ohh and by the way I took the MSF course and will be taking the advance one in april. I believe it's an absolute must. Highly recommend.
Best of Luck and Ride Safe!
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3,760 Posts
Not a bad idea.... Ilike it Glad it is working for ya:thumbup:
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5,621 Posts
Welcome and for sure be careful out there.
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