Short Motorcycle Riders - Walking with / around the bike

(Please click "Show more" below for the usual video description.) As a Ukrainian, I am asking you to support my native country in its fight against the Russian invasion. Please contribute here razomforukraine.org/ or through any other charity that works for you.
If you're a shorter rider but want to learn how to ride a big bike like BMW R 1250 GS or Honda Africa Twin, or any other tall adventure or dirt bike, watch this series for short rider tips and tricks.
This time, I'm showing two balancing skills that will help you manage a big bike in various real life situations.
This is the fourth episode in the series of exercises for shorter riders. The complete series can be found here • Short Rider, Tall Bike...

[@bartlawhorn2762]

Putting the GS in the lower suspension setting instead of auto will lower the height making it easier for shorter riders.

[@williambutler3630]

Incredible substance and techniques that will help all sorts of shorter people to control their motorcycles, and give even us taller folks additional options and skills to control our bikes. This is exactly the sort of instruction someone like my wife needs. Short and can make her BMW R1250RT fly through the twisties, and rides once underway with no fear, but getting the bike out of the garage, parking lots, and fear when putting one leg down when stopping in gravel are a frightening obstacle course. You're awesome! Keep it up!

[@topcatvespa1972]

Just wanted to say thank you for all you do for the motorcycling community. You area great teacher, and I appreciate the time and effort you put in to help us all become better and confident.

[@skowmi5681]

Bravo! I have been riding motorcycles for 45 years and just took delivery of a 2022 BMW 1250 GSA and your tips are excellent! Thank you!

[@ritmolatino1627]

OMG riding for 45 yrs and still need tips?

[@weqsas]

Thank you so much these tips are great! Great series, it helps me a lot!

[@Cithulu1]

Loving these vids! Thank you

[@GunNut37086]

That was absolutely AWESOME. I learned a lot. Thank you.

[@koenvanantenhove7776]

Great series !! Please keep them coming !

[@henryarn]

Great video. I appreciate the time and effort to practice these exercises. It takes discipline to put in the work where its temping to just jump on and go for a ride in the hills. I really need to to do this on my own GS. Thank you very much Ms. Lana

[@fdalusung]

what a great demonstration.really appreciate for showing this.thanks

[@alvarosolis7837]

Great video! I’m practicing this on the weekend.

[@litoario1836]

wow, now i knew how to handle big bike ..basic and fundamental skills and knowledge applicable not only on big bikes but also on four wheels which is often neglected..thank you and GOD bless Lana!

[@anamargaretlowery2046]

Just found this video. What a jem! Thank you very much. I am going to apply your teaching to my riding. ❤😊

[@KarlyBoy]

Great Content Lana, and I hope your family are keeping safe in Ukraine

[@atilathesonofdanubius4277]

This is the best video by far, that I have seen on this. You don't try to get too scientific or too verbose, you just tell it like it is. You made me want to practice this.

[@kevinbrennan2004]

I find it amazing, that this topic has been covered before, in full, on any KZbin channel that i've seen. I for one, having ridden now, for over 40 years, are one of the many, who have not fully mastered those skills. Best get out there and practice me thinks, as i'm about to step into a full size Adventure bike, next year,

[@joaoserra6895]

I'm from Brazil and I really liked your information. Thanks.

[@mojo8045]

I'm from Brazil but I really didn't like the information.

[@edgarcabatingan9883]

Thanks Lana for demonstrating how to handle proper excersice on how hold it properly.thanks to your vlog about small people to ride a big bike you're wonderful to watch.

[@avothfis]

Thanks a lot Lana. Bless you.

[@kenmcdougall6106]

These are excellent videos, definitely going to practice some of these techniques!

[@saida022]

Thank you for this great information, please make vidéo for emergency braking for short rider and how keep our balance 🙏

[@LanaOnWheels]

Thank you for asking. This is a great idea, I’ll add this to the list of my future videos. For shorter riders, emergency braking only adds a caveat at the very end, when you need to put a foot down. And you want to be in control to choose which one. The core skill, applying rear and front brakes, while using minimal distance is the same regardless of the rider’s height. I suggest finding local advanced riding classes and taking this training there. If you don’t feel confident yet with your balance on a taller bike, use a bike that you could flatfoot. Once you master this core skill, go back to my videos on balance and practice stopping with one foot.

[@backfitclinicaltherapies2204]

Thank you so much for this video, I have just moved up to a BMW f800 GSA and I am now challenging myself to put these skills together as I believe we should know how to handle our bikes safely and with a sense of confidence. Love your way of teaching, stead and clear. I will be following closely 😃

[@user-rp8es3pe2p]

Amazing leson thank you

[@JulioVillavicencio-ru2sn]

Thank you. You made it look easy!

[@leechunyendanielleecy2646]

Well presented and encouragingly practical. Thank you.

[@anthonyplayford2204]

Brilliant video - very informative.

[@ranjitchougale2142]

Amazing and much needed video! To the moon ....

[@philippebartoli422]

Excellent . Thanks a lot !

[@chema1546]

It's easy, you can lower the amortization and the matter. Best regards 😀 from Valencia Spain

[@nairolfnednilruz]

Very well explained. Thanks!!!

[@chriscorkas]

I‘ll get my f750gs this week and appreciate your video so much. Thank you 😊 Subscribed!!

[@aBluegrassPicker]

great instructor!

[@chadr9791]

Absolutely superb video ,,I am in my mid 60s and recovering from a Achilles heal injury and have lost my balance and lost the muscle in my calf so I am trying to build up strength and balance again and your video is just wonderful to reteach my self ,,so think you .

[@ThienHoang-jl5oi]

thank you so much for your sharing, I'm learning before buy the GS A in near future

[@nikkastellorizios6585]

Hi Lana, great tips & visual examples I’m 5’4 & you have given me confidence to get a BMW 1250 that I really like . Will definitely use your tip’s & experience. Thankyou regards Nik from Darwin

[@LanaOnWheels]

I’m happy this is helpful.

[@RCClubSafetyRidingChannel]

thank you for good tips

[@stefano1983]

Many thanks Lana. I found you right now by chance. Of course subscribed and will go through your other videos the next days. Ride savem kind regards, Stefano

[@sebastianescudero8712]

Thank you. Very good

[@JetPilot747]

Very impressive. Respect!

[@nikosbekas]

Well done! Great video!

[@kellygprofessional]

Amazing!!!! Thank you!

[@LanaOnWheels]

You're so welcome!

[@patarauta]

Awesome video! I'm a 6'2" tall guy, and I have been using big enduros long time already. Still I learned very much from these videos.

[@LanaOnWheels]

I think there is no end to learning. Learning is a lifelong process

[@motoedd2437]

Thanks Lana I'll try 👍🏼👍🏼🙂🏍️

[@user-tr4li3sg1s]

Nice video! Thank you.

[@dutch2433]

Outstanding. Really good vid

[@kdrpesketer]

I find this helpful. Thank you...

[@ellawilkinson525]

Passed my test on Tuesday and have been riding around on a Ktm390 adv, which I can only put tip toes down on one foot. Considering getting it lowered but looking forward to practicing the advice from your videos first. Most other videos I’ve watched, the person isn’t actually that small/bike isn’t that big for them, so seeing you demonstrate like a pro is so helpful! Thanks

[@gregsanford3848]

cool thank you

[@myOrangeBeast]

Hey , I am also handling my Adv 390 comfortably without a flat footing on either side.

[@markg1291]

Great video!!

[@mctalens]

Thank you for this 😊

[@LanaOnWheels]

You're welcome 😊

[@octaviodiokno4667]

awesome skills

[@kaym7495]

Thanks Lana for your video. I'm also a short rider and brought my self a pair of daytona boots. Now i am flat footed.

[@LanaOnWheels]

I know which boots you're talking about. I tried them, they're great, like anything Daytona makes. However, they are street touring boots, and I focus on off-road riding, so they don't work as a solution for me.

[@virendradr]

thank you respected madame .its great you ride SMART NOT HARD MSSLING APPRECIATED

[@rubemjosedemelloesilva1018]

great video

[@PatRick-bg4dm]

Well played, its always great to see woman handling a bike better than the most man.

[@LanaOnWheels]

Your comment made my day, thank you. Men's advantages are overrated. :)

[@mgb5170]

Thank YOU!!!

[@LanaOnWheels]

You're welcome!

[@ivanlarose6899]

That is the fist i seen the walking exercise. I wish other would have show it in there videos THANKS

[@LanaOnWheels]

Hi Ivan, some good schools teach this, but I agree, this should be a more common knowledge

[@foadabdo3778]

I liked the video and benefited from it very, very much. You are the best. I will follow you and wait for all your videos 👍 👍 👍 Thank you

[@LanaOnWheels]

Awesome, thank you!

[@soubarnokundu1002]

Thank you so much ma’am !

[@LanaOnWheels]

My pleasure 😊

[@spaceboyroy]

Thank you very informative

[@LanaOnWheels]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jordan_drones]

I adore the BMW 1250 Adventure...the queen of off-road...I hope to get one in my country - this is an impossible wish..

[@dimitridemul69]

Thanks!

[@LanaOnWheels]

Thank you very much Dimitri! Really appreciate the support!

[@Sisko611]

Would you cover turning your bike around on gravel in a small area? I have a gravel driveway. Thanks!

[@AndrzejKrauze-iq9op]

it is for me, thanks

[@abssnipes]

magnifique information

[@c.demircan8078]

Underappreciated but very useful information instead for all motorcycle riders...

[@myOrangeBeast]

You explained everything very nicely. One suggestion would be shooting the video from 2 ..3 angles by using some tripods and later while editing , you can put the clips as required.

[@228ANDY]

I ride my R1200GS Adventure. When I walk my bike I just push it. I never thought about turning on the engine and let the bike walk with me. Thanks for the simple idea.

[@Mister_Ago]

Hi, as you said in the video, these skills are fundamental expecially for beginners like me. You did a good video, thanks and drive safe!

[@ramiroa.albernazd.2349]

obrigado seus ensinamentos🔰 BR

[@BIKEINDI]

😮 Tks.

[@askempten]

👍from Germany😉

[@mariogarciatravesi2012]

Regards from Mexico!

[@hasancitir6726]

Teşekkürler bence eğitici bir video olmuş.

[@mr.robot7669]

It is amazing video ❤️🔥

[@LanaOnWheels]

Thanks 🔥

[@LIMITERADICAL01]

Excelent 👏🏼👏🏼✌🏼🇧🇷

[@ilian2]

Love your vidoes. I'm a short guy my self. The most intriguing problem i have is backing when my downhill parking was perfect when i left the bike. Any tips?

[@LanaOnWheels]

The tip is simple in this case. Unless you have a reverse gear, don't park the bike facing downhill if you are not sure you can proceed moving forward. Some bikes are so heavy that you'll need help of others to push them back. So the solution is to stop the bike with its rear facing the parking spot and let it roll back into the spot.

[@bluelighthouses]

I would like to have a theacher like you 😊

[@glimpseofcambodia]

When you new to the weight of adventure motorcycle (>=200kg not including the side bags), you must assure yourself that you can manage it. Adventure is not about flat surfaces land , but muddy, tarmac roads, gravel roads, sandy roads… you need to be sure you can help yourself. The height is important because you need it most of the time but skillful riders can manage wisely. At least you are 165+ with slightly longer legs for confidence and safety ride

[@turanylmaz3367]

Videolar farklı dillerde olmalı,çok değerli bilgiler herkese ulaşmalı

[@LanaOnWheels]

I make my videos in the language that's accessible to the largest possible number of people around the world. For everyone else, we can only rely on KZbin's automatic translations, which I hope will get better over time.

[@tempesta8833]

I just got her delivered today, I went straight out and I loved the ride. I was considering lowering her but now I’m thinking to invest in crash bars and practice what you just showed. Will it be the same if the road is not tarmac?

[@LanaOnWheels]

Please don't change the geometry in any way unless you understand exactly how the bike's behavior will change, and you have the full intention to achieve that specific result. Dirt roads are where you actually want to have as much suspension travel as possible, so that's another reason not to lower the bike. Finally, there is no such thing as too much practice!

[@voidfinder3086]

could you tell me about the riding gear you're rocking ? Awesome explanation btw. :D

[@LanaOnWheels]

It's Held Carese Evo. I have a review here kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4q3d3urltJriNk

[@denzongsherpa26]

It's gave me a more hope. Mam...kindly make more videos in up hill areas....of taking turning right and left side..and round. Beoz..I too have a short of 5:3 in.

[@LanaOnWheels]

I see that many people ask about this. Absolutely, I'll cover more on this topic in my future videos

[@scenicmotorcyclerides]

hi there Lana! you are truly an inspiration. Do you use handlebar risers ?

[@LanaOnWheels]

No, with my height they're completely unnecessary.

[@scenicmotorcyclerides]

@@LanaOnWheels Thanks Lana. I am 5ft 5 so may need it just so that it may provide some relief on long rides

[@learnspanishonlinewithdonp6549]

How tall are you? Thanks for your video.

[@oldgeezerproductions]

Short people (such as I) need to work on their body strength, but also should have good drop guards on their bikes because we do drop them, especially in slow speed practice. For this reason, it is important to learn how to pick up a heavy bike. Three weeks ago, while practicing slow speed turns, I got slammed down hard and broke my collarbone when my engine unexpectedly died (too much clutch, not enough RPM). Because I had practiced it, I was able to pick up the bike with my good right hand and my rump and ride the bike home before I became disabled.

[@LanaOnWheels]

I hope you will recover soon. I agree, body strength is important for many aspects of riding.

[@bluelighthouses]

It's looks so easy to do.. I need continue to try Where do you buy protective clothing? Can't find a woman's outfit

[@LanaOnWheels]

Finding the right riding clothing for women remains very challenging until this day. Especially for shorter ladies. I typically order online several options and return what dost not fit me. I order from the USA and European countries.

[@matjazmarolt4089]

Great, can you please show as how to react if we stop or engine stop on hill and we are too short to stand on motorcycle.

[@LanaOnWheels]

Are you asking about a street or off-road uphill stop?

[@matjazmarolt4089]

Offroad

[@LanaOnWheels]

@@matjazmarolt4089 , there are two scenarios in this case: 1) go up and 2) turn around and attempt this hill again. For the first one, I'll make a video. For the second one, please see this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqLac6CcrLB6abc

[@googleSux]

Nice video but you also should have shown what to do if things start to got wrong..... bike gets out of balance when walking it. Or how to get it back up after a drop.

[@LanaOnWheels]

If a bike gets out of balance, it's ok to let it drop. Catching or holding it, especially a heavy bike, may cause an injury. See my new video on lifting bikes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jF7Eq5SBjZ6Dns0

[@googleSux]

@@LanaOnWheels Thats what I mean, mention those things too. Thanks.

[@leeedwards7721]

What a Beautiful looking Bike. Great Advice for Newer Riders Up-Grading to a Bigger Bike. Just find a Place where you DON;T feel you are being watched [NOBODY] Likes Looking an Idiot IF you drop the Bike, Just TAKE YOUR TIME and you WILL MASTER this over time.

[@LanaOnWheels]

Dropping a bike is a normal part of any learning process. I often drop mine when practicing. Dropping it in public has unexpected advantage - people always come to help you lift it and you make new friends.

[@kevinbrennan2004]

Good news, ive now bought that bike😀Bad news, is that i'm totally intimidated by it, when it comes to tight off camber cornering, and being able to mount the bike, in all situations.🙃 For the record, i'm 65, am six foot, and have been riding for over 40 years. Recognise i need to do a rider training course, however these courses are run some distance away from home, suggesting that i want to attend, then i will need to ride there. Know you're thinking.." well you can trailer it there", but this is not an option at this time. Any advice? By the way, the bike is a Triumph Tiger 1200 GT PRO.

[@LanaOnWheels]

Hi Kevin, thank you for sharing your story. Good news is that there are things you can do to improve your skills. What you are describing is all about balance and slow speed. And these are the most challenging aspects of riding. Yes, in-person training is typically the best, but actual work is still being done at home, every day. There is no secret sauce. It's ongoing practice and patience about the process. You can start with my videos, from the first one, forward. Practice them whenever you can, trying to repeat each exercise as many times you can (it's better to spend 15 minutes doing just one of them then run through the whole series a couple of times each). The more you do it the better you'll feel. But of course there is more. In your case you should add static balance exercises. Every time you have 10-15 minutes to spare, go into the garage, sit on the bike with the engine off, and try to lift both feet a bit and hold the bike in balance. Put the feet back on the ground when you feel you're falling to the side. At first, your feet will be off the ground for just short moments but gradually you will be able to hold it longer. A video for this is on my list for the future but it's simple enough that you don't really need to see it to know what to do. Keep doing all these for a few weeks and you should start seeing a difference in the way you feel the bike. With that, you'll gain more confidence riding it.

[@maksymilianszymik9877]

Hi, Pls tell me what is this model of the engine cover ?? THX

[@LanaOnWheels]

Engine cover - Machineart Moto, engine guards - Touratech engine guards

[@dariusmocan4157]

hey riders hallo. you can recomanded a bike advanture type. with low seat high. im short rider 1.60 thanks

[@LanaOnWheels]

If you are an experienced rider, please see my episode on riders’ hight. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHTJfYRvgs5qrM0. If you are at the beginning of your learning, use this link to ask about the best bike for your needs. advrider.com. Good luck!

[@CathyCruz-iz4nt]

Any tip how to turn the bike left and right while moving the bike. (Counter weight)

[@LanaOnWheels]

please clarify the question. do you mean walking with the bike or riding it?

[@How-123]

how tall are you please ? i am 5-6 i dont know if is to tall for me

[@LanaOnWheels]

5'7''

[@TheAffar369]

Thank you!! I just bought my first bike but I didn't realize it was so much trouble as I'm a 5'5" Asian dude

[@chaopeng4560]

I m 5"5 asian.i m riding 31.9 inch seat hight sport bike easy.

[@dinuurcan5143]

I have 162 cm , wich bike will be proper for me ? I learned first of all on a 125 cc honda (choper style), then a Suzuki gs 500,and i pass the exam with a Honda Hornet . The last one for me ,it was the most easy to ride .

[@LanaOnWheels]

Hi Dinu. This is a very personal decision, and it depends on so many factors that it's even difficult to list them all. Most importantly, your bike needs to be right for your skills. With that in mind, you choose something that fits the purpose (sports, long distance rides, off-road, city commute).

[@onerugrat]

can I ask how tall you are, and what seat height is your bmw?

[@LanaOnWheels]

I just uploaded this video, I hope this will help to answer your questions. Short answer is: 5'7'' and 34'' kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHTJfYRvgs5qrM0

[@GrantSweatshirt]

How do you learn to ride on the side like that

[@LanaOnWheels]

You could use any bicycle to try this first. Once your body knows the movement, you can transfer it to a motorcycle. As a child I was always on a shorter side. My older brother had a full size bicycle which I wanted to ride. I could not wait to grow up, but I could not reach the pedals when sitting on the saddle. So I learned to ride it on a side and pedal under/through the frame. I'm sure it looked crooked, but it worked. A few years later I could reach the pedals normally and never thought again about that strange way of riding again. Now, a few decades later this experience became helpful.

[@GrantSweatshirt]

@@LanaOnWheels that is so awesome!!! I am on the taller side but that looks like such a cool technique to learn balance ! I did see your video just now , I think the long cowboy mount one? Super awesome (:

[@jherwinpasion6466]

I really want to train driving BMW GS1250 so can you pls train me ma'am?!

[@LanaOnWheels]

At the moment, I am not training anybody as I'm preparing for a competition where only non-instructors are allowed. In a couple of years, I may focus on instructing and teaching. If you like, I'll keep you on my list and let you know when things change. In the meantime, please look at other training available for you locally. I admire people looking to improve their skills. Let me know if you want some training suggestions.

[@sachinrv1]

I am 5.4, can I ride this monster bike.

[@LanaOnWheels]

You can ride anything if you learn the necessary skills. If you have good control of an average bike, you can start learning to ride a bigger and heavier bike. I’m riding with other GS 1250 riders who are smaller than you, who are fantastic riders. I’m still learning from them