Short Rider Tips!

A video of me sharing some of the most helpful techniques that I learned before and after getting a larger bike. I'm 165cm (5f5) tall, inseam about 75cm, and ride a bike with current seat height at 85cm. These techniques have really helped me get more comfortable on a larger bike, which is why I want to share this with other short riders :)
Keywords:
mount bike in motion
mount motorcycle
pick up motorcycle
deadlift motorcycle
short rider tips
short rider techniques

[@jtdiffen]

Excellent! I’m 73 years old and 5’4” and riding my BMW R9T Classic every day. With 57 years of experience, as my strength has diminished slightly and balance is more challenging, these tips are a huge help. Thanks a million!

[@MiyagiHiroaki]

I'm Japanese and I'm short. It gave me a lot of courage. thank you.

[@rodrozil6544]

You are a very strong woman to maneuver 200+ kg bike.

[@clarencelaboranti4835]

Pure technique and confidence, not really brute strength.

[@davidhamilton506]

As an 80 year old born again biker, I've recently become the loving "father" of a 2022 Royal Enfield 350 Classic. Rather a fair size "baby" at "birth", she weighs in at 195KG. It was love at first review, as I beheld her stunning Halcyon green metallic ensemble..........1969 was the last time I rode a bike, and with a career sitting behind a desk for many years after, I've lost a good deal of upper body strength, so would like to thank you for tip no. 4, for the time i may drop my new "baby'". Enjoyed your presentation, thanks for sharing, ride safe...

[@livefreeordie9542]

If you turn the handlebars to the right when you want to raise the kickstand. It transfers the weight of the bike to the right side. Making it a lot easier to lean the bike off the kickstand.

[@FillyAdventureRider]

Correct, but I also find that it can throw the bike somewhat off balance as it is more prone to fall to the other side. That is why I like to keep the front tyre straight 😄

[@ROTANETA]

Scientifically correct. But this time, probably you may fall the motorcycle on the other side, if you are not strong enough

[@livefreeordie9542]

"Scientifically Correct"? So in other words I am 100% correct. To address the rest of your comment. I'll say this. If you don't have enough leg strength to support your motorcycle taking it off the kickstand. You should either stop skipping leg day at the gym or stop riding. Not every surface you stop on is going to be perfectly level. If you don't have enough leg strength to balance your bike when it's perfectly stationary, taking it off the kickstand. You're sure not going to have enough to keep the motorcycle from dumping every time you stop on a slight uneven surface while riding. And you're certainly not going to have enough to lift your motorcycle off the ground after you dumped it. In short stop skipping leg day and if you're that afraid of dumping your motorcycle in the most controlled and easy to handle situation there is associated with motorcycles. Maybe you shouldn't ride a motorcycle because, everything else you do with it is going to be far more dangerous and out of your control than taking it off the kickstand.@@ROTANETA

[@cliff2822]

You make it look so effortless, thanks great tips

[@mikefrench3800]

You're back! Good to see you!

[@kawasutra]

One of the best videos ive watched on this topic! Thank you!

[@markwalker5984]

Great tips! I'm still not sure about getting a full size adventure bike myself but I really like the way you demonstrated some options here - thanks!

[@avothfis]

Your love for riding conquered it. Kudos and thank you.

[@simonporter6209]

I really enjoyed your video which gave me some valuable tips that I will use. Have a great weekend and happy riding😊

[@hrazek]

Amazing! Thank you for the confidence-inspiring techniques.

[@kjellalmgren]

Really great tips! I also saw your review of the 900 Rally Pro, valuable things that I haven't heard before from other reviewers. Nice to know because I'm leaning towards un upgrade to 900 GT Pro later this summer or next year. Greatings from Sweden.

[@thestone3849]

Very well explained and illustrated too. Really fantastic and useful

[@debani04]

I just loved your tips and your explanation. You really simplified the whole thing ❤❤

[@carolineneil3796]

loved your style, you have given me confidence

[@ctjanney]

Thank you! This really has helped myself and my wife.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Wow, great explanation of the skills! It looked so easy when you picked up that bike at the end :)

[@juangabrielgonzalez4488]

*I just bought my first motorcycle, I am very beginner, and just learned value from you. Thank you !*

[@ufirus]

Solid tips! Thank you and good job

[@FandangoTheGrom]

I am only 4' 11" but the bike I want has a seat height of 690mm (Honda Rebel 500), so it makes me feel a bit better that I'll be actually able to ride it once I get my A2 licence!

[@mototripperuk]

Thanks for doing the video, as a short rider this opens up other bikes to us, I am 5'7" with an inside leg of 29" definitely handy tips there, I know some people are saying get a smaller bike, however this is taking away our options on the bikes we want to ride, in this case the Tiger 900RP that I have owned since June 2022, yes I have dropped it through my own mistake on a camber, it's not happened again and I also take the bike off road, loads of fun for us that are verticality challenged as long as we are careful when stopping. I have noticed you haven't posted a video in a while. I hope all is well, take care & please let us see another video 🙏

[@miha4443]

I am a tall rider and found useful the advice on how to pick up the bike. Mastering technique is crucial with picking up a 200+ kg bike. Good tip to have the side stand down. Thanks!

[@dondle2]

Good tips and very well explained.

[@paullester4502]

I like the "mount in motion" bit, you make it look so easy! I can do it on my push bike and one day I'll try it on my V-Strom 1050 XT. I just need to find some soft ground in case of gravity problems. Thanks for a very helpful video.

[@HairlessBiker]

You have got some skills, and balls of steel!!😂 Ride safe my lovely

[@PaulHughes-ry8xh]

Fabulous tips, thank you

[@janakiramarajukk4513]

Well explained, got a confidence to buy adventure bike, please continue your work it was inspirational and keep uploading adventure bike tutorial videos.

[@Serenaar]

I’m due to pick up my new Tiger 900 Low and absolutely terrified to move it around myself. I hope these tips will help me gain confidence. Thank you for a great video!

[@VeryImportantPepe]

did you died?

[@aBluegrassPicker]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@SPENJERE]

Nice video, great tips. The one about picking up the bike and dumping it on the right side so you can utilize the kickstand was funny. 😉

[@KelsR58]

Thank you for this video. I'm a little taller than you but my inseam is very short 😭 I used your tips during my course and managed not to drop the thing 🙏

[@alexwinter4123]

I appreciate your tips . Thanks

[@MandrilSolo]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏love it, thank you. Just bought my bmw 1250. Time to start with the basics

[@armandomorales5857]

awesome! a new video mount/dismount in motion sound scary!

[@EtiangaJohnson-gc2uj]

I love this , and I want to join you guys one day

[@fabio_air4230]

Thank you for your video! I am a short driver too but I have a smaller bike. My question is: there are plenty of motorbikes, why not driving something which feels more handy and maneuverable? In fact, sometimes roads are not flat and we may even find ourselves in a situation where we can't chose the right spot to stop, but realize there is a hole or a small down step under our bike. Of course we can dismount from the side, but we may not always be ready for acrobatics. Please understand, I am not criticizing at all, in fact I have enjoyed and liked your video. I would simply like to learn what is the best to do to fully enjoy driving, without challenging our limits on a daily motorbike experience.

[@Marimbo]

Probably because of the look of this bike. Some smaller bikes aren't as attractive and it's more fun riding something you enjoy rather than something just for convenience :) im 5ft and all the bikes I enjoy are much bigger than I am but I refuse to settle for a smaller bike just so I can flat foot

[@adildewji]

You’re too cute for anyone to imagine you ride a big bike. I’m impressed.subscribed.

[@williamquick1326]

Very well done.

[@mikeyslas4557]

You make this so easy

[@kensen09]

As a short person , you've got my sub.. thanks for ths tips 😊

[@gautanera777]

Thank you for sharing this video very informative

[@cablecutter12]

Excellent video. Impressive that you ride that bike at your height and with such ease.

[@arwenphoenix1]

Look up Jocelin Snow! 5'1" and rides a GS 1250!!

[@nitinrajput255]

Nice Explanation 😊

[@edgarcabatingan9883]

Thanks Gillie adventurei your tips on higher big bike is very useful for me thanks Gillie your vlog about how to ride a shorter biker.Your so courageous lady biker thank you.

[@arturomaza1712]

Just what i needed

[@jimjoelliejack]

You are amazing, being able to handle a tiger rally, I’ve got one, I have a 29 inch inside leg and I can’t reach the floor double footed. I have a low ride seat on mine, it helps loads. Fantastic motor cycle. Well done.👍

[@richarddepledge960]

good video. nice and clear instruction. Your footwear soles of your boots. If worn will make you slip easily. Depending on the type of surface. Like you said always good to practice and to know what and how to do it safely without wrecking your spine. Well done you for showing this.

[@Fuente_opusX]

I'm 5' 8" on a good day.(lol) and these tips are really cool actually. Thank you for sharing! I've learned a lot from Nordic women bikers!

[@user-to5jd6ec9v]

I'm new to drive adventure bike. I picked upp my new bike in june. Tiger 1200 explorer. I rather quickly realized that it was a new Way to drive. For weeks I hade regrets buying the bike thoe it was to high And heavy. But the more I learn and practise, The breaver I get and more fun I have. Much thanks for the tips. Best regards from sweden

[@denzongsherpa26]

Great tips it was Mam. Plz make a videos in up hill areas. Coz I too am a short one.

[@martin72345]

I'm a bit of a strange person myself in my techniques.... I prefer being on the "wrong" right hand side of the bike when moving it around. I bring the bike off the stand, past balance point then lean it against myself and move it around using the techniques you have shown, side stand down. Part of the reason is that I am more comfortable grabbing the front brake to stop than I am letting go of the clutch for the same result (for me its more natural as the clutch to stop thing is counter what's done when riding the bike - letting clutch out usually results in going forwards AND then you need to remember to have the bike off and in gear). An added benefit is that if it all goes to shit and you're dropping the bike away from you then you just grab the front brake and let the bike fall onto the side stand (as gently as possible), call it a safety net. I am a taller rider and I have a tiger 800 ABS (roadie) which is a much lower bike as well, but good technique saves your energy, strength and lowers the chances of embarrassment. I also watch these videos to help my wife who's wanting to get into biking. I usually mount the bike (off the side stand) from the right hand side as in doing so it will unweight the side stand as you get on, taking strain off it rather than adding weight to it when you put your weight on the peg on the left side. Not so much an issue with the 900, the side stand seems to be quite strong, but the 800 as well as various other bikes have very dainty side stands that may not deal so well with the additional loading.

[@RobinRobin-kz7qw]

DANGEROUS: It looks like you take a lot of trouble to "...REMEMBER to have the bike OFF + in gear ..."! And if you have such short arms you hardly "reach the brake" from each side, I suggest to ask a medical expert, whether you may keep you driver's licence! Could happen you have to remember YOU SIT ON A BIKE instead of a sofa...

[@Irelandunited2012]

Marvelous :)

[@BOZENIX]

Awesome. Thanks for the video. Impressive pickup. What tyres T you have on your Tiger. Keep up the great work.

[@FillyAdventureRider]

Thank you! In this video I had the Bridgestone Adventurecross AX41 (front and rear), but now I have replaced them with TKC80 in the front ans TKC70 rocks rear 😄

[@fayezslim7936]

Btw thank for you advice it help me.alot

[@richardgiles2484]

Really good video and useful information 👍 Stay safe and upright 🤣

[@maxleopoldmun]

try pointing your front tire the other direction when getting the bike off the stand, requires a lot less strength :)

[@chrispulham4779]

Wow, you did 👍 👌 👍

[@anthonysilva7213]

Great video, thanks for the tips! I'm 5 foot 6 inches and looking to get a Yamaha Tenere 700, was thinking I'll need to lower it but would rather not do that.

[@EckRD]

If you are riding it 90% of the time on the road and flat. Lower it. With Off road, hills and slopes will be annoying for short riders. You will most likely drop the bike trying to balance yourself. But with practice and errors you will develop ways to overcome your shortcomings. 😅

[@berserk916]

You handle the Tiger great. I'm lucky to have one as well. It's not light but you make it look easy!

[@RapTheMonster]

Nice

[@onerugrat]

you man where ya been, your one of the only short riders I follow that has a tiger rp?

[@welcometotherange]

In Japan, riding my brand new 71 TS250, slowing for a red light, Japanese rider on just released CB750 passes us, comes to a stop and kicks the side stand and leans the bike onto the stand all in one motion. Light turns green, he jerks the bike upright, kicks the stand and drives away, again all in one motion.... never once touching the ground.

[@dperique]

very informative. You make rolling mount and dismount look easy; I'm working on my confidence to try it. When you first learned this skill, did you drop your bike? and any tips to share to avoid this? thanks!

[@FillyAdventureRider]

Thank you! I’ve dropped it once mounting it this way, but the mistake I made was to start it in second gear and not first, so I killed the engine 🙃 one tip to avoid losing control mounting it is to find something that stays still in front of you (50-100m) for you to focus your eyes on. Also, do not rush throwing your leg over. I usually stay on the left side of the bike for about 5-10m before throwing the leg over - just to make sure that I have found the balance. I always used to mount my bicycle like this when I was younger, so maybe that is why I felt pretty comfortable mounting a motorbike this way from the start 🤷‍♀️

[@RobinRobin-kz7qw]

Hi Filly, May be the reason of your "left side starting" is, that you keep the way of starting a bicycle. And as we see, you are moving it bravely= bravura! Stay save Martin Robin (D)

[@josephdonzanti7966]

Love your accent!

[@vpeace9628]

Very good video thanks. You’re a lot better than I ever was when riding a bike, and I m a guy😂

[@ronalddelarosa858]

❤❤❤Superb

[@qtran7171]

it's all about inseam...i'm 5'5 as well but my inseam is 27in (68cm) ...i sat on a tiger 900 before. I wish i was able to flat foot on one side but that's not the case for me.

[@zoranbilbiloski652]

Have you ever consider the Benelli TRK 502?It's much a bigger bike ,about 230 kg of weight but the seat height is only 800mm!I have the same height and inseam as you and I'm currently riding a CRF 450 X with seat height of 930mm,but looking for something more adventures so bucked a ride with the Benelli TRK 502!Love the video!Cheers!

[@FillyAdventureRider]

No, never tried it 😊 but sounds interesting!

[@zoranbilbiloski652]

@@FillyAdventureRider You should check it out and the Ice on the cake ..is only 6500 euros brand new 2 years warranty 😉

[@deepakthakur7575]

Amazing woman 🧍‍♀️

[@donsmith3573]

Your brave, but then you are young, if like me old than it’s not so easy even though I’m very experienced. I decided on the ktm 890 adventure s because it’s low for an adventure and low centre of gravity. Good video thanks

[@facundobustos]

Thanks for the TIPS, I Just bought a Desert X and am 5'8 hahahaha

[@csiautodetail]

The biggest problem is when you need to lift the kickstand, but you can't reach the ground on your right side due to uneven surface , Happened to me before, I tip the bike because by the time you touched the ground bike had to much lean angle that I couldn't hold it.

[@ivanlarose6899]

I think you and Doodle should do a video together

[@graffigdesign8977]

Thanks for the video 👍🏻 can I ask what inseam you are. Most folks always mention height. I’m 6ft however only 30” inseam. Yes, I’m all back 😂 many thanks

[@FillyAdventureRider]

Thank you 😄 I wrote it in the description of the video as I did forget to mention it in the actual video😅 my inseam is about 75cm.

[@graffigdesign8977]

@@FillyAdventureRider ah perfect!!! My bad. always forget to check that area - thanks so much for letting me know. Have a lovely weekend.

[@brettgodfrey9536]

All motor officers will tell you it is better to mount from the high side. It keeps you out of traffic and has many other benefits.

[@samcrdx8016]

Can you manage with somebody on the pillion on a tip toe bike.

[@FillyAdventureRider]

Yes, but I need to keep the side stand down during both mount and dismount 😄

[@corvus4135]

Beautiful, dexterous and smart lady!😍

[@sparrrowhawk]

perfecto .. How is Quality of the tiger 900 ?

[@FillyAdventureRider]

It’s a really good bike! However, maybe not the best fit for me as I have short arms 😅

[@ivanfan890]

What tires are you using in your tiger 900?

[@FillyAdventureRider]

Currently I’m using tkc 80 in front, and tkc 70 rocks rear 😄

[@StanForAdventure]

Nice piece of content.....S.F.A.

[@neverquit2470]

I am still using a stepladder instead to jump into my motorbike seat

[@irwanariffin1016]

I am currently riding S1000XR and CBR600RR and planning trade in my CBR600 for a used Tiger 900 Rally Pro as I am starting to like a little bit or off road riding. Any tips?

[@FillyAdventureRider]

Exiting! What tips are you looking for? 😄

[@irwanariffin1016]

@@FillyAdventureRider How to improve balance point when riding off road especially at crawling speed.

[@FillyAdventureRider]

@@irwanariffin1016 hi, I’m still an amateur when it comes to off road riding even though I love what I’ve done so far 😄 so I recommend you to google/KZbin “off-road riding tips” and check out some of the more experienced riders for more detailed and technical explanation, as I’m still learning myself 😅

[@irwanariffin1016]

@@FillyAdventureRider Roger that… I supposed I have to take baby steps and slowly progress…and practice more.👍

[@sojourn6697]

Thank you for a concise and instructive video. It seems the only ones able to produce good videos are Scandinavian or English riders. Americans have to show off and will never use one word when they can find twenty.

[@FillyAdventureRider]

Thank you 😄

[@wesleyshinto]

It’s called a kickstand turn!

[@Midnight-City]

It is safer and more stable to have both your feet flat on the ground and not on your toes when your bike is upright or just mounting your bike in general. Why not lower the suspension on your bike by a few inches?

[@FillyAdventureRider]

I want to avoid compromising the space between the ground and the bike due to off-road riding 😊

[@monkeyfever]

You should do a video wearing a teal one piece swimsuit, brown short shorts, thigh pistol holsters, red sun glasses, and carry 2 USP pistols

[@Szlejer]

Short rider tip NUMBER ONE: pick bikes that actually fit your size and weight.

[@rodrozil6544]

How tall are you in cm? I am 163 only.

[@FillyAdventureRider]

I’m 165 :)

[@rodrozil6544]

@@FillyAdventureRider I think even 165 is short for girls in Nordic countries. I guess

[@AlvinRai-tn9lq]

What is your height?

[@FillyAdventureRider]

165

[@AlvinRai-tn9lq]

​@@FillyAdventureRiderthanks

[@paulyflyer8154]

Or buy a bike that fits you and ride stress-free.

[@HighwayKnights]

Nice video .. beautiful face ..lol

[@HighwayKnights]

yessss tnx for the heart

[@paulyricca3881]

YOU DID A HACK LIFT NOT A DEADLIFT

[@greyfisher3897]

The real goal in motorcycling, is to not drop it....not practice dropping it....the risks of injury are too high...including the risk hurting your back lifting it....over and over again.......

[@greyfisher3897]

Here is a tip, buy a bike that fits you. All you doing is dancing around the inevitable drop when things don't go your way perfectly. The notion of calculated risk needs to be entertained. The horse mount is used by tall riders on ADV bikes just as much. It is not technique to use because you are shorter, or too short for the bike that you bought. The actual lowering of the bike is the first step, suspension modifications. If your feet dangle, you are clearly on the wrong bike, and asking for trouble....trouble defined as broken bones....that is the reality that gets skipped in these tips and lessons videos swamping youtube, from beginner motorcyclists.

[@krisswolf2011]

As a first bike, totally agree, buy a smaller bike to learn techniques. But once you can gain experience, you don’t have to be bound by the limit of your height. DoodleOnAMotorcycle and Jocelyn Snow had videos proving short riders can competently ride large motorcycles. So once you have the skills, you can totally buy whatever bike your heart desires, rather than “buy a bike that fits you”

[@qualityquentin5937]

gaston rahier would like a word

[@joewilliams9862]

Nope

[@RobinRobin-kz7qw]

Hi Filly, besides all the technical tips I agree, it must be mentioned, that bikers love to make curves AND I love to watch YOURS too. (Hoping, compliments are not completly KILLED by "meToo-behaviour". I am oldschool anyway. 💋Robin (D-Black Forest)

[@A-37Bdragonfly]

❤❤you are so freaking cute…