Learning to Ride Tall Adventure Bikes

One of the first things I noticed when stepping into the world of adventure motorcycling

was just how tall these bikes are—especially when compared to the road bikes I’d ridden

previously. You start to realise it’s a whole different league when “normal” seat heights are in the mid-800mm range and above.

My BMW R1250GSA, for example, sits at around 860mm. That’s not exactly short-bike

territory. And for someone like me; with a 29-inch inseam—it was intimidating at first.

The Tall Bike Dilemma

At the start, I was genuinely concerned. I kept wondering:

• How will I stop this thing safely?

• What if I tip over at the lights?

• Will I ever feel in control when I come to a halt on uneven terrain?

These questions sat in the back of my mind until I began training—and that’s when

everything changed.

What Training Taught Me

Through professional courses and real-world practice, I learned something crucial: you

don’t need both feet flat on the ground to ride a tall bike well. You just need to understand how to stop and how to plan ahead.

I now approach every stop with intention. For example, I’ve learned to slide slightly to the left and plant my foot confidently. If that’s not possible, I’m okay with tiptoeing or balancing on one foot. It felt awkward at first, but over time, it became second nature.

Now, getting on and off the bike—something that once felt like climbing a stepladder—feels completely normal.

Reading the Terrain

One important skill when riding a tall bike is learning to read the camber of the road or trail before you stop. You don’t always get to choose the “perfect” side to put your foot down.

Sometimes, the ground drops away more than expected, is muddy, or just awkwardly

sloped. In those moments, being aware and planning ahead can make all the difference. I've even had to stop beside a rock or raised patch just to get my footing right.

My Advice to New Riders

If you’re worried about bike height, especially if you’re on the shorter side—don’t let it stop you from getting the bike you really want.

Avoid the temptation to lower your suspension straight away. Give yourself time to adjust. Yes, it may feel like borrowing your older friend’s oversized bike when you were a kid. And yes, it takes a little more concentration when coming to a stop. But you will master it.

And once you do, you’ll realise why these bikes are designed the way they are. That tall,

tuned suspension? It’s worth every millimetre when you’re tackling trails, climbing ruts, or gliding over rough terrain.

Still nervous? Head over to YouTube and search for “short riders on tall bikes.” You’ll find

people far shorter than me doing incredible things on adventure motorcycles. Watch how they handle it, copy their techniques, and trust the process.

Final Thought

A tall bike might seem intimidating at first—but with the right mindset and training, it

becomes your greatest ally. Don’t shrink your bike to fit your fears—grow your skills to

meet your goals.

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