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Flat Feet are Important!

by Jackie
(Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada)

When I took the safety course, we were told to switch inbetween the bikes so we could get an idea of what suited us and made us feel more comfortable. One happened to be an off $ on road thats seat was at my belly button. i hoped on thinking nothing of it till i had to stop. IF YOU CANT TOUCH FLAT FOOT THE BIKE IS NOT FOR YOU!!! (Or you need a lowering kit).

That was the only time I have dropped a bike as it stands!

Comments for Flat Feet are Important!

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Jun 18, 2013

You can be flat-footed and still ride a great bike
by: Sharon

I ride a Harley 883 SuperLow. I looked at some of the other bikes, but as a (then) new rider I wasn't ready for the size or power. While looking we noticed the lower bike and I fell in love. The bike handles very well, is comfortable, and keeps up with my husband's cruiser on most roads. I am now experienced enough to "move up" but I really like my bike and the fact that my feet touch the ground flat is an added bonus.
Your experience in the class was perfect. You dropped their bike before rushing out to buy one of your own. When you are ready buy the bike you like and that you can handle. Otherwise, it just takes up space in the garage.

Jun 11, 2013

Flat footed
by: Susanne

As I clearly stated flat footed should not be the reason someone buys a motorcycle. I guarantee if more women actually tried out different makes and models they would quickly realize that they are missing the boat. BMW/Triumph.Aprilla,Ducati are just a few that are starting to market towards women. Instead of only looking at seat height instead look at the safety features and handling properties of a prospective bike. Almost all bikes can be lowered. I'll take handling any day over whether I can 100% flat foot a bike. You are needlessly limiting your options because your afraid. Take some riding courses and learn your abilities and your bikes abilities. Case in point. Recently my brother took a spill in a curve with gravel in the road. He locked is brakes and slid. I on the other hand had traction control which corrected for the gravel while the ABS kicked in. I turned around and helped him pick up his bike. All I'm saying is don't make a bike purchase only because you can flat foot it..

Jun 10, 2013

Flat footed
by: Anonymous

I have to disagree with the last poster on part of her input. While size of the engine, type, brand, etc. aren't that important, being able to keep the bike upright is. I have a 2012 Vulcan 900 classic, and I have to say, if I couldn't flat foot it, there is no way I could keep all 600+ pounds stable.

Now, if tippy-toeing it is where you're comfortable, good on ya, and it may work for the lighter bikes, but for the bigger bikes, flat footed all the way!

Jun 07, 2013

Comfort
by: Susanne

You have to ride a bike you are comfortable with. The engine size and seat height aren't a determining factor for me. I currently own a 2013 Ducati Hypermotard that I can't touch either foot down even tippy toed. I can put one foot down (half) and that is fine with me. I'm comfortable with that. I wouldn't be able to ride 99% of the bikes out there if I wanted to flat foot a bike before I rode it. My suggestion would be to take more advanced riding courses to gain more confidence in your riding abilities. Once you master how to handle a bike with more confidence you will realize that being flat footed isn't as important as once thought. BTW the only bike I have ever dropped is the only bike I can flat foot.

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