Short riders + Tall Motorcycles = Not a big deal! | Episode 31 | The PowerDrift Podcast 

Hey #PDArmy, we hope this podcast helps you or your friends ride a tall motorcycle! Do share any stories you have of riding tall motorcycles. Also, let us know below what our next podcast should be on.

i am 5'3 .. as shumi said correctly it's more phycological than biological...i rode 800mm plus motorcycles without much difficulty...the only problem is how people make fun of you even if you are capable of riding the tall motorcycles

I learnt motorcycle riding when I was in class 4 & 12years old only and both my feets were like 4~5 inches above ground when seated. LOST MY FEAR OF SEAT HEIGHT when I started riding!! Thanks to my Dad.

This podcast was an important one..because I had gone through the whole bike is too tall thing before i got my impulse. But that bike made me fall in love with adv riding and i researched about short riders on tall bikes and now have the confidence to give any bike a go.

So many times when I am about to start the PD podcast by Shumi. I hit the 👍🏻 button prior to viewing the video!! It’s worth that after the watch. 🤣🤟🏻

Nice podcast Shumi. Given that I am 5'3" tall and ride a KTM Adv with an 855 mm seat height, I would say that seat height is not an issue for me. There are some challenges that come with riding with a pillion, but they are not insurmountable.

Thanks for this PD, us not so tall people needed this. The mental reinforcement. 🤘😎

Amazing topic shumi. The best example is bullu biker, bullu patnaik who is 5.3 and rides Honda Africa twin.

It’s interesting how when you decide to do something that your mind has been thinking is too difficult.. the universe lines up the right content on every platform that you visit. I have been thinking about making a career change for quite some time but never got around to do it because, as Shumi puts it, giving up is the easiest option. Thanks for the timely wisdom.

Looking back, my parents said no to every bike that looked "too big" for me when they actually meant I'm too short to handle a bike. Being 5'4 I was laughed out of a good number of showrooms or I was recommended to consider mopeds as an "easier option". I finally ended up owning a Gixxer SF and though I'm 25 and I feel like the last of my passion to own a bike I like is getting snuffed, such content always adds a little fuel to a dying fire :) I've always lived fearlessly, to the point where being 5'4 I've ridden tribs for 5 kms with a combined pillion weight of about 185 kgs. We're not useless people like the world thinks. Just keep your head focused on the road and keep riding! Thanks for such amazing content as always Shumi!

Can you please show us a video too for a short rider doing off roading. Suppose uphill climb , without falling. That will be much help. I am 5.5 and I am just holding myself from 390 Adventure.

This video is worth sharing,my brother is 4.11 ,he doesn't ride bikes ,he only rides scooters ,maybe he will change his mind after watching this video

3:18 But one serious Note 😅 5.1 and Riding bike with 900mm seat Height, He can't even Tip Toe 🤐

I just purchased a dual sport with 910+ millimeter seat height. I’m 177 centimeters and I have dropped this new bike 3 times so far. I have to remember to pick a better place to put 1 foot down and also slide my butt over to that side before the stop. Never had to do this before so it takes a little change in practice. Success comes by change, not chance! Thank you for your inspiring and articulate presentation.

I'm 5.4 and riding Interceptor with curb weight 202 kg with fuel approx 208. It was difficult at start but you can always learn and yeah falling is always part of life and that's how you learn something.

I'm still scared of ADV bikes. Having a blown ankle from a gunshot, I already use adv boots on nakeds and sport bikes for stability. But I almost manage a completely lowered Africa Twin and a Versys 1000. Where there's a will, there is a way. With time and practice and enough determination, one can improve and get better at it. I have a friend that is 20-30 cm smaller and he's riding an Africa Twin that is not lowered, but it's funny and wicked how he stops and starts.

That instilled a lot of motivation! It's so irritating when a bike which you would love to ride has a 800mm+ saddle height, i wish there are shoes with 30mm thick soles :P lots of love!

Thank you so much Power Drift ❤️

Obviously, English is not your mother tongue. But you are exceptionally well spoken and it's fascinating to see you process the language on the fly. And you're right about riding a tall bike being largely psychological, It's mind over matter, for sure. You've made it a matter of thinking and analysis. Kudos to you.

Even for tall riders this podcast is a must watch.. shumi sir you are the best..your podcast help alot to remove that mental block that we have. I still remember your riding in rain and the only skill you need podcast. Both have made me a better rider today. I enjoy riding in rains now... Thank you sir all the knowledge that you give us through your podcast, simplified and through your insta stories.

What a man you are.. amazing clarity on topics you talk... Gosh I knew it all but when u speak..it goes in... I love u mannn

When it comes to entertainment this guy doesn't disappoint us while teaching us how to live in this beautiful motorcycling world. Thank you god for giving birth to such an amazing teacher.

Thanks Shumi for bringing this one. The same rules apply to the other sphere of life too.

Another blockbuster podcast from Shumi and PowerDrift! ❤️ Would love to see an episode on motorcycle upgrades, addressing whether it's actually necessary for indian conditions, when is a good time to upgrade, and what all should we take into account if/when we do so. The answer might be the same for a whole lot of people, but would love to see this man (Shumi) speak on this. 😊

i'm 5'6" i have xpulse 4v and i love riding it coz of that i dropped my bike on v turns in mountains 4-5 times still i love riding it and try to ride it in proper way

You are myth buster of motorcycling world !👍👍👍👌👌 this episode also classified as motivational and inspirational one for lots of folks thinking about their ability to perform due limitations !!! Great 👍 thanks Shumi 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Thanks Schumi. Yes podcast really hit the nail. You have motivated me to break that mental barrier. Best part was u need not have both feet on ground. One is good enough n i think that sorts out the 10% problem a lot. Thanks again.

Thanks for all the encouragement and practical tips

Yes you are right its all about the mind. If you have the mind set then you can ride any tall bike that you want . A matter of facts I am short Rider and I'm ride my 250 . "It's not the height,it's mindset ".keep riding.. ❤

Love love love, big love sir. Looking forward for more like this confidence boosting podcast. I m short our family got a glamour bike. I am learning it now.

I wish to buy a bike, but my friends told me your height is 5.2 and you cant handle it. they told me you drive shooty. just beocuse of them lost confidence. but in the future, I also buy a bike.

Thank you very much Shumi sir.

The fear is in the mind.... Just go ride, fell down, get up, learn from mistake and over come the fear of your brain.... That's what shumi sir wanted to tell in this podcast.....shumi sir should start a motivational channel... One the most logical and rational guy I have ever heard 🖤🖤🖤

Very inspiring & motivating podcast Shumi, Thank You!

Thanks Shumi, you instilled a lot of confidence.

Thankyou so much this was much needed. My height is 5'4 and i always feared riding a 800mm plus bike. This video makes me believe that i can✨.

Questions - 1. Can a short rider complete a Ladakh trip on a taller motorcycle? 2. What will be the challenges in above trip?

One can somehow manage to get past the mental block & manage everyday Indian bumper to bumper conditions. The issue arises when really wants to use an adv for its intended purpose and go off road, where you don't get to choose which side to put a leg down due to the terrain sometimes. Two footing (ok, toe reaching) becomes important in key circumstances. Test ride extensively before you buy, my short brothers.

I'm 5'7" and own an Xpulse2004v. Riding is an excellent experience but a huge problem when still. Unless your feet, at least one foot, are in complete contact with the ground, not just the tiptoes, you will have huge difficulty in controlling the heavy motorcycle. On uneven/irregular/slippery surfaces, you will eventually slip/trip and fall...along with the motorcycle. No matter what your mind says, if the physics of your body doesn't support, you mostly can't do it.

Iam 5'4 and I ride a Husqvarna svartpilen and it's my first motorcycle. Initially I found it difficult but as I spent more time with my motorcycle it was no longer a problem to me!

Shumi it’s easier said than done. I am riding the bikes from last 25 years and tried all kind of bikes and in most of the terrains. But when you are stuck in a traffic jam all this knowledge and presence of mind is gone for a toss. I had tried Multi and rode it well on highways and on city roads but once you are stuck in a jam everything goes out of control. I had fall and being an experienced enough rider decided to change the bike and it’s always better to be safe than to experiment. But still you have explained it very well as you always do and hope this will inspire many riders with small stature. Thanks

please make video on how tall rider can be comfortable on long rides😀love your knowledge shumi

Sir it was not only for about riding motorcycle but explaination was to go beyond and try our max very inspirational

I want to share this video to my short friend. But he doesn't know English. So i am sharing "how to learn English" video to him 😀

Love to Shumi The way he explained it's cool.

Brilliance par none Shumi 🙏👍 you are truly the rockstar of Indian motorcycling 🤘

This is perfect to my friend bcz she always tells me this scooter is not for me that scooter is very tall, I tried to explain same thing with bicycle 🚲 example still she is kind of scare, now I think this video will help her..... Thanks shumi. And about the video people think to handle bike they need to touch both feet from the bike but actually this is not the case you just need to give small support that will be done by single leg easily right

Thank you for this episode .. i was waiting for it for so long

Hi Shumi, Very inspiring, It would greatly help if you could show some snippets/ pics/ videos to consolidate your point of view in all your podcasts, it would help a great deal. I have booked an ADV 250 and the seat height was always on my mind, but inputs like this gest the guys on the fence to go ahead and say " let's do this" Cheers

Thanks for all the encouragement and practical tips shumi sir 👍 I was in this mindset that i will not be able to ride KTM bikes because of my height. Now will definitely consider tall bikes and will surely go for one 😊👍

Thank you 🙏🏻

🙏 Thanks for this video...i am a 5'1"..and it motivates me...

One issue I have as a short rider is that I have to stretch my arms to reach the handle bars. I often get pain in my shoulders/back when doing long rides. I don't mind the seat height, but if I can just pull the handle bars closer, that would be great

Being a 5'5ft guy and Xpulse 200 being my dream bike, I was extremely worried about my height being an issue as the Xpulse is a bit tall bike. I even had second thoughts about going for it but now after watching this video i will definitely not only learn it but also buy the bike and when I do, I will give and update in this comment. Thank you so much and God Bless You❤.

Thank you, Shumi!

This will help to opening my mind set for tall motorcycles

Thank you so much really Helpful...

Would like to see a video with tips on how to ride on sloping surfaces especially when they are also turning at sharp bends

Oh my Gosh! It was an amazing video thanx alot frm the me and the community to PD & Shumi. That Dani Pedrosa example, Man! I won’t forget that ever an remember as an inspiration to not question our capabilities, thank you again Shumi & PD.

This was such a satisfying video bro... This is one of the best videos on Moto.... I am 5.2 and been height testing RE bikes... My dad is 5.2 and he had 2 standard bullets 1983....and its emotional for me to have a bullet....but the height factor had always stopped me from owning one.... So thank you for this video...gonna watch it often. You nailed it!

Too informative and inspiring...thanks to this gentleman 🎉

For those who think they are short and cannot ride tall motorcycles, please read about Richard J Flaherty. He was a 4 feet 9 inches tall officer in the US Army and was called the Giant Killer.

I am 5.4 feet tall and I use Xpulse as a daily commuting and for Sunday riding ,off roading kind of staff. I tiptoed only with my shoes. At first many of my friends told me to lower the rear shocker and also why didn't go for a jawa or a meteor. Still I tried and managed it very well till now.

excellent iam short rider 5.6 your speech is great inspiration shumi bro

Thanks for the information 👍

It is only perception of individuals. I own ktm 390 adventure and I am 5'6". Still be able to manage the bike with seat height of 855 mm very well. Happy riding guys.

What about heavy 250 300 kg bikes? Is it manageable?

Now I am ready to ride a Rocket..

You should start a Garage......

Hello This is Prasenjit from kolkata. Your podcasts are very good for knowledge purpose. Can you please tell me following questions -- 1. What are the good tyres for Royal Enfield Himalayan. 2. What is the best battery for REH . Thanks Regards Prasenjit.

Try taking tall motorcycle to water crossings on the Gramphoo - Chandrataal (Spiti) Stretch.

Much needed episode 🥱❤️

DANI PEDROSA you have my respect 🙏

so inspiring thanks bro

Ted talks by Shumi...😊

You are so interesting to listen to whatever is the subject. Great...

Professor Shumi 🔥🔥

Very well said Sir.

That was really helpful, I'm 5.5 and wondering whether to own the new classic 350.

Emergency situation me break laganepar pair gadana hi padta hai sir.... And one more thing parking se heavy weight bikes bahar nikalne k liye pairo se dhakka Dena padta hai....tab bhi possible nahi hain.... again according to you sir you have to slow down the bike and then touch the foot according to direction you choose.... But ekbar bike ka pura weight ek hi pair par aa jae na to muscle strech and worst thing bone break ho sakta hai....maine bohhot bar KTM par try Kiya ... Chalai bhi ...but result scratches and injuries.....Mera Bhai 5.11" hai and me 5.5 ....nahi hota hai sir....

Shumi one humble request if you could make a video on old motorcycle riding and maintenance tips eg: old Rd 350, Enfield, Yezdi etc .

Thank you soo much @shumar for clearing up the doubt in my mind and helping me build up the confidence to buy the bike I wanted for such a long time( I.e- dominar250) cuz of my small height 5.3 and it's weight I was Lil concerned to got for it but after watching this podcast you gave me that push which was missing till now and hopefully even get a chance to learn from you at tracks as well🙏🙇‍♂️ lots of love from Sikkim❤💐

Very helpful content sir. Thank you 🤩

It just happened to me, when i brought my new gt650, bringing my bike out of my parking which a very very narrow lane ,i mis calculated the ground depth as i my mind was still thinking it an activa, had a terrible fall, but nothing serious ,n instead of giving up i calculated the exact curve to turn n bingo

I am 5.4 my daily bike is a 220f never had any height related issue with that bike. But when I go off road with a pillion if his weight is more than mine i find it very difficult to control bike. My weight is 64kg. Any trick to solve this issue ?.

Nice

dani pedrosa analogy is so wrong as he used to ride that honda gp bike on circuit and not on normal streets with maybe a pillion....i am 5 ft 6" guy(riding for 22 years) and we south east asians normally use one bike for all purposes....so when we try any taller bike greater than 820mm(with reference to my height) seat height or higher then we face a lot of problems while stopping on traffic, with pillion rider on our back we really have to be careful not to lose our balance, and we know the roads are not always smooth tarmac .Specially on muddy slippery off roads on monsoon the problem increases exponentially and on top of that if there is a pillion then it only gets worse.i dont have to explain more because we all have felt this problem .yes it wont be a problem if you have multiple bikes and you could take one of your 900mm seat height light weight off roader for some trail riding or some high performance naked/supersport/dual sports for some single ride to some location with friends.But it wont be such a easy thing if you have only one bike which your use for all purposes....

Hello my fellow hobbits, you guys are talking about 900mm and here, i rode 810mm with only one foot down and that too with tip toe. You guys are still average.. I have struggled a lot!

If you can ride a Vitpilen you can ride anything

Video on throttle control pls....

@shumar I’m 5.4, I rode the Honda cb 350rs other day, it’s very handy n I liked the road grip, I felt bit unstable in sharp turns n traffic places. Should I go for it? Will the bike suits me?

Guys watch Meg's braap on youtube... Shes a short rider on a tall bike but the things she does on the bike are crazy

This guy has touched my ego now😂😂 and I'm gonna really buy the xpulse rally edition

Ok, I get that with time anyone can learn & get comfortable with any motorcycle. For the sake of argument, let's assume I'm 5 ft 2' and I comfortable riding a pulsar. I want to try other motorcycles that are taller like ADVs (Himalayan, 390, V-Strom, etc.,). In order to learn I need access to those motorcycles. Unless I have a friend that owns one and is willing to let me try it out on a parking lot, this becomes a challenge. We can be confident, but we will make mistakes like dropping the bike on the pavement or dirt, which is part of the learning process. But, at the same time have to bear the damages caused (big or small), same goes with test riding from a showroom. I've genuinely had this fear when I wanted to test ride some 500+ cc ADVs, but had the question "what if I drop the bike and have to pay for the damages?". Because, I know that once I get the bike moving, I don't care if I'm riding 500 kg beast. I'm only worried about the stop & go traffic in the city that I'll be test riding through. tl;dr If I have a motorcycle that I can spare, I'm ready to drop it 100 times to learn what it takes to handle big bikes. How does one get over this fear?

Perfect timing

Hi, Really like your content. What do you think about keeway sr 125?

Wow that was awesome... really nice video

Thank you thank you very much….. I had doubts about riding a tall motorcycle…. All my life I was in self doubt….. May b ppl around me always reminded me about the height factor…. This video has indeed reignited my desire to be free on a highway… Finally I am FREE😇😇😇😇

Hello PD Army, I am 5'5 and i ride BMW G310 R, so far you have covered my worry of riding bigger motorcycles, but this motorcycles comes with a heavy weight, how do we manage that in stop and go traffic. I sometime refrain myself riding a pillion with me due to extra weight and in stop and go traffic I found it difficult managing it.

Thanks 😊👍