Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Jul 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Fremantle, Western Australia
Posts: 124
Tips for a 5'2" rider on a Royal Enfield

Hi guys,

At the end of November, I'm going on a charity bike ride across South India. We're going to be riding Royal Enfield 350cc Bullets, which is all very exciting, but the Bullet is a very different sort of bike from what I'm used to riding (a 250cc Suzuki Marauder cruiser).

Specifically, as a shorter rider (I'm 5"2), I'm concerned that the higher seat height (Marauder is 680mm, Enfield is I think around 800mm) will mean I can't get my feet on the ground. And as the Bullet is also apparently rather heavier than I'm used to, it sounds like a potential recipe for disaster!!

:help smilie: Any advice for how I might tackle riding the Enfield when the time comes? I've heard for example that you can get soles put in bike boots that give you an extra few inches of height? Are there particular techniques for handling a bike when your feet don't touch the ground?

I've never ridden in India, but it sounds like the terrain will be very varied, not to mention obstacles (people and animals!) at every turn, so I want to be prepared! Also, I'm thinking about trading in the cruiser for something a bit closer to an Enfield (not sure what though??), to get some practice in on a heavier/higher bike before I go....

All help/advice gratefully received, folks!

Jeanie
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Jul 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: uk
Posts: 77
I'm 5.4 and can put both feet flat on ground on an enfield

Hi Jeanie

Wow - what an adventure - South India on an enfield bullet - you'll have the time of your life!!

About the height - I'm 5.4 - I've ridden enfields in India lots of times and really they're a pretty low bike - I've ridden through the Himalayas twice on some very rough roads and never found any problems with the height. Appreciate I've got 2 inches on you (!) but I can comfortably put 2 feet flat on the ground so I think you'd be able to at least get both balls of your feet on the ground. I honestly think you'll be fine with the height. Many indian blokes are not the tallest and they've managed over the years!!

Oh and just reread your post about the riding style - the enfields feel pretty light when you're riding them and have a great turning circle - it will certainly feel different to your cruiser style bike but hopefully you'll feel like you have more manoeuvre - ability.

Is there an enfield dealer in your area you could go along to just for a sit on one to put your mind at rest???

Have fun.......

Gemma

Last edited by gemmasun; 7 Jul 2012 at 13:30. Reason: adding more information
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Jul 2012
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
Yep. Enfield is a pretty low bike compared to many. The weight is also low down so they don't feel unstable. They are actually very nice to ride at slow speed.

I am 5'10" so cant tell you if you'll be able to put your feet on the ground, but I can't touch the ground with both feet on my xt due to a combination of short legs and arthritis and it doesn't bother me. You get used to it. You just keep the bike upright and slide one buttock off the seat and support the bike on one leg. No problem!

Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 8 Jul 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Aus. Qld. Mackay
Posts: 474
500cc

Try and get on a 500cc classic they are a fair bit lower than the 350.
__________________
....rather Die Living.....than Live Dying !
www.globetrekkers.net.au
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 9 Jul 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Fremantle, Western Australia
Posts: 124
Thanks for your encouragement!

Hey guys,

Thanks for your very positive feedback.

I've managed to find an Enfield dealer locally who's got a 500cc classic I can go and sit on (they no longer import the 350s into Oz), so hopefully that will give me some reassurance (though PaulD, you mentioned the 500 is lower than the 350: I would have thought it would be the other way round??).

Have noted, too, people's tips for riding when your feet only just touch the ground or not at all. It's largely about being able to control the weight of the bike, but it sounds like the Enfield has a low centre of gravity so that might not be so much of a problem after all.

Main thing is, confidence. I still feel like a relatively new rider (only got my licence in 2010 and have been off the bike the last few months), so I need to get my mojo back and get confident again with jumping on and off bikes!

Jeanie

PS: No-one mentioned the built-up boots to add height...dumb idea, eh??!
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
An alternative to the Royal Enfield in India? cy01 Which Bike? 1 6 Jul 2012 12:21
Everest to London.... on a Royal Enfield Bullet 350cc. joasphoto Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 9 15 Jun 2012 20:50

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:34.