I just went to the dealership to make sure I was tall enough to ride a Ninja before buying it. (im 5'7) I sat on it and about half of my foot was able to touch the ground. Is this ok?

Its a 2009 Kawasaki 250r

 

personally, i like to be flat footed while sitting on the bike. it isn't much work for them to lower it for you. it shouldn't be very expensive either.

 

It's fine. There's absolutely no need to be able to put both feet flat on the ground. The ball of one foot is all you need, and you can lean any bike enough to do that.

For the rest, you just need to know the correct way to start off and to bring a bike to a halt. Left foot always to the ground, right foot always, without exception, on the peg as long as the wheels are turning. When you can do full lock feet up figure eights and slow speed exercises with proper use of clutch and rear brake you'll have the confidence needed.

For the record, at 5'7" myself, riding an ER-6f, I've raised the seat for increased comfort.

Lowering the bike affects ground clearance and steering sensitivity and should be avoided unless you're shorter than about 3'6".

Rob

 

i bet you have a lot of fun trying to back your bike up in a parking lot with a bit of sand on it after the winter eh? cause i KNOW we all jump off our bikes to back them up...on the left side of the bike...like you are SUPPOSE to do

 

brin, I think you'll find that as you ride more, you think less about how much of your foot actually touches the ground when you stop. The "stop and lean" will become second nature. william makes a good point about not upsetting the geometry TOO much. It's OK to lower it a tick, though, if it gives you more confidence.

 

as mentioned, just get comfy with your ride and enjoy. Best of luck to ya

 

^ +1...

Personally I like both my feet to have a flat foot on the ground. But, in a lot of areas I ride it is extremely hilly, sandy, etc....expecially with a passenger on the back, I like to be firm footed. I didnt want to lower my suspension, So I shaved the seat and it fixed my problem.

 

I'm 5ft 8" and can put both feet flat on the ground which can be handy reverse parking,paddling a stationary bike etc. When I rode off road it was only the ***** of the feet and you soon got used to putting the correct foot down on a cross slope. The ideal is both feet flat on the ground with the bum clear of the seat

gammac