Buying Motorcycles by Ground Clearance
There are a lot of stats and features to consider when buying a motorcycle, from horsepower to speed potential to comfort. However, one factor that often gets overlooked is ground clearance, and it’s surprisingly important!
We here at Moroney’s Motorsports want to make sure you get the right bike for your riding style, so we’ve put together some information on buying a motorcycle with the right ground clearance, below. To learn more, or to see the motorcycles we have for sale, contact our store in New Windsor, New York, today!
Measuring Ground Clearance
Ground clearance, meaning the amount of space between the bottom of your motorcycle and the ground, is usually measured in millimeters. The simplest measurement is to find the lowest part of the chassis or underside and measure from there, but it’s also useful to measure the various components to see their individual ground clearances.
High Ground Clearance Benefits
A motorcycle built with a high ground clearance will have a reduced chance of incurring damage when riding over obstacles. Making sure your motorcycle has enough clearance can help save you money in repairs and parts replacements, and higher ground clearance also tends to make the suspension more effective, resulting in a smoother ride. The motorcycles with the highest ground clearance tend to be built for off-roading, like dirt bikes and dual sport motorcycles.
Low Ground Clearance Benefits
Of course, low ground clearance has its own advantages. A lower ground clearance often leads to a lower center of gravity, making the motorcycle more stable and easier to handle. Less space between the bottom of the bike and the road also improves aerodynamics, allowing less air to travel beneath the bike. Sport bikes and touring motorcycles tend to have low ground clearance for these exact reasons.
Can You Change a Motorcycle’s Ground Clearance?
Though it’s best left to professional mechanics and technicians, a motorcycle’s ground clearance can be altered by lowering or raising the suspension. However, this will impact how the motorcycle feels and handles since the bike was designed with a specific amount of ground clearance in mind. Make sure to consult with an expert before moving forward with this plan.
How Do I Get a Motorcycle With the Right Ground Clearance?
To find the perfect amount of ground clearance for your new motorcycle, you need to consider:
- Where you’re riding. Places with bumpier terrain and more obstacles like off-roading trails will benefit from higher ground clearance.
- Your height. People shorter than average will have an easier time mounting and controlling a motorcycle with low ground clearance than with high ground clearance, and vice-versa for taller people.
- Your experience level. Lower ground clearance is kinder to beginners since it makes handling easier.
Ready to get started? For more information, or to see our motorcycle selection, contact us at Moroney’s Motorsports. We proudly serve Newburgh, New York—let us serve you today!