By Dr. Donald L. Green, 22 November 2022
Training motorcycles have been on my mind for a few weeks for multiple reasons. The three “criteria” for using a motorcycle for training are well known to most in the profession, but adherence to the conditions does not always produce the best result for the students. It may be time to re-examine the requirements for learning with the currently available motorcycles. It is essential also to include the further constraints set forth by the “Buy-American” act. For a motorcycle to be used for training, the engine size, weight, and seat height should be considered and manufactured for on-highway use by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Two of the three criteria must be met for use:
1) The first of the criteria is an engine displacement of 500 cubic centimeters (cc) or less for internal combustion engines (ICE) and 30 Kilowatts (kW) or less for electric motors. Despite being a requirement for several decades, a consideration for current motorcycles is the improvements in technology that decrease the mass of modern motorcycles while also creating more power and response from smaller capacity engines. A 500cc motorcycle from the 1970s was much more forgiving for a student than a modern motorcycle of the same displacement. ONE way to decrease the amount of anxiety and ability to control training motorcycles while emphasizing learning is to reduce the displacement of the motorcycles or manage the response through electronic fuel mapping, decreasing the throttle response. The engine displacement is typically tied to the curb weight, and as you see in the next paragraph, bigger is only sometimes better. Is it time to decrease the engine displacement size for student motorcycles? Does fuel mapping only treat one of the issues associated with motorcycles too big for a novice rider?
2) The second criterion is a wet curb weight of 440 pounds (lbs.) or less. For the average student holding up a motorcycle as a novice rider can be challenging. When a student learns to move with and manipulate the controls of a new machine, weight, balance, and seat height can make a huge difference. When someone goes to the gym to work out, they rarely start with weights beyond their control to build strength. The same can be said for learning to ride a motorcycle. If a motorcycle is TWO times what a person would typically pick up or balance, the potential for dropping or becoming off-balance is increased. Comfort on the motorcycle is decreased if the weight is lower and steering or balancing is not a struggle. For average-height students a high-weight motorcycle can disrupt learning when a novice rider struggles to maintain the balance of a heavier machine. Motorcycles in the 250 to 300 lbs. range are typically better balanced and more easily usable for the average student. Is it time to decrease the weight for student motorcycles? Does a smaller displacement motorcycle contribute to decreased weights?
3). The third criterion is a seat height of 30 inches or less. There is a lot of controversy about seat height and the ability to manage a motorcycle. The average inseam for a male is 30-32 inches, but for a female, it is between 28-30 inches. Most seat heights for training motorcycles begin somewhere on the high side of 31 inches. Lower seat heights can generally be associated with cruiser-style motorcycles creating “odd” steering and balance issues as weight distribution is changed to accommodate seat position to make a lower height. Odd steering rake, handlebars, and forward controls can feel strange to students unfamiliar with riding. Novice students who stand either one-footed or on their tippy toes may need better physical management of the motorcycle during the critical moments of learning how to start and stop. It may be beneficial to have lower seat height options for students with less than average height or, more importantly, to manage the motorcycle better because of the fit and balance associated. Of course, seat height is directly related to the other two criteria. It is possible seat height is an afterthought when a student is not correctly fitted at the beginning of the course or struggles throughout. Many providers rely on fleet-based availability instead of student need, and depending on geographical location, trends in student height based on cultural orientation can have a considerable impact. Is it time to provide more options for seat height without modifications for student motorcycles?
I hope these ruminations stir thought and consideration for RiderCoaches and the manufacturer’s vision for different motorcycle availability. Considering the “Buy American Act,” there is indeed a scarcity of motorcycles built in the United States to foster a good portion of potential riders to explore becoming part of our great community.
Have a great week!
-Don
