Buying a Motorcycle by Ground Clearance

When buying a motorcycle, it’s important to find an aesthetic that matches your style and the power, speed potential, and efficiency you need. But one aspect of motorcycles is often overlooked that shouldn’t be: ground clearance. We here at Gina’s Motorsports of Monee want to help you get the perfect motorcycle, so we’ve put together a few tips for buying one with the proper ground clearance, below. To learn more, or to see the motorcycles we have for sale, contact our store in Monee, Illinois, today!

Defining It

First, keep in mind that “ground clearance” means the distance between your bike’s chassis and the ground. Different parts of your bike will have different ground clearances, if only by a small amount, which can be important to keep in mind.

High Ground Clearance Benefits

Different ground clearances have different advantages. The higher your ground clearance, the better your motorcycle will be able to handle obstacles and bumps without damaging the body or components. That means fewer and less expensive trips to the service department to get your bike repaired. The suspension itself will be longer as well, so those bumps won’t hit you as hard either. It’s also better for taller riders who don’t want to fold themselves to fit a shorter bike.

Low Ground Clearance Benefits

That said, lower ground clearance has its own pros. If you’re concerned about speed and performance, for instance, lower ground clearance will give the motorcycle a lower center of gravity, making it easier to maneuver and turn the bike and easier to balance on it. There’s also less space between you and the road, which drastically reduces air friction, allowing you to move faster and use less fuel to do it.

Anyone who’s on the shorter side or who has some mobility issues will also appreciate a bike with lower ground clearance since it’s easier to mount and dismount.

Altering Ground Clearance

Of course, you’re not pinned to the ground clearance a motorcycle has by default. A professional could lower the suspension if you ask for it, reducing ground clearance and improving aerodynamics. However, that will of course make the ride bumpier, so be sure to talk it out before signing anything final. The ground clearance can also be raised through similar means, or by making other customizations.

The Right Ground Clearance For You

To decide which option is best for you, consider:

• Where you’re riding the motorcycle. Anything that’s going over bumpy roads or off-road terrain will benefit from high ground clearance.
• Your height.
• Your experience level. Lower ground clearance provides easier handling.

Ready to get started? Contact us at Gina’s Motorsports of Monee for more information, or to see the motorcycles we have available. We proudly serve the people of Chicago and Kankakee County, Illinois—let us serve you today!