Motorcycle ATV Technology

ADVENTURE Motorcycles for Smaller Adults

In 2016 I wrote the book, Smaller Adult Motorcycles, where I outlined what was necessary to get almost twice as many people riding and enjoying motorcycles.

The book explained that around half of the world’s population didn’t even try to ride because the most desirable motorcycles (the adventure bikes) had seats way too high for about one-half of the population to touch the ground while sitting at a stop light.

It is definitely a safety issue for a rider to slide almost off the seat to be able to touch one toe on the ground to balance the bike.

The response of the motorcycle manufacturers was interesting, so I’ll outline our progress for you. Many of them have since emphasized the low seat height on their cruisers but they mostly still have only 2 or 3 inches of suspension travel, except for Honda’s Rebel line which almost has useable suspension travel.

Harley Davidson has designed an adventure bike that squats somewhat at stop lights but you have to pay extra for that feature.

BMW and a couple of others have made a seat that has a couple of mounting positions with an inch or so difference in height.

As yet, none of the manufacturers have designed a frame architecture that could be made into a proper adventure bike for short inseam people, except Honda. Just like when I saw a proper trail bike lurking inside Honda’s Super Cub, I can see a proper adventure bike for short people lurking inside the basic frame design of Honda’s popular Rebel line.

Like before, Honda doesn’t realize that they have almost built the adventure bike for us short inseam people that we have been waiting for all these years since adventure motorcycles started. Will they do anything about it? We’ll just have to wait and see.

Honda has already developed the necessary technology, so it’d probably be a very quick redesign. First, and most importantly, they would need to make a smaller version of their Gold Wing fork to give the Rebel Adventure bike independent front suspension. That way, it would have more compliance and a better ride with just 7-inches of travel than if they had 12 to 14-inches of travel with telescopic forks.

Second, the shocks on both ends should be electronically controlled.

Third, it should have a 17-inch tubeless wire wheel on the rear and a 21-inch wire wheel on the front.

Fourth, it should have an easily adjustable seat from a 27-inch seat height to a 32-inch seat height, so that almost any member of the family can ride it just like they can drive the family car.

They already have Rebels available clear from 300cc up to 1100cc, and that should satisfy even the most power-hungry rider in the family.

If Honda made this move, I’d be surprised if they could manufacture enough of them to meet the demand

~Herb Uhl

Feet on the Ground at Stops

As you may know, the crossover segment in the auto industry is the fastest-growing segment of their business. These cars have a little more ground clearance, all-wheel-drive usually and better visibility so they are not limited to driving on highways.

The motorcycle industry also has such a segment and they are called adventure bikes. They can be ridden on the streets, highways and almost anywhere else regardless of roads or terrain. Currently, four of the major companies are building some form of adventure bike and most of the rest are building something similar but they are not there yet.

In riding motorcycles, however, you can’t just slide the seat back and forth to fit different size bodies. The motorcycles actually have to be designed for different general leg length (inseam) so the riders can set both feet on the ground when the motorcycle is not in motion.

Problem: Because suspension technology has not progressed with the rest of the motorcycle technology the only way to currently get a smooth ride over uneven terrain is to have 12 inches to 14 inches of suspension travel on a telescopic type front fork. Thus if you intend to get a smooth ride you must have a seat height from the ground that only more or less fits about 40% of the potential motorcycle riders. Those riders must have an inseam length of 34 inches or more to safely touch the ground with both feet.

Conclusion: It is absurd that an entire industry would only cater to 40% of their available customers. It’s as if the manufacturers had a meeting somewhere and decided that all motorcycle riders have a 34 inch or longer inseam, so that’s all we’re going to build. I guess they decided anyone with less than a 34-inch inseam must be a child so we will make some basic beginner models for them and if any short adults want to ride they can stand on a stool to mount the bike or ride a children’s bike. The problem with using a stool to mount the bike is how do you have the stool at a stop light when it turns red?

There is an exception: The cruiser models. The way they made them sit lower was to take away suspension travel, rather than re-engineer the suspension to give them a good ride. One of them has just over 1 ½ inches of movement on their rear suspension rather than the 12 inches to 14 inches of movement on the best off-road bikes. As you can easily see the cruisers need roads almost as smooth as a tabletop to be able to ride them comfortably. How many roads like that are there? So the result is a 27-inch inseam cruiser rider can’t explore like a 34-inch inseam person can on an adventure bike.

Now modern materials and systems are available to get the same kind of compliance and a smooth ride with only 6 inches or 7 inches of travel.

I simply propose a complete line of smaller adult motorcycles from adventure bikes clear down to the cruisers be designed around this new technology to fit the other approximately 60% of the population. I see no reason why cruisers should have to ride like farm equipment or adventure bikes should require a ladder for the majority of people to climb on board.

Most of the rest of today’s motorcycle technology will need very little modification to satisfy these many new fans.

Herb Uhl

Smaller Adult Motorcycles: Long Awaited New Market Segment

By Herb Uhl

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In Smaller Adult Motorcycles: Long Awaited New Market Segment, Herb Uhl presents a compelling case for a neglected motorcycle industry segment that could double global motorcycle sales. Uhl, known for pioneering the ATV market segment with the invention of the Honda Trail 50, leverages his extensive experience and innovative mindset to highlight the untapped potential of smaller adult motorcycles.

Identifying the Market Gap

Uhl meticulously identifies a significant oversight in the current motorcycle market: the absence of a full line of quality bikes designed for individuals with an inseam of 29 inches or less, a demographic that includes most women and men of shorter stature. This segment, estimated to encompass around 60% of the population, represents a substantial portion of potential motorcycle buyers who are currently underserved.

A Vision for the Future

With a visionary approach, Uhl outlines the necessary steps to capitalize on this market opportunity. He argues that creating upscale motorcycles tailored to the ergonomic needs of shorter riders can attract a wealthy clientele eager to invest in high-quality, well-fitting bikes. This new segment would not only cater to the practical needs of these riders but also appeal to their desire for stylish and sophisticated transportation options.

Statistical Evidence and Market Demand

Uhl bolsters his argument with recent statistics, revealing that 18,550 people in the USA searched for smaller motorcycles in the past month. This data underscores manufacturers’ demand and urgency to address this market gap. Uhl’s detailed analysis and presentation of these figures make a strong case for the profitability and necessity of developing a full line of smaller adult motorcycles.

Engineering and Ergonomics

One of the standout aspects of Uhl’s proposal is his focus on motorcycle ergonomics. He emphasizes the importance of designing bikes that fit the physical dimensions of shorter riders and provides a high-end, comfortable riding experience. This attention to detail ensures that the proposed motorcycles would not be mere scaled-down versions of existing models but thoughtfully engineered vehicles that meet the specific needs of their target audience.

A Call to Action for Manufacturers

Smaller Adult Motorcycles is a call to action and a detailed blueprint for motorcycle manufacturers. Uhl’s expertise and credibility lend significant weight to his proposals, and his clear, well-supported arguments make it difficult for industry leaders to ignore the potential benefits of this new market segment. By highlighting the gap in the market and providing a roadmap to success, Uhl positions himself as a forward-thinking advocate for innovation and inclusivity in the motorcycle industry.

Conclusion

Herb Uhl’s Smaller Adult Motorcycles: Long Awaited New Market Segment is a visionary work addressing a glaring motorcycle industry omission. Uhl’s expertise and ability to present a well-reasoned and data-driven argument make this book an essential read for industry professionals and motorcycle enthusiasts alike. By focusing on the ergonomic needs and preferences of shorter riders, Uhl champions a more inclusive market and unveils a lucrative opportunity for manufacturers to expand their customer base and increase sales. This book is a testament to Uhl’s innovative spirit and enduring impact on the world of motorcycling.