Modern Vespa

Any ideas or suggestions as to how to lower the seat on MP3 530? I can touch the ground on tip toe, but would like a tiny bit more solid ground underfoot. Have considered shaving some seat foam off, lowering shocks, any advice appreciated.

Bikes are like shoes or clothing, either they fit or they don't.

If you can only reach the ground by tip toeing then the bike is not meant for you.

Get something smaller.

Only idea I have

https://www.drmartens.com/uk/en_gb/jadon-smooth-leather-platform-boots-black/p/15265001

Forget if the bike is "too big" for you or not; the question is can you find a way to comfortably and safely ride it. Case in point, the many many female youtubers who are far more talented than I am riding enormous motorcycles.

Channel is full of lots of tips for short people to safely ride larger motorcycles.

I had a similar situation on my 2016 Mp3 500ie sport where I could only barely touch the tips of my boots to the ground when stopped. Here is what I did when I was having trouble putting both feet down.

* Eventually just got comfortable being on tip-toes. It has a tilt-lock, once stopped you only have to hold the bike up for a moment before you can lock the front. Just be careful as it can be finicky to unlock if the surface isn't flat.

* Its a step-through bike. Use inertia when stopping to let yourself slide forwards in the seat a little so you can stand up in the step-through. I did this for awhile until I got comfortable just tip-toeing the bike at stops.

* Slide a little to the left or right when stopping so you can fully plant one foot down when stopped. You do not have to remain 100% centered when stopped. I did this when the surface was uneven; its a good skill to practice.

* Modifying the seat by removing material is a last resort as its a permanent modification. Do not attempt this until you have fully understood the tools needed, have the assistance of someone who know leather and fabrics, go slow in careful slices.

* Do not get taller boots unless those boots have really good ankle support. Tall boots without ankle support are an injury waiting to happen.

* DO NOT lower the shocks. The Mp3 has very little suspension travel as it is and lowing the shocks reduces it even further. Hit a large bump at speed, going on a rough road, a hard stop shifting weight forwards compressing the front suspension..... yeah, the Mp3 needs all the suspension travel it can get.

Thanks for the very helpful suggestions. Have looked at a few videos and will persevere ... love the bike and have no intention of changing it.

Good luck, but beware if you're only tiptoeing your chances of laying down the bike multiply greatly at the first encounter with uneven ground

Also, buying a bike knowing you barely reach the ground is a recipe for disaster. Just sayin'

As others have said , think long and hard about reducing the foam in a seat. As the flatter you make a seat, the more it pushes your thighs apart, effectively shortening your leg!

As a shortarse rider I have learned to watch where I park / set off / turn.

Rough car parks are a no no as if the front or rear wheel is raised by the ground your feet will be dangling in mid air. Also sometimes joining junctions look at the road camber, always select the side thats highes to put your foot down.

As said above , don't be precious about sitting square on the seat, slide off to whichever side you are footing.


You can get used to tall bikes as long as you keep an eye on the terrain / road angle you are covering

Meh, experience has taught me if that you can't put at least the front half of your feet down on both sides or preferably flatfoot it then it simply isn't meant to be because you're not in full control of the bike..

Taking a small financial hit (by getting a bike that fits you) over paying a hospital bill is a very easy choice to make in each and every case

Let's face the facts. If you're on the short side then you're not very likely to ever make it to the NBA. And if you must ask why, well duh