I bet the following section of the California Vehicle Code is a shocker for those readers who are inseam challenged: 27801. No person shall drive any two-wheel motorcycle: (a) Equipped with a seat so positioned that the driver, when sitting astride the seat, cannot reach the ground with his feet.
What this means, taken literally, is that a shorter rider cannot ride on many of the dual purpose motorcycles for sale in the state, such as BMW's GS series. What I usually hear, is that a newer rider feels safer if they can plant their feet at a stop, or paddle around in a parking lot or other tight spot. Most real safety issues don't arise until the bike is in motion, at which point the feet should be on the floorboards or pegs. It is arguable that putting a foot down when moving may serve some purpose, but usually this is like "Dumbo's feather", in that it doesn't really help. I have always felt that the ability to put feet on the ground was one of the factors that determined whether a bike felt comfortable and easy. Now I wonder what the purpose of the legislature was in writing this section. Part B of this section deals with "Monkey Bars": 27801. No person shall drive any two-wheel motorcycle: (b) Equipped with handlebars so positioned that the hands of the driver, when upon the grips, are at or above his shoulder height when sitting astride the seat. The purpose of this is a little more apparent. First, I think the Monkey Bar approach to design outrages the legislative fathers, because it "just looks wrong", but also there is some loss of leverage to the bars. Of course, experienced riders know that the bars don't steer the bike at any reasonable riding speed (although they do initiate a turn). I have never heard of enforcement of either of these sections, and I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has more information. | 
