The Top 10 Best Motorcycles List for Short Riders

Being short is difficult; you can’t see anything at concerts, you have trouble reaching high things, and you always have to sit in the front during group photos. Adding to all that, it is really hard to find a good motorcycle for short riders when you want to ride.

If you aren’t among the tallest people, but you want to ride a motorcycle, this is a must-read: – TOP 10 motorcycles for short riders. Tall seats and wide saddles are inconvenient and swinging your leg over to get a comfortable position is a pain. Also, there is less leverage in balancing the bike. The weight of the bike and its centre of gravity need to be considered too. Nevertheless, it is essential that you can put both feet firmly to the ground while seating on the motorcycle since it is a matter of safety and control.

Speaking of safety, this is one topic we always bear in mind, and this should always be your number one priority. The position of the rider on the motorcycle is one thing, but always remember to wear safety gear and keep an eye on other safety features as well, such as products that increase your safety, visibility and add value to your riding experience. 

Where and how to start searching for motorcycles for short riders?

Not to worry, we have taken it on ourselves to bring this list of bikes before you to satisfy all of your riding needs. In addition, we have selected bikes from all genres, and they are arranged in no particular order. Furthermore, note that the height of the bikes is not the only thing that you need to consider. An average size bike with a particularly squishy suspension might work just as well as a short bike itself. All in all, the ergonomics of the bike is sometimes more important for comfort than its size.

TOP #10 Motorcycles for Short Riders

What are the best motorcycles for short riders – the TOP #10 Smart Turn System list?

• Ducati Scrambler
• Honda CTX 700
• Triumph Street Twin
• BMW G650GS
• Kawasaki Ninja 400
• Ducati Monster 696
• Moto Guzzi V7
• Zero XU
• Honda Fury
• Yamaha MT-07

1. Ducati Scrambler

An American favourite, Ducati Scrambler is a stylish and fashionable bike intended for comfort and convenience over performance. While the default build comes with a seat height of 31.1 inches, there is a low-height accessory which brings it down to 30.3 inches.

Its narrow and cushy seat, slim tank and a plush suspension are very inviting to people of all heights. Adding to all of the above, it is lightweight and has a low centre of gravity.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Scrambler is mentioned first among the motorcycles for short riders.

There are many varieties of Scrambler available. However, any rider who wants the best of Scrambler will pick the latest Scrambler 1100 from the set. With three distinct riding modes for optimising the power and traction can serve as a commuter, a cruiser and an emergency off-road bike. It fits well to all torque junkies, whether they are tall or short.

2. Honda CTX700

With a seat height of just 28.3 inches, Honda’s CTX700 should be an obvious choice among motorcycles for short riders. It is an extremely versatile bike, with extreme comfort, superior weather protection, and plenty of power. The CTX700 has a very laid-back riding position and forward-set hand controls and footpegs. It is a personal choice, however, as some of us might prefer more traditional leg positions over the forward set footpegs.

One of the best things about this bike is its automatic Dual-Clutch Transmission(DCT). Honda’s acclaimed DCT lets you choose between fully automatic or manual gear selection, via buttons on the handlebar. These bikes are perfect combinations of cruiser bikes and sports bikes in that it features all the comfort of a cruiser with open and roomy feet-forward ergonomics, plush comfort, and a remarkably low seat, while not skimping on providing a good torque, a broad engine power band, a lightweight feel and agile handling. As a cherry on the top of the cake, you have access to a full range of Honda Genuine Accessories which lets you set it up with backrests, saddlebags and just about any other travelling or comfort-related feature you would ever want.

3. Triumph Street Twin

Triumph’s 900cc Street twin features a narrow parallel-twin engine and a slender tank with a saddle only 29.5 inches off the ground. This entrant to Triumph Bonneville line maintains the reputation by being a joy to ride on for newcomers and veterans alike. The Street Twin is an affordable, capable bike with a torque-rich engine, great breaking, stable suspension and the characteristic Triumph gallop.

I would ask everyone to have a look at this bike, whatever your initial impression may be. It has very comfortable ergonomics, with an appropriate seating position, and handlebar placement and stability. It is a bike one can learn on and grow into throughout the years. Not only is it a perfect candidate for a motorcycle for short riders, but it is also a great beginner motorcycle.

4. BMW G650 GS

Let us go a bit off-road now. The G650 GS from BMW is one of their smaller bikes. But don’t let that fool you, the incredible engineering behind the BMW G650 offers you a smooth ride regardless if you’re cruising on the pavement, or adventuring off-road tearing up the dirt.

With a seat height of 30.3 inches with factory low suspension options, BMW has been considerate towards people of less than average heights. The BMW G650GS should be one of your first choices among adventure motorcycles for short riders.

This is a single-cylinder bike. Yes, it is not a big engine. But don’t take at face value, the torque is plenty when you need it and its smaller engine provides it with a better fuel economy. It goes 74 mpg and has a 3.7 gallon capacity in the fuel tank. You could even call it a commuter if you are really inclined. The suspension is another area it excels at. Primarily meant for off-roading, BMW has taken great care to balance the suspension for regular commuting as well.

5. Kawasaki Ninja 400

Ninja 400 is nothing less than a sports bike. It is lightweight and versatile with excellent handling and control. If you are into sports bikes and searching for motorcycles for short riders, you just might have found the perfect candidate.

It delivers a genuine sporty experience even with its small size and focuses on a broader audience. Ninja 400 serves short individuals well, with a seat height of 31.9 inches and easy-to-handle build. It is an unintimidating and forgiving motorbike that one can grow to like.

Even better, it is a ride you can take to an actual track regardless of your experience with sports biking. The power on this vehicle is easy to use, and the handling is precise and light.

I recommend everyone with a full license to try it out regardless of your preferences for bikes.

It is an entry-level sports bike and may not have everything a professional would like, but it puts care into making sure that all of its features are top notch.

6. Ducati Monster 696

A bike which does justice to its name, the Ducati Monster 696 is a bike suited to a variety of terrains. Not only it shows off the next generation of naked bikes, but also maintains the traditional style with fans counting in millions.

It offers superior engine performance and versatility with lightweight and smooth riding experience. The quality of the bike is outstanding, and you are sure to be impressed by its horsepower, torque and the ease of breaking. Its saddle is at the height of 30.3 inches, which is bound to make every short rider happy. The suspension is high quality and offers a stable and firm ride. It is not a surprise the Monster 696 is very popular among riders looking for motorcycles for short riders.

One catch with this bike is its demand for big hands as its engagement point for the clutch requires a bit of travel. This makes it unsuitable for those with small hands. Overall, this is an affordable sports bike with a refined style and design. Make sure to check it out if you are a fan of naked bike aesthetics.

7. Moto Guzzi V7

“Eclectic and essential.” That’s the official line from the factory reps in Mandello del Lario, and I have no disagreements. The V7 is a bike that maintains its style while still conforming to an older aesthetic. Without a doubt, this is a bike that turns heads everywhere it goes. The seat is at a modest height of 30.3 inches, and that makes the bike easy to manage, and friendly to short-legged riders. Furthermore, the position of handlebar, saddle and footpegs is well adjusted to ensure a comfortable, upright riding posture.

The engine is openly exposed, in all its V7 glory. This engine is as torquey as it is reliable. The suspension is fine, even if it a bit squishy. Note that the vehicle can get a bit shaky as you ramp up the gas too high. While there is fun in showing off the muscle, it might be more pleasurable to keep it under control. This is a powerful, sleek machine designed for commuting short-range with style. If you love motorbike aesthetics, this is the way to go.

8. Zero XU

Are you searching for electric motorcycles for short riders? We are not limiting ourselves to any particular category here, so, let us venture a bit further with an e-bike.

Zero XU is unlike most motorbikes. It is small, compact and deceptively light. The seat is just 30 inches off the ground. As characteristic of e-bikes, it is completely quiet, and only costs cents to move around. It is quite a pleasure to ride with no limitation of gears. Insert the key, twist, and you are ready to go.

Now, the acceleration is relatively linear, but the top speed is 51 mph which is sufficient for most city commuting. Not only it has a removable battery pack for easy recharging and depending upon where you live, but also public charging booths are available as well.

Surprisingly, riding this bike provides a similar experience as riding a bicycle or BMX. Without a doubt, it might just be what the more adventurous individuals are seeking. There is every reason to try out this bike once before deciding to buy a more traditional one. Eco-friendliness is but one of them.

9. Honda Fury

Honda made sure to offer motorcycles for short riders as well, and this is a bike for those who like glamour, style and beauty. It looks terrific and you are sure to grab attention wherever you go with it. And don’t let the design make you suspicious about the ease and comfort of driving. While it might not be as comfortable as some of the other bikes that we mentioned, it is not lacking in this department.

It is not very difficult to ride, even for a beginner. As you get used to it, it will start feeling extremely comfortable, and with enough experience(which is not a lot), you will see the seamless cruising experience. The seat lies just below the 27-inch mark, which makes it a comfortable experience even for the shorter people.

The V2 engines might cause a small amount of vibration while riding, but it is not too high, and the design dampens it significantly to ensure a pleasant experience. Furthermore, it also features a computer-controlled jet injection of fuel to provide better performance. There are a few cons, however. There is no fuel meter, and a full tank runs only about 150 miles. So, the rider needs to check occasionally to make sure that there is enough fuel remaining. However, don’t let that hinder you from buying this beauty. We promise that it is worth every penny.

10. Yamaha MT-07

Bike trends seem to be shifting rapidly in this modern age, the latest of which appears to be the “hyper naked” kind of bikes. Many manufacturers including Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki have released their variants for this style. However, Yamaha’s FZ-07 is so in demand that it has reigned supreme in the whole lineup. In 2018, Yamaha renamed that bike to MT-07 and released an augmented version.

In case you are wondering, MT stands for “Master of Torque”, but it would better fit the Yamaha’s classic XJR1300. That name doesn’t do justice to the bike, however. Not only it can serve as a daily commuter, but it also makes an awesome race bike as well and is perfect even for an occasional long-distance ride. Undoubtedly, it serves well whether you are a newbie or an experienced driver, and with its 31.7-inch seat height, it works well for people searching for motorcycles for short riders.

Not only is this bike agile, but it also handles precisely and relatively steady. While it does not match up to some of its more massive and more expensive cousins, it delivers much more asked for at its price. Without a doubt, this is a bike I would recommend to everyone who would like a bit of sportiness in their bikes without getting overwhelmed.

Verdict

Fortunately, as you can see, there are a variety of options no matter your height. Do remember to try out the bikes first before you buy them. Do not rely on numbers and opinions. Some manufacturers even provide options to customise their bikes to your size. This might be something worth looking into if a Vespa scooter isn’t something you would fancy. Let us know if you have tried any of our recommended bikes and what you think of them.