When it comes to choosing the right motorcycle, there are all sorts of different factors that riders need to take into consideration. For starters, there are as many different types of motorbikes as there are types of cars, from low-ride cruisers to tough off-roaders.
It is also important that bikers choose a motorcycle that suits their ability and riding style. There is no point in buying a powerful sports bike if they’re not going to be able to control it.
One of the most important aspects of buying a new bike is ensuring that the motorcycle is suitable for the rider’s height.
10 Perfect For Short People: Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster
No-one is too short to ride a motorcycle; it’s just a question of choosing the right make and model to accommodate your vertically challenged needs. Vintage style cruisers tend to be a good option for shorter bikers, as they are closer to the ground, though you have to take into consideration the fact that the handlebars can be a long way forward from the seat.
British motorcycle legends Triumph has created some stylish bikes over the years, and their Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is a classy option for bikers under 6 feet.
9 Can Fit A Giant: Kawasaki Versys 650
It isn’t just short people who have to worry about finding the right motorcycle for their height; taller men and women also need to consider carefully what bike they buy, otherwise, they could find themselves in an uncomfortable position on long rides.
The Kawasaki Versys 650 is a motorbike that has design elements from sport and adventure bikes, and its riding position, which takes into consideration the saddle, handlebar, and footpegs, is ideal for bigger bikers. First sold in 2007, the 650cc motorcycle is great fun to ride both on and off-road.
8 Perfect For Short People: Honda Rebel 500
It may be a cliché, but there is some truth in the stereotype that Japanese people tend to be smaller than those from many other parts of the world, so it is perhaps no surprise that Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Honda has created a bike suitable for more petite rider.
Although it was only launched in 2016, the Honda Rebel 500 was designed to look like a vintage motorcycle, and with a seat height of just over 27 inches, it makes for a great ride for shorter people.
7 Can Fit A Giant: BMW R1200GS Adventure
Adventure motorbikes, designed for off-road riding and longer journeys, tend to be a better choice for taller bikers because of their upright seating. The BMW R1200GS Adventure isn’t just a great option for loftier riders, it is also one of the best adventure motorbikes on the market today.
Powered by a two-cylinder engine, the R1200GS has a top speed of 130mph, and the best-selling model from BMW’s motorcycle division. Fans of biking may have seen Ewan McGregor riding his BMW R1200GS Adventure from London to New York on the TV series Long Way Round.
6 Perfect For Short People: Kawasaki Ninja 400 ABS
Vintage low-riding motorcycles might generally be a good choice for shorter people, but bikers shouldn’t feel restricted to these kinds of two-wheeled models.
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 ABS is an impressive sports bike that still manages to work for smaller riders, thanks to the seat height being an inch lower and the overall weight being 13lbs less than its bulkier predecessor, the Ninja 300. The stylish motorcycle was first unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2017 before going on sale to the public a year later.
5 Can Fit A Giant: Ducati XDiavel
Ducati is one of the most iconic names in the world of motorcycle manufacturing, and they have been making smart and strong motorbikes since 1924. As well as their success in motorsports events, Ducati has also recorded impressive sales thanks to models like their Ducati XDiavel sports bike.
Launched in 2010, the XDiavel is a cruiser motorcycle, a change in direction for a company that is better known for its sports bikes. The current model has a higher seat, which makes it a more comfortable long-distance ride for taller bikers.
4 Perfect For Short People: Indian Scout Bobber
Indian Motorcycles is another company with a long history in the world of two-wheeled vehicles. Founded in 1901, the firm was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world within a decade.
Although Indian Motorcycles went out of business in the 50s, the iconic name was resurrected in 2013 and the current Indian Scout Bobber is a modern interpretation of a much older motorcycle, albeit a stripped-down version, which is what makes the bike a “bobber”. With a low-riding seat height of 25.5 inches, this is a stylish ride for short bikers.
3 Can Fit A Giant: KTM Adventure
Back to the adventure motorcycles for taller riders, and the KTM Adventure bike which has a lofty saddle height of almost 34 inches, giving 6+ footers plenty of room to get comfortable on even long rides.
The bike is marketed by Austrian manufacturer KTM as a high-performance adventure bike, and it performs equally well on the road as it does off-road. First sold in 2015, the KTM Adventure even boasts several hi-tech safety features, such as traction control, LED cornering lights, and ABS brakes.
2 Perfect For Short People: Ducati Monster 1200
Sports bike icons Ducati may be famous for their big and powerful motorcycles, but shorter riders can also get their hands on one of these highly-crafted machines and still ride safely and comfortably.
Despite the name, the Monster 1200 is not as powerful as many other Ducati bikes, which makes it an ideal choice for beginners who are looking for a safe two-wheeler. Best of all, the Ducati Monster 1200 has an adjustable seat, so that riders of any height can make sure they have the optimal riding position.
1 Can Fit A Giant: Harley-Davidson Breakout
Generally, low-riding cruisers like those made by Harley-Davidson look like they are made with short riders in mind. However, the almost horizontal driving position on these bikes means that it can often be easier for taller bikers to get properly comfortable on motorcycles like the Harley-Davidson Breakout.
The simple design of this vintage-styled motorbike is a big plus, aside from the obvious selling point of the Harley-Davidson name. Riding a Harley can take some getting used to, and if they want to reach the footpegs without straining a muscle, it is definitely an advantage for the rider to have a few extra inches.