For smaller riders, finding a motorcycle that fits can be challenging. One of the biggest obstacles is seat height. While many bikes on the market today have seat heights of 31 inches or more, there are still plenty of options available for those with inseams under 31 inches. In this article, we’ll explore the best motorcycles for smaller riders, with seat heights ranging from 30 to 30.9 inches.
Contents
- 1 Why Seat Height Matters for Smaller Riders?
- 2 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders: Seat Heights 30-30.9 Inches
- 3 Conclusion
- 4 Honda Grom
- 5 Honda Navi
- 6 Royal Enfield Meteor 350
- 7 Triumph Speed Twin 900
- 8 BMW G 310 R
- 9 BMW F 900 R
- 10 BMW F 750 GS
- 11 CFMOTO Papio
- 12 Ducati Monster Plus
- 13 Honda Monkey
- 14 Benelli TNT 135
- 15 CFMOTO 300SS
- 16 CFMOTO 650NK
- 17 Ducati Scrambler Icon
- 18 Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle
- 19 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift
- 20 Honda CBR300R
- 21 Honda Super Cub C125
- 22 Indian FTR
- 23 Indian FTR Sport
- 24 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone
- 25 Moto Guzzi V7 Special
- 26 Moto Guzzi V7 Special Edition
- 27 Yamaha YZF-R3
- 28 Yamaha MT-03
- 29 Kawasaki Ninja 400
- 30 Kawasaki Ninja 400 KRT Edition
- 31 Kawasaki Z400 ABS
- 32 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber
- 33 Suzuki SV650
Why Seat Height Matters for Smaller Riders?
Seat height is a crucial factor for smaller riders because it determines how easy it is to reach the ground while sitting on the bike. For most riders, being able to touch the ground with both feet is important for stability, especially when coming to a stop or maneuvering in tight spaces. If the seat height is too tall, a rider may struggle to reach the ground, which can be intimidating or even dangerous.
Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders: Seat Heights 30-30.9 Inches
Honda Rebel 300
The Honda Rebel 300 is an excellent choice for smaller riders who are looking for a cruiser-style motorcycle with a low seat height. With a seat height of just 27.2 inches, this bike is easy to handle and maneuver, even for beginners. The Rebel 300 features a 286cc liquid-cooled engine that provides plenty of power and a smooth ride. The bike’s low center of gravity also helps to enhance stability.
Kawasaki Ninja 400
For those who prefer a sportbike-style motorcycle, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is an excellent option. With a seat height of just 30.9 inches, this bike is accessible to a wide range of riders. The Ninja 400 features a 399cc parallel-twin engine that delivers excellent performance and handling. It also has a lightweight frame, making it easy to handle and maneuver.
Suzuki SV650
The Suzuki SV650 is a versatile motorcycle that is well-suited for riders of all skill levels. With a seat height of 30.9 inches, it’s a great option for smaller riders who want a bike that can handle a variety of riding styles. The SV650 features a 645cc V-twin engine that provides plenty of power and torque. It also has a lightweight chassis, which makes it easy to handle and maneuver.
Yamaha V Star 250
The Yamaha V Star 250 is a classic cruiser-style motorcycle that is ideal for smaller riders. With a seat height of just 27 inches, it’s one of the lowest bikes on the market. The V Star 250 features a 249cc air-cooled V-twin engine that provides smooth, reliable performance. It also has a lightweight chassis, making it easy to handle and maneuver.
Harley-Davidson Street 500
The Harley-Davidson Street 500 is a popular choice for riders who want a classic American-made cruiser-style motorcycle. With a seat height of 28 inches, it’s an excellent option for smaller riders. The Street 500 features a 494cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine that provides plenty of power and a smooth ride. It also has a low center of gravity, which enhances stability.
Conclusion
Finding a motorcycle that fits can be a challenge for smaller riders, but there are plenty of options available. These five motorcycles, with seat heights ranging from 27 to 30.9 inches, are excellent choices for riders who want a bike that is easy to handle, maneuver, and ride. Whether you prefer a cruiser-style motorcycle or a sportbike, there is a bike on this list that is sure to meet your needs. So get out there and start riding!
Walking into a dealership as a shorter rider, or as someone who just wants a smaller ride, can feel a little limiting. You stroll by impressive and imposing machines that you might admire but don’t want to fight with as your main bike. You might find one or two models off in the back that are a comfortable fit, but you’re disappointed that there aren’t any more options to choose from. Luckily, options for smaller motorcycles are growing, and we’ve compiled those options into two Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders list.
In our first Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders post, we focused on bikes with seat heights under 30 inches. That seat height limit meant almost all the models on that list were cruisers, and while we certainly enjoy cruisin’, we like a little variety too. With this second Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders post, we’re excited to include some sportbikes, minimotos, and an ADV. And while the seat heights may be taller than on the first list, many of the models on this list weigh and cost less than the shorter-seated cruisers.
This list consists of motorcycles with a seat height between 30.0 and 30.9 inches. When possible, we’ve included a link to our test ride review, so you can get a sense of how each bike performs in action. We’ve also included the 2022/23 model year’s U.S. base MSRP (as of publication), claimed wet weight, and seat height. On models with options to lower the seat height or suspension, we’ve listed the standard and lowered seat heights. You can also click on a model’s name to go to the manufacturer’s webpage for a full list of specifications and details.
Honda Grom
Honda Grom
$3,499
30.0-inch seat
223 lb
Read our 2022 Honda Grom First Ride Review
Honda Navi
$1,807
30.0-inch seat
234 lb
Royal Enfield Meteor 350
Royal Enfield Meteor 350
$4,899
30.1-inch seat
421 lb
Triumph Speed Twin 900
Triumph Speed Twin 900
$9,895
30.1-inch seat
476 lb
BMW G 310 R
BMW G 310 R
$4,995
30.9-inch seat (optional lower seat to 30.3 inches)
362 lb
BMW F 900 R
BMW F 900 R
$8,995
32-inch seat (optional lower seat to 31.1 inches and lower suspension to 30.3 inches)
465 lb
BMW F 750 GS
BMW F 750 GS
$9,995
32.1-inch seat (optional lower seat to 31.1 inches and lower suspension to 30.3 inches)
493 lb
CFMOTO Papio
CFMOTO Papio
$2,999
30.5-inch seat
251 lb
Ducati Monster Plus
Ducati Monster Plus
$12,995
32.3-inch seat (optional lower seat to 31.5 inches and lower suspension to 30.5 inches)
366 lb dry
Read our 2021 Ducati Monster First Ride Review
Honda Monkey
Honda Monkey
$4,249
30.5-inch seat
231 lb
Read our 2019 Honda Monkey First Ride Review
Benelli TNT 135
Benelli TNT 135
$2,699
30.7-inch seat height
266 lb
CFMOTO 300SS
CFMOTO 300SS
$4,499
30.7-inch seat
364 lb
Read our 2022 CFMOTO Lineup First Ride Review
CFMOTO 650NK
CFMOTO 650NK
$6,499
30.7-inch seat
454 lb
Read our 2022 CFMOTO Lineup First Ride Review
Ducati Scrambler Icon
Ducati Scrambler Icon
$10,995
31.3-inch seat (optional lower seat to 30.7 inches)
408 lb
Read our 2023 Ducati Scrambler Range First Look Review
Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle
Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle
$12,195
31.3-inch seat (optional lower seat to 30.7 inches)
408 lb
Read our 2023 Ducati Scrambler Range First Look Review
Ducati Scrambler Nightshift
Ducati Scrambler Nightshift
$12,195
31.3-inch seat (optional lower seat to 30.7 inches)
421 lb
Read our 2023 Ducati Scrambler Range First Look Review
Honda CBR300R
Honda CBR300R
$4,899
30.7-inch seat
354 lb
Read our 2023 Honda Returning Models First Look Review
Honda Super Cub C125
Honda Super Cub C125
$3,849
30.7-inch seat
238 lb
Read our 2019 Honda Super Cub 125 ABS First Ride Review
Indian FTR
Indian FTR
$13,499
30.7-inch seat
514 lb
Read our 2022 Indian FTR S First Ride Review
Indian FTR Sport
Indian FTR Sport
$15,749
30.7-inch seat
522 lb
Read our 2023 FTR Sport First Look Review
Moto Guzzi V7 Stone
Moto Guzzi V7 Stone
$9,190
30.7-inch seat
492 lb
Read our 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone First Ride Review
Moto Guzzi V7 Special
Moto Guzzi V7 Special
$9,590
30.7-inch seat
492 lb
Read our 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Special First look Review
Moto Guzzi V7 Special Edition
Moto Guzzi V7 Special Edition
$9,990
30.7-inch seat
480 lb
Read our New and Updated 2023 Moto Guzzi First Look Review
Yamaha YZF-R3
Yamaha YZF-R3
$5,499
30.7-inch seat
375 lb
Read our 2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 First Ride Review
Yamaha MT-03
Yamaha MT-03
$4,999
30.7-inch seat
373 lb
Read our 2020 Yamaha MT-03 First Ride Review
Kawasaki Ninja 400
Kawasaki Ninja 400
$5,299
30.9-inch seat
362 lb
Read our 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400 ABS First Ride Review
Kawasaki Ninja 400 KRT Edition
Kawasaki Ninja 400 KRT Edition
$5,499
30.9-inch seat
362 lb
Read our 2023 Kawasaki Returning Models First Look Review
Kawasaki Z400 ABS
Kawasaki Z400 ABS
$5,399
30.9-inch seat
364 lb
Read our 2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS First Ride Review
Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber
Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber
$10,490
30.9-inch seat
463 lb
Suzuki SV650
Suzuki SV650
$7,399
30.9-inch seat
432 lb