10 Best Adventure Touring Motorcycles for Shorter Riders

Technological advancements in the motorcycle industry have given modern bikes better and more versatile performance. Adventure touring has become a popular trend as riders can explore scenic areas and dirt trails on a motorbike. For better off-roading capability, adventure touring bikes have more ground clearance, high-power output, better shock absorbers, and several modern features. However, due to their high ground clearance, bigger size, and taller seat height, they are often not suited for shorter riders. Most adventure touring bikes have a seat height of over 33 inches. There are only a few adventures touring bikes with a seat height below 33 inches or an adjustable seat height. This article presents a list of the 10 best adventure touring motorcycles for short riders.

If you are looking for an adventure touring bike with a low seat height, the Triumph Tiger 800 XRx Low is ideal for shorter riders in its lowest seat height setting. It has adjustable seat height suited for shorter and average riders. The low seat height is due to the redesigned seat and low suspension setting.

The Triumph Tiger 800 XRx Low is powered by an 800 cc in-line three-cylinder engine capable of horsepower of 94 hp and a torque of 79 Nm. It is equipped with several modern features, including ABS, full ride-by-wire throttle, programmable riding modes, traction control, and cruise control.

The Triumph Tiger 900 GT Low is a slightly more powerful version of the Triumph Tiger 800 XRx Low. It also has an adjustable seat height, making it comfortable and accessible to shorter riders. The Triumph Tiger 900 GT Low ensures agile handling and has multiple ride-assist features, including a multi-mode and optimized cornering ABS, traction control, four riding modes, heated grips, cruise control, and a seven-inch TFT display screen. It has a fuel tank capacity of 5.28 gal, making it suited for long-distance travel.

The Triumph Tiger 900 GT Low is fitted with an 888 cc in-line three-cylinder engine capable of a horsepower of 93.9 hp and a torque of 86.77 Nm. The 888 cc engine, modern technology, lightweight chassis, and fully adjustable Marzocchi rear suspension ensure versatile performance on almost all terrains. The Triumph Tiger 900 GT Low is not only ideal for adventure rides and off-roading but also ensures smooth rides on paved surfaces.

If you are a short novice rider, the BMW G 650 GS is an ideal option, powered by a 652 cc engine capable of a horsepower of 50 hp and a torque of 59.65 Nm. This motorbike was discontinued in 2016, but you can buy a used model at an affordable price. The BMW G 650 GS has the qualities of adventure touring and dual sports bikes, able to handle on- and off-roading. Being a lightweight motorcycle, it is also capable of better trail riding. It has a low seat height of 800 mm (31.5 inches) and a fuel economy of 74 mpg at a constant speed of 55 mph. Whether turning tight corners or riding downhill, the BMW G 650 GS handles well, making it fun and easy to ride. It also has heated grips and an ABS as standard features.

The Honda NC750X features a six-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission, ensuring a comfortable off-roading experience. It also has an integrated storage compartment able to store your helmet. The Honda NC750X has a Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), allowing riders to control the rear wheel to ensure better control on different road conditions, whether gravel, dirt, or wet roads.

The Honda NC750X is fitted with a 745 cc Parallel-Twin engine capable of a horsepower of 58 hp and a torque of 69.15 Nm. The 745 cc engine displacement and 270º phase crank ensure smooth power delivery and good mid- and low-end torque.

The Honda NC750X has received minimal bodywork with a low-profile windscreen that provides adequate wind protection. Despite being fitted with several standard features, including combined and dual-channel ABS, throttle by wire, automatic dual-clutch transmission, and an LCD instrument panel, it only costs $9,399. A low seat height of 802.6 mm makes it suitable for shorter riders riding in traffic or parking lots.

If you are looking for a versatile motorcycle capable of city travel and trail riding, the Benelli TRK 502 is an affordable option. It has a low seat height of 800 mm and a 499.6 cc small-displacement engine, making it ideal for shorter and novice riders. The Benelli TRK 502 has wind protection, a powerful twin-cylinder engine, reliable suspensions, and comfortable ergonomics for better off-roading performance.

The 499.6 cc inline two-cylinder engine is capable of a horsepower of 46.9 hp and a torque of 45 Nm, ensuring smooth throttle response in all conditions. The adjustable upside-down front fork and rebound adjustable rear shock ensure a comfortable riding experience. The 320 mm dual front discs, a single rear disc, and standard ABS provide safe and reliable braking.

The Triumph Tiger 800 XR is another stylish adventure touring bike in the Triumph Tiger lineup. Like the Triumph Tiger Low models, it also has a low seat height of 810 mm, making it easy to ride and accessible to shorter riders. The Triumph Tiger 800 XR ensures safe and smooth riding due to being fitted with several riding aids, including a switchable ABS, cruise control, heated grips, adjustable windscreen, and TFT display screen. Despite being equipped with several features and a fuel tank capacity of 5.02 gal, it weighs only 199 kg.

The Triumph Tiger 800 XR is powered by a responsiveness 800 cc Inline Three-Cylinder engine capable of a horsepower of 93.87 hp and a torque of 79 Nm, ensuring good overall performance on paved and unpaved terrains. Despite being an adventure touring bike, the Triumph Tiger 800 XR has better on-road performance with only limited off-roading capability.

The Triumph Tiger 800 XCx is a better off-road variant in the Triumph Tiger 800 series. It is also fitted with an 800 cc inline three-cylinder engine capable of a horsepower of 95 hp and a torque of 79 Nm and has an adjustable seat height ranging between 840-860 mm. You can achieve a low profile due to the redesigned seat and by adjusting the suspension level. It is possible to attain a low seat height of 790 mm.

Unlike the Triumph Tiger 800 XR, the Triumph Tiger 800 XCx has spoked wheels, a larger 21-inch front tire, longer suspensions, and an aggressive look for better off-roading performance. It is also bigger and heavier than the Triumph Tiger 800 XR.

The Triumph Tiger 800 XCx was named the best dual sports adventure bike in 2011 by Cycle World magazine. It is also equipped with several rider aids, including an ABS, traction control, cruise control, full ride-by-wire throttle, and programmable riding modes.

The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is a lightweight motorcycle with the characteristics of adventure touring and dual sport bikes. It is powered by a small yet responsive 296 cc dual-cylinder engine capable of a horsepower of 40 hp and a torque of 26 Nm. It is one of the lightest motorcycles in the adventure touring category, weighing only 381.5 lbs. Despite having a low seat height of 815.34 mm, it still ensures a high ground clearance of 7.1 inches. The lightweight design and long-travel suspensions ensure nimble handling and maneuverability while riding on paved and unpaved surfaces. The low seat height, low-power engine, and low overall weight make it ideal for shorter novice riders.

The BMW F 700 GS is also a versatile motorcycle with an adjustable seat height. In its stock form, it has a seat height of 833 mm. However, by installing the optional seat, the seat height can be lowered to 790 mm. Also, if you want to further reduce the seat height to 765 mm, it can be done by lowering the suspension.

The BMW F 700 GS provides a fun on- and off-roading experience with its 798 cc Parallel-Twin engine callable of a horsepower of 75 hp and a torque of 77.3 Nm. It also has numerous advanced features, including dual-channel ABS, wheel sensors, electronic suspension adjustment, traction slip regulator, and anti-spin control, making rides safer and more comfortable. If you have prior experience riding an adventure tourer, the BMW F 700 GS is the perfect first bike to explore scenic areas.

The BMW G 310 GS is a lightweight adventure touring bike ideal for novice and shorter riders. In its stock form, it has a seat height of 32.8, which can be a bit high for shorter riders. However, the seat height can be lowered to 32.3 inches by installing an optional low seat. The BMW G 310 GS has aggressive styling and lightweight bodywork suited for adventure touring. Due to being fitted with top-quality rider aids and having comfortable ergonomics, it is also suited for daily riding.

The BMW G 310 GS is powered by a 313 cc small-displacement engine capable of a horsepower of 34 hp and a torque of 27 Nm. The brake and clutch levers can be adjusted to four levels as per rider preferences to make them easier to access. The 313 cc engine also had a ride-by-wire throttle to ensure more responsive handling.

Adventure touring bikes have become popular worldwide as they allow riders to enjoy on- and off-road adventures. Adventure touring bikes are versatile and capable of long-distance travel, city travel, highway rides, and off-roading. They are durable and have high-performing suspensions, powerful and torquey engines, and high ground clearance for better off-road performance. However, due to having high ground clearance, most adventure touring bikes have taller seat heights, making them unsuited for shorter riders. The 10 adventure motorcycles covered in this article have low seat heights that make them suited for shorter riders. If you want to lower the seat height further, use a trimmed aftermarket seat or lower the suspension.

If you are a fan of motorcycle touring, you can find several aftermarket touring parts available at Viking Bags, including sissy bars, crash bars, handlebars, seats, backrests, and fairings. You can also find top-quality luggage options available at Viking Bags to increase the storage capacity of your motorcycle. These include saddlebags, handlebar bags, tank bags, tail bags, and backpacks.