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Having a shorter height can sometimes be difficult. For example, if you are in a concert, you can find it difficult to get a proper view. While taking a group picture, you have to get in the front row to be within view of the camera. Similarly, it can be difficult to find a motorcycle suited to your height.
Most motorcycles are designed for average-sized riders. Even motorbikes with a low seat height cannot be easily ridden by shorter riders. It can be difficult for a shorter rider to reach the handlebars or footrests if they are not within reach. With a few modifications, a motorbike can be made more comfortable for shorter riders. However, there are motorcycle-producing companies that specialize in making motorbikes specifically designed for shorter riders. These types of motorbikes are designed with high-powered specs that offer a comfortable riding experience for shorter riders. This article provides a list of the 10 best motorcycles for short riders in 2022.
1. KAWASAKI VULCAN S
Photo Credit: @lafayettepowersports
The Kawasaki Vulcan S is a cruiser with comfortable ergonomics suited for shorter riders. The Kawasaki Vulcan S’s engine provides the same class and reliability as the Kawasaki Ninja 650s. The Kawasaki Vulcan S also comes with the signature Kawasaki Ergo-Fit feature that offers different seat heights. With the Ergo-Fit feature, not only can the seat height be lowered, but the overall triangle formed between the footrests, seat, and handlebars can be adjusted to better suit shorter riders.
The Kawasaki Vulcan S is powered by a 689 cc parallel-twin engine with a liquid-cooling system. The Kawasaki Vulcan S’s engine can produce a horsepower of 60.4 hp and a peak torque of 62.77 Nm. The Kawasaki Vulcan S has a curb weight of 225 kg, a ground clearance of 5.1 inches, and a seat height of 27.8 inches.
The Kawasaki Vulcan S is not only a comfortable ride for shorter riders but also a fun motorbike to ride. The Kawasaki Vulcan S comes in both an ABS and non-ABS version. Riders are suggested to choose the motorbike with the ABS for more reliable braking and a safer ride. The base price of the Kawasaki Vulcan S ABS version is $7,849 while the non-ABS version costs $7,449.
2. INDIAN SCOUT BOBBER
Photo Credit: @d2powersports-greer
The Indian Scout Bobber is a stylishly designed cruiser with a seat height of 25.6 inches. The Indian Scout Bobber’s low seat height is its most notable feature, being even shorter than mini motorcycles like the Honda Grom and the Honda Monkey. It is ideal for riders with heights ranging from 5’4” to 5’6”.
Despite being suited for shorter riders, the Indian Scout Bobber is one of those cruisers liked by all types of riders, including tall, short, expert, or beginner riders. The Indian Scout Bobber is equipped with a powerful 1,133 cc V-twin engine. This motorcycle comes with a stylish and chromed split dual exhaust with cross-over. The Indian Scout Bobber can produce a horsepower of 100 hp and a peak torque of 97.7 Nm at 59,900 rpm. The Indian Scout Bobber has a fuel capacity of 3.3 gals, ground clearance of 5.1 inches, and a dry weight of 242 kg. The base price of the Indian Scout Bobber is $12,249.
3. HONDA REBEL 500
Photo Credit: @hondabigbike.com.my
The Honda Rebel 500 is a versatile cruiser designed for all types of riders, including shorter and beginner riders. The Honda Rebel 500 is a very stylish motorcycle with a chromed frame and fat tires. The Honda Rebel 500 has a base price of $6,399.
The Honda Rebel 500 has a decent power output due to being powered by a 471 cc parallel-twin, four-stroke engine with a liquid-cooling system. The Rebel 500 is a very good-looking motorcycle that is ideal for commuters, even though most of the parts are made of plastic.
The 27.2-inch seat height, mid-range handlebars adjustment, and footrest positioning give the Rebel 500 comfortable cruiser ergonomics for shorter riders. The Honda Rebel 500 has a mileage of 67 mpg. This motorbike is available in three different variants, with the standard Honda Rebel 500 not fitted with ABS while the Rebel 500 and the Rebel 500 ABS SE are equipped with ABS.
4. TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE BOBBER
Photo Credit: @bikeexif
Introduced in 1959, the Triumph Bonneville Robber has a long history and is one of the most well-known Triumph models. It is still manufactured today along with various upgrades. With the help of the Triumph Bonneville Robber, Triumph was able to make several sales records.
Due to the adjustable floating bobber seat, the Triumph Bonneville Robber has a seat height of 27.2 inches, a comfortable height for riders with shorter legs. The seat height is adjustable as it can be increased to 27.6 inches to accommodate average-sized riders.
The 2022 Triumph Bonneville Robber is powered by a powerful 1200 cc parallel-twin engine, able to produce a peak torque of 106 Nm and peak horsepower of 76.9 hp. The Triumph Bonneville Robber has a wet weight of 251 kg and a mileage of 60.9 mpg. The base price of the Triumph Bonneville Robber is $13,495.
5. HARLEY-DAVIDSON IRON 883
Photo Credit: @sandysharley-davidson
If you are a Harley Davidson fan but have a short height, the Harley Davidson Iron 883 is ideal for you. There are two things that a shorter rider will look for in a motorbike: seat height and footrest position. Even if you find a Harley Davidson with a low seat height, you might not be able to reach the footrests comfortably. The Harley Davidson Iron 883 offers both a low seat height and footrests at a comfortable distance for shorter riders. A short rider can easily balance the Harley Davidson Iron 883 while parked with both legs touching the ground. The 2022 Harley Davidson Iron 883 has a seat height of 25.7 inches, a ground clearance of 5.5 inches, and a dry weight of 247.2 kg.
The Harley-Davidson Iron 883 is equipped with an 883 cc engine. The Harley-Davidson Iron 883 is one of the low-powered Harley-Davidson models that are still in production. The base price of the Harley-Davidson Iron 883 is $11,249.
6. HONDA FURY
Photo Credit: @powersports.honda
The Honda Fury is a stylishly designed cruiser with top-class features. If you are a shorter rider and looking for a comfortable, stylish, and easy-to-handle motorcycle, then the Honda Fury has everything for you. The Honda Fury has a very unique sleek look. The painted fuel tank and mudguards with chromed headlights, engine, and exhausts give it a vibrant look. The Honda Fury has a seat height of 26.9 inches, a curb weight of 300.73 kg, and a mileage of 45 mpg. The low seat height, tilted handlebar, and footrest positioning offer comfortable ergonomics for shorter riders.
The Honda Fury is powered by a 1312 cc V-twin engine with a liquid-cooling system. This does result in the Honda Fury’s engine causing smaller vibrations while riding. Other than that, this motorbike is super easy to control, offers a good level of comfort, and is affordable. The base price of the Honda Fury is $11,449.
7. INDIAN SCOUT SIXTY
Photo Credit: @indianmotorcycle
The Indian Scout Sixty has a seat height of 25.6 inches, making it ideal for shorter riders. This vehicle’s low center of gravity also makes handling easier. With the Indian Scout Sixty’s low and comfortable seat, shorter riders can travel across long distances in comfort. The Indian Scout Sixty weighs 246 kg but it still feels lightweight while riding. This motorbike equally attracts tall riders thanks to its powerful 1000 cc engine. The Indian Scout Sixty shares many similarities with the Indian Scout Bobber. The key difference is that the Indian Scout Sixty has a smaller engine displacement of 1,000 cc compared to the Indian Scout Bobber’s 1,133 cc engine. The base price of the Indian Scout Sixty is $11,749.
8. HONDA SHADOW PHANTOM
Photo Credit: @powersports.honda
The Honda Shadow Phantom is another affordable cruiser built for shorter riders. The Honda Shadow Phantom has a seat height of 25.8 inches which lies within a comfortable range for shorter riders. The Honda Shadow Phantom’s curb weight is 249 kg. The Honda Shadow Phantom is powered by a 745 cc V-twin engine. Most of the parts, including the mudguards, seat, engine, headlight, and handlebars, are blacked out which gives this motorcycle a classic look. The base price of the 2022 Honda Shadow Phantom is $7,899.
9. BMW F 900 R
Photo Credit: @ultimatemotorcycling
The BMW F 900 R is a naked middleweight motorcycle suitable for shorter riders with its adjustable seat height ranging between 30 to 34 inches. The BMW F 900 R comes with top-quality features such as a TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity and dynamic suspensions that can be adjusted electronically. The unique feature of the BMW F 900 R is the Gear Shift Assist which allows riders to change gears without the use of the clutch. Other notable safety features include the traction control system and the BMW ABS Pro braking system. The BMW F 900 R’s stylish look is enhanced by the adjustable tail cowl and the sharp radiator shrouds.
The BMW F 900 R is powered by an 895 cc parallel-twin engine with a liquid-cooling system. The BMW F 900 R’s engine can produce a power of 99 hp at 8,500 rpm and a peak torque of 90.84 Nm at 6,500 rpm. This vehicle can also reach a top speed of 124 mph. This motorbike has a fuel tank capacity of 3.4 gals and a wet weight of 211 kg. The base price of the 2023 BMW F 900 R is $8,995.
10. TRIUMPH STREET TWIN 900
Photo Credit: @autocarindia
The Triumph Street Twin 900 is a retro standard-style motorcycle with classic looks. It comes with a bench-styled single-piece saddle for both rider and passenger. The Triumph Street Twin 900 has a seat height of 30.1 inches which ensures a comfortable riding experience for both shorter and average-sized riders.
The Triumph Street Twin 900 is equipped with a 900 cc parallel-twin engine capable of producing a horsepower of 64.1 hp at 7500 rpm and a peak torque of 80 Nm at 3,800 rpm. The footrests are installed at a comfortable distance from the seat. The handlebar placement also ensures a laid-back riding experience for short riders. The Triumph Street Twin 900 has a wet weight of 216 kg. The Triumph Street Twin 900 has a wheelbase of 1,450 mm and a tank capacity of 3.2 gals. The Triumph Street Twin 900 may lack modern instruments and features like the Triumph Thruxton RS, but it offers moderate performance and comfortable ergonomics. Also, there is a huge price difference between the Triumph Street Twin 900 and Triumph Thruxton. The Triumph Street Twin 900 costs $9,695, whereas, the Triumph Thruxton RS costs $16,645.
11. TAKEAWAY
The intention behind manufacturing a motorcycle is to make a vehicle that is easy to ride. However, not every motorcycle is equipped with the features to accommodate all riders. Some motorcycles come with adjustable seat heights and other modification options to make them more comfortable for shorter riders. Other motorbikes are already specifically designed to accommodate shorter riders. Motorbikes for shorter riders have a low seat height and an ideal triangular formation between the seat, handlebar, and footrests. A motorcycle with a low seat height does not automatically make it ideal for short riders. The position of the handlebars and the distance between the seat and footrests also matter.
Apart from being good for shorter riders, these motorcycles can also be used for touring with a few add-ons. The shorter riders can find a HANDLEBAR at Viking Bags to make the motorcycle more comfortable for them. The luggage capacity can be improved using the LUGGAGE options available at Viking Bags. The options include the SADDLEBAGS, LEATHER SADDLEBAGS , BACKPACKS , and Tank Bags .
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