For tall people, it can often be a challenge to fit into a world designed for those of average height. From doorways to clothing stores, the standard just doesn’t account for the vertically gifted among us. Motorcycles are no different, and it can be uniquely challenging to figure out just which motorcycle is the best for tall riders. With all the variety of bikes out there, there’s a lot of choices to sift through to find the best fit. Rest assured, we’ve done the research and have put together this guide on the best motorcycles for tall riders. Read on to learn all about the various options available and become better informed to decide which bike is right for you.
The best motorcycles for tall riders are:
- Harley-Davidson Breakout
- BMW F750GS
- Kawasaki Versys 650
- Kawasaki KLR 650
- Ducati Multistrada 1200
- Ducati X Diavel
- Suzuki SV650
- Yamaha XSR 900
- Indian Chief Classic
- Honda Fury
That’s a lot of bikes to choose from. Several factors go into making a specific motorcycle better for tall riders, and it’s essential to consider all the options before making a decision. From the type of riding you’ll be doing, to specific body measurements, there is not just one variable on which to base your selection. Read on to learn all about how and why tall rider can choose the best motorcycle for their riding pleasure.
What Makes a Motorcycle Good For Tall Riders?
Most of the bikes on the market are designed for average height riders. There a few critical measurements that go into deciding which bike is right for you, and going over various bikes specifications can be an excellent way to narrow the field. The best way to choose a bike, however, is always just to hop on and take it for a spin.
A motorcycle’s profile, or rider triangle, is its alignment of the handlebar, seat, and footpegs. You can use this online tool to see the rider triangle, or how the rider sits on the bike, for a wide range of motorcycles and scooters. The most common measurement taken into consideration is seat height. While very important, a higher seat height alone should not be taken as an indication of a bike’s comfort, or discomfort, for tall riders. Even more important than the seat height is the distance between the seat and the footpegs.
In general, tall riders tend to favor adventure bikes, which are bikes designed for off-roading over long distances through varied terrain. These bikes tend to be bigger and bulkier than their street counterparts, making them the natural choice for taller riders. However, if adventure bikes aren’t exactly your cup of tea, there are still many options available that can suit tall riders.
If you find a bike that’s perfect for you in every way but is just a little too small, there’s hope for you yet. There are several ways to customize your motorcycle to fit your dimensions, from high-rise clip-on handlebars to footrest kits, and plates. Many motorcycle companies will even include alteration options at the point of sale, for an additional cost. Want to know where you can buy motorcycle gear, including seat alterations? Check out our guide on the top 40 online stores for motorcycle gear.
Now let’s look over some of the most popular motorcycles on the market today that are geared towards taller riders.
Harley-Davidson Breakout
The Harley-Davidson Breakout is an excellent choice for tall riders who want a classic style. This chopper-style motorcycle is perfect, with its relaxed profile and wide grip that can accommodate riders of a wide range of sizes. With a seat height at 26.2”, this bike’s seat height is on the shorter end of bikes on our list. However, this bike is still great for tall riders and is evidence that seat height alone is no indication of rideability.
BMW F750GS
The BMW F750GS is an obvious choice for tall riders. An iconic adventure bike, the GS model, is noted for having paved the way for all bikes in this class. All it takes is one ride for anyone to be able to understand why. The BMW F750GS is the perfect bike when you need to go the distance over varied terrain, and still be comfortable enough for extra long days of riding. With the BMW label, you can be sure this powerhouse will get you where you need to go. The BMW F750 GS has a seat height of 32.1”, making this bike exceptionally comfortable for tall riders. You can’t go wrong with BMW.
Kawasaki Versys 650
The Kawasaki Versys 650 is another excellent option for taller riders. This bike is great for all-around riding, maneuverable enough for getting around town yet powerful enough for long rides down the open highway. This bike is sure to turn heads wherever you ride it. With a seat height of 33.1” and a rider triangle perfectly matched for larger frames, the Kawasaki Versys 650 is the perfect match for tall riders who want the best of both worlds when it comes to on-road riding.
Kawasaki KLR 650
The off-road-ready counterpart to the Kawasaki Versys 650, the KLR 650 is a great choice for riders who want to do some, or even most, of their riding where the pavement ends. The KLR 650 has an outstanding fuel economy, perfect for long trips into the backcountry and away from refueling stations. While designed with the off-road rider in mind, the KLR 650 performs equally as well on city streets or highway cruising. This all-around bike could be a great daily rider. With a seat height of 35”, the KLR 650 is worth checking out for any tall rider looking for a bike capable of handling all sorts of riding.
Ducati Multistrada 1200
The Ducati Multistrada 1200 is another European bike with outstanding credentials. Designed with an incredible blend of luxury and power, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 comes with four riding mode settings, Sport, Touring, Urban, and Enduro. Whatever mode you choose to ride in, you can rest assured that Ducati’s world-famous design will take you where you need to go.
Packing an internal electronics system that assists with everything from traction control to wheelies, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 is an obvious choice for tall riders who want the sophistication of a modern legend. With a seat height of 34.3, the Multistrada 1200 is sure to be a comfortable ride for taller riders.
Ducati XDiavel S
The XDiavel S is a cruiser bike well suited for taller riders. Designed for lower-speed cruises, this bike still packs a powerful punch. With a seat height of 29.7”, this bike’s seat is lower than a lot of the other bikes on our list but makes up for it with a rider triangle well suited for riders of a bigger than average size.
Suzuki SV650
The Suzuki SV650 is a more powerful version of its iconic model. This updated version combines great fuel economy and a 30.9” high seat with a frame well-suited for taller riders. If a classic style with modern design is what you’re looking for, this bike could be the one for you.
Yamaha XSR 900
Another bike that combines old-school style with modern power, the Yamaha XSR 900, is a modern classic. With its retro look and sporty frame, the XSR 900 is a well-needed update to an iconic bike. Perfect for commuting, this bike’s aluminum frame and powerful engine make navigating city streets a breeze. The XSR 900 has a seat height of 32.7”, making it an excellent choice for taller riders who want more options outside of the adventure bike genre.
Indian Chief Classic
Yet another modern take on an iconic bike, the Indian Chief Classic, is a timeless work of art. The low-profile and relaxed rider triangle of this bike makes it perfect for long cruises out into the open country and is comfortable enough to make long days in the saddle seem short. You can’t go wrong with a legendary bike like this one. With a seat height of only 26”, the Indian Chief Classic laid-back design still makes it an excellent choice for taller riders.
Honda Fury
Nothing says style quite like the Honda Fury. One of the most popular cruisers available, this bike exudes cool wherever it’s ridden. With higher handlebars than many similarly-sized cruisers, the Honda Fury is a comfortable ride for anyone who needs a little more space to stretch out. With a relaxed profile and rider triangle, The Honda Fury more than makes up for it’s 26.9” seat height.
Now that we’ve gone over some of the best motorcycles for tall riders let’s look at some additional questions you might have.
Can Tall People Ride Motorcycles Comfortably?
As we’ve seen, there are several motorcycles designed explicitly with tall people in mind. There is a bike out there for everyone!
What Motorcycle Has the Highest Seat Height?
Adventure bikes will typically have the highest seat height of any motorcycle. The Kawasaki KLR 650, with a seat height of 35”, is the highest on our list.
What is the Tallest Motorcycle?
Along with its impressive seat height, the Kawasaki KLR 650 is also the tallest motorcycle on our list.
After reading our guide on the best motorcycles for tall riders, you’re sure to be able to find the perfect bike for you. Want to know more about the various types of motorcycles? Be sure to check out our guide on 22 types of motorcycles.