Motorcycles for Short Riders

Yep, I'm short. I'll admit it. I'm a whopping 5'3", with a 28.5" inseam. I am blessed to have a slightly higher inseam than my counterparts, I know. But I've still had to struggle with height issues but learned very early on that it's not about how tall you are, but how you RIDE. 

I just want you to know that you won't always be limited to a motorcycle that matches your inseam. I've never flat footed both feet on a motorcycle except on a Honda Rebel 250. But I didn't let that stop me from riding what I wanted to ride and you can too! Keep riding, learning and growing from your motorcycle(s). 

Ok, these aren't exactly the best first bikes if you're short. You don't have to be 5'8" to ride any of these. You may just need some time and practice on a smaller, lighter bike until you gain enough riding experience to manage these weights, heights and dimensions. And don't forget to invest in excellent riding boots to help give you an edge. 

These are most of the motorcycles that I've ridden in my riding career so far. From 2004 to 2012, I've had the opportunity to test ride, rent and borrow some bikes from friends and what not. I've learned so much from riding one bike to the next. If I could have it my way (e.g. more $$$), I'd have my SV and a couple of dual sports. 

The first bike above was from back at the long lost Femmoto in '06 on a Kawi ZX6R 636. I was on my tiptoes back then but it was so light that it didn't matter too much. That thing made me want to speed around the racetrack. So much fun.

1. Kawi Ninja 650 

At Femmoto in 2006. It' was super comfy, but that was my first introduction to twins and I wasn't used to the lower power band. Now I'll never go back to a sub 1000 4cyl. 

2. Late 90s Yamaha Seca II 600.

He was forced to buy this after I stole the Ninja from him in 2004.  A 600cc 4cyl it was easy to ride. Fairly lightweight (under 500lb) and comfy riding position too. I only rode it a few times while we had it since I still had the ninja. I even picked it up once when she tipped over in the parking lot (stupid sidestand).

3.Late 80s Suzuki VX800.

I really liked this bike. A twin, it was super heavy (over 500lbs) but sooo much fun. Lots of torque power and comfy riding position. It was also fairly low. It was awesome until my husband put flat bars on it and then I had a hard time reaching them. Then he put a Corbin seat on it and I could barely touch the ground. Heh. Good thing too because I probably would've stole that one from him too! (See Yamaha Seca II)

4.Triumph Street Triple R.

swoon I loved this bike. It continues to be my dream bike. Although I want a dual sport for my next bike. I would put it off for a little longer with the STR. Lightweight, nimble, low seat (~30") and perfect ergonomics for my short frame. Slap a windscreen, custom seat and a GIVI box on her and I'd be set for a cross country trip. 

5. KTM 990 Superduke.

I rode a friend's superduke in a parking lot a few months ago. Damn! Ridiculous fun. Fooking ridiculous power. It wants to wheelie without you! I'd probably get into a lot of trouble on this thing. Loved the ergonomics though, super light, short reach and mostly upright. The supermoto style riding position guarantees endless amounts of FUNNNNN. And speeding tickets.

**6. 2000 Triumph Sprint RS.** 

Belongs to the husband. 955cc, triple engine. A fairly low seat height, maybe 29.5-30" or so. Weighs over 500lbs wet though, so I don't usually ride that thing around town. Love the triple engine though. If you've never ridden triple, you'll love it!

7. 2008 BMW F800ST 

Rented this in Vegas a few years ago. Had a blast riding through red rock canyon. It was fun, but I didn't fall in love with it enough to buy one. Fell in love with twins after that!

8. Triumph Tiger 800.

Not terribly top heavy. I felt like the weight was distributed really low and well. And about a half inch lower than my SV. ha! Really easy to ride and of course, mostly on the balls of my feet. If I were to trade up to a dual sport, I would definitely consider the Tiger my #1 or #2 choice.

9.  2013 Kawasaki Ninja 1000.

I was so looking forward to riding this after I tried the Z1000 last winter. It was definitely a huge difference in terms of suspension and handling (most notably in corners at higher speed). I really enjoyed how it rode in tight twisties and open sweepers and everything in between. I just didn't like the 4cyl engine. Super comfortable ergonomics too. Mostly upright, I could see myself riding across country on this one.

10. 2012 Kawasaki Z1000.

The z1000 looks the Ninja 1000 but it's not nearly as stable, smooth and confident in corners. I highly recommend the Ninja 1000 if you want a fairly upright, naked bike that will carry you in and out of corners with smooth, stable suspension. I think it would also make a killer touring bike.

11. BMW F800GS

I test rode this recently and it was really fun, easy to ride and low. BMW offers a factory lowered version that makes it super comfortable as well. Actually, BMW offers a lot of factory lowered options for those of us looking for shorter bikes. It was also lightweight and nimble in traffic and of course, a very comfortable seating position. Would definitely be #2 in my Dual sport list.Â