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 three 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 or a review on our sibling website, RiderMagazine.com, 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.
We also have a list of motorcycles with seat heights between 31.0 and 31.9 inches.
The models in this list are arranged by seat height, with the first model having the shortest seat height and the last model having the tallest seat height in the list.
Honda Grom
$3,499
30.0-inch seat
223 lb
Read Rider‘s 2022 Honda Grom First Ride Review
Honda Navi
$1,807
30.0-inch seat
234 lb
Read Rider‘s 2022 Honda Navi First Ride Review
Royal Enfield Meteor 350
$4,899
30.1-inch seat
421 lb
Read Rider‘s 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Road Test Review
Triumph Speed Twin 900
$9,895
30.1-inch seat
476 lb
Read our 2019 Triumph Street Twin (former name) First Ride Review
BMW G 310 R
$4,995
30.9-inch seat (optional lower seat to 30.3 inches)
362 lb
Read our 2017 BMW G 310 R First Ride Review
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
Read Rider‘s 2020 BMW F 900 R and F 900 XR Road Test Review
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
Read Rider‘s 2019 BMW F 850 GS and F 750 GS Road Test Review
CFMOTO Papio
$2,999
30.5-inch seat
251 lb
Read Rider‘s 2022 CFMOTO Lineup First Ride Review
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 Rider‘s 2021 Ducati Monster First Ride Review
Honda Monkey
$4,249
30.5-inch seat
231 lb
Read our 2019 Honda Monkey First Ride Review
Benelli TNT 135
$2,699
30.7-inch seat
266 lb
CFMOTO 300SS
$4,499
30.7-inch seat
364 lb
Read Rider‘s 2022 CFMOTO Lineup First Ride Review
CFMOTO 650NK
$6,499
30.7-inch seat
454 lb
Read Rider‘s 2022 CFMOTO Lineup First Ride Review
Ducati Scrambler Icon
$10,995
31.3-inch seat (optional lower seat to 30.7 inches)
408 lb
Read Rider‘s 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 Rider‘s 2023 Ducati Scrambler Range First Look Review
Ducati Scrambler Nightshift
$12,195
31.3-inch seat (optional lower seat to 30.7 inches)
421 lb
Read Rider‘s 2023 Ducati Scrambler Range First Look Review
Honda CBR300R
$4,899
30.7-inch seat
354 lb
Read our 2023 Honda Returning Models First Look Review
Honda Super Cub C125
$3,849
30.7-inch seat
238 lb
Read Rider‘s 2019 Honda Super Cub 125 ABS First Ride Review
Indian FTR
$13,499
30.7-inch seat
514 lb
Read Rider‘s 2022 Indian FTR S First Ride Review
Indian FTR Sport
$15,749
30.7-inch seat
522 lb
Read our 2023 FTR Sport First Look Review
Moto Guzzi V7 Stone
$9,190
30.7-inch seat
492 lb
Read Rider‘s 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone First Ride Review
Moto Guzzi V7 Special
$9,590
30.7-inch seat
492 lb
Read Rider‘s 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Special First look Review
Moto Guzzi V7 Special Edition
$9,990
30.7-inch seat
480 lb
Read Rider‘s New and Updated 2023 Moto Guzzi First Look Review
Yamaha YZF-R3
$5,499
30.7-inch seat
375 lb
Read our 2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 Road Test Review
Yamaha MT-03
$4,999
30.7-inch seat
373 lb
Read our 2020 Yamaha MT-03 First Ride Review
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 Rider‘s 2023 Kawasaki Returning Models First Look Review
Kawasaki Z400 ABS
$5,399
30.9-inch seat
364 lb
Read our 2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS First Ride Review
Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber
$10,490
30.9-inch seat
463 lb
Read Rider‘s 2017 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber First Ride Review
Suzuki SV650
$7,399
30.9-inch seat
432 lb
Read our 2017 Suzuki SV50 First Ride Review
I did not see the Triumph Tiger 900 LRH on any of your lists. It comes in at just under 30″. I’m loving mine!
Thanks, Roxanne! We’ve added it to our Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders: Seat Heights Under 30 Inches post.
I have a 28″ inseam. I rode a stock Indian Scout (1133cc). Great option for us shorties that wasn’t on your list.
Hi Cyndi! Agreed, we can’t leave out the Scout. We’ve got that one on our Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders: Seat Heights Under 30 Inches post. Check it out: https://womanrider.com/2023/01/best-small-motorcycles-with-seat-heights-under-30-inches/
Also missing is the BMW R1250R with the low seat, which comes in at 29.9″ and is an AMAZING large bike for shorter riders! I also reviewed it for the BMW RA On The Level magazine’s last issue and own one!
https://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/models/roadster/r1250r/technicaldata.html#/section-technical-data
I’m 5’6” tall, weigh 150 lbs, and am wondering if a Harley Ultra is a good beginner bike?
Thank you 💋
Thanks for your question, Bambi. While the Harley touring bikes have seat heights lower than any bike on this list, those motorcycles are heavy and expensive, making them not the best options for beginners. Keep in mind that as a beginner, you’ll likely drop the bike a few times as you get used to it. Having a lighter weight bike that’s easier to maneuver and less expensive to repair will make learning to ride much easier.
If you haven’t yet, taking a Basic RiderCourse by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (if you’re in the U.S.) is a great way to learn the basics, and since you’ll use a provided motorcycle, you don’t have to risk damaging your own. Best of luck!
This is an excellent article for the vertical and financially challenged. The succinct verbiage is accurate, refreshing and welcome.
Hello,
I’m 5′ 3″ and a beginner rider, wondering if the Ninja 400 is a good option for me! Any thoughts are appreciated it! Thank you
The Ninja is a tried and true bike that many riders have started out on. It’s a great first bike for many riders, and you can always go to a dealership and ask to sit on one to see if you’re comfortable with the seating position, weight, and reach to the ground. Our First Ride Review provides more insight: https://womanrider.com/2018/02/2018-kawasaki-ninja-400-abs-first-ride-review/