Forgive the slightly misogynistic title, this post is actually aimed at shorter riders, both men and women alike.
In producing this list, we only considered bikes with a seat height of less than 800mm and/or a factory lowering kit, but seat height isn’t everything. Most cruisers would fit into this category, from the Kawasaki Elminitor (680mm) right up to 1,854cc Yamaha Midnight Star (735mm), however despite low seat heights, most cruisers have wide seat pans, are extraordinarily heavy, and difficult to maneuver at slow speed, or at a paddle. Additionally, the raised bars, and large turning circle can prove problematic.
I’ll be the first to admit, that the majority of the bikes on this list are mid-power bikes around the 600cc mark. The reason for this is that most sports bikes, both 600cc and 1000cc varieties have seat heights of around 820mm (32″) or higher. Add to that, their seats are usually wider, and due to the ‘prone’ position, the reach to bars is often longer than non-sports bikes. All this adds up to a nervy experience for shorter riders.
Different strokes for different folks (and no we’re not talking about engines)
As everyone’s body shape, reach, and inside leg measurement differ it’s near impossible to judge how comfortable a bike will be for you personally, or how easily you’ll be able to flat-foot it, without actually sitting on one. That being said, the people over at Motorcycle Ergonomics have produced a website app that should at least give you a better idea of how you’ll fit on a particular bike, and can be used to help you narrow down your shortlist of models to try out in the real world. Check it out using some of the models we’ve listed below.
The top motorcycles for shorter riders
1. Kawasaki Versys x-300
- Seat Height: 845 mm (but can be modded to get below 800mm)
- Weight: 175 kg (wet)
- Power Output: 29.3 kW (39 hp)
- Used price: Less than £4,000
The Versys is the soft-roader of the adventure bike world. Launched in 2017, it never quite off in UK or Europe. That’s a shame because this is a capable machine that’s happy to tackle a wide range of riding conditions, from urban commuting to motorway cruising and light off-roading.
As the smallest member of the Kawasaki Versys family, the Versys-X 300 is engineered to be lightweight (175kg fully fuelled), accessible, and highly manoeuvrable, making it an excellent choice for both new and experienced riders seeking adventure on and off the beaten path.
The model hasn’t re-appeared on Kawasaki website for 2024, but there a plenty of good condition used models to be had for around £4,000
It features an 845mm seat height, but the UK/EU model comes equipped with the factory tall seat. Shaving down the seat, or swapping it for the OEM low seat will bring that down to 820mm. There are suspension linkages avilable to lower the bike further (up to a further 45mm), and the forks can be raise in the triples by 20mm without any modifications.
Powered by the same 296cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke parallel-twin engine as found in the Ninja 300, the Versys-X 300 offers a smooth and responsive power delivery. This engine is known for its high rev range but has enough low-to-mid range torque for gravel riding, and motorway overtaking.
The Versys-X 300’s enjoys adventure styling, the chassis and design, makes it more of a soft-roader. That being said with a few mods, it can be a capable adventure travel bike too. The bike is equipped with spoked wheels, contributing to its rugged off-road capability, and the 19″/17″ combination is good compromise for on/off street riding.
With its combination of performance, versatility, and comfort, the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 stands out as an excellent entry-level adventure motorcycle. It’s well-suited for riders looking to explore both city streets and country trails, offering a balanced and enjoyable riding experience across a broad spectrum of environments.
The bike has no known faults, and while some areas could be improved or lightened, its reliability is rock solid. So much so, that is was the choice of 22 year old Bridget McCutchen, for her world record round-the-world trip in 2022/23.
2. Yamaha MT-03
- Seat Height: 780 mm
- Weight: 168 kg (wet)
- Power Output: 30.9 kW (42 hp)
- Used price: £3,000 – £4,000
The Yamaha MT-03 is a naked motorcycle that stands out for its low seat height and lightweight, making it exceptionally approachable for short riders. Powered by a 321cc twin-cylinder engine, it offers a lively performance that’s well-suited for urban environments and twisty roads. The MT-03’s agile handling and comfortable ergonomics make it a joy to ride, while its aggressive styling draws inspiration from its larger MT series siblings.
3. BMW G 310 GS
- Seat Height: 835 mm (lower seat options available)
- Weight: 169.5 kg (wet)
- Power Output: 25 kW (34 hp)
- Used price: £3,500
The BMW G 310 GS is an entry-level adventure motorcycle that embodies the spirit and capabilities of its larger GS counterparts. Its 313cc single-cylinder engine provides a decent punch and fuel efficiency, suitable for city riding and light off-road adventures. Despite its slightly higher seat height, BMW offers lower seat options to accommodate short riders. The G 310 GS’s lightweight, balanced handling, and robust design make it an attractive option for those looking for an adventure bike with a manageable stature.
See ‘Women Riders Now‘ for a full review from a female perspective
4. Suzuki SV650
- Seat Height: 785 mm
- Weight: 198 kg (wet)
- Power Output: 56 kW (75 hp)
- Used price: £3,800-£5,000
The Suzuki SV650 combines a sporty performance with a rider-friendly design. Its 645cc V-twin engine is known for its robust power delivery and reliability. Despite its higher power output, the SV650 remains accessible to short riders thanks to its low seat height and narrow waist, facilitating easy ground reach and confidence. The bike’s lightweight and balanced chassis enhance its manoeuvrability, making it a versatile choice for both daily commuting and spirited weekend rides.
5. Honda CB500X / NX500
- Seat Height: 810 mm (but lowering below 800mm is possible)
- Weight: 197 kg (wet)
- Power Output: 35 kW (47 hp)
- Used price: £4,000 plus
The Honda CB500X is a middleweight adventure touring motorcycle that combines comfort, versatility, and performance. Its 471cc parallel-twin engine delivers smooth power, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced riders. The CB500X features a manageable seat height and a slim profile, aiding short riders in handling and ground reach.
For 2024, the bike was renamed and revamped. It’s now called the NX500, and while it not only looks great, it also sheds a few kilos too. Despite weighing less, the new bike is a physically large machine. It keeps the low seat height of the CB500x, but has more in the way of plastics and fairings.
Given the used price of a CB500x, we’d recommend you pick up one of those instead. But for those who must have a band new bike, the NX500 is a good choice.
Its reliability and economical nature are two of the factors that lead Dutch rider Noraly a.k.a. Itchy Boots, pick up a CB500x for her travels around Iceland.
Honourable mentions
In this section we include a variety of bikes from sports bikes to more touring and commuter options. The recommendations my no longer be arable new, but are plentiful on used, and make a choice for those looking for a more economical purchase.
BMW F650/F700
With a seat height of 820mm (32.3″) and wet weight of 209kg you’re probably thinking WTF about now, but bear with us. BMW offers a free low seat option reduces that to 790mm, and the factory lowering kit (£170) brings it down further to just 760mm (30″). Making it one of the lowest pseudo-adventure bikes around.
Yes it’s a little on the heavy side for smaller riders compared to others on the list, but it’s also has a more powerful 800cc parallel twin engine pumping out 75bhp. A plethora of factory options, and a BMW dealership in every larger city in the world makes this a good buy.
What’s more reasonable examples can be had for less £4,000, usually with accessories. Just don’t ask about servicing costs.
The bike itself is based around the same engine as used in the more adventurous F800gs (later the F850 and now 900gs), but tuned down to a little for a more forgiving throttle response.
Despite it’s street looks, it can still be used for moderate adventure travel, and in fact the F700GS was the bike of choice for solo female traveller and YouTuber MindBody MotoGirl for her travels from New York to South America.
Kawasaki GPZ500S
The GPZ500 is the fastest of the old parallel twin commuters (CB500, GS500, ER5), and just a reliable as the courier favourite Honda CB500. It’s a bit long in the tooth now with the last ‘new’ models being over 15 years old, but it’s a hoot to ride, and cheap to maintain and insure.
What makes this great for shorter riders is that the seat height is just 775mm (30.5″), meaning all but the shortest of riders should comfortably beable to get their feet down. What’s more the seat is very narrow, and the reach to the bars is reletively short. Added that, the bike weighs in at just 176kg, making it easily manouverable around town.
Yamaha XJ6/XJ6 Diversion
The Diversion is a friendly commuter with a seat height of just 785mm. The older version (XJ600) has a seat height even lower than the GPZ. While the old bike couldn’t quite match the GPZ for top speed, or excitement, the XJ6 is a different proposition all together.
The 600cc inline 4-cylinder engine, retuned from a R6, puts out a comfortable 77bhp with more torque available lower down the rev range. At 205kg the bike is heavier than we’d like, but it handles it well. The full faired version weighs an additional 6kg.
Kawasaki Ninja 250/300
The Ninja 250 was originally introduced in 2008 and aimed at new riders. In 2012 the engine capacity was increased to 300cc to better compete with the new 47bhp A2 motorcycles. The 250cc version puts out 32.5bhp while the 300cc bike generates 39bhp.
According to Kawasaki, over 20% of Ninja 250 riders are female. Perhaps attracted by it’s 169kg weight, and 775mm (30.5″) seat height. The Ninja 300 weighs 172kg wet, and has a seat height of 785mm. If you’re put off by the prospect of been an additional 10mm from the floor, bear in mind that the Ninja 300 seat is narrower than the old 250.
Honda CBF1000
With a seat height of 795mm the CBF1000 gets close to the edge of out limit, the re-tuned Fireblade engine, easy handling and comfortable earned it a place on our list. At nearly 100bhp and a top speed of 140mph, the bike has plenty of poke for motorway travel, and returns upwards of 45mpg when going easy with the right hand. Due to it’s bullet-proof reliability the CBF tends to hold it’s value well considering they only cost less £6,000 new. Early models (06-07) can be had for less than £3,000.
Kawasaki ER6-F (2005 – 2008)
The ER6 has a seat height of 780mm, on the latter models this was increased to 805mm, but as the seat is narrow so some smaller riders might just get away with it. The reach to the bars on ER6 isn’t as long as other 600cc sports bikes, and the riding position is generally considered as being comfortable. Being fully faired the ER6-F offers greater weather protection than many of the other options on our list, and to many eyes is more a more attractive bike. What’s more, there’s plenty of good exmaples out there for between £2,000 – £2,500.
Suzuki GSX1250FA
The GSX1250 has a seat height of 805mm (31.7″), and weighs an astonishing 270kg, but take off it’s fancy clothes, and It’s almost entirely a Bandit 1250. As the latter is lighter we’d probably recommend that instead, unless you absolutely need the full fairing.
Despite it’s weight (229kg), the Bandit 1250 seat is quite narrow, and the bike feels exeptionally well balanced even at slow speeds. Including this bike does break our <800mm seat height rule, especially as it doesn’t have a factory lowering kit available, but 5mm is such a small amount that compressing or removing a bit of foam, or even getting dog muck stuck your boots would make up the difference. You don’t really need to worry about that though as the Bandit 1250 has been around for ever, and there is vast range of third party accessories out there, including aftermarket seats, and lowering kits (-40mm) that will bring the seat height down to a comfortable 775mm.
Best of the rest
Here are some of the other models that didn’t quite make our featured list but are perfectly capable mahcines in their own right.
- BMW F650 / G650GS – 780mm (factory lowering kit reduces this further)
- Kawasaki ZZR600 – 780mm
- Honda CB900 Hornet – 795mm
- Suzuki GS500 – 790mm
- Yamaha XJ600 Diversion – 780mm
What do you think? Are there any other bikes that you feel should be added to our list?
