10 Best Indian Motorcycles For Short Riders (With Pictures)

By / Curated Lists, Motorcycles / Last Updated: October 19, 2023

Since acquiring the brand in 2011, Polaris Industries has crafted some of the most refined Indian motorcycles since the first Indian moto hit the track in 1901.

The modern Indian stable pays homage to the vintage American cruiser aesthetic the brand helped create while integrating some of the most innovative motorcycle engineering in the market. 

This article lists the ten Indian motorcycles we feel are best for short riders, along with the dimensions and engine specs listed on the motorcycles’ official website. This allows our readers to compare and contrast models to find the ideal fit.

1. Indian Chief

The Indian Chief is an ultra-refined, hyper-minimalist American Cruiser with an air-cooled, Thunderstroke 111 engine. Its beefy, straightforward design, low seat height, and mid-forward control setup make it an excellent choice for short riders. 

Engine & Drivetrain

Here are the engine and drivetrain specs:

    • Bore x Stroke: 3.976 in x 4.449 in (101 mm x 113 mm)
    • Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
    • Displacement: 111 cu in (1,811 ccs)
    • Drive/Driven Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate
    • Electronic Fuel Injection System: Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore
    • Engine Type: Air-cooled Thunderstroke 111
    • Exhaust: Dual Exhaust w/Cross-over
    • Peak Torque: 108 ft-lbs
    • Peak Torque RPM: 3,200 rpm
    • Transmission/Final Drive: 2.2: 1
    • Transmission/Primary Drive: Gear Drive Wet Clutch

Dimensions

Here are the motorcycle’s dimensions:

    • Fuel Capacity: 4.0 gal (15.1 L)
    • Ground Clearance: 4.9 in (125 mm)
    • GVWR: 1,160 lbs (522 kg)
    • Lean Angle: 28.5°
    • Overall Height: 49.3 in (1,253 cm)
    • Overall Length: 90 in (2,286 mm)
    • Overall Width: 36.3 in (922 mm)
    • Rake/Trail: 29° / 5.2 in (132 mm)
    • Seat Height: 26.0 in (662 mm)
    • Weight (As Shipped / Running Order): 647 lbs (294 kg) / 670 lbs (304 kg)
    • Wheelbase: 64.0 in (1,626 mm)
  • Suspension:
    • Front Fork Tube Diameter: 46 mm
    • Front Suspension: Telescopic Fork
    • Front Travel: 5.2 in (132 mm)
    • Rear Suspension: Dual Shocks w/adjustable preload
    • Rear Travel: 3.0 in (75 mm)

    • Standard Equipment: Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, 12V Charge Port, Rear Cylinder Deactivation

2. Chief Dark Horse

The Dark Horse edition of the Chief keeps the same low seat and short handlebars but adds blacked-out engine heads, a matte Dark Horse Finish, and a bigger 116 ci/1900cc version of the Thunderstroke engine.

It also includes an infotainment system in its special features. 

Engine & Drivetrain:

    • Bore x Stroke: 4.063 in x 4.449 in (103.2 mm x 113 mm)
    • Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
    • Displacement: 116 cu in (1,890 ccs):
    • Drive/Driven Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate
    • Electronic Fuel Injection System: Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore
    • Engine Type: Air-cooled Thunderstroke 116
    • Exhaust: Dual Exhaust w/Cross-over
    • Peak Torque: 120 ft-lbs.
    • Peak Torque RPM: 2,900 rpm
    • Transmission/Final Drive: 2: 1
    • Transmission/Primary Drive: Gear Drive Wet Clutch
    • Gauges: Speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, compass, ambient temperature, gear indicator

Special Features:

      • 4 in Touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND. The model year 2023 bikes include a complimentary 1-year trial of RIDE COMMAND+ (live weather/traffic and intuitive destination search).
      • Touchscreen display includes real-time clock; ambient air temperature; heading; audio information display; map/navigation; Bluetooth status for phone and headset; vehicle status; vehicle info); current ride data; trip meters; ride mode selection; screen brightness; and vehicle trouble code readout.
      • Lights: LED Headlight, LED Tail/Brake/Turn Signals
      • Standard Equipment: ABS, Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, USB charge port, 12V Charge Port, Rear Cylinder Deactivation

3. Super Chief

The Super Chief is essential to the base Indian Chief model. It is a low and husky American cruiser ideal for short riders. While it adds leather saddlebags for light touring, it also features a quick-release windscreen to protect the rider. 

You might want to check how much new Indian motorcycles cost.

Key Specifications:

    • Engine Type: Air-cooled Thunderstroke 111
    • Peak Torque: 108 ft-lbs
    • Ergonomics: Floorboards with Traditional Cruiser Handlebars
    • Gauge: Analog
    • Storage: 9.7 Gallons

Gauges:

  • Electronic speedometer with odometer; dual trip meters; digital tachometer; ambient air temperature; fuel range; average fuel economy; battery voltage; gear position display; real-time clock; vehicle trouble code readout; and low engine oil pressure.
  • 9 LED telltale indicators: cruise control enabled, cruise control set, neutral, high beam, turn signal, ABS (if equipped), check engine, and MPH or km/h unit designation; electronic fuel gauge with low fuel indicator

Infotainment: N/A

  • Lights: LED Headlight, LED Tail/Brake/Turn Signals
  • Standard Equipment: Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, 12V Charge Port, Rear Cylinder Deactivation

4. Indian Scout

The Indian Scout is the quintessential medium American Cruiser that is great for short riders. It comes with a short rake and chassis, low to the ground but bulky and stable.

Its unique, integrated 6-speed gearbox and 1133cc liquid-cooled V-Twin motor combined the brand’s historical aesthetic with its modern and advanced engineering. 

Engine & Drivetrain:

    • Bore x Stroke: 3.898 in x 2.898 in (99 mm x 73.6 mm)
    • Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
    • Displacement: 69 cu in (1,133 ccs)
    • Drive/Driven Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate
    • Electronic Fuel Injection System: Closed Loop Fuel Injection / 60 mm Bore
    • Engine Type: Liquid Cooled V-Twin (60 degrees)
    • Exhaust: Split Dual Exhaust w/Cross-over
    • Peak Torque: 72 ft-lbs (97.7 Nm)
    • Peak Torque RPM: 5,900 rpm
    • Transmission/Final Drive: 2.357: 1
    • Transmission/Primary Drive: Gear Drive Wet Clutch

Dimensions:

      • Fuel Capacity: 3.3 gals (12.5 L)
      • Ground Clearance: 5.7 in (146 mm)
      • GVWR: 988 lbs (449 kg)
      • Lean Angle: 31°
      • Overall Height: 42 in (1,068 mm)
      • Overall Length: 91.5 in (2,324 mm)
      • Overall Width: 36.1 in (916 mm)
      • Rake/Trail: 29.0° / 4.7 in (120 mm)
      • Seat Height: 25.6 in (649 mm)
      • Wheelbase: 62 in (1,575 mm)

Suspension:

    • Front Fork Tube Diameter: 41 mm:
    • Front Suspension: Telescopic Fork
    • Front Travel: 4.7 in (120 mm)
    • Rear Suspension: Dual Shocks
    • Rear Travel: 0 in (76 mm)

5. Scout Bobber

The Scout Bobber keeps the motor and transmission of the base Scout model, but has chopped fenders and handlebars. It also comes with a sportier seat and a slightly more aggressive riding position that short riders may find more comfortable. 

Key Specifications:

    • Engine Type: Liquid Cooled 69 cu in V-Twin
    • Horsepower: 100 hp
    • Transmission: 6 Speed
    • Fuel Capacity: 3.3 Gallons

Dimensions:

    • Fuel Capacity: 3.3 gals (12.5 L)
    • Ground Clearance: 5.1 in (129 mm)
    • GVWR: 988 lbs. (449 kg)
    • Lean Angle: 29°
    • Overall Height: 41.5 in (1,053 mm)
    • Overall Length: 87.5 in (2223 mm)
    • Overall Width: 36.5 in (926 mm)
    • Rake/Trail: 29.0° / 4.7 in (120 mm)
    • Seat Height: 25.6 in (649 mm)
    • Weight (As Shipped / Running Order): 533 lbs. (242 kg) / 553 lbs. (251 kg)
    • Wheelbase: 62 in (1,576 mm)

Suspension:

    • Front Fork Tube Diameter: 41 mm
    • Front Suspension: Telescopic Fork
    • Front Travel: 4.7 in (120 mm)
    • Rear Suspension: Dual Shocks
    • Rear Travel: 2.0 in (51 mm)

6. Scout Sixty

Ideal for short riders looking for something with less power, the Scout Sixty maintains all the dimensions of the original Scout model but has a smaller 999cc engine and a 5-speed transmission more oriented towards entry-level cruiser riders. 

Key Specifications:

      • Engine Type: Liquid Cooled 60 cu in V-twin
      • Horsepower: 78 HP
      • Transmission: 5 Speed
      • Fuel Capacity: 3.3 Gallons

7. Scout Bobber Sixty

The Scout Bobber Sixty takes the 999cc, 60ci motor from the Sixty model and puts it in the frame of the Scout Bobber, including the sportier seat, chopped handlebars, and shorter riding position. 

Key Specifications

    • Engine Type: Liquid Cooled 60 cu in V-Twin
    • Horsepower: 78 hp
    • Transmission: 5 Speed
    • Fuel Capacity: 3.3 Gallons

Make sure you also check out our post on the best Indian motorcycles for long rides.

8. Indian FTR Championship Edition

The Indian FTR is short for Flat Track Racer, as this bike is based on the official Indian race team – flat track racer. It packs a high-powered liquid-cooled V-Twin race refined from the Scout motor design. 

The Championship edition wears the color of the official Indian Team. 

Short riders looking for a tracker will find that the Indian FTR has a more accommodating seat height than some of the taller bikes in its class. 

Engine & Drivetrain:

    • Bore x Stroke: 4.016 in x 2.898 in (102 mm x 73.6 mm)
    • Compression Ratio: 12.5:1
    • Displacement: 1203cc
    • Drive/Driven Clutch: Assist & Slip, Multi-Plate
    • Electronic Fuel Injection System: Closed Loop Fuel Injection / 60 mm Bore
    • Engine Type: Liquid Cooled V-Twin
    • Exhaust: Akrapovič 2-into-1-into-2
    • Horsepower: 120 HP
    • Peak Torque: 87 ft-lbs
    • Peak Torque RPM: 6,000 rpm
    • Transmission/Final Drive: 2.647: 1
    • Transmission/Primary Drive: Gear Drive Wet Clutch

Dimensions:

    • Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gals (13.0 L)
    • Ground Clearance: 7.2 in (183 mm)
    • GVWRL 948 lb (430 kg)
    • Lean Angle: 43°
    • Overall Height: 52.6 in (1336 mm)
    • Overall Length: 90 in (2287 mm)
    • Overall Width: 34.1 in (867 mm)
    • Rake/Trail: 26.3° / 5.1 in (130 mm)
    • Seat Height: 32.1 in (815 mm)
    • Weight (As Shipped / Running Order): 490 lbs (222 kg) / 521 lbs (236 kg)
    • Wheelbase: 60 in (1525 mm)
    • Infotainment: 4.3″ Ride Command LCD Touchscreen w/ Bluetooth
    • Lights: LED Headlight, Taillight, Turn Signals
    • Standard Equipment: Ride Modes (Rain, Standard, SpoAmerica’s-sensitive StabAmerica’strol, ABS with Cornering Pre-Control, Wheelie Mitigation, USB Charge Port, Cruise Control

9. Indian Chieftain

The Chieftain features a fork-mounted fairing with integrated navigation and Bluetooth capabilities. It also offers remote-locking hard cases with ample storage capacity, and a powerhouse of an Air-Cooled V-Twin – the thunderstrokes 111.

While this bike is a true American muscle bagger, short riders might prefer the taller riding position offered by many other touring bikes.

Check here if you need to compare this ride with the best Indian motorcycles for tall riders.

Engine & Drivetrain:

    • Bore x Stroke: 3.976 in x 4.449 in (101 mm x 113 mm)
    • Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
    • Displacement: 111 cu in (1,811 ccs)
    • Drive/Driven Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate, Assist
    • Electronic Fuel Injection System: Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore
    • Engine Type: Air-cooled Thunderstroke 111
    • Exhaust: Split Dual Exhaust w/Cross-over
    • Peak Torque: 119 ft-lbs.
    • Peak Torque RPM: 3,000 rpm
    • Transmission/Final Drive: 2.2: 1
    • Transmission/Primary Drive: Gear Drive Wet Clutch

Dimensions:

    • Fuel Capacity: 5.5 gals (20.8 L):
    • Ground Clearance: 5.1 in (130 mm)
    • GVWR: 1385 lbs / 628 kg
    • Lean Angle: 31°
    • Overall Height: 51.6 in (1310 mm)
    • Overall Length\: 98.7 in (2,506 mm)
    • Overall Width: 40.3 in (1023 mm)
    • Rake/Trail: 25° / 5.9 in (150 mm)
    • Seat Height: 25.6 in (650 mm)
    • Weight (As Shipped / Running Order): 791 lbs (359 kg) / 823 lbs  (373 kg)
    • Wheelbase: 65.7 in (1668 mm)

Suspension:

    • Front Fork Tube Diameter: 46 mm
    • Front Suspension: Telescopic Fork
    • Front Travel: 4.7 in (119 mm)
    • Rear Suspension: Single Shock w/ Air adjust
    • Rear Travel: 4.5 in (114 mm)

Standard Equipment:

  • 7 in Touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND; Power Windshield; Vinyl Gunfighter Style Seat; Selectable Ride Modes; Rear Cylinder Deactivation; ABS; Cruise Control; Keyless Ignition; 100 Watt Audio System with AM/FM, Bluetooth, USB, Smartphone Compatible Input, and Weather band; 12V Charging Port

10. Indian Chieftain Elite

The Chieftain Elite uses the exact, short-and-stout dimensions and chassis as the Chieftain described in the previous section, but it stocks a unique and refined paint finish, an oil-rubbed engine finish, and the bigger, more powerful, class-leading 116 ci, 1900cc Thunderstorke 116 V-Twin motor. 

Key Specifications:

    • Engine Type: Oil-Rubbed Bronze Thunderstroke 116 cu in V-twin
    • Peak Torque: 126 ft-lbs.
    • Lighting: Pathfinder Adaptive LED Headlight with Pathfinder LED Saddlebag Lights
    • Audio: 400-Watt PowerBand Audio

Standard Equipment:

    • Premium Oil-rubbed Bronze Engine Finishes; Push button adjustable 13.7″ Tinted Flare Windshield; Billet Floorboards; Highway Bars; Gunfighter Style Seat; Tire Pressure Monitoring; Remote-locking Hard Saddlebags; Selectable Ride Modes; Rear Cylinder Deactivation; ABS; Cruise Control; Keyless Ignition; 400 Watt Audio System with AM/FM, Bluetooth®, USB, and Weather band; 12V Charging Port

Sources

Indian Motorcycle – America’s First Motorcycle Company

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