5 Best Indian Motorcycles For Tall Riders (With Pictures)

Indian Motorcycles are an American heritage motorcycle brand specializing in cruisers since it first launched in 1901.

Today, Indian motorcycle design and production are overseen by Polaris Industries, and Indian bikes have become some of the most refined and stylish V-Twin cruisers on the market.

That said, many of the bikes in the Indian stable are low to the ground and have a short wheelbase, making them handle well for aggressive riding, but not ideal for tall riders without specific amenities.

This article, therefore, lists the five best Indian motorcycles for tall riders, including all the rider-relevant specs straight from Indian’s official website. We’ve also included the features to help you choose the perfect model. 

1. Indian Springfield

With a 67-inch wheel-to-wheel, ample floorboard foot space, wide vintage cruiser handlebars, and a sunken seat position, the Springfield is an excellent choice for tall riders seeking a big twin, locking hardbag-equipped, heritage-style Indian cruiser.

Dimensions:

• • Fuel Capacity: 5.5 gals (20.8 L)
  • Ground Clearance: 5.6 in (142 mm)
  • GVWR: 1385 lbs (628 kg)
  • Lean Angle: 31°
  • Overall Height: 56.6 in (1439 mm)
  • Overall Length: 101.7 in (2,583 mm)
  • Overall Width: 42.5 in (1,080 mm)
  • Rake/Trail :25° / 5.2 in (133 mm)
  • Seat Height: 26 in (660 mm)
  • Weight (As Shipped / Running Order): 797 lbs (362 kg) / 829 lbs (376 kg)
  • Wheelbase: 67.0 in (1,701 mm)

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

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)

 Features:

• • • Gauges: Tank-mounted 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; heated grip level (if heated grips installed); low engine oil pressure; and 9 LED telltale indicators: cruise control enabled, cruise control set, neutral, high beam, turn signal, ABS, check engine, and MPH or km/h unit designation; tank-mounted electronic fuel gauge with low fuel LED indicator
    • Infotainment: N/A
    • Lights: LED Headlamp/Driving, LED Tail/Brake/Turn Signal

Standard Equipment:

Quick Release Windshield; Genuine Leather Seat; Remote-Locking Hard Saddlebags, Highway Bars; Tire Pressure Monitoring; Light Bar; Selectable Ride Modes, ABS; Cruise Control; Keyless Ignition; Indian® Script Tank Badge; 12v Charging Port

2. Springfield Dark Horse

The Dark Horse edition of the Springfield is another excellent choice for tall riders seeking a powerhouse cruiser they can pack up and hit the highway on.

By the way, you might want to check if Cruiser motorcycles are good for beginners.

The Springfield Dark Horse adds the larger, more powerful 116 ci version of the thunderstroke engine and raised mini-ape handlebars to the package mentioned above.

Engine & Drivetrain:

• • Bore x Stroke: 4.063 in x 4.449 in (103.2 mm x 113 mm)
  • Compression Ratio: 11:1
  • Displacement: 116 cu in (1,890 ccs)
  • Drive/Driven Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate, Assist
  • Electronic Fuel Injection System: Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore
  • Engine Type: Air-cooled Thunderstroke 116
  • Exhaust: Split Dual Exhaust w/Cross-over
  • Peak Torque: 126 ft-lbs
  • Peak Torque RPM: 2,900 rpm
  • Transmission/Final Drive: 2.2: 1
  • Transmission/Primary Drive: Gear Drive Wet Clutch

3. Indian Challenger Limited

The Challenger is an American bagger featuring an ultra-refined, top-of-class PowerPlus liquid-cooled V-Twin engine unlike anything else on the market. It is capable of 128 ft-pounds of torque and 1322 horsepower.

Its forward-mounted floorboards, curved handlebars, fixed fairing, and upright riding position make the Challenger and Challenger Limited both excellent choices for tall riders.

Dimensions:

• • Fuel Capacity: 6.0 gal (22.7 L)
  • Ground Clearance: 5.4 in (137 mm)
  • GVWR: 1,385 lbs (628 kg)
  • Lean Angle: 31°
  • Overall Height: 53 in (1346 mm)
  • Overall Length: 98.5 in (2501 mm)
  • Overall Width: 39 in (990 mm)
  • Rake/Trail: 25° / 5.9 in (150 mm)
  • Seat Height: 26.5 in (672 mm)
  • Weight (As Shipped / Running Order): 805 lbs (365 kg) / 840 lbs (381 kg)
  • Wheelbase: 65.7 in (1668 mm)

Engine & Drivetrain:

• • Bore x Stroke: 4.251 in x 3.799 in (108 mm x 96.5 mm)
  • Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
  • Displacement: 108 cu in (1768 cc)
  • Drive/Driven Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate, Assist
  • Electronic Fuel Injection System: Closed loop fuel Injection / 52mm dual bore
  • Engine Type: Liquid-cooled PowerPlus
  • Exhaust: Split Dual exhaust w/ Resonator
  • Horsepower: 122 HP
  • Peak Torque: 128 ft-lbs
  • Peak Torque RPM: 3800 rpm
  • Transmission/Final Drive: 2.379:1
  • Transmission/Primary Drive: Gear Drive Wet Clutch

Suspension:

• • Front Fork Tube Diameter: 43 mm
  • Front Suspension: Inverted Telescopic Fork
  • Front Travel: 5.1 in (130 mm)
  • Rear Suspension: Fox Single Shock w/Hyd adjust
  • Rear Travel: 4.5 in (114 mm)

Features:

• • Gauges: Fairing-mounted instrument cluster featuring analog speedometer and tachometer with fuel gauge, range, odometer, and current gear. 15 LED telltale indicators; cruise control enabled, cruise control set, neutral, high beam, turn signal, ABS, check engine, low tire pressure, battery, low fuel, security system, low engine oil pressure, and MPH or km/h unit designation.
  • Infotainment: 7-inch Touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND.
  • Lights: LED Headlamp/Tail/Brake/Turn Signal

Standard Equipment:

7-inch Touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND with Navigation and Apple CarPlay integration; Smart Lean Technology; Selectable Ride Modes; Locking Hard Saddlebags; Brembo brakes; 18+ Gallons of storage; ABS; Keyless Ignition; Chassis Mounted Fairing; Adjustable Fairing Air Flow Vents; Power Windshield; Adjustable Air Vents; 12V Charging Port

4. Indian Pursuit Limited

The Indian Pursuit Limited is another excellent choice for tall riders, as it’s essentially a Challenger that comes stock with a passenger backrest that doubles as a locking storage trunk.

The Pursuit Limited also includes extra lower bodywork to protect the rider’s legs from the wind, rain, and debris. It also offers heated seats for both the rider and passenger, as well as heated hand grips.

Dimensions:

• • Fuel Capacity: 6.0 gal (22.7 L)
  • Ground Clearance: 5.4 in (137 mm)
  • GVWR: 1,385 lbs (628 kg)
  • Lean Angle: 31°
  • Overall Height: 56.8 in (1,444 mm)
  • Overall Length: 102.7 in / 2609 mm
  • Overall Width: 39 in (990 mm)
  • Rake/Trail: 25° / 5.9 in (150 mm)
  • Seat Height: 26.5 in (672 mm)
  • Weight (As Shipped / Running Order): 877 lbs (398 kg) / 912 lbs (413 kg)

Engine & Drivetrain:

• • Bore x Stroke: 4.251 in x 3.799 in (108 mm x 96.5 mm)
  • Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
  • Displacement: 108 cu in (1768 cc)
  • Drive/Driven Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate, Assist
  • Electronic Fuel Injection System: Closed loop fuel Injection / 52mm dual bore
  • Engine Type: Liquid-cooled PowerPlus
  • Exhaust: Split Dual exhaust w/ Resonator
  • Horsepower: 122 HP
  • Peak Torque: 128 ft-lbs
  • Peak Torque RPM: 3800 rpm
  • Transmission/Final Drive: 2.379:1

Suspension:

• • Front Fork Tube Diameter: 43 mm
  • Front Suspension: Inverted Telescopic Fork
  • Front Travel: 5.1 in (130 mm)
  • Rear Suspension: Fox Single Shock w/Hyd adjust
  • Rear Travel: 4.5 in (114 mm)

Features:

• • Gauges: Fairing-mounted instrument cluster featuring analog speedometer and tachometer with fuel gauge, range, odometer, and current gear. 15 LED telltale indicators; cruise control enabled, cruise control set, neutral, high beam, turn signal, ABS, check engine, low tire pressure, battery, low fuel, security system, low engine oil pressure, and MPH or km/h unit designation.
  • Infotainment: 7-inch Touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND.
  • Lights: LED lighting, including Pathfinder LED Headlamp

Standard Equipment:

7-inch touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND with Navigation and Apple CarPlay integration; Selectable Ride Modes; Rear Cylinder Deactivation; Cruise Control; Tire Pressure Monitoring; Remote-locking Hard Saddlebags & Trunk; 35.8 Gallons of Storage; Highway Bars; Adjustable Passenger Floorboards; Brembo brakes; ABS: Keyless Ignition; Chassis Mounted Fairing; Power Windshield; Adjustable Fairing Air Flow Vents; Heated Grips; 200 Watt Audio System with AM/FM, Bluetooth, USB, Smartphone Compatible Input, and Weatherband; 12V Charging Port

5. Indian Super Chief Limited

The powerful 116 ci/1900cc Thunderstroke engine, lengthy floorboards, and traditional wider cruiser handlebars make the Indian Chief Limited a great choice for tall riders seeking a muscle cruiser with leather bags and a quick-release windshield.

Specifications:

• • 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°

Dimensions:

• • Overall Height: 47.4 in (1,203 mm)
  • Overall Length: 90 in (2,286 mm)
  • Overall Width: 42.5 in (1,080 mm)
  • Rake/Trail: 29° / 5.2 in (132 mm)
  • Seat Height: 26.2 in (665 mm)
  • Weight (As Shipped / Running Order): 714 lbs (324 kg) / 739 lbs (335 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
  • 0 in (75 mm)

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: 2.2: 1
  • Transmission/Primary Drive: Gear Drive Wet Clutch

Features:

• • Gauges: Speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, compass, ambient temperature, gear indicator
  • Infotainment: 4-inch Touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND.
  • Lights: LED Headlight, LED Tail/Brake/Turn Signals
  • Standard Equipment: ABS, Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, USB charge port, 12V Charge Port, Rear Cylinder Deactivation.

Final Thoughts

The five models explored in this article are the most ideal Indian motorcycles for tall riders due to their riding positions and dimensions, suspension packages, foot control mounting and support structures, and wide or raised handlebars.

That said, the design team behind Indian motorcycles is well aware that most of their motorcycles are short and low to the ground, engineered for easy handling and consistent riding performance.

Therefore, Indian manufactures accessories for all their bikes that can instantly convert any model into comfortable bikes for tall riders. This includes even the smaller Scouts and various Bobber packages.

These add-on accessories include extended reach foot controls, extended reach handlebars, and extended reach seats, all of which are designed by Indians for the specific purpose of converting their stylish and powerful cruisers into tall-rider-ready motorcycles.

Make sure you also check out our post on 9 best Indian motorcycles for beginners.

Sources

2023 Motorcycles – New Indian Motorcycles

Accessories for Indian Motorcycles

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