Light-Weight Motorbikes For TALL Riders (11 Best Options)

Motorcycling contains a broad range of riding styles and, thus, types of motorcycles.

Just as diverse is the demographic of riders who lustfully put their knees in the breeze of the open road.

This article lists the best lightweight motorcycles for tall riders in multiple categories, cross-referencing each model’s dimensions and engine specs to help you choose the ideal bike for your riding style. 

1. Yamaha Tracer 900 GT

The Yamaha Tracer 900 GT is a sport-touring motorcycle with a wet weight of 490 lbs and a standard seat height of between 32 and 34 inches, depending on the year model. The Tracer also has a straight riding position, making it great for tall riders.  

Dimensions

• • L x W x H: 85.6 in x 34.8 in x 56.3 in – 57.9 in
  • Seat Height: 31.9 in or 32.5 in
  • Wheelbase: 59.1 in
  • Rake (Caster Angle): 25.0°
  • Trail: 4.3 in
  • Maximum Ground Clearance: 5.3 in
  • Fuel Capacity: 5.0 gal
  • Fuel Economy: 49 MPG
  • Wet Weight: 485 lb.* (*does not include side cases)

Engine

• • Engine Type: 890cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder; 4 valves per cylinder
  • Bore x Stroke: 78.0mm x 62.1mm
  • Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
  • Fuel Delivery: Fuel injection with YCC-T
  • Ignition: TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
  • Transmission: 6-speed; multi-plate assist and slipper clutch
  • Final Drive: Chain

2. Ducati XDiavel

While the Ducati XDiavel is a beefy, low-slung cruiser at first glance, its extended chassis, 492-pound weight, and outstretched forward-mounted foot controls make it ideal for tall riders looking for a cruiser that weights under 500 pounds. 

Dimensions

• • Rake: 30°
  • Wheelbase: 1,615 mm (63.6 in):
  • Trail: 130 mm (5,12 in)
  • Seat Height: 755 mm (29.7 in)
  • Dry Weight: 223 kg (492 lb)

Engine

• • Engine: 1,262 ccs liquid-cooled, Testastretta DVT V2 engine
  • Power: 160 HP
  • Bore x Stroke: 106 mm x 71.5 mm
  • Compression Ratio: 13:1
  • Fuel System: Electronic fuel injection system, Øeq 56 mm elliptical throttle bodies with Ride-by-Wire system
  • Starter: Electric
  • Exhaust: Stainless steel muffler, catalytic converter, and two lambda probes

DRIVETRAIN

• • Clutch: Slipper and self-servo wet multi-plate clutch with hydraulic control
  • Transmission: 6 Speed
  • Final Drive: Belt, front sprocket z28, rear sprocket z80

Make sure to also read our article about lightweight motorcycles for ladies.

3. KTM Super Duke R

The KTM Super Duke R is a lightweight sport bike with a tall seat height of nearly 33 inches. And while the Super Duke still boasts the aggressive riding position signature on sport bikes, its lower-mounted foot controls and pegs make it more comfortable for tall riders than other bikes.  

Dimensions

• • CHAIN: 525 X-Ring
  • DRY WEIGHT: 180 kg
  • FRAME DESIGN: Chrome-moly tubular space frame, powder-coated
  • FRONT SUSPENSION: WP APEX PRO 7548 Closed Cartridge
  • GROUND CLEARANCE: 160 mm
  • REAR SUSPENSION: WP APEX with Pro-Lever linkage
  • SEAT HEIGHT: 837/847 mm
  • STEERING HEAD ANGLE: 65.6 °

Engine

• • TORQUE: 140 Nm
  • TRANSMISSION: 6-speed
  • COOLING: Liquid-cooled
  • POWER IN: KW132 kW
  • STARTER: Electric starter
  • STROKE: 71 mm
  • BORE: 108 mm
  • CLUTCH: slipper clutch, hydraulically actuated
  • CO2 EMISSIONS: 125 g/km
  • DISPLACEMENT: 1301 cm³
  • EMS: Keihin EMS with RBW and cruise control, double ignition
  • DESIGN: 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75°
  • FUEL CONSUMPTION: 5.4 l/100 km
  • LUBRICATION: Forced oil lubrication with 3 oil pumps

4. Yamaha XSR 900

The Yamaha XSR 900 is a cafe-style street bike with a lightweight of 425 pounds. Drive modes and electronic rider support programs make it a true modern classic—a 32 inch seat height makes it ideal for tall riders looking for a comfortable cafe well under 500 pounds. 

Dimension

• • L x W x H: 84.8 in x 33.9 in x 45.5 in
  • Seat Height: 31.9 in
  • Wheelbase: 58.9 in
  • Rake (Caster Angle): 25.0°
  • Trail: 4.3 in
  • Maximum Ground Clearance: 5.5 in
  • Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gal
  • Wet Weight: 425 lb
  • Fuel Economy: 49 mpg

Engine

• • Engine Type: 890cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline 3-cylinder 4-stroke; 12 valves
  • Bore x Stroke: 78.0mm x 62.1mm
  • Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
  • Fuel Delivery: Yamaha Fuel Injection with YCC-T
  • Ignition: TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
  • Transmission: 6-speed; multi-plate assist-and-slipper wet clutch
  • Final Drive: Chain

We also have an article about the best Indian Motorcycles for tall riders, if you’re interested in the American brand.

5. Suzuki SV 650

The Suzuki SV650 is a jack of all trades stocking a V-twin engine into a lightweight chassis. With an a31-inch seat height and foot controls mounted more towards the front than other street fighter-style bikes, the SV650 makes an excellent choice for taller riders with versatile riding styles.   

Dimension

• • Overall Length: 2140 mm (84.3 in.)
  • Overall Width: 760 mm (29.9 in.)
  • Overall Height: 1090 mm (42.9 in.)
  • Wheelbase: 1445 mm (56.9 in.)
  • Ground Clearance: 135 mm (5.3 in.)
  • Seat Height: 785 mm (30.9 in.)
  • Curb Weight: 196 kg (432.0 lb.)

Engine

• • Engine: 645cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90˚, V-twin
  • Bore x Stroke: 81.0 mm x 62.6 mm (3.189 in. x 2.465 in.)
  • Compression Ratio: 11.2:1
  • Fuel System: Fuel injection with SDTV
  • Starter: Electric
  • Lubrication: Wet sump
  • Clutch: Wet, multi-plate type
  • Transmission: 6-speed, constant mesh
  • Final Drive: Chain, DID 520V0, 112 links

6. Honda CRF300L

Tall entry-level riders looking for a lightweight motorcycle that can take on and off the road should check out the CRF300L. It has a 35-inch seat height, over 11 inches of ground clearance, and only weighs 311 pounds.  

Measurements

• • Rake (Caster Angle): 27.5º
  • Trail: 109 mm
  • Length: 87.8 in.
  • Width: 32.2 in.
  • Height: 47.3 in.
  • Ground Clearance: 11.2 in.
  • Seat Height: 34.7 in.
  • Wheelbase: 57.2 in.
  • Fuel Capacity: 2.1 gals. (incl. .5 gal. Reserve)
  • Curb Weight: 311 lbs.

Engine

• • Type: 286 ccs liquid-cooled, 25º single-cylinder four-stroke
  • Valve Train: DOHC; four valves
  • Bore x Stroke: 76.0 mm x 63.0 mm
  • Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
  • Induction: PGM-FI fuel injection w/ 38 mm throttle body
  • Ignition: Full transistorized ignition
  • Starter: Electric
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • Clutch: Multiplate wet
  • Final Drive: 14T/40T; #520 O-ring-sealed chain

7. Kawasaki Versys 650

The Kawasaki Versys is another all-arounder, a standard commuter with adventure bike styles. Its 33-inch seat height weighs in at 480 pounds, making it a solid choice for tall riders seeking a versatile bike weighing less than 500 pounds. 

Details

• • Frame Type Double pipe diamond frame constructed from high-tensile steel
  • Rake/Trail 25/4.3 in
  • Overall Length 85.2 in
  • Overall Width 33.1 in
  • Overall Height 53.5 in/55.9 in (windshield down/up)
  • Ground Clearance 6.7 in
  • Seat Height 33.3 in
  • Curb Weight 482.9 lb. + 20 w/saddlebags & hand guards
  • Fuel Capacity 5.5 gal
  • Wheelbase 55.7 in

Power

• • Engine 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC, 8 valves, liquid-cooled
  • Displacement 649cc
  • Bore x Stroke 83.0 x 60.0mm
  • Compression Ratio 10.8:1
  • Fuel System DFI® with 38mm Keihin throttle bodies (2)
  • Ignition TCBI with electronic advance
  • Transmission 6-speed with positive neutral finder
  • Final Drive Sealed chain
  • Electronic Rider Aids: Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Traction Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), Economical Riding Indicator Maximum Torque 47.0 lb.-ft

8. Triumph Scrambler

The Triumph Scrambler is a cafe racer or modern classic motorcycle with a skillfully engineered 8-valve parallel twin engine, a 34-inch seat height that accommodates taller riders, despite its mid-mounted controls, and it only weighs 452 pounds. 

Dimensions & Weights

• • Width Handlebars: 33.1 in (840mm)
  • Height Without Mirror: 47.2 (1200mm)
  • Seat Height: 33.1 in (840mm)
  • Wheelbase: 60.2 in (1530mm)
  • Rake: 25.8 º
  • Trail: 4.76 in (121mm)
  • Dry Weight: 452 lbs (205kg)
  • Tank Capacity: 4.2 US gal (16l)

Engine & Transmission

• • Feature: Details
  • Type: Liquid-cooled, 8 valves, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel-twin
  • Capacity:1200 cc
  • Bore: 3.84 in (97.6 mm)
  • Stroke: 3.15 in (80 mm)
  • Compression: 11.0:1
  • Max Power EC: 89Hp (66.2kW) @7,250rpm
  • Max Torque EC: 81.1 FT-lbs (110Nm) @ 4,500 rpm
  • System: Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
  • Exhaust: Brushed 2 into 2 exhaust system with brushed high-level silencers
  • Final Drive: X-ring chain
  • Clutch: Wet, multi-plate assist clutch
  • Gearbox: 6-speed

If you’re a new rider, you might also be interested in knowing whether Triumph motorcycles are good for beginners.

9. Honda CB500X

Honda’s CB500X is an adventure-style motorcycle with a jacked suspension and 33-inch seat height, suited for riding on the pavement and on the dirt, and controls that sit further up front than on some other bikes in its class.

Sticking true to the CB500’s lightweight tradition, the 500X weighs just 439 pounds.

Measurements

• • Rake (Caster Angle): 27.5º
  • Trail: 108mm (4.3 in.)
  • Length: 84.9 in.
  • Width: 32.7 in.
  • Height: 56.9 in.
  • Ground Clearance: 7.1 in.
  • Seat Height: 32.8 in.
  • Wheelbase: 56.8 in.
  • Fuel Capacity: 4.7 gals.
  • Curb Weight: 439 lbs.

Engine

• • Type: 471cc liquid-cooled 18º parallel twin
  • Valve Train: DOHC; 4 valves per cylinder (26.0mm inlet, 21.5mm exhaust)
  • Bore x Stroke: 67.0mm x 66.8mm
  • Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
  • Induction: FI fuel injection w/ 34mm throttle bodies
  • Ignition: Full transistorized ignition
  • Starter: Electric
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • Clutch: Multiplate wet
  • Final Drive: 15T/41T; #520 O-ring-sealed chain

10. BMW R1250 GS

The BMW R1250GS is a powerhouse of an adventure bike with adjustable, off-road capable suspensions and an adjustable seat height between 33.5 and 34.3 inches, making it ideal for taller riders.

And while its 550-pound weight puts it in a middleweight category, the bike’s stellar handling makes it feel as light as many other bikes on this list while handling.

Dimensions / Weights

• • Seat height: 33.5″-34.3″ (850 mm / 870 mm)
    (OE lowered suspension 31.5″ / 32.3″  – 800 mm / 820 mm)
  • Inner leg curve: 1,870 mm / 1,910 mm
    (OE lowered suspension 1.750 mm / 1.790 mm)
  • Usable tank volume: 5.2 gallons
  • Reserve: Approx. 1.1 gallons
  • Length (over mudguard): 86.9″ (2,207 mm)
  • Height (over windshield): 56.3″ (1,430 mm)
  • Wide: 37.5″ (952.5 mm)
  • Unladen weight, road ready, (fully fuelled 1): 549 lbs (249 kg)
  • Permitted total weight: 1,025 lbs (465 kg)
  • Payload (with standard equipment): 476 lbs (216 kg)

Engine

• • Type: Air/liquid-cooled four-stroke flat twin engine, double overhead camshaft, one balance shaft, and variable engine timing system BMW ShiftCam.
  • Bore x stroke: 102.5 mm x 76 mm
  • Capacity: 1,254 cc
  • Rated output: 136 HP at 7,750 RPM
  • torque: 105 lb-ft at 6,250 RPM
  • Compression ratio: 12.5: 1
  • Fuel preparation: Electronic intake manifold injection
  • Emission control: Regulated three-way catalytic converter

Power transmission

• • Clutch: Wet clutch with an anti-hopping function, hydraulic activation
  • Gearbox: Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gear teeth
  • Drive: Shaft drive

11. Honda Africa Twin

While the Honda Africa Twin was once considered on the heavier side of middleweights, its new engine and transmission package are lighter, bringing its weight into the lower 500-pound range, depending on the trim package.

Furthemore, the Honda Africa Twin is considered by many to be one of the most comfortable motorcycles for tall riders. 

Model

Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT/Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES/Africa Twin DCT/Africa Twin

Measurements

• • Rake (Caster Angle): 27º
  • Trail: 113 mm (4.4 in.)
  • Length: 91.7 in.
  • Width: 37.9 in./37.7 in.
  • Height: 60.7 in./55.0 in.
  • Seat Height: 34.3 in. / 33.5 in.
  • Ground Clearance: 9.8 in.
  • Wheelbase: 62.0 in.
  • Fuel Capacity: 6.5 gal./5.0 gal.
  • Curb Weight:551 lbs./529 lbs./505 lbs.

Engine

• • Type:1,084cc liquid-cooled Unicam® four-stroke 22.5º parallel-twin
  • Valve Train: SOHC; (4) valves per cylinder
  • Bore x Stroke: 92.0 mm x 81.5 mm
  • Compression Ratio: 10.1:1
  • Induction: PGM-FI electronic fuel injection w/ 46 mm throttle bodies (Throttle By Wire)
  • Ignition: Full-transistorized
  • Starter: Electric
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic DCT/6-speed manual/6 speed automatic DCT/6-speed manual
  • Clutch: (2) multi-plate wet/Multi-plate wet/(2) multi-plate wet/Multi-plate wet
  • Final Drive: #525 chain

Sources

Ducati.com 

SPECIFICATIONS (hondanews.com)

2022 Scrambler 1200 XC | (triumphmotorcycles.com)

Suzuki Cycles – 2022 SV650

2023 Kawasaki Versys® 650 LT

BMW Motorrad (bmwmotorcycles.com)

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