Light-Weight Motorbikes For Short Riders (13 Best options)

Motorcycles come in all shapes and sizes, just like motorcycle riders.

There’s no reason a short rider can’t hop on a heavyweight touring motorcycle, especially in a world where most manufacturers offer reduced reach hand and foot options.

This article intends to help short riders find the best lightweight motorbike for their intended riding style, cross-referencing the bike’s dimensions, seat height, weight, and engine specs. 

Here are the best lightweight motorcycle for short riders:

1. Indian FTR Championship Edition

With a lightweight of 490 pounds, a low seat height of 32 inches plus a few decimals, and a liquid-cooled 1203 cc V-Twin engine capable of 120 horsepower, the Indian FTR makes a tremendous lightweight track bike for short riders.

Although the FTR has a 7+ inch ground clearance and a 32.9 seat height, it’s still easier on riders with shorter legs than other bikes in the same class.

Specification:

2. Triumph Bonneville Bobber

The Bonneville Bobber makes a fun cruiser for shorter riders with a 27.2-inch seat height, an eight-valve parallel twin, multiple ride modes, and a smooth vintage bobber style.

Although it’s not the lightest bike on the list, it weighs in at 550 pounds when fully fuelled and full of the liquid coolant that keeps its high-performance engine from overheating.

Specification

3. Indian Scout Bobber

A 29-degree lean angle, 25-inch seat height, and 100HP-producing 1133 V-twin engine make the low-slung Scout Bobber an excellent choice for short riders looking for a Bobber-style motorcycle on the lighter side of the American cruiser spectrum.

Specification

4. Triumph Tiger 660 Sport

The Tiger 660 Sport is one of the tallest bikes on the list due to its adventure bike style. Its few ADVs clock in at less than 33 inches for seat height.

Also, the 660 Sprt version of the Tiger is smaller and nimbler, weighing in at just 455 pounds while rugged enough and fully equipped for dual-sport riding. 

Specs

5. Triumph Street Triple R Low

As the name implies, the Street Triple R Low is a lowered version of Triumph’s ultra-refined streetfighter. The low edition stocks a 765cc 3-cylinder engine but only sits at 30 inches, weighing less than 400 pounds when dry.

The Street Triple R Low is a solid motorbike for short street rippers looking for a lightweight roadster.

Specs

6. Triumph Bonneville T100

While the Bonneville T100 has a seat height of 31.1 inches, its all-star handling, easy ridability, lightweight 500-pound chassis, and refind 900cc parallel twin engine make it a desirable cafe racer or modern classic for short riders seeking a lightweight option.

Specs

7. BMW F 750 GS

The BMW F 750 GS is a luxury enduro-style dual-sport motorcycle. It weighs less than 500 pounds, appears fully loaded, and always looking ready to ride.

This motorcycle has an adjustable seat height that goes as low as 30.3 inches, making it ideal for short riders looking for a dual sport option than some of the heavier, taller options available.

For comparison, you might want to check lightweight motorcycles for tall riders here.

Specification

8. BMW F 900 R

Short riders looking for a more street-oriented BMW Motorrad should check out the F 900 R. It only weighs 465 pounds, has a constant mesh 6-speed gearbox, and an adjustable seat set as low as 30 inches. It’s a refined and lightweight choice.

Specification

9. KTM 390 Adventure

While a 33-inch seat height puts it on the more elevated side of our list, the KTM 390 Adventure is a good choice for entry-level riders.

Its mid-range foot controls, a small-displacement engine capable of highway speeds, and its remarkably light body make it a solid choice for entry-level riders looking for something to travel on. 

If you’re an entry-level rider, make sure you also check out our post on 9 best motorcycles for beginners here.

Specification:

10. Royal Enfield Himalayan

If you’re a shorter beginner rider looking for a street-legal, off-road-ready, lightweight motorcycle, check out the 439-pound Royal Enfield Himalayan 400.

With a seat height under 32 inches, easy-to-reach foot controls, and a simple but reliable single-cylinder engine, it’s another great option for low-height riders.

Specification:

11. Kawasaki Vulcan S

The Kawasaki Vulcan S is an affordable Japanese series of cruisers modeled after American cruisers, made famous by Harley-Davidson.

The low and beefy Vulcan S stocks a 650cc liquid-cooled V-Twin, and a 27.8-inch seat height. With over 18 adjustable settings, this bike can accommodate riders of varying shapes and sizes while weighing less than 500 pounds. 

12. Indian Chief

While the Indian Chief isn’t what many would consider a lightweight motorcycle, finding an American cruiser that weighs less than 700 pounds and sits lower than 27 inches is difficult for short riders.

This bike only weighs 640 pounds – 670 when fully fueled and loaded. Its seat height is as low as 26 inches, making it an excellent big-twin cruiser for shorter riders looking for a straightforward, heritage-style American cruiser.

And even though it weighs 670, the Chief handles so well that you’ll swear it only weighs 500 pounds once you’re in motion.

Please, aso check out our post on lightweight motorcycles for ladies.

13. Harley-Davidson Fat Bob 114

The Harley-Davidson Fat Bob 114 is the heaviest bike on our list, but it makes an excellent choice for short riders looking for a fully-Americanized HD big-twin cruiser.

It’s got a low seat height of 27.7 inches, and while it weighs 675 pounds ready to ride, it’s smaller and lighter than many of the other big twins out there.

Find our post on 7 best Harleys for women here.

Sources:

2023 Fat Bob 114 Motorcycle | Harley-Davidson USA

2023 Kawasaki Vulcan® S | Cruiser Motorcycle

2023 Motorcycles – New Indian Motorcycles

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