7 Best Dirt Bikes for Short Riders in 2025

Are you a short rider looking for the best dirt bike for short riders that’s both powerful and comfortable? Good news—there are several dirt bikes with low seat height designed just for you. We’ve rounded up the best dirt bike options across popular brands like Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and KTM. These smaller bikes are lightweight, agile, and offer great performance on any off-road terrain. Dirtbikes have much higher ground clearance and more suspension travel than street bikes, resulting in taller seat heights.

Whether you’re new to riding or an experienced rider seeking a better fit, here are the 7 best dirt bikes for short riders that balance height of seat, engine displacement, and riding style—without creating an overwhelming and miserable experience.

Five brands get our attention: Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, and KTM. The following are the best dirt bike for short riders:

Suzuki DR-Z125L
Honda CRF150F & CRF230F
Yamaha TT-R230 & TT-R125LE
Kawasaki KLX140L & KLX110
Yamaha YZ85
KTM 85 SX

Best Dirt Bikes for Short Riders

1. Suzuki DR-Z125L

Suzuki DR-Z125L
dirt bikes for short riders

The Suzuki DR-Z125L is a yellow-colored 5-gear dirt bike made with short riders in mind. It comes with a seat height of 32.0 inches (80.5 cm), an overall height of 111 cm, and a length of 188.5 cm. Suzuki’s DR-Z125L has a seat height of 32 inches, but it is kickstart only, which may frustrate beginners.

It is powered by a 4-stroke engine that delivers plenty of power and feels lighter than you might assume. This great bike features a sturdy frame, manageable weight, and an easy-to-control electrical system. For a short rider trying to flat foot the bike, the DR-Z125L is an awesome choice.

2. Honda CRF150F & CRF230F

The 236-pound Honda CRF150F is a very suitable option for shorter riders. It features a comfortable seat height of 32.5 inches. Honda’s CRF150F has a seat height of 32.8 inches, making it suitable for shorter riders.

It has a 4-stroke engine, making it a great candidate for safety, power, and multiple (5) speeds. This top-quality bike comes in two colors—white and red.

The CRF230F behaves similarly but offers more power, torque, and a taller height at 34.6 inches. These Honda trail bikes are built for comfort, smooth suspension travel, and reliable performance. The CRF230F is perfect for riders wanting to continue progressing in skill. The Honda CRF230F has a seat height of 34.6 inches, which is still manageable for many shorter riders.

Whether you’re riding trail, light motocross, or dirt courses, these models ensure a fun, confidence-boosting ride. Riders who want to reach the ground with one foot or both will appreciate the balanced design.

3. Yamaha TT-R230 & TT-R125LE

The Yamaha TT-R230 stands tall among dirt bikes great for riders of short sizes. Even though it’s not literally made for kids, a shorter rider can manage it depending on the seat height and confidence.

With a seat height of about 34.2 inches, the bike boasts an overall height of 46.5 inches and 81.3 inches in length.

Powered by a 2-stroke engine and electric start, this blue-colored model is a reliable trail companion. The TT-R125LE has a seat height of 31.7 inches and is totally better suited for a smaller bike feel.

These Yamaha dirt bikes are user-friendly, reliable, and versatile. The TT-R125LE is ideal for vertically challenged riders, while the TT-R230 suits those who can handle slightly tall seat heights. Both models are excellent for trail riding and offer plenty of ability with minimal maintenance needs. Bikes designed for shorter riders often prioritize low seat heights, narrow frames, and manageable weight for better control.

4. Kawasaki KLX140L & KLX110

These two Kawasaki models are an excellent choice for low riders. The Kawasaki KLX140L has a seat height of 31.5 inches, making it a great bike for riders who don’t want anything too tall. It comes with both an electric start and a kickstart. Electric start features are beneficial for beginner riders to avoid frustration with kickstarting.

It has a 4-stroke engine with 5 gears and moderate engine displacement. The compact dimensions make it pretty manageable. With 17-inch rear wheels and 14-inch front wheels, this is a perfect candidate for short-legged riders who want to avoid the heck of struggling with big, tall bikes.

The KLX110 comes with a seat height of 26.8 inches and a 16-inch rear wheel. Its low profile allows many riders to flat foot or at least touch with one foot, giving better control on trail terrain.

Both bikes offer a lighter feel, easy direction control, and are ideal for beginners learning course handling, suspension, and balance.

5. Yamaha YZ85

The Yamaha YZ85 is a solid option for shorter riders who want to improve their riding skills and gain more balance. With a seat height of 31.1 inches, the YZ85 stands at 74.9 inches in height and 29.8 inches in width with an overall weight of 73 kg.

This guy is powered by a 2-stroke engine and handlebars that provide excellent traction. The adjustable controls let you customize the fit—even if you’re short, you can tweak the setup to suit your height or check out motorcycles for tall riders for optimal comfort.

With responsive handling, lightweight chassis, and tunable suspension, this great bike suits riders transitioning from a smaller bike to something with more power and travel. Perfect for motocross or fun trail days.

6. KTM 85 SX

The KTM 85 SX is another strong dirt bike option for short riders who want serious performance. With a seat height of 34.1 inches and a fuel-free weight of 68.5 kg, riders may need to make slight adjustments, such as lowered suspension or increased rear sag. KTM’s 85 SX has a seat height of 33.7 inches, which can be suitable for shorter riders with experience.

This model has a 2-stroke engine paired with a 6-speed transmission. You also get an advanced brake system and a robust frame made for motocross and aggressive off-road ride styles.

If you’re a shorter rider aiming to compete or ride harder courses, the KTM 85 SX offers great capability. Even though the seat height is a bit tall, the performance is awesome.

What Short Riders Need To Consider

1. Seat Height

This is the first factor a short rider needs to consider when choosing a dirt bike. As a short rider that you’re – and it’s no crime to be short anyway − you need to start riding with a dirt bike built with low height of seat. Shorter riders often struggle with bike height and stability while riding.

Even though bikes are specifically designed for short riders, you can still adjust the seat height of bikes not meant for your size, depending on whether you’re planning a trail or adventure ride. Many dirt bikes can be customized to fit shorter riders by adjusting the suspension settings.

Even though bikes are specifically designed for short riders, you can still adjust the seat height of bikes not meant for your size, depending on whether you’re planning a trail or adventure ride.

There are three ways to go about it. You can have the suspension or the link kit lowered to give you an inch. Alternatively, you can shave your dirt bike, providing you with an inch or more clearance on your seat.

2. Comfort

With low height of the seat, a dirt bike guarantees a short rider some level of comfort. At least you wouldn’t have to swing your leg with difficulty.

Here are a few things you should know when we talk about having comfort and feel comfortable with sitting position and posture on the bike. When you sit in the saddle of your dirt bike, it’s given that both of your feet should be touching the ground; alternatively, you should have the ball of your toes reaching the ground while the heel is up in the air.

3. Safety

The number one priority of every rider should be safety: safety for themselves and other road users. Adventure bikes can be crazy on the terrain, so you have to be sure that your chosen dirt bike can guarantee your safety.

If the seat height of your dirt bike is too high, the likelihood of taking control of the bike may be highly low in the event of a crash, leading to severe injuries and in some cases, death. Safety shouldn’t be an afterthought.

4. Rider’s Height

Your height as a rider also matters when choosing which dirt bike to go for. If you’re a 5’5 person, the KTM 450 of 37.5 inches is neither a suitable nor safe option. A 5’5 rider should go for some height in the neighborhood of 30” or 32”.

A Honda CRF110F with a seat height of 28.5” or a Yamaha TTR 230 of 34.3 inches will be a better candidate than a KTM 450 boasting 37.8 inches seat height. There are other suitable options out there. So, let your height match the seat height of the dirt bike you buy.

Here’s a guide:

If your height falls within 60 (5’0″) to 62 (5’2”) inches range, go for a bike with a seat height of 29 to 32 inches.
For riders between 62 (5’2”) and 65 (5’5”) inches, go for a seat height of 31 inches to 34 inches.

Important Tips for Short Riders

To be effective and have a safe and smooth riding experience as a short rider, you need to know and take action on the following important riding tips:

Maintain balance
Wear your protective gear. This is a MUST.
Ride on higher terrain
Wear a pair of riding boots
Be consistent with riding and make it a pastime
Shave your seat
Increase the rear sag
Lower the suspension and link kit
Learn how or jump off the bike
Make riding a consistent course of practice

Q: How can short riders gain some height on dirt bikes?

The easiest way is wearing riding boots. You can also increase the rear sag, lower the suspension, or shave the saddle to reduce stock seat height.

Q: What’s the ideal seat height for short motorcycle riders?

The recommended seat height for short riders is between 30 and 35 inches. But you can follow the guide I gave earlier under the rider’s height.

Shorter riders with a long torso may prefer a bike that allows them to flat foot or comfortably reach the ground with one foot.

You don’t need to fall for the myth that there are no dirt bikes for short riders. That’s simply false. Whether you want to go trail riding, explore dual sport options, or hit the off road on a fun, compact bike, plenty of options await. The Beta X-Trainer is noted for being lighter and more powerful, making it a good option for shorter riders.

So next time someone asks you about the best dirt bike for short riders, you’ll be ready—with a whole lineup of motorcycles to recommend!

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