Best Dirt Bikes For Short Riders (Low Seat Heights)
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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.
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 is a yellow-colored 5-gear dirt bike made with short riders in mind. It comes with a seat height of 32.0 inches (80.5cm), an overall height of 111cm, and a length of 188.5cm.
It is powered by a 4-stroke engine that can produce high speeds. Plus, the bike features a sturdy frame and an easy-to-control electrical system.
2. Honda CRF150F & CRF230F
The 236-pound Honda CRF150F bike is a very suitable bike for smaller riders. It features a comfortable seat height of 32.5 inches.
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 CRF230 behaves the same way and delivers higher power, speed, and torque. Its seat height stands at 34.6 inches.
These trail bikes from Honda offer comfortable rides with balanced suspension travel and smooth power delivery. Perfect for shorter riders, both models deliver solid performance, and the CRF230F offers more power and torque—ideal for riders progressing in skill.
3. Yamaha TT-R230 & TT-R125LE
The Yamaha TT-R230 raises its head high among dirt bikes great for riders with short sizes. I should add that it’s not designed for kids.
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 starter, this blue-colored model is a perfect guy for short riders.
The Yamaha TT-R125LE has a seat height of 31.7 inches.
These dirt bikes from Yamaha are highly user friendly, reliable, and versatile. The TT-R125LE is ideal for vertically challenged riders, while the TT-R230 suits those who can handle taller seat heights. Both are excellent for trail riding.
4. Kawasaki KLX140L & KLX110
The two models of Kawasaki are an excellent choice for low riders. The Kawasaki KLX140L is a great guy with a seat height of 31.5 inches. This model is better for the rider with a shorter height than its sibling, the KLX140G. It comes with both an electric starter and a kick starter.
Besides, it has a 4-stroke engine of 5 different gears and moderate engine displacement. The overall dimension is 42.3” x 31.1” in height and width, respectively, making it one of the most bikes suited for trail fun.
The frame boasts strength and sturdiness. With 17” rear wheels and 14-inch front wheels, this is a perfect candidate for short-legged riders needing a bike that avoids the overwhelming and miserable experience of riding tall bikes.
The KLX110 comes with a seat height of 26.8 and a 16-inch rear wheel.
These smaller bikes are perfect for short legs and younger riders. The KLX110’s stock seat height is one of the lowest among most bikes, and both feature electric start and manageable weight, making them perfect for learning how to handle the left foot, right foot, and foot positioning safely.
5. Yamaha YZ85
Yamaha YZ85 comes in handy for short-legged riders who want to improve their riding and gain more balance and comfort. With a seat height of 31.1 inches, the Yamaha YZ85 is 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 are very convenient for traction on your gloves. You can adjust the model’s handlebars for your height.
With a two strokes engine, lightweight chassis, and adjustable controls, the YZ85 suits riders who are moving beyond a smaller bike and want more suspension travel. It’s a solid option for riders looking for a fun, performance-oriented trail or motocross bike.
6. KTM 85 SX
KTM 85 SX is another dirt bike option for short riders who plan to ride on dirt. With a seat height of 34.1 inches and a fuel-free weight of 68.5kg, low riders must find a way of making this model their preferred candidate for off-road rides.
Plus, the model has a 2-stroke engine that aligns with six different transmissions of speeds. There are also an advanced brake system and a sturdy and robust frame.
This motocross bike offers serious capability with a compact frame. If you’re a shorter rider aiming to compete or get aggressive off-road, the KTM 85 SX offers a great bike with the feel of a race machine. While the seat height is on the higher end, its performance and suspension are top-tier.
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.
You may be in love with a particular type of bike, for instance, the KTM 450, but I can tell without any price that it’s not the best bike for shorter riders. You’ll need to make a compromise using a bike that matches your height or one that matches your eyes.
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.
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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