10 Best Motorcycles For Tall Riders

Are you a tall rider looking for the perfect motorcycle to fit your size? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! We’ve rounded up ten of the best motorcycles for tall riders that consider power, weight, handling, and riding position. Taller individuals will appreciate our recommendations, which include options like the Honda Africa Twin with its adjustable seat heights and roomy ergonomics. The Honda Africa Twin has a very tall and roomy chassis and a seat that adjusts from 32.5 to 34.3 inches, making it an excellent choice for taller riders. Whether you prefer a touring bike, adventure bike, or sports bike, you’ll find a ride that fits your height, leg length, and comfort needs. With an array of great choices, you will surely find your dream ride.

Here’s our list of the 10 Best motorcycles for long riders:

1. Harley-Davidson Breakout

There is no doubt that Harley Davidson is a versatile brand, and it features in most discussions on my posts on motorcycles. The inclusion of the Harley Davidson Breakout makes this list complete due to the significant number of nods it’s received from tall riders. The majority of motorbikes are designed for riders between 5’7” and 5’11” in height, which makes finding the right fit for taller individuals a bit more challenging.

For anyone who desires a quality ride, classic style, or a bike that fits long legs and longer rides, this is the perfect choice for larger riders. This chopper-style bike shows off a relaxed profile with wide handlebars and forward controls, offering you full traction and a comfortable ride. Cruisers often offer the most relaxed riding position, allowing riders to lean back with hands above knees and feet well forward, making them a popular choice for taller riders.

Its seat height stands at 26.2 inches—among the lowest here—but it still offers excellent ride comfort for both taller folks and shorter riders. When at a standstill, the low seat height ensures that your feet touch the ground comfortably, providing stability and confidence during highway riding or city cruising. Although this seat height comes as one of the shortest on our list, the bike nonetheless proves the greatness for which Harley Davidson is known. The distance between the seat and the foot-pegs is the most important measurement for comfort in motorcycle design, and this bike manages to balance that well.

Pros

• Compatible with riders of different heights
• Classic style
• Wide traction
• Versatile

Cons

• Seat height looks small

2. Honda NC700X

Nothing can be more assuring than sitting in the saddle of a two-wheeler that boasts many features and shows incredible confidence. To keep your ride maintained for peak performance, consider investing in one of the best motorcycle lifts.

Honda NC700X offers a neutral riding position and upright ergonomics, ensuring ride comfort and confidence, especially for tall riders. The knee bend on this model is designed to reduce strain for riders with long legs, and the seat distance from the pegs allows more room to move comfortably. The rider triangle, which refers to the relationship between the rider’s backside, hands, and feet, is well-designed to enhance overall comfort.

This touring bike is built with a large trunk, a fuel-efficient engine, and dual-clutch transmission, which mimics a fully automatic gearbox. The DCT eliminates manual shifting, making it beginner-friendly for those seeking their first bike. Its practical rider aids and relaxed ergonomics make it one of the best motorcycles for tall riders who want a smooth and comfortable ride on long trips.

Pros

• Upright ergonomics
• DTC to eliminate the potential threat
• Excellent practicality
• Fuel efficient

Cons

• Relatively pricey

3. Yamaha FZ-09

Yamaha is famous –and for all the right reasons – for being one of the sturdy pioneers of naked street fighters. So, the frenzy that greeted the evolution of this model in 2014 was worth it. This model’s agile chassis, sharp handling, and snappy throttle make it one of the most exciting motorcycles for tall riders who love spirited rides.

You’ll be convinced never to ride any other bike when you consider how snappy and agile its chassis is. Plus, the FZ-09 is an incredible touring bike with hard saddlebags, firmer suspension, and a clean windscreen.

It’s also an incredible touring bike, featuring hard saddlebags, firmer suspension, and a clean adjustable windscreen for protection. Tall riders benefit from its generous legroom and wide stance, which allow an extra stretch during longer rides. The seat height gives plenty of more space for movement, ensuring you don’t feel cramped even on rough roads or during a track day.

Pros

• Fine suspension
• Hard saddlebags
• Clean windscreen

Cons

• Heavyweight

4. KTM 1190 Adventure

The KTM 1190 Adventure is an adventure bike every tall rider should test ride. Its tall saddle height, upright riding position, and roomy proportions make it perfect for those seeking a comfortable ride on rough roads or off-road conditions. Adventure bikes are often recommended for taller riders due to their generally higher seats and more open ergonomics, which provide a more natural and comfortable riding experience.

This dual sport bike delivers long travel suspension and excellent ground clearance, making it ideal for highway riding or two-up touring. The seat height and foot controls are positioned to fit taller riders, providing a natural and neutral riding position.

Powered by a V-twin engine, it offers high horsepower and smooth ride quality, with multiple rider aids like advanced ABS systems to maintain control even on dirt bikes terrain.

Pros

• Multiple ABS systems
• Agile
• Powered by a V-twin engine

Cons

• Only for Adventure  

5. Yamaha XSR 900

Yamaha XSR 900 combines retro style and modern performance. Its aluminum frame, taller bars, and upright riding position make it one of the best motorcycles for tall riders looking for versatility. The Yamaha MT-07 offers sporty styling with relaxed ergonomics, making it an accessible and comfortable ride for taller riders.

With a seat height of 32.7 inches, it offers a tall seat and more room for riders with long legs or long arms. The bike fits comfortably for taller folks, offering a comfortable ride whether you’re commuting or taking a long trip. The wide handlebars and light chassis make it easy to maneuver, while the sharp handling ensures precision.

Pros

• Aluminum frame
• Easy handling
• Suitable height for tall riders

Cons

• None for now

6. BMW R1200GS

If you want to beat any terrain, whether trail or rack, go with the BMW R1200GS; it will step on any ground and come out stronger. The BMW boasts a more upright seating position that fits long-legged riders, enhancing their comfort on long rides by accommodating various torso lengths. Motorcycles that are comfortable for taller riders include adventure bikes like the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure and Honda Africa Twin, as well as larger touring bikes such as the Honda Gold Wing.

On top of this are the excellent windscreen and adequately cushioned saddle that makes an all-day ride on the bike feel very comfortable. This is particularly beneficial for longer journeys, as it reduces fatigue and improves overall riding experience.

Powered by the liquid-cooled, fuel-injection engine, the BMW R1200GS is the right candidate for sophisticated chassis electronics.

Moreover, this bike guarantees impregnable safety in a crash, thanks to the protruding horizontal cylinder, which protects against serious injury if the bike tips over on a dirt road.

Pros

• Clean windscreen
• Padded saddle for comfortable riding
• Upright seating position
• Not restricted by any terrain

Cons

• Too sophisticated for newbies

7. Kawasaki Versys 650/1000

If you have the Kawasaki Versys 650/1000 in your garage, you can be sure of a bike that won’t fail or disappoint when you’re on any terrain.

Besides, you’ll enjoy every moment you spend on the bike as a 1000cc parallel-twin engine powers it. Plus, the bike is lightweight, so you can handle and maneuver it when cruising around town.

For relaxed riding, there’s enough grumble in the engine to guarantee confidence. There’s no dull moment cruising on this bike. Yet, it shines like a brand-new bike each time it’s cleaned and put on the road.

The nicely fitted triangular shape makes riding easier as the footpegs, handlebars, and seat are all adequately met. The Versys 650 features a standard handguard that makes it suitable for dirt roads. The Versys also offers adjustable foot pegs, allowing tall riders to customize the legroom to their personal preference. Additionally, the bike’s high saddle and roomy proportions suit taller riders, ensuring a comfortable riding experience. Kawasaki KLR 650 is known for its rugged reliability and tall, 35-inch seat height, making it a versatile choice for taller riders.

Pros

• Comes in two versions
• Simple control
• Fitted parts
• Lightweight

Cons

• None for now

8. Ducati Multistrada 1200

Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati is a top-quality brand with many rider-friendly features that stand out among many competing brands. Including the Ducati Multistrada 1200 on the best motorcycles for tall riders is both deserving and perfect.

A spacious yet powerful guy, the Ducati Multistrada 1200, is powered by the thunderous Testastretta L-twin engine that features DVT adjustable valve timing. The timing is responsible for improving the valve overlay, which helps to provide new power and makes it last throughout the engine’s duration. The bike’s comfortable ergonomics, including seat height and handlebar positioning, make it ideal for taller riders. The Ducati XDiavel offers a 29.7-inch seat height, which is relatively high for the cruiser segment, featuring feet-forward controls.

The concerning ABS and traction control come under the power of the multidimensional Bosch electronics. The engine delivers 150 horsepower, making the motorcycle a perfect candidate for Sport, Touring, Urban, and Enduro pieces. Overall, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 is a good bike for tall riders seeking a comfortable and powerful ride.

Pros

• Adjustable ale timing
• Electronic starters
• Great for sporting and racing purposes

 Cons

• Low power

9. Honda Fury

Honda Fury stands out as a stylish cruiser that suits both shorter riders and taller folks. It’s designed with forward controls, higher bars, and a long seat, making it great for riders with long legs or a wide stance.

The seat height of 26.9 inches may seem low, but its riding position and highway pegs provide more space for comfort. Many tall riders appreciate its relaxed ergonomics, especially during long trips or highway riding. The Harley-Davidson Road and Honda Fury share similar comfort-focused geometry, offering ride comfort and classic style.

Pros

• Comfortable
• Lower handlebars
• Spacious legroom

Cons

• Low profile   

10. Indian Chief Classic

Indian Chief Classic is a timeless cruiser that blends comfort and elegance. Despite having a low seat, it features a long seat design, wide handlebars, and forward controls, ensuring ride comfort for tall riders and longer rides.

Its seat height of 26 inches may seem short, but the riding position provides a comfortable ride for tall rounders thanks to the cushioned saddle and highway pegs. The road king, road glide, and street glide riders will find its ergonomics familiar, making it ideal for touring comfort and two-up riding.

Pros

• Classic
• Affordable

Cons

• Seat height may be too low for taller riders

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What motorcycle has the highest seat height?

Typically, dirt and adventure bikes have the highest seat height of any motorcycle. On our list, the Yamaha XSR 900, with a seat height of 32.5 inches, is the highest.

Conclusion

Finding the best motorcycle for tall riders can be challenging. Our list features touring bikes, adventure bikes, and street bikes that provide comfortable rides, more space, and upright riding positions for tall people. Custom bikes with adjustable options, lower pegs, or taller bars can further improve the riding position and ride comfort.

Whether you prefer a road king, road glide, or something sportier, there’s a bike that fits taller riders perfectly. So test ride one of these best motorcycles, enjoy the long distances, and experience a ride smooth enough to make every mile worthwhile.

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