Comments on: Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders: Seat Heights 30-30.9 Inches

By: Rider Magazine

Rider Magazine — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 20:47:08 +0000

You make a good point, Christopher, and some manufacturers design seats to be narrow in front so they have a lower “effective” stand-over height. Unfortunately, there’s no way to objectively measure that, so seat height is the only metric we can reliably report. Interestingly, Harley-Davidson is the only manufacturer that reports both unladen seat height (as other manufacturers do) and laden seat height, measured with the weight of an average rider sitting on the bike.

Your recommendation is a good one. If a motorcycle interests you and it’s seat height seems within reach, go to a dealer and throw a leg over one. Better yet, try to arrange a demo ride.

By: Christopher Johnson

Christopher Johnson — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 19:20:14 +0000

I just want to say that the seat height numbers, while seemingly a convenient comparison point, can be misleading. On a recent trip I had the opportunity to ride both a Kawasaki Versys 1000 (33.1 inches as per Kawasaki) and an Aprilia Capo Nord 1200 (33.1 inches as per Rider magazine). Yet because of the different shapes of the seats, particularly the width of the front part of the seat, I actually had an easier time getting both feet on the ground at stops on the Aprilia. So the takeaway is that it’s still best to visit as many dealer showrooms as possible to try out the fit and don’t rule out a particular model just because of the numbers on paper.

By: CS

CS — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 18:39:03 +0000

In reply to Rider Magazine. OMG you mean you have to read to comprehend the article!!! SO mean!!!

By: Dan Campbell

Dan Campbell — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 15:24:40 +0000

The bikes on this list only amplify what I have been saying about the major manufacturers ignoring an entire riding group. Namely women riders, and people of shorter stature. Every motorcycle my wife has ridden has had to be modified in some way for her to touch the ground while seated. Meanwhile the rear of the bike has a foot of daylight between the tire and bottom of the rear tail.

By: Rider Magazine

Rider Magazine — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 15:08:13 +0000

In reply to Al.

This guide lists motorcycles with seat heights 30-30.9 inches. We have a separate post for motorcycles with seat heights under 30 inches, and the Scouts are listed there.
https://ridermagazine.com/2023/01/06/best-small-motorcycles-with-seat-heights-under-30-inches/

By: Al

Al — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 11:08:01 +0000

Indian Scout Bobber 60 & Scout 60 – 25.6 in (649 mm)

By: Rider Magazine

Rider Magazine — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 16:16:27 +0000

In reply to Keith McFadden.

According to the factory media kit (https://triumph-mediakits.com/en/motorcycles/adventure/tiger-900.html), the Tiger 900 GT Low has a seat height range of 760-780mm (29.9-30.7 inches), so it’s included in our guide for motorcycles with seat heights less than 30 inches:
https://ridermagazine.com/2023/01/06/best-small-motorcycles-with-seat-heights-under-30-inches/

By: Keith McFadden

Keith McFadden — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 01:29:06 +0000

How about the Triumph Tiger 900 GT Low? Seat height of 30.32″.

https://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/motorcycles/adventure/tiger-900-gt/gt-low

By: Rod Welles

Rod Welles — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 00:10:50 +0000

Great article. Thank you all!

By: Rider Magazine

Rider Magazine — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 21:34:49 +0000

In reply to Douglas Roland Leard.

Yes, the 650cc Kawasaki Vulcan S is on our guide for motorcycles with seat heights less than 30 inches. The Vulcan 900 Classic and Vulcan 900 Custom are also on that list:
https://ridermagazine.com/2023/01/06/best-small-motorcycles-with-seat-heights-under-30-inches/