If you think short ladies can only get on motorcycles if they ride as pillion, that’s where you’re wrong. Motorcycles are one of the most diverse forms of vehicles in the world and there are over a thousand different bikes to choose from. A lot of these would actually work for short women.
When someone uses “short”, “ladies”, and “motorcycle” in a sentence, they would almost always certainly recommend either a cruiser or a small-displacement starter bike. This list is going to include a little bit more, discussing the appropriate bike in different classes. Motorcycles are extremely diverse so I think I should include at least one bike from each class of bikes.
Sportsbikes
The most common and most well-known class or category of motorcycles us the Sports category. Sportbikes, or crotch rockets, as they’re more commonly referred to, have an aggressive, forward-leaning driving position and can be thought of basically as street-legal race bikes.
Kawasaki Ninja 400
Starting it off is one of the most well-known bikes ever. The Kawasaki Ninja 400 has almost become a household name even for non-riders. If anybody sees a fast motorcycle scream past them, more often than not they’d refer to it as a “Ninja”
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is one of the best “beginner” motorcycles in the small-displacement bike class. It has a seat height of only 785 mm (30.9 inches) and a manageable wet weight of 169 kg (370 lbs). The Ninja 400 is great for short women who want to get into riding for the first time. It’s lightweight and versatile with excellent handling and control. The 43.4 HP power output is unintimidating and forgiving, making the Ninja 400 a bike one can grow to like.
Yamaha YZF-R3
The Yamaha YZF-R3 was Yamaha’s answer to Kawasaki’s Ninja and has a lower seat height of 780 mm (30.7 inches). The R3 also has around the same horsepower, 42 HP, but is the third lightest bike in this list. Being lower and lighter than the Ninja at 167 kg (368lbs), and making more power than the CBR actually makes this bike easier to ride and also sportier.
As I was making this article, I wanted to be as neutral and unbiased as I could. That being said, I love the Yamaha YZF-R3. This bike has a special place in my heart. The R3 has the sportiest ergonomics among the three small-displacement bikes, and for me, it’s also the best looking. It has a small engine and for me, it’s perfect because I could twist that throttle as much as I want without getting into too much trouble.
Standard bikes
The standard bike category is one big gray area. There’s actually no clear definition of what exactly a “standard” bike is but the key features that classify a bike as a standard motorcycle is the upright seating position and the lack of fairings.
Ducati Monster 797
The slim, V-twin engine helps make this Monster one of the most accessible Ducatis, making the 800 mm (31.5 inches) seat very narrow, making any short rider happy. The new 803cc motor gives it great performance too, with 87 HP. A stylish, fun, easy-to-ride performance bike.
Though the Ducati Monster is relatively on the low side, a beginner rider may want to steer clear at first. If somebody were wondering how the bike’s power output behaved, they’d have to look no further than the bike’s name. It’s also on the heavier side at 187 kg (412 lbs) so a beginner rider may want to look for something a little bit more forgiving. But if you’re an experienced rider who’s just a little short, this bike would make a great choice
Honda CB 300R
If you’re looking for something that’s a little friendlier than the Monster, here’s the obligatory entry-level bike—the CB 300R. In addition to its low 800 mm (31.5 inches) seat height, Honda’s “Neo-Sports Café” motorcycle has a super-narrow saddle and slender, sculpted tank atop its single-cylinder powerplant. While a lot of beginner bikes look and feel bargain-basement and are about as stylish as a 1999 Toyota Corolla, the CB300R is genuinely handsome. It has an inverted fork, radial brakes, and cuts a dashing figure in “Chromosphere Red” or “Matte Gray Metallic.”
The CB 300R borrows the same engine from the CBR 300R and both bikes can be thought of like siblings, one is rowdier, the other is more sophisticated. The CB 300R is also the lightest motorcycle in this list weighing in at just 143 kg (315 lbs).
Yamaha MT-07
The middle ground between the Ducati Monster and the CB 300R is Yamaha’s MT-07. This motorcycle is a favorite for many riders because of its friendly yet torquey motor, making it an ideal bike for riding around town, or even the occasional long drive.
The MT-07 is fitted with a 689cc parallel-twin engine that comes in a compact package that allows the MT to have a narrow seat, tank, and a low seat height of 805 mm (31.7 inches), perfect for moving around on the bike and finding your footing at stops.
Not only is this bike agile, but it also handles precisely and relatively steady. While it does not match up to some of its more massive and more expensive cousins, it delivers much more asked for at its price. Without a doubt, this is a bike I would recommend to everyone who would like a bit of sportiness in their bikes without getting overwhelmed, making it perfect for both newbies and experienced riders.
Classic/Retro bikes
For ladies who want to pack a lot of style in their rides, they may want to look into the classic or retro category of bikes. These motorcycles are modern machines that come in classic or retro clothing, more like hipsters of the motorcycle world.
Triumph Street Twin: 29.5 inches (749.3 mm) // 436.5 lbs (198kg)
The 900cc Street Twin’s saddle sits is only 749 mm (29.5 inches) above the ground. All but the shortest riders will be able to flat-foot the Street Twin, thanks to its narrow parallel-twin engine and slender tank. The Street Twin is classic, capable, and provides a smooth comfortable ride. This entrant to Triumph Bonneville line maintains the reputation by being a joy to ride on for newcomers and veterans alike. The Street Twin is an affordable, capable bike with a torque-rich engine, great breaking, stable suspension and the characteristic Triumph gallop.
It has very comfortable ergonomics, with an appropriate seating position, and handlebar placement and stability. It is a bike one can learn on and grow into throughout the years. Not only is it a perfect candidate for a motorcycle for short riders, but it is also a great beginner motorcycle.
Moto Guzzi V7
The Moto Guzzi V7’s otherwise classic layout makes it a good option for shorter riders with its low and narrow saddle (770 mm/30.3 inches) paired with a standard seating position. The Moto Guzzi V7 is an archetypal motorcycle. It looks like a motorcycle should look, but its cylinders thrusting out the sides make it quirky.
“Eclectic and essential.” is the official tag line for the V7 I have no disagreements. The V7 is a bike that maintains its style while still conforming to an older aesthetic. Without a doubt, this is a bike that turns heads everywhere it goes.
The engine is openly exposed, in all its V7 glory. This engine is as torquey as it is reliable. The suspension is fine, even if it a bit squishy. Note that the vehicle can get a bit shaky as you ramp up the gas too high. While there is fun in showing off the muscle, it might be more pleasurable to keep it under control. This is a powerful, sleek machine designed for commuting short-range with style. If you’re a woman who loves motorbike aesthetics, this is the way to go.
Ducati Scrambler
The Scrambler name may be associated with dirt tracks and unpaved roads, but the Ducati Scrambler does just as well on the streets as is does off road. The Scrambler’s narrow tank, cushy seat, and plush suspension make the bike seem super inviting to people of all heights.
The Scrambler’s low saddle sits only at 770 mm (30.3 inches) in its lowest configuration and gets you comfortable for a smooth and steady ride. Adding to all of the above, it is lightweight and has a low centre of gravity. The Scrambler is a stylish and fashionable bike intended for comfort and convenience over performance.
Cruisers
If you want leather on leather, you want a cruiser. Nothing beats the good old-fashioned thump and grunt of a V-twin engine cruising down the road. Cruisers are the most common motorcycles next to sportbikes and they’re also some of the lowest, making them a prime choice for a lot of short riders.
Ducati Diavel
If you want a cruiser that not only provides comfort and a smooth ride but also power and torque on demand, you’d want the Ducati Diavel. This motorcycle is a mix of the classic cruiser style and modern performance.
Ducatis tend to be narrow because of their V-twin powerplants. The Diavel is certainly not the sexiest in Ducati’s lineup, but its low 770 mm (30.3 inches) seat height makes up for it. Unlike the XDiavel’s forward controls, the standard Diavel’s more neutral riding position may be more suitable for shorter inseams. Even better news, Ducati has confirmed there will be an updated Diavel for 2019, which means short riders will have more options.
The Diavel, however, is the heaviest in this list But don’t worry, the bikes low center of gravity ensures the Diavel is still manageable.
Honda Rebel 500
The Honda Rebel 500 is one of the top picks for most people for their starter bike. This motorcycle can be thought of as the “automatic answer” to the question “What could be a good starter bike?”
The Honda Rebel 500 is everything a newbie rider would need. It has a low seat height, smooth power delivery, soft suspension, standard and upright seating position, light and it’s also one of the cheapest in this list.
The Rebel 500 seats itself at 703 mm (27.7 inches) and only weighs 185 kg (408 lbs) so it’s no wonder why so many people start with this bike. In some countries, the Honda Rebel is even the bike they use in their motorcycle riding classes.
Harley Davidson Street 500
Harley-Davidson isn’t known for making small and lightweight bikes. That said, the Street 500 can be thought of as a little exemption. This cruiser makes an excellent bike for short people with its low, low 640 mm (26-inch) seat height, the lowest seat height in this list. It’s also surprisingly light and has a low center of gravity to make it easier to get off the kickstand.
The Street 500 only makes 32.5 HP of power but a Harley isn’t built for performance. Harleys are for people who enjoy a long, low cruise down the road. The Street 500 provides exactly that and gives its rider some additional style points to boot.
Adventure/Touring motorcycles
Now if you’re a shorter rider who wants to go where no motorcycle dares to, you’ll want to have a look at adventure bikes. Adventure bikes, or ADVs, could be thought of as the SUVs of the motorcycle world. They’re big, powerful, excellent on the road, and decent off-road. ADV’s are typically tall and heavy but if short riders want to try out adventure riding, then they should take a look at some of these bikes.
Triumph Tiger 800 XRX LRH
ADVs tend to be the tallest bikes on the market, but the new Tiger 800 XRx LRH brings things down to earth. The LRH in the name stands for Low Ride Height. In the lowest of its two positions, the XRx’s seat height is lower than 30 inches, around 750 mm. Triumph achieved this by reshaping the saddle and by giving the LRH its own set of suspension built just for the purpose.
BMW G650 GS
The G650 GS from BMW is considered the smaller bike of the GS lineup. But don’t let that fool you, the incredible engineering behind the BMW G650 offers short riders a smooth ride regardless if you’re cruising on the pavement, or adventuring off-road tearing up the dirt.
With a seat height of 30.3 inches or 770 mm, with factory low suspension options, BMW has been considerate towards people of less than average heights. The BMW G650GS should be one of your first choices among adventure motorcycles for short riders. The BMW GS650 has a lot of torque and could also pass as a great commuter.
As you can see, there are a ton of options to choose from. Don’t limit yourself to just this list either, there are a lot more motorcycles out there in the market that would be great for shorter riders. If you’ve already chosen your bike but still need some height assistance, check out this article for tips: “11 Tips For Short Motorcycle Riders”