Triumph Street Twin
Seat height: 29.9 inches
While it’s true that most riders of many heights could easily hop aboard many of Triumph’s various modern Bonneville variants and instantly feel at ease, the Street Twin feels particularly nimble and responsive. The slightly sportier riding position as compared to a standard Bonnie is no doubt a major contributor.
As our very own Justin noted when he rode one back in August 2019, its 900cc engine making 64hp and 59 lb-ft. of torque sounded great and felt extremely well-balanced. He’s a tall rider, but found he preferred the Street Twin over its larger Speed Twin sibling—which is further proof that a smaller bike does not have to mean that you’re missing out on any of the fun.
BMW G 310 R
Seat height: standard: 30.9 inches; low: 30.3 inches
After I came back from riding a G 310 R, I summarized it as “the angriest little bee I’ve ever ridden” to anyone who would listen. I completely meant it as a compliment, and I stand by that assessment. It’s nimble, flickable, has six gears that it absolutely needs, and wants you to crank that throttle almost the entire time you’re on it.
I wouldn’t want to spend hours on a highway riding this bike, but that’s also not why you’d ever buy it in the first place. If you’re looking for a fun, gorgeous little commuter, you could do a whole lot worse.
Ducati Scrambler
Seat height: Icon: 31.4 inches; low seat of 30.6 inches available as an accessory; Cafe Racer 31.7 inches
I’m one of the few people who hasn’t historically liked the way the Ducati Scrambler looks, but riding it was a completely different story. It instantly felt familiar, both in ergonomics and in actual ride qualities once we got going. It’s characterful, steering input is good, and you feel like it has plenty of grunt to get you where you want to go.
There’s a reason these bikes have been flying out of showrooms, and I now feel as though I understand it. I didn’t want to like it, but it’s almost impossible not to enjoy if you actually ride one.
KTM RC 390
Seat height: 31.5 inches
If the BMW G 310 R listed elsewhere in this roundup made me want to stay on the throttle the entire time I was on it, the RC 390 practically demands you keep that sucker cranked open. If you want to feel like you’re going ridiculously fast when you’re actually just mindfully obeying the speed limit, this might be the thumper for you.
Honda CB500X
Seat height: 2020: 32.7 inches; previous model years, 31.9 inches
This is a good example of why you shouldn’t let seat height numbers automatically put you off of anything—at least, not without throwing a leg over it yourself, if you’re otherwise feeling it. While you can readily find seat heights for any new bike these days, that number isn’t the whole story. It tells you nothing about the seat’s width or shape, which make a HUGE difference.
Luckily, the CB500X has a fairly narrow saddle. Not only that, the reach to the handlebars is compact and confidence-inspiring, as I found when I went to check out an NC700X at a local dealer and found myself drawn to a nearby CB500X instead. The NC700X simply felt way too big, hefty, and unwieldy—even if I had been able to get both feet on the ground instead of just one.
Kawasaki Ninja 400
Seat height: 30.9 inches
If you want a smaller-displacement, fully-faired parallel twin, the Ninja 400 is a perennially solid option. Ninja styling, bite-sized package, 366 pounds at the curb if you get the ABS version. If you want a capable, sporty, bulletproof little commuter, this could just be it.
Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer
Seat height: 31.5 inches
I thought I was going to love a V7 III, but the V9 was surprisingly a lot more fun and satisfying to ride, after riding both of them. You could, of course, go for the V9 Bobber. However, apart from not caring much for its looks, I also found that I absolutely hated the ergonomics of those flat bars on the Bobber. Seat height and shape are the same between the two, and I’m not you, so definitely give it a try if that’s the V9 that speaks to your sensibilities.
Yamaha MT 07
Seat height: 31.7 inches
I’ve been in love with this bike since it was first released here as the FZ-07, and even though I’ve ridden more recent models, that love hasn’t abated. From the beginning until now, that super-narrow saddle makes all the difference. It’s torquey as all get-out, and I’ll probably own one someday.
All that being said, it’s a fun little hyper-naked that sounds, rides, and stops beautifully. It’s good for city commuting and tearing up twisties. Would you want to tour on it? That saddle is more comfortable than you might expect.
Genuine G400C
Seat height: 31 inches
Bikes like the Triumph Bonneville continue to do well because some riders love retro styling, but hate retro maintenance. That’s totally understandable. If you want a smaller, lighter, less expensive bike with those classic air-cooled Honda looks, you should look no further than the one motorcycle that scooter company Genuine currently puts out.
It might seem like an anomaly at first, but Genuine envisioned this bike as bridging the gap when one of its happy scooter-riding customers wants to move up to something a little bigger and more powerful. The G400C sits comfortably at the intersection of a lot of things that shorter riders, among others, might enjoy. If you have a Genuine scooter dealer nearby, you might want to get eyeballs on and throw a leg over one.
BMW F 750 GS Low
Seat height: Low saddle only: 31.1 inches; with suspension lowering kit, capable of 30.3 inches
As a short rider, I’m gonna tell you the one thing I love about BMW that sets it apart from other manufacturers. Other manufacturers offer a range of accessories to help riders of shorter and taller heights fit their bikes, which is great. You know what they don’t do, though?
They don’t bring those low options across the country on their demo trucks. Get on BMW’s level, other manufacturers. You wanna get more new riders on bikes and bolster the industry? This is how you do it.
Anyway, prior to taking an F 750 GS out for a ride, I had simply never pictured myself on any kind of ADV bike. They all seemed too big, too heavy, and just totally antithetical to my entire physical existence. Riding that thing was a total blast, and I came back utterly exhilarated and reconsidering so many things about my riding life.
Do I see myself owning one? Honestly, probably not. While it was so much fun, it’s not a bike I see myself living with every day. However, it’s excellent to know that I could easily, comfortably ride one if I wanted to. If you’re similarly height-challenged, now you know you can, too.
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