As a small driver, or someone who just wants a smaller ride, walking into a dealership can feel a little restrictive. You’ll stroll past impressive and imposing machines that you might admire but don’t want to fight with as your main wheel. You might find a model or two in the back that fit comfortably, but you’ll be disappointed that there aren’t any other options to choose from. Luckily, options for smaller bikes are increasing, and we’ve compiled those options into two lists of the best bikes for smaller riders.
In our first post, Best Bikes for Shorter Riders, we focused on bikes with seat heights under 30 inches. This seat height limitation meant almost all of the models on this list were cruisers, and while we certainly enjoy cruising, we also like a little variety. With this second post, Best Bikes for Smaller Riders, we’re happy to include some Sportbikes, Minimotos, and an ADV. And while seat heights can be taller than the first list, many of the models on this list weigh and cost less than the shorter-sitting cruisers.
This list consists of motorcycles with a seat height between 30.0 and 30.9 inches. Where possible we’ve included a link to our test ride report so you can get an idea of how each bike performs in action. We’ve also included the base US MSRP for the 2022/23 model year (at the time of publication), advertised wet weight, and seat height. For models with lower seat or suspension options, we have listed the standard and lowered seat heights. You can also click on a model name to go to the manufacturer’s website for a full list of specifications and details.
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The models in this list are ordered by seat height, with the first model having the shortest seat height and the last model having the highest seat height in the list.
Honda Grom
Honda Grom
$3,499
30.0 inch seat
223 pounds
Read our 2022 Honda Grom First Ride Review
Honda navigation
Honda navigation
$1,807
30.0 inch seat
234 pounds
Read our 2022 Honda Navi First Ride Review
Royal Enfield Meteor 350
Royal Enfield Meteor 350
$4,899
30.1 inch seat
421 pounds
Read our 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 road test report
Triumph Speed Twin 900
Triumph Speed Twin 900
$9,895
30.1 inch seat
476 pounds
Read our 2019 Triumph Street Twin (former name) First Ride Review
BMW G 310 R
BMW G 310 R
$4,995
30.9″ seat (optional lower seat to 30.3″)
362 pounds
Read our 2018 BMW G 310 R First Ride Review
BMW F900R
BMW F900R
$8,995
32″ seat (optional lower seat to 31.1″ and lower suspension to 30.3″)
465 pounds
Read our 2020 BMW F 900 R and F 900 XR road test report
BMW F750GS
BMW F750GS
$9,995
32.1″ seat (optional lower seat to 31.1″ and lower suspension to 30.3″)
493 pounds
Read our 2019 BMW F 850 GS and F 750 GS road test report
Ducati MonsterPlus
Ducati MonsterPlus
$12,995
32.3″ seat (optional lower seat to 31.5″ and lower suspension to 30.5″)
366 pounds dry
Read our 2021 Ducati Monster First Ride Review
Honda monkey
Honda monkey
$4,249
30.5 inch seat
231 pounds
Read our 2019 Honda Monkey First Ride Review
Ducati Scrambler icon
Ducati Scrambler icon
$10,995
31.3″ seat (optional lower seat to 30.7″)
408 pounds
Read our first look at the 2023 Ducati Scrambler Range
Ducati Scrambler full throttle
Ducati Scrambler full throttle
$12,195
31.3″ seat (optional lower seat to 30.7″)
408 pounds
Read our first look at the 2023 Ducati Scrambler Range
Ducati Scrambler night shift
Ducati Scrambler night shift
$12,195
31.3″ seat (optional lower seat to 30.7″)
421 pounds
Read our first look at the 2023 Ducati Scrambler Range
Honda CBR300R
Honda CBR300R
$4,899
30.7 inch seat
354 pounds
Read our 2023 Honda Returning Models First Look Review
Honda Super Cub C125
Honda Super Cub C125
$3,849
30.7 inch seat
238 pounds
Read our 2019 Honda Super Cub 125 ABS First Ride Review
Indian FTR
Indian FTR
$13,499
30.7 inch seat
514 pounds
Read our 2022 Indian FTR S First Ride Review
Indian FTR sport
Indian FTR sport
$15,749
30.7 inch seat
522 pounds
Read our 2023 FTR Sport First Look Review
Moto Guzzi V7 stone
Moto Guzzi V7 stone
$9,190
30.7 inch seat
492 pounds
Read our 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone First Ride Review
Moto Guzzi V7 Special
Moto Guzzi V7 Special
$9,590
30.7 inch seat
492 pounds
Read our 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Special First Look Review
Moto Guzzi V7 Special Edition
Moto Guzzi V7 Special Edition
$9,990
30.7 inch seat
480 pounds
Read our new and updated 2023 Moto Guzzi First Look Review
Yamaha YZF-R3
Yamaha YZF-R3
$5,499
30.7 inch seat
375 pounds
Read our 2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 First Ride Review
Yamaha MT-03
Yamaha MT-03
$4,999
30.7 inch seat
373 pounds
Read our 2020 Yamaha MT-03 First Ride Review
Kawasaki Ninja 400
Kawasaki Ninja 400
$5,299
30.9 inch seat
362 pounds
Read our 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400 ABS First Ride Review
Kawasaki Ninja 400 KRT Edition
Kawasaki Ninja 400 KRT Edition
$5,499
30.9 inch seat
362 pounds
Read our 2023 Kawasaki Returning Models First Look Review
Kawasaki Z400 ABS
Kawasaki Z400 ABS
$5,399
30.9 inch seat
364 pounds
Read our 2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS First Ride Review
Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber
Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber
$10,490
30.9 inch seat
463 pounds
Read our 2017 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber First Ride Review
Suzuki SV650
Suzuki SV650
$7,399
30.9 inch seat
432 pounds
Check out our 2017 Suzuki SV50 video review
