How to choose a motorcycle by height? Motorcycles for short and tall

When purchasing your first motorcycle, it is especially important to choose a machine that is suitable for your height. A beginner riding a bike that is too big will feel uncomfortable and insecure. This may result in a fall or even an accident.

Motorcycles vary greatly in style and application. Often motorcyclists know from the start whether they want to ride sports cars, touring machines or big cruisers. However, the size of the bike and its associated riding issues can be a hindrance. You can often hear novice bikers doubt whether they can handle this or that machine. It is worth remembering here that the height of the seat and the height of the driver are more important than the weight and strength of the driver.

Seat height is more important than weight

You can often hear someone say that they cannot handle, for example, a large cruiser, because such a car weighs up to 300 kg. And while some strength is indeed helpful, they are also suitable for shorter people. Moreover, cruisers are among the most versatile motorcycles in terms of rider height.

This is because the key issue is seat height and the ability to stand firmly on the ground when stopping. If both provide strong support, even a large machine can be easily handled. However, if you only reach the ground with your fingers, parking maneuvers even on a lighter motorcycle can cause you to tip over. Therefore, it is worth remembering the main rule - if you stand firmly on your feet, you can handle the motorcycle.

Triumph TRIDENT 660 2022

An interesting option for the city. In case you want something maneuverable and nimble. The volume of the three-cylinder engine is 660 cm3. It produces 81 horses. Tank volume 17.4 liters. The landing is closer to sports. The seat height of the bike is 805 mm, almost like some “tourists”. The most interesting thing is that the dry weight of the motorcycle is some 166 kilograms!

"Top light city motorcycles 2022 for a beginner"

Which motorcycles are for short people and which ones are for tall ones?

So, what type of motorcycles are suitable for short people? We just mentioned cruisers, although in their case you need to remember more weight. Often the seats in such cars are even less than 700 mm. City Nakedas is also a good proposition where you can expect a level of 800mm or lower.

Sports bikes can be a surprise. In their case, you often sit a little higher than in the “naked” position. On the other hand, the position on the bike means that the tallest one will complain too. On the opposite side are the cruisers, which, despite the low seat, provide a comfortable position even for taller riders.

Another type of motorcycle for which height is important is touring. In their case, you sit high. Even people of average height may have trouble maneuvering. Therefore, before deciding to buy such a motorcycle, you should first check whether it will be too tall.

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Triumph Bonneville

We agree that this choice for this list is quite unexpected. First of all, this is not a cruiser, but a more classic motorcycle. In addition, the knee bend angle in it is 78 degrees - the sharpest among all the models on the list. But this model is here because its flat, large seat sits 740mm above ground level, allowing tall drivers to sit further back, reach the steering wheel and straighten their legs.

Suzuki C50 BOSS

Next year, Suzuki has prepared three updated versions of BOSS (Blacked-Out Special Suzuki), including the 805 cc C50 Boulevard BOSS. The new cruiser model features a larger and higher handlebar compared to the standard C50 model, while the knee angle is 108 degrees.

Harley-Davidson Breakout

While most Harleys are worthy of a mention on such a list, this new cruiser model from the Harley-Davidson brand is especially suitable for the tall biker looking to own an American iron horse. The Breakout features a 1.25-inch dragbar handlebar and forward foot controls for a 119-degree knee angle.

Star Raider

After Breakout, something should be said about its competitor Raider from Star. With a knee angle of 132 degrees, the Raider is large and long and is a great option for tall riders. The concave standard seat height of 696 mm is likely to be a problem, but the manufacturers also offer four additional seats for this bike. The reach of the footpegs and the distance to the handlebars play an important role, and this is simply ideal for those motorcyclists whose height is 180 centimeters or more.

Indian Chief Classic

This model of motorcycle is distinguished by a seat of 660 millimeters; of course, it is quite low, but the handlebar handle is located at a height of one meter from the ground, therefore, despite the width of the handlebars, they are unlikely to touch the driver’s knees. Tall drivers will especially appreciate the cruise control and platform footrests that come as standard.

Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special

The only people who continue to criticize the V-Rod are those who haven't ridden it. This motorcycle includes as many as 125 horses and a unique character. Many V-Rod models require you to reach hard for the footrest and handlebars, and the Night Rod is no exception. For larger riders, the low handlebars are ideal, and the 130-degree knee angle means the rider's legs will be almost straight. This vehicle is literally made for drivers with long legs.

Vulcan 900 Custom

This mid-size cruiser from Kawasaki has a 121-degree knee angle, making it another great ride for riders with long legs who don't want to upgrade to bulky models. The lower controls, positioned forward and reclining long seat make it possible to sit and stretch out in maximum comfort.

Harley-Davidson Wide Glide

It is steep, low and very long. It has a passenger rear handle, a powerful fork and strong triple clamps. Best of all, its wide, flat seat sits 681 millimeters off the pavement, which is high enough for a low-end cruiser. Also to this should be added a drag bar handlebar and forward-extended footpegs, resulting in an ideal motorcycle for riders over 180 cm tall.

Chinese enduro

The range of Chinese enduro motorcycles is wide, and the price range is even wider. You can buy an enduro for 60-80 thousand, or for 250-280 thousand. How to understand all this diversity and choose something for a beginner?

How to choose a Chinese enduro motorcycle

Let's set some introductions. Firstly, it is quite difficult for a beginner who has no experience riding a motorcycle to initially decide on the type of motorcycle. If you have clearly decided that you need an enduro, then move on.

Important points: the height of the driver and the weight of the motorcycle. A short beginner, of course, will be more comfortable on a low motorcycle, on which he can reach the ground with his entire foot. Let's keep this in mind.

The most important criterion is perhaps the price. Especially for a beginner. After all, you still need to purchase equipment, which is very expensive.

So, let's break down enduro bikes into price ranges and see what's interesting about them.

Up to 100,000 rubles

BSE Z1

This motorcycle with 19/16 inch wheels is perfect for a short beginner. In terms of dimensions, it is between pit bikes and enduro motorcycles. Thanks to the low seating position, you will confidently reach the ground with your feet and feel comfortable off-road. The motorcycle has a 150 cc engine, but it is quite torquey, its power is enough even to overcome climbs.

Price: 79,990 rub. This is a great inexpensive enduro bike for a short beginner.

BSE J1/J2

This motorcycle is already more serious. Wheels 21/18, 250 cubes. It rides more cheerfully, but the seating position is also higher. Good off-road tires, 17 hp, good grip and traction.

Price: about 100 thousand depending on the configuration.

Motoland Enduro ST 250

A bright representative of universal enduro. There is a PTS, all the lighting equipment accordingly. Wide comfortable seat, soft energy-intensive suspension, balancing shaft - minimum vibrations from the engine.

A good option for those who have not yet decided - on-road/off-road - or just need a universal motorcycle for leisurely, non-extreme trips that will go anywhere. Comfortable ride for two.

Price: 88,900 rub.

Kayo K1 250 MX

New motorcycle for 2022. Fits well at a height of 170 cm, both legs confidently reach the ground. In general, the fit is similar to a pit bike. An excellent option for price-quality. Lightweight, weighing only 105 kg.

Price: 99,990 rub.

Lifan LF200GY-3B

Dual purpose motorcycle. Available in two variations: on road and off-road tires. There is a PTS, you can register it. 200 cc, 14 hp Accelerate a motorcycle to 100 km/h using GPS. A fairly large tank volume of 9.5 liters.

Price: 84,900 rub.

From 100,000 to 150,000 rubles

BSE Z5

A motorcycle worth paying attention to. There are several modifications that differ significantly in price: with the ZS 172FMM and ZS166 FMM engines. A motorcycle with a fairly high seating position. It is unlikely to be suitable for beginners with short stature, but tall beginner endurists will appreciate the fit.

Price: 124,990 rub.

KAYO T2 MX

An excellent motorcycle from a reputable Chinese brand. Two variations: with and without PTS. Accordingly, this is a cheaper version without PTS. There are also no suspension adjustments, the motorcycle is slightly higher. An excellent option if you don’t need to travel on public roads.

Price: 111,990 rub.

KAYO T2 ENDURO

Big brother of T2 MX. It differs not only in the presence of PTS. A completely different motorcycle. There is an adjustable suspension, a larger tank volume, and a different seat.

Price: 139,990 rub.

Of course, these are not all Chinese enduro motorcycles. There are more than 70 models in our catalog alone. By the way, you can get acquainted with them in the Cross/Enduro section.

Why should you choose Chinese enduro? That's why:

• Reliability. The Chinese have taken a step forward in the quality of their products. It has become objectively more reliable.
• Power. A 250 cc engine is enough to experience all the delights of enduro.
• For larger amounts you can get both 300 and 450 cc “Chinese”.
• Maintenance cost. You are buying a new motorcycle. With proper operation and timely maintenance, you will spend a minimum on caring for your motorcycle.
• Available spare parts. Motorcycles are produced here and now, as are spare parts for them.
• Low price. Chinese motorcycles are really cheap. And the money saved can be spent on equipment.

Ducati XDiavel

Let's get back to powerful motorcycles. A long and low cruiser that is suitable for tall people. Forward footrests and a seat behind the engine provide a comfortable riding position.

According to Ducati, the rider has 147 ergonomic configuration options available to him! 147, not 18! Definitely a recipe for success! There are seven footrest positions, seven seat positions and three handlebar positions. One thing: pay attention to what is the main offer and what is for additional money. For example, in stock XDiavel implies a regular seat. The manufacturer says that there are 6 more alternative options as additional accessories.

Inside the motorcycle is the Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262 engine, with a maximum power of 152 hp. at 9,500 rpm. What I mean is that even a tall driver needs to improve his driving skills. For a novice rider, the Ducati XDiavel is too steep.

Enduro classification

Soft enduro

Other names: light enduro, light enduro, soft enduro, lite enduro.

Motorcycles of this class are also called dual-purpose motorcycles. They are designed for driving both on asphalt and off-road. As a rule, these are motorcycles with a title. They are ideal for driving in rural areas, trips to nature and fishing, driving on light off-road conditions, and dirt roads. In addition, they perform well when driving on asphalt, especially when the quality of that same asphalt leaves much to be desired. You can easily overcome potholes and curbs with them.

Differences between universal enduro and cross bikes:

• More weight
• Less power

Videos from rides that Chinese enduro bikes handle just fine.

Hard enduro

Other names: extreme enduro, hard enduro.

Hard enduro motorcycles are designed for serious off-road use. The full capabilities of these motorcycles are revealed by experienced riders on “insurmountable” off-road sections - long climbs, rocks, narrow forest paths - this is their element. Motorcycles are more reliable. The suspension is energy-intensive and soft. There is an electric starter that makes life easier in difficult areas.

Motorcycle Features:

• Advanced cooling system that helps with long rides at low speeds
• The seating position is lower than that of motocross motorcycles

Mileage, like motocross motorcycles (and pit bikes), is measured in engine hours. Given the more severe operating conditions, these motorcycles have to be serviced more often.

Video from hard enduro race in Georgia to give you an idea

Cross motorcycles

Other names: motocross, cross-country

We put hard enduro and cross country next to each other, and this is no coincidence. In fact, they are often confused. But these are really different types of motorcycles. Cross-country shoes are designed for participation in sports competitions on cross-country tracks. They have a stiff suspension to withstand jumps, they do not have an electric starter, because it is not needed, just as the headlight and other electrics are not needed. All for the sake of lightening the design, because this is sports equipment and it is intended for racing.

Key Features:

• Stiff suspension settings for jumping
• Cross racing engines produce maximum power at higher speeds
• In order to reduce weight, there are no lighting equipment or batteries, the cooling system is as light as possible
• There is no electric starter - the motorcycle starts once before the race, and if it stalls, it loses
• Sharp steering
• The seating position is as high as possible for the sake of cross-country ability, while even a tall person cannot always confidently reach the ground with both feet

Thus, it becomes clear. Cross-country motorcycles for passing sports tracks with jumps and turns at maximum speed in the shortest possible time. Hard enduro bikes for off-road/mountain/rugged terrain/difficult long climbs. It's not uncommon at a hard enduro event to spend time queuing with other bikers, watching your opponents try to get up the hill.

There are enough such episodes in this video.

Touring enduro

Motorcycles of this class are designed for traveling without restrictions. They have a comfortable fit for comfortable driving over long distances, a large power reserve, energy-intensive suspension, and off-road tires. They are comfortable enough for driving around the city too. You can find a lot of additional equipment on them: protective bars and grilles, saddlebags, windshields, headlights - the list goes on and on.

They are so popular that in some countries they occupy leading positions in terms of sales in absolute terms.

Usually these are heavy, powerful motorcycles. And their main disadvantage is their weight. It’s quite difficult to lift more than 200 kilograms, and falls always happen off-road.

The Expert-Moto motorcycle showroom does not have purebred touring enduros. However, there is a good and, most importantly, budget alternative - Bajaj motorcycles - coming straight from India, from the same factories where KTM motorcycles are produced. Dominar, Pulsar and Boxer - all three models can become your ticket to the world of motorcycle travel. For example, watch this video. 15 hours on Dominar on not the smoothest roads.

Comparative table of motocross and enduro motorcycles.