Top five new bikes for short riders

We've put together a list of current models with low seat heights that you can try out for size in dealers now

If you're short, you might not think you have much choice when it comes to buying a new bike, but the reality is you do.

For this feature, we've classed 'short' as being between 5'5" and 5'7" with average leg length.

We’ve put together a list of current bikes with a maximum seat height of 790mm (31in) which may sound a little high but when you factor in added height from boots, even short riders will cope. 

We've also thought about the weight of the bike; a Honda Gold Wing may have an ideal seat height of 740mm, but it's a wide seat and the bike weighs a hefty 405kg - that's not something short legs want to be supporting...

Low motorcycle seat height: Naked

Ducati’s Monster is a classic and the newly designed 696+ continues the dynasty. It’s light at 186kg has a low seat height of 770mm and makes 80bhp, all ideal qualities for shorties and newbies alike. Even though it’s the entry level Monster it still comes with a slipper clutch, Brembo radial brakes and the Ducati name on the tank for bragging rights. Ducati offer a large range of stylish “Logomania” panels so you can easily swap the original bodywork and give your Monster a unique look.

If you’re looking for an alternative to the popular Monster, then BMW's F800R is well worth a look. With a seat height of 775mm and weight of 202kg the Bavarian bike is perfectly aimed at its rivals. Its parallel-twin engine produces 87bhp and manages an incredible 190 miles on its 16 litre tank, making it very frugal. With a list of optional extras and solid build quality you can’t go wrong. Looks great in their (optional extra) Motorsport colours.

Click here to see our Ducati Monster 696 review

Click here to see our BMW F800R review

Sportsbikes with low seat heights

Kawasaki’s Ninja 250R is a great baby sportsbike. The 33bhp Ninja is perfect for learning your riding craft on, and makes more sense than castrating a full blown sportsbike. Its low seat height (790mm), low weight (169kg) and high bars give you a feeling of control, whether it’s tackling back lanes or town riding. At £4549 it’s nearly £900 more expensive than Honda’s CBR 250, however, we prefer the Ninja's looks.

The gap between the Ninja 250R and a Supersport bike can be a big one. However, Kawasaki’s ER-6f fills this perfectly. Ok, so it's not a superbike but it's a sporty naked with full fairing and great road manners. With a seat height of 790mm, slender waist and low weight (204kg) it makes for a perfect beginners sports bike. The 649cc parallel-twin engine produces 72bhp and gives a wide spread of power. It’s comfortable riding position and wide bars means it’s great for town riding, back road blasts and even touring. With a Ninja style fairing for 2011, petal discs, side exit exhaust, Japanese build quality, low price (£5999), low running costs and cheap insurance (group 10) it becomes a very attractive bike for anyone.

However, if you have to have the latest Supersport 600, then Suzuki’s GSX-R 600 is your best bet. With the lowest seat height in its class at 810mm, it’s also the lightest at 187kg. This years GSX-R600 also boasts Big Piston Forks and Brembo monoblock calipers, plus a mode switch to calm the power delivery. The GSX-R600 would make for an excellent first ‘big’ bike. Only the price of £8799 might make you think twice.

Click here to see our Kawasaki Ninja 250R review

Click here to see our Kawasaki ER-6f review

Click here to see our Suzuki GSX-R600 review

Low seat height sports tourer

For a great all-rounder the GSX650F is hard to beat. The 650cc four-cylinder engine has been tweaked for good midrange power delivery which makes it a good engine for road riding. With a seat height of 790mm and wide bars the bike is a breeze to hustle down country lanes and more than comfortable to tour on. One thing to take into consideration is it’s a little heavy at 241kg.

BMW’s F800 ST Touring is another great bike that is somewhat overlooked. With a seat height of 760mm when using the optional extra low seat (£170), wet weight of 209kg and a cracking 800cc parallel-twin engine plus a host of standard features including ABS, heated grips, cruising range indicator and power socket. The F800 ST will cosset you from just-passed beginner to capable all-rounder road rider. The only slight fly in the ointment is the price; at a wince-inducing £8,650 OTR. It’s not cheap, but it is brilliant.

Click here to see our Suzuki GSX650F review

Click here to see our BMW F800ST review

Cruiser with low seats

Think of a cruiser and the chances are you’ll think Harley Davidson. If you are on the lookout for something in this range then Harley’s 883 Iron fits the brief perfectly. With a seat height of 735mm and a weight of 251kg, it’s one of Harley’s more manageable and accessible bikes with 50bhp of easy V-Twin power. Looks best in Black Denim.

If Harley isn't your thing, then Kawsaki’s VN900 Custom is designed with the same Sportster market in mind. It has a lower seat height than the Harley at 685mm but weighs more at 278kg and actually costs more at £7149 compared with the 883’s £6699.

Click to see our Harley Davidson 883 Iron review

Click to see our Kawasaki VN900 review

Classic motorcycles for short people

Triumph are known for their classic-styled modern bikes. The new Bonneville has been cleverly engineered to look like the 70’s classic but with modern day technology including fuel injection, lightweight alloys and modern chassis. The Bonneville has a low, narrow seat (740mm), is cheap to buy (£5999), cheap to run and cheap to insure (insurance group 10).

Kawasaki has also followed in Triumph's footsteps, producing the W800, a classic looking bike with a modern fuel-injected engine and disc brake. There isn’t much between the two models so price and style will be the final decider with the W800 costing £6649.

Click to see our Triumph Bonneville review

Click to see our Kawasaki W800 review