Who doesn’t like riding a grand, beautiful bike at high speed down a secluded road? We all do, don’t we? But what bike-riders of average heights never even think about is that tall bikers have difficulty fitting their body and legs to the bike’s ergonomics, which causes knee pain and discomfort when riding. For tall bikers, this is especially common with compact bikes, which have restricted flexibility for riders due to their short seats!
But does that mean tall people should be barred forever from riding bikes? Not at all! To meet the demands of tall riders, motorcycle makers now make special large models that have spacious seats with an optimal riding height that allows the user to modify their posture to a more comfortable position. Fortunately, the Indian market offers several such possibilities, and tall bike lovers now have multiple options to choose from!
When you choose a bike, we suggest that you go ahead and try out the bike you’re interested in to see how it fits you! You may be wondering what works and what doesn’t because we are all different in various ways so trying it out first will give you the basic idea about how comfortable the bike is for you.
While riding the bike, take into notice a few factors that we have mentioned below; these factors will help you choose the best bike that suits your heights and other specifics!
- Seat Height – People often associate overall height with seat height, but keep in mind your leg length is the more important factor here. Many people can be taller, yet depending on their leg length, they may still fit into the average seat height group.
- Handlebar Reach – The gap between the seat and the handlebars should enable you to sit up straight without hunching over, so choosing a cruiser bike can be optimal for you since they often feature a more stretched-out stance, which may be more comfortable for tall riders.
- Suspension and Chassis – A motorbike with a stronger suspension system can better handle increased height and weight, and in general, a larger and studier bike frame equals better comfort.
- Footpeg to Seat Distance – The distance between the footpegs and the seat dictates how much legroom is available and whether your legs will be cramped or comfy when riding for a long time!
- Customizable – If you discover a bike you really, really like, but it does not fit all of these criteria, attempt to locate one that is at least customizable because that allows you to change items like footpegs, handlebars, and more to your needs.
Taller riders often benefit from adventure bikes, touring bikes, and cruisers, which have longer frames, higher seat heights, and more suitable ergonomics, but there is a problem! All these bikes for tall people are made for high speed, and if the rider is not very trained in riding, an accident can easily occur. What’s more, due to the largeness of these bikes, any accident will cause more damage than a scooty or a small bike.
List of Best Bikes for Tall Riders in India
If you’re a rider above 6 feet, we have made a perfect list of the best bikes for tall riders for you! Just take a look below, and find out which one is your heart’s desire. However, as we have already mentioned before, never neglect safety and always check out the various bike insurance policies before you finally buy the bike!
1. Best Retro Bike – Triumph Scrambler 1200XE
We’ve gotten accustomed to the ever-popular retro bikes, which began with Triumph’s resurrected Bonnevillle in 2000. There are many variants inspired by 1960s classic scramblers, which Triumph pioneered in 2008 with the Triumph Bonneville Scrambler! All these motorcycles, with their larger wheels, longer suspension, higher bars, and so on, have all of the old-school throwback elegance of their counterparts, but with more legroom that taller riders will appreciate.
| Engine | 1200cc, l/c, DOHC triple |
| Power | 89bhp |
| Kerb weight | 230kg |
| Fuel capacity | 15 litres |
| Seat options | Yes |
Read Also: How to Travel Ladakh by Road From Electric Bike 2025
2. Best Trail Bike – Honda CRF300L Rally
The number of classic trail bikes is somehow diminishing after being so popular in the late twentieth century, however, this is not unexpected, after all, adventure bikes of today combine road comfort and performance at the same time. But remember, if you’re very tall and want a light, city-friendly dual-purpose bike, trail bikes are the answer, and fortunately, Honda has it covered with the CRF300L, an improvement to the previous CRF250L model.
| Engine | 286cc, l/c, sohc single |
| Power | 27bhp |
| Kerb weight | 153kg |
| Fuel capacity | 12.8 litres |
| Seat options | No |
3. Best Supermoto – Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono
Supermotos, which are essentially adapted for road and track with street wheels, tyres, and brakes, have a very specialized appeal among many! But there’s no denying that their lively, ultra-nimble performance will give anyone super terrific pleasure and that their high seats are ideal for taller riders. Right now, one of the latest models totally stands out in this field and that is Ducati’s all-new, single-cylinder Hypermotard 698.
| Engine | 659cc, l/c, single |
| Power | 77.5bhp |
| Kerb weight | 151kg |
| Fuel capacity | 12 litres |
| Seat options | Yes |
4. Best Adventure Bike – KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
The new generation of adventure bikes inspired by BMW’s initial 2002 R1150GS Adventure has revolutionized how big motorbikes maybe while being extremely appealing to taller riders! Nothing beats them for adaptability, which is why they remain so popular, but when it comes to sheer size and flair, KTM’s flagship 1290 Super Adventure R is the one to go for.
| Engine | 1301cc, l/c, DOHC V-twin |
| Power | 158bhp |
| Dry weight | 221 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 23 litres |
| Seat options | Yes |
5. Best Sports Bike – Yamaha YZF-R1
Pure sports motorcycles, with their tight racing sitting positions, low screens, and high footpegs, are arguably the least pleasant bikes for taller riders! However, having said that Yamaha YZF-R1 has truly blended ergonomics with road-friendly performance with enough space to accommodate taller riders.
| Engine | 998c, l/c, DOHC four |
| Power | 197bhp |
| Kerb weight | 201kg |
| Fuel capacity | 17 litres |
| Seat options | No |
One thing you should always remember, a sports bike can give you an extra adrenaline boost, and even though that is the whole point of riding these bikes, it also makes it accident prone. That’s the reason, our recommendation is that whenever you decide to buy a sports bike make sure you have a proper bike insurance in place! This is now very easy since you can buy a bike insurance online anytime you want.
Conclusion
Now that we have discussed all the best bikes for tall riders, it is time to give three helpful tips that will help you choose the best one for you!
- Skill level – experienced riders may feel more at ease with their toes barely touching the ground or with only one foot, novices may prefer to have both feet planted for better balance.
- Leg stance – a relaxed stance with foot pegs will result in a more pleasant riding experience, so never ever compromise with that.
- Windshield and Fairing – You may notice that ordinary windshields push airflow against your helmet rather than over it, generating discomfort and loudness, so make sure this problem is resolved before you ride your bike.
When it comes to choosing a motorbike for a tall person, you have lots of options, but that doesn’t mean you should just go out and buy one on a whim! Everyone’s body is different, and a bike even if it is particularly suitable for tall people may not be the best for you! Always make sure to go for a ride before you make your final decision because then you know which bike gives you the most comfort especially if you go for long bike rides!
