Our 5 Top Motorcycles for Taller Riders

Our 5 Top Motorcycles for Taller Riders

If you're taller than average, you might feel like your motorcycle choices are a bit limited. However, there are still plenty of fun and fast options that won't leave you with back pain.

 

Riders over six feet tall often struggle to find bikes accommodating their long limbs, as most motorcycles are designed for riders between 5'7" and 5'11". Adventure bikes are a popular recommendation for tall riders, but if that's not your style, there are other options out there.

 

Instead of fixating on seat height, pay attention to the distance between the seat and foot-pegs, as well as the reach and height of the handlebars. Trying out different bikes is the best way to figure out what suits you best, as flexibility varies among individuals. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:


KTM 1290 Super Adventure

KTM's Super Adventure showcases thoughtful details, offering an adjustable seat (860 mm / 875 mm), a screen with height adjustments, easily accessible air filter, and a top box suitable for the new remote key system. This premium adventure bike features a Euro 3 compliant liquid-cooled 1,301 V-Twin engine, delivering 158.2 bhp at 8,750 rpm and peak torque at 6,750 rpm.

 

Highlighted features include a steel tubular frame with an aluminum swingarm, Brembo brakes with Bosch cornering ABS, semi-active WP suspension with 200 mm travel, multiple ride modes, traction control with an off mode, cruise control, TPMS, engine bars, a side stand, an analogue/LCD dash, hand-adjustable screen (over 80 mm), LED cornering lights, LED indicators, and an assist and slipper clutch. Building on the 1190 Adventure, the 1290 version boasts a 106 cc larger engine, 11 bhp more power, 7 liters more fuel capacity, 70 miles more range, cornering lights, and an advanced electronics package.

 

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BMW S 1000 R

Super Nakeds offer a sports-oriented alternative for those seeking superbike performance with a roomier, upright riding position. Among the options, the BMW S1000R stands out as potentially the tallest and most versatile, featuring a standard seat height of 830mm and an optional high seat version at 850mm. This premium naked bike is powered by a Euro 5 compliant liquid-cooled 999 cc inline-four engine, generating 162.3 bhp at 11,000 rpm and peak torque at 9,250 rpm.

 

Key features include an aluminum frame and double-sided swingarm, dual 320 mm front discs with BMW four-piston calipers, a rear 220 mm disc with a Brembo single-piston caliper, cornering ABS system, adjustable 45 mm upside-down fork with 120 mm travel, adjustable rear shock with 117 mm travel, dynamic traction control, hill start control, multiple ride modes (Rain, Road, Dynamic), slipper clutch, LED lighting all around, and a 6-speed gearbox with a gear position indicator.

 

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Yamaha R1

Supersport bikes, while typically less comfortable for taller riders, still offer the ultimate in performance. The Yamaha R1, once considered compact, has evolved to become one of the roomiest in its class, featuring a seat height of 855mm. It's important to note that in the supersport category, seat heights may not directly translate to spacious riding positions. Characteristics like high and cramped pegs, low bar placements, and small screens are common, making it essential to personally test the fit to determine comfort. This premium sports bike, compliant with Euro 5 standards, is equipped with a liquid-cooled 998 cc inline-four engine, delivering 197.3 bhp at 13,500 rpm and peak torque at 11,500 rpm.

 

Notable features of the Yamaha R1 include a magnesium sub-frame, aluminum frame, swingarm, and tank, dual 320 mm front discs with four-piston calipers, a 220 mm rear disc with a Nissin single-piston caliper, 2-level cornering ABS with linked brakes, adjustable 43 mm KYB fork with 120 mm travel, adjustable KYB shock with 120 mm travel, launch control, slide control, wheelie control, traction control, slipper clutch, 3-level engine braking, 2-level up/down quickshifter, speed-sensitive steering damper, four ride modes, TFT dash, LED lighting all around, a 6-speed gearbox.

 

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Triumph Scramber 1200

The Triumph Scrambler 1200, holds the title for the tallest seat in its class at an impressive 870mm. This retro scrambler-style bike is equipped with a liquid-cooled 1,200 cc parallel-twin engine, delivering 88.8 bhp at 7,400 rpm and peak torque at just 3,950 rpm.

 

Key features include a steel tubular frame and aluminum swingarm, dual 320 mm front discs with Brembo M50 four-piston calipers, a 255 mm rear disc with a Brembo two-piston caliper, ABS with an off mode, adjustable 45 mm Showa upside-down fork with 200 mm travel, adjustable dual Ohlins piggyback shocks with 200 mm travel, multiple ride modes (Road, Rain, Off-Road, Sport, Custom), cruise control, traction control, a slip and assist clutch, a 2->2 stainless steel exhaust system, and a 6-speed gearbox with a gear position indicator.

 

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Yamaha YZF-R125

The Yamaha YZF-R125, often referred to as the 'mini R1,' is a popular choice for riders on a CBT Licence due to its MotoGP styling and advanced features, including a recent update with a TFT dash. Despite being designed for learners, its proportions are reminiscent of full-sized sports bikes like Yamaha's 600cc R6. While not exceptionally spacious, its 820mm seat height, the highest in its class, provides a relatively roomy feel for a 125. This premium learner-friendly sports bike is powered by a liquid-cooled 124.7 cc single-cylinder VVT engine, delivering 14.8 bhp at 9,000 rpm and peak torque at 8,000 rpm.

 

Key features include a new steel frame and aluminum swingarm, a 292 mm front disc with a four-piston caliper, a 220 mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper, an ABS system, a 41 mm KYB upside-down fork with 130 mm travel, a rear shock with 114 mm travel, an assist and slipper clutch, LED lighting both front and back, and an LCD dash with a personal greeting.
 

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Remember that choosing the right bike involves considering your riding style, preferences, and experience level. Take the time to explore different styles, sit on various bikes, and, most importantly, enjoy the journey of finding the perfect motorcycle for you!