How Low Can You Go?
Balancing a tall motorcycle at a stoplight can feel intimidating. That’s why low-seat bikes matter. They bring comfort, control, and confidence into focus. Riders don’t have to think twice about planting their feet or steadying the bike. Instead, they can simply enjoy the ride. It's time to examine the beloved motorcycles that do things a bit differently.
1. Can-Am Ryker
The Can-Am Ryker's innovative three-wheel design represents a bold reimagining of motorcycle engineering. It delivers game-changing stability, opening up new possibilities for rider-friendly features. This breakthrough platform has an incredibly low 23.6-inch seat height that enables easy ground reach.
2. Honda Rebel 300
For many aspiring riders, concerns about motorcycle seat height can be a significant barrier to entry. The Honda Rebel 300 directly addresses this challenge with its thoughtfully structured 27.2-inch seat height. A 286cc single-cylinder engine drives it.
3. Yamaha V Star 250
At the heart of the bike is a 249cc air-cooled V-twin engine. It isn’t built for speed, but for smoothness and reliability. Shifting is made simple with a 5-speed transmission, and the relaxed riding posture gives it that easygoing cruiser feel.
2022 Yamaha V Star 250 by Wow Motorcycles Inventory
4. Suzuki TU250X
The Suzuki TU250X comes with a purposeful 249cc single-cylinder engine, but it's the engineering beyond the powerplant that truly shines. The bike's 30.3-inch seat height converts technical specifications into real-world accessibility. It is fun to ride in urban settings and on winding roads.
5. Kawasaki Vulcan S
This well-known beast is a mid-sized cruiser motorcycle powered by a 649cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine derived from the Ninja 650. It delivers around 61 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 62.4 Nm of torque with a 705 mm seat height.
6. Harley-Davidson Iron 883
Among cruiser motorcycles, the Harley-Davidson Iron 883 stands apart with its low 25.7-inch seat height, setting a benchmark for accessibility in the category. This Sportster model's ground-friendly stance is combined with its sturdy 883cc air-cooled Evolution V-twin engine.
7. Indian Scout Bobber
Talk about an ultra-accessible 25.6-inch seat level. The Indian Scout Bobber welcomes riders of shorter stature to experience the thrill of American motorcycling. This stripped-down beauty backs up its inviting stance with a muscular 1133cc V-twin engine.
Bob Adams from Amanzimtoti, South Africa on Wikimedia
8. Honda Shadow Phantom
After years of tiptoeing around intimidating cruisers, discovering the Honda Shadow Phantom will feel like coming home. Its welcoming 25.8-inch seat height instantly puts feet firmly on the ground. The bike possesses the 745cc V-twin engine, which works brilliantly.
9. Yamaha XV950R
While many cruisers tower above 32 inches at the seat, the Yamaha XV950R breaks the mold with a low profile of just 27.2 or 30.7 inches from the ground. This accessibility doesn't compromise performance, thanks to the 942cc air-cooled V-twin engine.
Yamaha XV950R (2020) Exterior and Interior by hirudov
10. Ducati Scrambler Icon
At the heart of the Ducati Scrambler Icon's rider-focused design lies its 30.7-inch seat height. This opens doors for riders of varied statures, delivering the stable footing that breeds confidence and ultimately unlocks the unrestrained joy of piloting.
Frank Schwichtenberg on Wikimedia
11. Triumph Street Twin
This one offers a blend of retro styling and modern performance with a 5-speed gearbox, fuel injection, and electronic throttle control. The seat height of the Triumph Street Twin typically ranges from 765 mm to 780 mm, depending on the model year.
George E. Koronaios on Wikimedia
12. BMW R NineT Pure
For riders prioritizing confident footing and ground control, the BMW R NineT Pure delivers accessibility with its advertised 30.9-inch seat height, although actual measurements indicate a slightly higher 31.3 inches. Despite this slight variance, the motorcycle serves substantial performance.
BMW R NineT Pure most affordable in Heritage range, but still a worthy purchase. by The Bike Show
13. Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone
Every element of the Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone speaks to purposeful engineering evolution. The transverse V-twin 744cc engine placement enables the bike's accessible 30.3-inch seat height, while the sophisticated shaft drive system replaces traditional chain components, eliminating routine maintenance concerns.
14. Royal Enfield Meteor 350
Royal Enfield crafted the Meteor 350 with accessibility as their north star. The brand deliberately positions its seat at a welcoming 30.1 inches from the ground. This architecture comes paired with classic cruiser aesthetics and a responsive 349cc single-cylinder powerplant.
15. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
Many cruisers force riders to choose between accessible height and substantial power. Then enters the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic, which defies this compromise. It's remarkably low 26.8-inch seat height delivers confident ground reach for riders of varied statures.
16. Honda Fury
The Honda Fury's aggressive 1312cc V-twin engine and radical chopper styling, with its raked-out front end, suggest an uncompromising ride; yet, Honda engineered surprising accessibility into their first production chopper. The bike has a modest 26.9-inch seat height.
17. Indian Chief
Since its legendary debut in 1922, this beast has carved an enduring legacy in American motorcycling. A century later, this iconic cruiser still champions rider-friendly design, with its accommodating 26-inch seat height making it a natural choice for shorter riders.
18. Yamaha MT-03
For some shorter riders, finding a motorcycle that fits can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. That's where the Yamaha MT-03 changes everything, combining a rider-friendly 30.7-inch seat height with a punchy 321cc parallel-twin engine.
Retired electrician on Wikimedia
19. Kawasaki Ninja 400
This Ninja features a 6-speed manual transmission and a fuel tank capacity of 14 liters. The Kawasaki Ninja 400 has a total weight of 168 kg and a seat height of 785 mm. Its suspension includes telescopic front forks and a rear swingarm.
20. Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight
Born from Harley's innovative 1948 introduction of the iconic "peanut" fuel tank, the Forty-Eight carries this heritage into modern cruiser design. The motorcycle's Evolution V-twin 1200cc powerplant delivers classic performance, while its seat height of 27.3 inches echoes the brand's commitment.
