Motorcycles are a form of transport and a hobby for millions across the world, but they have their limitations. Bikes have become much more comfortable in the past few decades, but comfort is still an issue if you’re a taller rider. So what can you do if you want to enjoy your bike but are worried about the height restrictions?
Fortunately, the motorcycle industry has some great examples out there of bikes that will suit tall riders perfectly. These are mostly in the adventure and cruiser categories, where comfort and long-distance riding are the priority. These bikes might not be as exciting as your sports bike options, but for the taller rider, they are models you can use every day and on long-distance rides.
To give you a benchmark before we look at the best bikes, our bike specialist is just over 6 ft 3, so when we talk about taller riders, that’s the type of rider we are focusing on here. If you’re under this height, all the below should be ideal for you, and if you’re slightly over, it’s probably best to test ride and see if they are comfortable enough.
So what are the best bikes for tall riders in 2023? We’ve looked at different styles, sizes, and budgets to suggest something for everyone.
Honda CB500X: From $7,199
First up is the Honda CB500X. This bike is based on the long-running Honda 500 twin, and it’s one of Honda’s adventure bike range. Performance on the CB500X comes from a 471cc engine, with 50 bhp and just under 32 lb-ft of torque.
Adventure bikes are one of the best categories for taller riders due to their raised design. The CB500X comes with 7 inches of ground clearance and a 33-inch seat height, accommodating any riders with longer legs. Adventure bikes are designed to be ridden standing alongside seated, so the raised handlebar design helps taller riders.
The 2023 CB500X comes with plenty of Honda technology. You get the latest Honda HISS security system, an upgraded LED light package, and an LCD display. Heated grips and knuckle guards will help with serious offroading, and the upgraded 296mm disc brakes are a welcome addition.
Overall, for just over $7,000, the CB500X is both a great daily option for taller riders and a surprisingly capable offroader. It lacks some comforts and technologies that you’ll see from premium manufacturers, but the price tag is incredibly competitive against its rivals.
The Good
- Ground clearance and seat position suit taller riders
- 2023 upgrades to brakes and lighting and welcome additions
The Bad
- Can’t compete with rivals like BMW in technology
Honda CRF300L: From $5,349
We’re sticking with Honda for our next choice – the CRF 300L. This is the perfect choice for taller beginners, and it’s a bike that’s at home on the road or on the trail. This dual sport motorcycle produces 23 bhp and 17 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty of performance for off-road riding.
Like the CB500X, this is a bike made for the upright riding position, and with over 11 inches of ground clearance, it’s ideal if you’re tall. The seat is also almost 35 inches from the ground, so you won’t feel like you’re sitting on a Harley here.
Technology is limited here, but you shouldn’t expect too much at a starting price of $5,349. You get a digital instrument cluster as standard, but all the improvements have been made to handling over comfort. The 2023 CRF300L is 9 lbs lighter than its predecessor, weighing in at only 309lb total, so handling is simple for riders of any experience level.
Overall, the CRF300L isn’t going to be suitable for longer journeys, but as a short-distance commuter bike, or a weekend ‘toy’, it’s great for taller riders. For less than $6,000, even with some options, this is one of the bikes to consider if you’re a taller rider looking for their first motorcycle.
The Good
- Great value
- Easy to manage if you’re a newer rider
The Bad
- Not suitable for longer journeys
- Basic technology
Kawasaki Versys 650 : From $8,899
Next up is the Kawasaki Versys 650. The Versys is an interesting bike, as it doesn’t truly fit into any of the standard bike categories. Some design elements come from adventure bikes; in some ways, this is just like a sports bike. As a result, it’s hard to compare the Versys 650 to anything else, but it’s definitely a bike that will suit taller riders.
As the name suggests, the Versys comes with a 650cc engine, producing 65 bhp and 45 lb-ft of torque. With this performance, we think the Versys 650 is a bike suited to more experienced riders, and the price tag of nearly $9,000 is a good indication of that too.
The Versys isn’t as tall as some of the bikes on this list, but a 33-inch seat height will suit most taller riders. The touring elements of the Versys 650 make this bike surprisingly comfortable for longer journeys, even with a rear passenger. It is heavy, though, at over 480 lbs, so tight handling is a challenge.
Overall, the Versys 650 is a great all-around option, but it never excels in any one area. If you’re looking for a bike that will suit every occasion, this is one of the best choices, and at less than $10,000, there’s a lot of value in the Versys 650.
The Good
- One of the most versatile bikes you can buy
- Solid performance
The Bad
- Too heavy for newer riders
Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE: From $15,845
Our next motorcycle is a very different machine from what we’ve looked at previously. The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE is part of the British company’s ‘Modern Classics’ collection, combining an old-school design with modern parts.
The combination is slightly hit-and-miss, depending on your tastes – we really like the look of the Scrambler, but it could feel more retro. Performance is certainly modern, with an 8-valve parallel twin engine, producing 89 bhp and 81 lb-ft of torque.
For taller riders, the 34-inch seat height is excellent, and the five different riding modes make the 1200 XE as comfortable or focused as you need. According to Triumph, the Scrambler is built for adventure, but for us, it feels more at home as one of the best daily riders for taller owners.
Overall, the Scrambler 1200 XE is a lot of money for a bike that doesn’t offer incredible performance or a host of modern luxuries. That $15,845 pricetag is built upon the Triumph heritage and the Scrambler’s design, which won’t appeal to everyone, but for some owners, there’s no compromise.
The Good
- Plenty of performance
- Great looks (some of you won’t agree though)
The Bad
- The price
BMW R1250 GS from $17,995
The last motorcycle on our list is the BMW R1250 GS. This is the latest model in a long line of BMW’s boxer-engined adventure bikes and carries that reputation well. As the name suggests, the boxer engine in this bike hits 1254cc, producing 136 bhp, and 105 lb-ft of torque. This makes it comfortably the most powerful bike on our list.
For taller riders, the adventure-style design of the R1250 GS is ideal. The seat height can be adjusted between 33.5 and 34.2 inches, and the handlebars can be adjusted too. The R1250 GS is a heavy machine, though, at almost 550 lbs, so newer riders may want to look at other options.
Unlike the other bikes on this list, the R1250 is packed with technology. BMW has added a keyless start, a Bluetooth connection, USB chargers, and a heated seat. All this tech doesn’t come cheap, though, and the starting price of nearly $18,000 will put some of you off.
Overall, the R1250 GS is a more serious machine for those taller riders who want to explore all terrains. BMW has made some great moves recently with their updated lineup, but it’s good to see them still focusing on the type of bike that made them.
The Good
- More technology than you’ll need
- Adjustable seat and handlebars are great for taller riders
The Bad
- It could be too powerful for newer riders
What’s our pick for the best bike?
This is a difficult one, as the bikes on our list vary greatly. If we were looking at a lower-cost option, our motorcycle would probably be the Honda CB500X. The 2023 version has some great upgrades, and Honda doesn’t often put a foot wrong with their new models.
On the more expensive side, we’d favor the BMW 1250 GS here. At The Weekly Autos, we are fans of the Triumphs design, but the performance and technology of the BMW are too good to pass up.
If you want to find out more about other motorcycles we’ve covered, check out the links below:
The Best Honda Motorcycles For Beginners
How Many Harley-Davidson Dealerships Are In The USA?
