Adventure Motorcycles for Short Riders, BMW F700GS, Tiger 800XRX

In the market for an adventure motorcycle? Short in height? I have a few recommenations for a few bikes to check out. Discussion and experiences with the BMW F700GS, Triumph Tiger 800 XRX, F800GS, R1200RT, R9T, Versys x300 and more.

Do you have any suggestions for low seat height Enduro/Adventure style motorcycles? Comment Below!

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[starlapenner]

I know this video is getting old but i still found it helpful! i'm 5'1 with a 28.5" inseam. I would love if you could do an updated video on this issue!!

[Daebak_RT]

I thankful that I found your video...I m 5'3...my dad always says I m too short for riding a motorcycle...but it does not stop me from following my dream of riding a motorcycle.

[marcinpiak]

Hi Cherrie Bee, I totally agree with you. I'm 5' 8", inside leg 30". Now I'd love a VStrom or Versys 650, but I'm on tiptoes for both of them (I'd be happy on the balls of my feet). The Tiger 800 would be okay, but unlike you, I'm not a great fan of the triple engine. The larger BMW's are too expensive for me, so I'm stuck with looking at a G650GS single, which I know is going to be a bit gutless for me. About time manufacturers realised that not everyone riding their bikes is almost 6' tall or taller.
Ride safe always.

[wildforg]

Triumph tiger low version straight from the factory plus you still can move seat height up and down 20mm. It's better on road than the bmw Gs models

[jasonshortphd]

I am 5’8”, and my Tiger 800 is the max I can ride. I have a 29” inseam, but the problem is where the weight is on the Tiger. It is all up high. So any little lean means you have to use a LOT of leg strength to get the back back to center or you are going down. It’s SUPER smooth once you get rolling. Just just fine that top heavy really freaks me out from time to time. Mine in a 2014, and I have heard the newer ones have addressed the weight a bit by moving the engine down, but I haven’t been able to try one of them.

[Plasmo]

Concise and to the point. Well delivered. Bravo. Chimes were fine BTW

[yepme]

The wind chimes are soothing, it is not overpowering your voice.

[wflpmzo]

I'm like 5'1" and 95 lbs lol. Tiny. Been riding Honda Hawks, Yamaha Virago and Honda CB. I've sold two because I've out grown them. Still ride the Hawk. So it's time for a serious upgrade as my style and riding experience have increased--I am ready for the BMW R nine T or Pure, tho I know I need to sit on both bikes and get a real feel before making a commitment. I plan to custom it out by making some modifications to design to fit cafe racer style...lower seat height to match inseam of legs w/ out sacrificing the performance. So you're video covering seat height (proportions) as well as your experience as a short person handling a bigger bike has been super informative and very helpful. You helped me to narrow down my choices. Appreciate all your good contents! Thank you for posting.

[winstonwinston]

Great Review! Im 5'4 and having a hellva time finding an ADV bike that will fit!

[damian]

Im 5ft4 and i apreciate your video. Thank you.

[martaestefanyriveramorales]

Why am i watching this im not even short.. lol. Love your videos :)

[michaellovell]

I'm 5'7" with a 28" inseam, and there are not many bikes I can't ride. I don't know of any that I just can't ride, in fact. Taller bikes are more challenging to ride, but that doesn't mean I can't ride them. You can drop a short a bike, even if you're experienced, but the more experienced you are, the less likely it becomes. The likelihood that you will drop your bike increases when it's taller and therefore more challenging to manage, but once more, that doesn't mean you can't ride it. The only issue is how badly you want to ride it. Every new rider should ideally start on a bike that allows them to put both feet flat on the ground, but should avoid doing so as much as possible. Try not to put a foot down EVER, and when you do, only put one foot down. The reason you want to be able to get both feet down when learning is to avoid dropping the bike if you make a mistake, but using both feet to support the bike should be avoided as much as possible. You should also try not to ever put a foot down until the bike is completely stopped. When you get good at balancing the bike when it is barely moving, you'll hardly ever have to put a foot down at all, and when you do, one will be enough. When you don't need both feet, you can hang off one side or the other to get one foot down on a tall bike. If you practice until this becomes second nature on a shorter bike, you'll find it much less challenging to ride increasingly taller bikes. There's always a risk of dropping it, but the advantages of taller bikes can be well worth the risk. You just have to work your way up gradually while you hone the skills that will decrease the risk.

[chazlyle]

You may want to check out the 2022 Indian FTR. They lowered the seat height for this upcoming model year to 30.7” and that thing rips. New this year will be the lean angle sensitive traction control and ABS and wheelie control, etc at well.

You won’t get bored of it quickly! A lot of peeps are saying they’ve been riding for years and the FTR reawakened their love of riding all over again.

✌🏼

[chuckdiego]

Being short 5'3" makes it difficult to find a bike that fits. I purchased the BMW 700 low. The bike is Very comfortable in handles well through the canyons. Like cherry says it's not exciting it's only downfall is that it is missing 20 hp for the fun factor. I purchased a standard street triple for a more exciting ride. They now have a street triple low! If I was only going to have one motorcycle I believe the street triple low would be my choice. I also have the new T120 that is awesome! Ride on!

[mikefrancais]

Great commentary! I'm 67 inches and a 29 inseam. I have the F700GS and love it. Also have the new G340R...awesome fun!

[jsprite]

Most BMW models have not just lower seats, but also lower suspensions as well.

[tketsuru]

The Vstrom 650 xt does have an low seat option, thought you might have tried it oh well. Descriptions does say "reduced by approximately 20mm". I'm about 5.6/7. Though for any beginners i do recommend bikes like the rebel 500(then again thats the only bike i ever used :P) the seat height is 27"

[danytheunicorn]

Bike manufacturers design adventure bikes in 3 main categories: Hard enduro riders, All-rounders, and city/road biased. So it is almost impossible to design a proper enduro/adv bike for short people because you need that Ground clearance and suspension travel to traverse through rocky, steep, gnarly terrain. However short people can get luckier with All-rounder and City/road biased Adv bikes. Since they don´t need that much clearance nor suspension, they can be lower which benefits handling in urban and road environments, specially while turning and on high speeds. With this said, there is always a ton of mods you can do to any bike in order to make it lower, and if that isn´t enough, you can always compensate with skills. Take some classes and a professional will most likely help you get on taller bikes and ride them like nothing. Stopping and starting are really the hard parts.

But as a short rider myself, it is never going to be comfy to ride a tall bike, not reaching the ground with your feet is just psychologically weakening, So I would personally own 2 or 3 bikes depending on where I´m going: A proper Enduro bike to smash in the woods (or a gnarly rally/adv bike), a commuter bike (low and easy, like a scooter/street rod/scrambler), and then a cruiser for long journeys. That way you don´t compromise on comfort because you only ride enduro in the weekends for 4 hours or so.

Hope this helps:)

[minisalim]

I am a short girl with 5'2, but i really want to ride a bike, i dont know how bcaz how i will balance with my leg.

[MyYTwatcher]

BMW´s boxers have huge advantage of very low center of gravity. Although heavy they are easily maneuverable.