Blog
Guide to the best motorcycles for tall riders and solutions for reaching the ground
Jan
The 10 best motorcycles for tall people: a practical guide to choosing without surprises
If you’re taller than average and wondering which motorcycles best suit your build, this guide will help you decide. Here, I review the most recommended options for tall riders—ADV/trail, touring, and some naked/cruiser bikes—and what to look for in terms of ergonomics: seat height, distance between footpegs and seat, handlebar position, and adjustability. I also include practical and discreet solutions that add centimeters to your grip on the ground, such as Upbikers (which add 4 cm: https://www.upbikers.com/tienda/upbikers/), useful for improving stability without invasive modifications to the motorcycle.
Why ADV and touring bikes are usually the best option
Adventure/trail and touring motorcycles typically offer higher seats and an upright riding position, providing more legroom and reducing the feeling of being cramped on long journeys. They also generally accommodate optional seats, offset footpegs, and adjustable handlebars. If you’re looking for a single recommendation, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure sets the standard for ergonomics and adjustability (more information at BMW Motorrad: https://www.bmw-motorrad.com/).
Top 10 motorcycles for tall riders (summary and links to the manufacturer)
- BMW R 1250 GS Adventure — adventure and a high seat, ideal for long legs. Learn more: https://www.bmw-motorrad.com/
- KTM 890 Adventure / 890 Adventure R — a trail bike with good ground clearance. More information: https://www.ktm.com/
- Ducati Multistrada V4 — sport-tourer with configurable ergonomics and optional seats. Learn more: https://www.ducati.com/
- Yamaha Ténéré 700 — a mid-size adventure bike with geometry designed for touring. Learn more: https://www.yamaha-motor.com/
- Honda Africa Twin (CRF1100L) — comfortable riding position and high seat available in various versions. Learn more: https://motorcycles.honda.com/
- BMW R 1250 RT / R 1250 RS — touring and sport-touring motorcycles with adjustable seats and a wide range of accessories. Learn more: https://www.bmw-motorrad.com/
- KTM 1290 Super Duke GT — sport/touring motorcycle with options to adapt footpegs and seat. More information: https://www.ktm.com/
- Ducati Streetfighter V4 — a high-performance naked bike with optional height-adjustable seats. Learn more: https://www.ducati.com/
- Naked bikes and high-seat cruisers — specific models vary by manufacturer; testing is key.
- Alternative models with customizable configuration — many brands offer kits and seats to increase comfort and height.
Comparative table: seat height and adaptation (approximate values)
| Model | Guy | Seat height (approx.) | Advantage for tall pilots | Common settings and accessories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW R 1250 GS Adventure | ADV / Adventure | 890–915 mm | Very high seat as standard; upright posture | High/adjustable seats, handlebars, footrests |
| KTM 890 Adventure / R | ADV / Trail | 875–900 mm | Large legroom and off-road handling | Seats of different heights, offset footrests |
| Ducati Multistrada V4 | Sport-tourer / ADV | 820–840 mm (adjustable) | Configurable ergonomics for long journeys | Optional seats, ergonomics kits |
| Yamaha Ténéré 700 | Trail | 875–880 mm | Designed for travelers with legroom | Seats, raised handlebars, footrests |
| Honda Africa Twin (CRF1100L) | Adventure | 850–870 mm | Comfortable posture and adjustment options | Adjustable seats, touring accessories |
| BMW R 1250 RT / RS | Touring / Sport-touring | 790–830 mm (adjustable) | Seats designed for long journeys | Seats, backrest, footrests |
| KTM 1290 Super Duke GT | Sport / Touring | 825–845 mm | Good space with adjustable footrests | Sport seats and footrests |
| Ducati Streetfighter V4 | Naked | 830–840 mm | Seat can be adapted for greater height | Optional seats and handlebars |
Practical tips for choosing and adapting a motorcycle if you are tall
- Prioritize ADV/trail and touring if your goal is more legroom and comfort on long journeys.
- Try the bike with equipment and panniers: the load changes the ergonomics and weight distribution.
- Consider optional seats, handlebar kits and offset footpegs or rearsets to gain ergonomics without sacrificing control.
- If you struggle to reach the ground at traffic lights, non-permanent solutions like Upbikers (which add 4 cm: https://www.upbikers.com/tienda/upbikers/) can improve confidence and stability when stopping.
- A practical option: combine a slightly higher seat with footrests further back to gain distance between hips and knees.
- Check out our selection of clothing and boots in larger sizes: a suitable outfit improves comfort and safety on the road.
Useful accessories and resources
To customize your motorcycle, look for manufacturers specializing in aftermarket seats, handlebar riser kits, offset footpegs, and panniers that don’t compromise ergonomics. Also, check each brand’s official website for original parts and factory accessories (BMW Motorrad, KTM, Ducati, Yamaha, Honda).
Do you want me to prepare something more specific?
I can prepare a detailed table with exact seat heights for each model and its variations (if you’d like, I can include direct links to each model’s page on the manufacturer’s website), or I can look for seat manufacturers and shops that cater to tall riders. Let me know which option you prefer, and I’ll prepare it.