When riding motorcycles being tall is a downfall, with most motorcycles being designed for the average person it leads to uncomfortable riding positions for tall riders. This causes tall riders to not enjoy their ride but always being waiting for that next stop so they can relax and stretch out. (editor’s note: check out our guide on the essential motorcycle gear for tall riders)
What to look for in a Touring Motorcycle for Tall Riders
There are a few things that you need to look for when researching the best touring motorcycle for a tall rider. Comfort is number one, generally a touring motorcycle is designed for traveling large distances so an ideal seat height is important for tall riders, but you don’t want too high of a seat that makes it uncomfortable to reach the pavement during a stop. You won’t want to stop when riding a comfortable motorcycle, this is when fuel capacity becomes important, by having a large fuel capacity you can stop when you want to not when the motorcycle needs refueled. With modern motorcycles, security and safety is a very important need. Most modern touring motorcycles are equipped with large brake discs to allow the shortest stopping distances possible. But, when stopping so quickly, brake lock up becomes a possibility. This is why you will notice some of the best designed bikes will come with ABS, ABS doesn’t allow shorter stopping distances but will keep your brakes from locking up and allow you to keep control of your motorcycle no matter how hard you brake. Along with ABS some of the higher end motorcycles are now equipped with traction control, so no matter what the conditions you will not spin the rear wheel. These are only a few of the things to look for when buying a touring motorcycle for tall riders, so make sure you take each one for a test drive to ensure that you find the best fit for your size.
We have taken these things into consideration and came up with a list of the 5 best touring motorcycles for tall riders, check them out below.
BMW R1200GS
The new R1200GS is the latest example of a motorcycle that has been defining travel enduro’s for over 32 years. At the twist of the throttle the 1200cc engine that this motorcycle is equipped with puts an amazing 125hp to the pavement. With uniform power and great torque this engine provides all the power needs for a large tall rider. From the factory this motorcycle has a seat height of 33 ½” which is perfect for taller riders. But this motorcycle has the ultimate design for taller riders, not only is the seat adjustable but so are the footrests, passenger seat, brake and gear shift levers, and also the handlebars. This allows taller riders to optimize the adjustments of all these controls to provide the most comfortable ride for their height.
Suzuki V-Strom
With a seating height of 33.1” this bike is best suited for tall riders that are looking for a comfortable ride. With a smooth fuel injected DOHC v-twin this engine will provide you with all the power you will ever need while providing excellent fuel mileage during those long rides. This motorcycle has a slim seat to tank joining area which allows riders to comfortably reach the pavement when you hit those red lights. Options that make this motorcycle shine are the adjustable windscreen, which adjusts not only for angle but also height, and the ABS and traction control that will help give you a safe ride during the most adverse riding conditions.
Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro
If you not only like to be comfortable while riding but also want to look good doing it, than this bike is for you. With amazing Italian design, a 1200cc Testastretta DVT engine and 30 litre fuel tank this motorcycle will take you anywhere you want to go in amazing style. This motorcycle provides its riders with an excellent seat height of 33 1/2”. It also contains more electronics than your local computer store, DucatiTraction Control, Ride By Wire, Ducati Wheelie Control, Semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension Evolution, hands free ignition, and buttons on your handlebars that allow you, via bluetooth to your smart phone, to answer calls and listen to music while you are riding, the only thing that is missing is an on board bathroom.
KTM Adventure R
With a motorcycle that comes standard with steel crash bars and adventure in it’s name you know it will be as comfortable off road as it is on road. With a fully filled fuel tank of 23 litres this motorcycle weighs in at 513 lbs which makes it one of the lightest bikes in its segment. With an 1195 cc engine this motorcycle is not only fast but it is also equipped with 320mm front disc and 268mm rear Brembo brake discs and Bosch 9ME C-ABS which will allow you to stop quickly in any conditions.
Kawasaki KLR650
While being the smallest displacement motorcycle(651cc) on our list it is not a slouch, with off road styling and great on road handling this motorcycle is a no nonsense bare bones touring motorcycle. With the tallest seat height of any bike in our list, at 35”, you will be using every drop of fuel in its 22 litre fuel tank before having to stop and fill up. With a factory 12 month warranty and the choice of an optional Kawasaki Protection Plus you can choose between plans that offer up to four years of unlimited miles/hours protection for worry free riding.
As you have seen in our list of Best Touring Motorcycles for Tall Riders, dual purpose enduro style motorcycles all have tall seat heights. With a tall seat height and ample room to move around while riding these motorcycles are the best choice for tall riders, and remember the best part of an enduro style motorcycle is you will leave no road or trail untouched while you are riding.
