When you see lists of motorcycles for tall riders, they're almost always consist of adventure touring or dual sport bikes. But not all tall riders want to ride these types of motorcycles. Just like not all short riders want to ride tiny cruisers like the Honda Rebel 300.
Sure, there are some modifications you can make to adjust a shorter bike that you absolutely love. The aftermarket is brimming with suspension and seat upgrades that can raise just about any motorcycle to a more comfortable level. Or you could simply check out a sport bike that comes with a taller seat and suspension from the factory, making it tailor-made for taller riders.
Updated August 2023: Riders come in all shapes and sizes, and for those of us that are on the taller side, there are plenty of sport bike options. This article has been updated with pros and cons for each model to help you decide which bike might be the best fit for you.
1 Yamaha YZF-R1 - 33.7 inches
The Yamaha YZF-R1 is one of the most loved sport bikes for its impressive performance capabilities. The expertly tuned engine practically purrs as you twist the throttle and bring it to life. Once seated, riders will appreciate the M-model's Ó¦hlins suspension that smooths out the ride for maximum comfort. With a seat height of 33.7 inches, there is plenty of distance between the saddle and the ground for riders with long legs. In addition, the seat has different positions to choose from, which can increase the distance between the seat and the handlebars. This creates more space for your upper body and arm length in the rider triangle.
Pros
- Exceptional high performance engine
- Riders will appreciate its smooth handling
- Sports a beautiful, flawless design
Cons
- Doesn't come cheap
- A little heavier than others on this list
- It is practically useless on anything less than a fine piece of tarmac
2 BMW S 1000 RR - 33 inches
While the BMW S 1000 RR is listed as having a seat height of 33 inches, this is adjustable. This makes it perfect for all the tall riders out there because you can immediately set it to your perfect height without buying aftermarket parts or doing modifications. In true BMW fashion, the features and technology are next level, for example, the cockpit is one of the nicest on the market, while riding you have every piece of information you could ever want within sight.
Pros
- A powerful 999cc inline-four engine
- Comes loaded with electronics
- BMW's design sense is second to none
Cons
- Feels stiff for everyday use
- Lack of an electronically adjustable suspension setup
- A tad bit expensive compared to the competition
3 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R - 32.9 inches
Join "team green" with the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R and get one of the highest seat heights in the sport bike category. What makes the Ninja ZX-10R different are the superbike capabilities and technology wrapped up in a rider-friendly package. Look for a newer model because it comes with a ton of improvements and updates from older models. Unfortunately, its seat height makes an already intimidating sport bike even less approachable.
Pros
- A whole lot more affordable than most of the competitors
- You get race-tuned Showa suspension as standard
- Well-designed aerodynamic style
Cons
- Lacks the bling that other sports bikes have
- Feels dated
- Its factory kit parts are way too expensive
4 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade - 32.8 inches
The Honda CBR1000RR is a bike made to compete with the powerful V-4 superbikes. It is one of the few street-legal sport bikes that comes with this much track technology. The handling and engine response is truly impressive. With all the trickle-down race features, it should be no surprise that the seat is as high as it is. One drawback is the handlebar placement, like most sport bikes it puts a lot of pressure on your wrists.
Pros
- Feels like a purposefully built bike
- The engine feels extremely refined
- Well thought-through ergonomics
Cons
- Lack of color options
- May feel a bit heavy for the lighter riders
5 Energica Ego - 31.9 inches
Electric motorcycles are tailor-made for the track. They're all torque and brutal speed. So what, if you run out of juice a lot quicker, and it takes longer to fill it up. You're not riding it cross-country. Such is the case with Energica's Ego. It's a performance-oriented electric motorcycle, with some impressive specs. It delivers an equivalent of 171 horsepower and 164 pound-feet of torque, and because the seat high is almost 32 inches, it's just right for the taller riders among us. It's also one of the few electric motorcycles that actually looks like a sport bike.
Its range is one of the better ones for an EV, a combined highway and street figure of 160 miles is solid. And even though it's superfast, as most electric bikes are, it's limited to 150 mph. Having said that, 150 mph is nothing to sneeze at, especially at the track, where this bike should live 24/7.
Pros
- Offers one of the most exciting power deliveries on this list
- Ease of riding
- Handling is a charm, maybe even the best!
Cons
- Definitely one of the heavier bikes on this list
- May feel a bit heavy for the lighter riders
- Seat height isn't the most accommodating
6 Ducati Panigale V4 R - 32.7 inches
Ducati knows a thing or two about fast motorcycles. Maybe you haven't heard, but they've won a race or two in their day. Swing a leg over and feel the aggressively curved shaping of the tank in front of you and the tail behind you. Twist the throttle and feel the Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine purr.
This bike isn’t just about performance, though. What truly makes Ducati bikes unique is their incredible design. Just sitting parked, they make a bold statement and turn heads. The only drawback of the Panigale is the high cost of ownership. Purchase and maintenance will burn a hole in your pocket. But make no mistake, it'll surely give your heart a daily dose of thrills, and make your garage look like a fine art museum in the process.
Pros
- Comes with a sophisticated electronics package
- It's a looker!
- Ride, performance and handling are all class leading
Cons
- Expensive
- High ownership cost
- The engine heats up more than the sun!
7 MV Agusta F3 - 32.68 inches
There aren't too many three-cylinder motorcycles out there. Triumph's got a bunch. Yamaha has a few models as well. But it's MV Agusta's F3 that really burns up the track. It also has one of the taller seats, at 32.68 inches, which is perfect for those riders that are too cramped on shorter bikes.
This fancy triple puts out a scorching 147 hp, which results in roughly 150 mph. It comes in three models, the ROSSO, RR and RC. It has class-leading electronics and technology too. There's the top-of-the-line inertial platform with cornering ABS and traction control. The cockpit is outfitted with a large TFT display which includes several different rider modes, and because MV Agusta knows that you'll be taking this bike to the track, they made sure its safety features, namely its continental ABS system, won't lock up on you anywhere, especially in corners.
Pros
- Equipped with carbon fiber wings, strakes and shrouds
- Offers great value even though it's technically a middleweight
- The inline-three likes to rev high
Cons
- It costs even more than some of the supersports
- High cost of ownership
- The instrument cluster could do with an upgrade
8 Suzuki GSX-R1000 - 32.5 inches
The GSX-R lineup produced by Suzuki is a lineup of truly impressive machines. However, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 stands tall above them all, with a seat height of 32.5 inches. Its affordability and riding comfort make this motorcycle stand out from other similar liter bikes. And despite having an aggressive rider triangle position, your lower back won’t scream at you, the way it will when riding other sport bikes.
While Suzuki updates their motorcycles at what seems like glacial speed, it is hard to discount this Gixxer because it performs so well. And despite the tall seat, Suzuki managed to create a well-balanced, fast and universally adored motorcycle made especially for carving up corners.
Pros
- We are big fans of its sporty looks
- It is one of the most easy-to-ride bikes on this list
- Feels like a well-balanced bike even when you're not on the track
Cons
- Lacks some of the rider aids others come standard with
- Stiff suspension setup
- Tough to pick over its rivals
9 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R - 31.5 inches
The Ninja is a name that carries significant weight and history. Kawasaki first introduced this legend in the 80s, and it has been a resounding success for the manufacturer ever since. And taller riders, shouldn't discount the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R too quickly.
Sure, its seat height is a couple of inches lower than the taller sport bikes on this list. However, finding comfort is about more than just finding a bike with a tall seat. Sometimes, a lower seat on a sport bike works because the rest of the bike is so large. Sitting on the Ninja ZX-14R, the seat is not noticeably high, however, both the seat and the bike itself are very wide. The sheer size and weight of the bike make it an ideal choice for larger and taller riders.
Pros
- The stock seat offers good comfort
- It is a decent city bike too
- The throttle response is addictive
Cons
- It is dated
- Way too heavy to go crazy around the corners
- The bike is way too wide for our liking
10 Suzuki Hayabusa - 31.5 inches
Suzuki is also no stranger to legendary motorcycles. Because there's just no beating Suzuki's mythical Hayabusa. It's been through several generations and multiple changes. And though its looks are as divisive today, as they were when it was first introduced, it remains, at its core, brutally fast.
Similar to the Ninja ZX-14R, the Suzuki Hayabusa is a physically large motorcycle. The two bikes have the same seat height, giving them a similar stance. The engine is large and powerful, with a reputation for holding the title of fastest production bike for many years. When it comes down to it, these two bikes are well-matched rivals. Which one you choose will depend on your personal design preferences and comfort. If you find that other motorcycles feel too small and dainty underneath you, then the ZX-14R and Hayabusa will have the necessary heft to feel substantial and well-proportioned.
Pros
- Signature Busa acceleration
- Superlative braking
- It is still competitively priced
Cons
- The clutch feels too heavy
- It just feels uncomfortable in traffic
- Smaller riders will not like its intimidating stance