Motorcycles For Tall Riders 

Motorcycles for Tall Riders: The Struggle is Real

Finding the right motorcycle as a tall rider can be a real challenge. As someone who stands at 6’6”, I know the struggle all too well. Recently, I came across a fellow rider on Instagram who is even taller—6’7”—and he’s been actively campaigning for motorcycle manufacturers to acknowledge the needs of taller riders, and you can visit his Instagram account here motorcyclesfortallridersnow

The Real Issue: Legroom, Not Just Seat Height

Many assume that a high seat height solves the problem for taller riders. While a taller seat helps, the real issue is the distance between the saddle and the foot pegs. If that space is too tight, long legs get cramped, leading to discomfort and pain, especially on long rides. The result? Knees that feel like they’re about to fall off.

Most modern motorcycles are built compact for handling and aerodynamics. Unfortunately, this often means limited legroom. Adventure bikes tend to be the go-to option for taller riders, but that restricts choice. Sports bikes and many cruisers simply don’t accommodate longer legs comfortably. Even some touring bikes, which should prioritize comfort, lack the proper adjustments for exceptionally tall riders.

See my recommendations for Adventure Bikes For Taller Riders 

Limited Options for Tall Riders

Most manufacturers cater to average-sized riders, offering options like lower seats for shorter individuals. However, there are very few stock solutions for taller riders. Adjustments like lowering the pegs can help but often come with drawbacks, such as reduced ground clearance, making cornering problematic. Handlebars can be adjusted, but for many of us, the main issue is simply that our legs are too long for the bike.

For example, my old GSX 1400 was a comfortable ride, but the seat was too close to the foot pegs, causing knee pain within 30 minutes. Despite trying modifications, such as lowering the pegs, it just didn’t work out. The trade-offs in handling and comfort were too significant. Similarly, many sports bikes are built for compact riding positions, making them nearly impossible for riders over six feet tall to enjoy without discomfort.

How Manufacturers Can Address the Problem

To make motorcycles more accessible to taller riders, manufacturers should consider offering:

• Adjustable Foot Pegs – Allowing riders to increase legroom without compromising handling.

• Extended Seat Options – Similar to lower seats for shorter riders, an option for extra height would help taller riders achieve better ergonomics.

• Handlebar Adjustments – Taller riders often struggle with a compact cockpit; offering adjustable handlebars can improve overall riding posture.

• Wider Variety of Models – Adventure bikes shouldn’t be the only viable option for tall riders. More sports bikes and cruisers should be designed with longer-legged individuals in mind.

• Factory Customization Options – Some motorcycle brands already allow buyers to configure seats, handlebars, and footpegs. Expanding these options to include taller configurations would be a significant improvement.

• Increased Awareness in Design – Manufacturers need to take taller riders into account during the design and testing phases, ensuring that motorcycles aren’t exclusively built for riders of average height.

The Future for Tall Riders

The Instagram rider I mentioned is actively reaching out to manufacturers, urging them to recognize the needs of taller riders. Whether this effort will lead to change remains to be seen, but it’s a conversation worth having. More options would be a game-changer for those of us who struggle to fit comfortably on most bikes.

Additionally, motorcycle gear manufacturers should consider producing more apparel and safety gear designed for taller riders. Many jackets, pants, and boots are designed with average heights in mind, making it difficult to find well-fitting, protective gear for those who are significantly taller than average.

If manufacturers take note, we could see a future where taller riders have a variety of motorcycles to choose from without resorting to extensive aftermarket modifications.

Motorcycle Trousers that fit the taller rider