Navigating the world of motorcycles can be overwhelming for smaller women, with countless options to sift through and many factors to consider. However, with the right guidance, finding the perfect ride can be an enjoyable journey, paving the way for thrilling adventures on the open road. In Part Two of our series, we'll explore a diverse range of motorcycles suited to women of various heights, experience levels, and preferences. This comprehensive guide will help you kickstart your search and ultimately, discover the ideal bike that offers comfort, control, and confidence tailored to your needs. So, let's dive in and get one step closer to finding your dream ride!

8 Best Motorcycles for Small Women: A Comprehensive Guide

Debunking the Myth of "Women's Motorcycles

For small women, finding the best motorcycle that fits comfortably and offers optimal control can be a daunting task. However, there are several great options available that are specifically designed to cater to the needs of smaller riders. It's important to take the time to test ride different bikes and find the one that fits your body type and riding style. By finding the perfect motorcycle that offers comfort, control, and confidence, small women can enjoy the thrill and freedom of the open road just like any other rider.

Key Factors in Choosing the Right Motorcycle

In our previous article, “Choosing the Right Motorcycle for Women: Part One”, we talked about the misconceived notion that there are motorcycles specifically made for women.

To say that women only ride “these bikes” is ludicrous. The reality of it, women just like men, need to take in a myriad of considerations when choosing the right motorcycle. Things such as seat height, weight, experience level, and riding style are only the tip of the iceberg. 

General Guidelines and Motorcycle Recommendations

In Part Two, we are going to discuss a few motorcycles women can consider based on some general guidelines. I stress general, as each situation is unique. Use this as a guide to get your motorcycle to search off on the right foot.

Many of the recommendations below are based on women's average inseam and height measurements. We also use riding experience as a factor to consider. Don’t feel limited by this list, as we tried to cover all our bases when it comes to size and experience, but there are plenty of other motorcycles that haven’t been mentioned that you could be happy with. Find what fits your experience and desires.

#1. Harley Davidson Sportster 883 SuperLow – Perfect for Short New Riders

The Sportster 883 SuperLow, with its 25.5 in. seat height, is ideal for shorter riders seeking a comfortable and manageable motorcycle. Its 883cc motor provides balanced power, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride for new riders. With its low center of gravity and customizable features, riders can experience increased confidence on the road. The SuperLow also boasts a stylish design, making it an attractive option for those who value aesthetics.

Affordable and fuel-efficient, the Sportster 883 SuperLow is a reliable and appealing choice for new riders looking to combine style, comfort, and performance.

#2. HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET SERIES – Light and Nimble for City Riding

The approachable 883cc motor gives just enough output to have you smiling, but not so much to have you scared to continue your development as a rider. The dry weight of 545 lbs is a little on the heavy side considering its narrow frame and low seat height, but it’s not unmanageable by any means. With proper riding classes, you feel confident in no time.

The seat height on this guy is comparable to the SuperLow at 25.7, but it is nearly 50 pounds lighter giving it a clear advantage when it comes to maneuvering. This is a perfect bike for those living in a city or searching for a commuter because it’s super nimble and easy to whip around town. It’s also a great motorcycle for college students who want a budget-friendly ride. The 500cc starts at $6,899 and the 750cc at $7,599.

#3. TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE – A Classic Option for Intermediate Riders

The Bonneville has a seat height of 29 in., so getting both feet down flat could be a problem for our short girls. Check out your local dealership and throw your leg over this guy, because if you are able to fit properly you won’t regret it.

The motorcycle is shockingly light at only 437 pounds dry, it’s got a  900cc motor that makes it semi-approachable for beginners but likely more popular among intermediate riders.  So, if you have some riding experience and want something that’s lightweight with relatively high torque, you’ll find this Bonneville very enjoyable option.  The bike has a neutral riding position giving you comfort and confidence at every turn. 

#4. INDIAN SCOUT SIXTY – A Powerful Cruiser for Experienced Riders

The Scout Sixty has an impressively low seat height at 25.3 in., but the 999cc motor could prove too much to handle for riders who are just starting out. 

The bike has that low and mean attitude that we’ve come to expect from the Indian motorcycle brand. It has plenty of weight (524 lbs. dry) if you want to hit the open road. The Scout Sixty is easily customizable so you can turn it into your dream ride. For example, just throw on a windshield and some bags and you’ve got yourself a capable touring cruiser.

#5. Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe/ Indian Chief Classic – Heavyweight Cruisers for Experienced Riders

Both the Softail and the Chief come in at around 26 in. in seat height, so smaller riders might have an issue with fit. Again this is one of those bikes you’re gonna want to sit on because if you can fit they are some of the best cruisers on the market. 

They are both very heavy; H-D 698 lbs. and Chief 745 lbs., so when you are in the showroom make sure you can lift it off the kickstand with ease. Of course, with supervision from staff because if you drop it, well then you probably just bought it. These are not for beginner riders, they are almost double the output compared to those above.

#6. Harley Davidson Street Glide – Feature-packed Touring Motorcycle

The Street Glide’s motor and seat height is about the same as the Softail Deluxe, but this bike comes in significantly heavier at 796 lbs. dry. If you are capable of handling the weight, then there is no reason this couldn’t be your next ride. It’s clear why this motorcycle is one of the best-selling on the market. 

It features all the bells and whistles you could want like GPS and stereo. If your goal is to hit the open road for long periods of time, then this is what you want.

#7. Honda CBR500R – Sportbike for Small Riders with a Need for Speed

The seat height on the CBR is about 30 in. which puts it out of reach for most smaller riders. But if you’re on the hunt for a sportbike then this is an excellent choice. Honda also manufactures a smaller CBR 300, but the 500 is a better all-around small sportbike.

Honda is known for their reliability, so you can rest easy knowing that this bike is going to last you many many miles.  If you are smaller than 5’6 and set on this sportbike, there are classes you can take where they will teach you how to use just one leg down. It will take some practice starting and stopping this way, but it is achievable.

#8. BMW G 310 GS – Lightweight Adventure Bike for New Riders

The seat height on this guy is a whopping 32 in., at a glance this seems like a lot and for us shorties it is, but you’ll find that all adventure motorcycles have more room for wheel travel so you don’t bottom out. 

What makes this a great option for new riders is its 374 lbs. dry weight. This lightweight motorcycle is easy to maneuver and because of its adventure bike nature, it’s super versatile. You can take the G 310 S on or off-road without difficulty.  As an adventure rider will tell you, you are going to fall, and having to pick up a heavy bike is going to suck. And when you consider the weight doesn’t include your gear, you can see why this is important.

Worth Mentioning 

All these motorcycles listed, are just a few of the many motorcycles that can fit your situation. Let’s face it, if you gravitate towards the Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle brands then sportier options like the Honda CBR probably won’t suit your fancy.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for an original sportbike that gives the feel of a café race, then the Triumph and Honda CB might be your best bet.

Let’s not even get into brand loyalty and image because that would take a while.

Take these suggestions with a grain of salt. The best thing that you can do is swing by your local RideNow dealership and take a test ride. Throwing your leg over a bike is the only real way to find out if it’s a good fit for you.