Want to spend less on motorcycle insurance?
Click below. Save money. Simple as that.
ZIP:
A touring bike or cruiser is a motorcycle which gives you all the convenience and comforts you’d want on a long drive. They feature powerful engines, a comfortable seat for a relaxed position, large capacity fuel tank, good windshield for wind protection, and saddlebags for your essentials.
However, the cruiser category can be tough if you are shorter.
In this article, we’ve picked the top ten top touring motorcycles for shorter riders under 5′ 7″.
Top 10 Cruiser Motorcycles for Short Riders
1. Honda Rebel 500 2020
- 28.74 cu-in (471 cc) liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine
- Six-speed gearbox
- Seat height: 27.2 inches
- Weight (with full tank, road-ready): 408 Lbs. (185 Kgs.).
- Seat height: 27.2 inches
- Fuel tank capacity: 2.96 gallons
- Fuel economy: 67 mpg (standard conditions)
A seat height of 27.2ʺ and a weight of 408 pounds makes the Honda Rebel 500 easily manageable and gives you confidence, comfort, and fun while riding on roads. The low center of gravity adds to its performance.
Honda Rebel has been on the street for a few years now and the new Honda Rebel has all the features you want from the original and has added a few upgrades like LED lights and new instruments (including a gear position indicator and fuel consumption all in the LCD display).
The Honda Rebel comes with 41 mm fork front suspension, dual shocks rear suspension, hydraulic disc brake in the front and rear wheels, and wide tires to give a comfortable and safe ride.
There are plenty of accessories to dress up your Honda Rebel 500 to make it touring ready.
This is an entry-level bike for beginners and you can have ABS features at an additional cost.
Approximate starting base price: $6,199
View specs and more info on Honda
2. Honda CTX 700 DCT
- 670 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine.
- Automatic 6-speed transmission
- Seat height: 28.3 inches
- Curb weight: 895.2 Lbs. (406 kgs.)
- Fuel tank capacity: 3.17 gallons.
- Fuel economy: 61 mpg.
The Honda CTX 700 DCT is a mid-range touring cruiser model.
This motorcycle has sufficient power from its 670cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine and an automatic 6-speed transmission for your hassle-free power-packed tour.
With a comfortable 28.3ʺ seat height, storage for essentials, windshield, and a comfortable seat with backrest for a companion, the CTX 700 DCT makes for a great ride.
Honda’s electronic fuel injection ensures trouble-free cold starting and smooth ride at higher elevations.
Honda CTX 700 DCT comes with 41 mm fork front suspension, single-shock rear suspension, single disc Honda ABS front, and rear brakes, and wide tires to give you a safe and comfortable ride even when traveling on off-road and rough patches.
Approximate starting base price: $8,399
View specs and more info on Honda
3. 2020 Yamaha Bolt R
- 58 cu.in. (942 cc) air-cooled V-Twin engine.
- 5-speed, multi-plate wet-clutch transmission.
- Seat height: 27.2 inches
- Wet weight: 542 Lbs. (245.85 kgs.)
- Fuel tank capacity: 3.4 gallons
- Fuel economy: 51 mpg.
The Yamaha Bolt is a Sport Heritage model from the Yahama family and comes from the showroom as a bobber with a powerful 942cc air-cooled V-Twin engine and 5-speed transmission.
However, you may need to dress it up with accessories to make it good for a comfortable road trip.
A low seat height (27.2ʺ), telescopic fork front suspension, dual shocks rear suspension, wave-type front, and rear disc brakes, and wide tires give you a safe ride filled with fun and joy.
Yamaha Bolt has a compact and stylish design, with comfortable seating.
The 3.4 gallons slim and stylish fuel tank adds to the overall heritage style and the sound of the stylish exhaust tube of Yamaha Bolt will be music to your ears.
Approximate starting base price: $8,399.
View specs and more info on Yamaha
4. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT
- 55.10 cu. In. (903 CC) V-Twin liquid-cooled engine.
- 5-speed transmission with positive neutral finder.
- Seat height: 26.8 inches
- Curb weight: 657.1 Lbs. (298 kgs.)
- Fuel tank capacity: 5.3 gallons.
If you are looking for a midrange, dependable and comfortable motorcycle for your long-range tours, Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT will not disappoint you.
It is a top of the line cruiser model from the Kawasaki brand.
The V-Twin engine of Vulcan 900 delivers a confident 58.2 pound-feet torque @ 3500 rpm with good fuel economy; and with its 5-speed transmission, you have all the power to enjoy your ride.
Its low seat height (26.8ʺ), hydraulic telescopic fork front suspension, 7-way adjustable spring preload rear suspension, wide tires, and front and rear hydraulic disc brakes make you feel safe, confident, and comfortable on the road.
Once you get your bike moving on the road, it’s easy to forget about its weight (657 lbs.).
Approximate starting base price: $8,999.
View specs and more info on Kawasaki
5. Indian Scout Bobber
- 69 cu.in. (1133 cc) V-Twin (60º) liquid-cooled engine.
- Six-speed gearbox
- Seat height: 25.6 inches
- Weight with full tank: 572 Lbs. (259 kgs.)
- Fuel tank capacity: 3.30 gallons
The Indian Scout Bobber is a midrange bike from the classic American motorcycle manufacturer.
The 1133cc V-Twin engine of the Indian Scout with electronic fuel injection, 100 HP, a peak 72 ft-lbs torque @ 6000 rpm, and the 6-speed transmission gives you sporty and aggressive riding experience.
The low height (25.6ʺ) solo seat firmly puts your feet on the ground and adds to your riding confidence; the 41 mm telescopic fork front suspension, dual shocks rear suspension, disc brakes, ABS and wide tires (good road grip) makes your journey all the more comfortable.
There are plenty of accessories including a comfortable seat with backrest for your companion, side saddlebags for essentials, and a windshield. You can also go for an LED headlight.
Approximate starting base price: $10,999.
View specs and more info on IndianMotorcycle
6. BMW R Nine T Scrambler
- 71.4 cu-in (1170 cc) air/oil-cooled flat twin engine
- Constant-mesh 6 speed gearbox
- Seat height: 31.1 inches (low seat)
- Weight (fuel filled, road-ready): 485 Lbs. (220 kgs.)
- Fuel tank capacity: 4.5 gallons
- Fuel economy: 44 mpg (WMTC)
- Maximum speed: 125 MPH
BMW R nine T Scrambler has retained its authentic scrambler look and ruggedness of its era combined with modern innovative technology like BMW Motorrad ABS and Automatic Stability Control (ASC).
This, along with its 71.4 cubic inches capacity twin engine with an output of 110 BHP @ 7750 rpm and 86 lb-ft torque @ 6000 rpm, gives you a powerful and dynamic ride.
Its 31.1 inches seat height for relax & convenience, telescopic forks front suspension, swing arm rebound damping adjustable rear suspension, dual floating disc brakes in the front, single disc brake in the rear, ABS, ASC, and wide tires gives you and your companion a safe and comfortable tour experience on any road type.
Approximate starting base price: $12,995.
View specs and more info on BMWMotorcycles
7. Triumph Tiger 800 XRx Low
- 48.82 cu. In. (800 cc) liquid-cooled in-line-3 cylinder engine.
- 6-speed, wet multi-plate clutch transmission
- Dry weight: 439 Lbs. (199 kgs)
- Fuel tank: 5.0 gallons
- Seat height: 29.92 inches.
Present generation Triumph Tiger 800 XRx Low is good for commuting as well as long tours.
This motorcycle has an impressive 800cc liquid-cooled engine to give you 95 HP power and a peak 58 ft-lb torque @8050 rpm for a smooth and reliable ride.
Triumph Tiger 800 XRx Low comes with a low and comfortable driver seat (29.92ʺ height), upside-down forks front suspension, hydraulically adjustable preload rear suspension, switchable ABS front, and rear brakes, and wide tires to give you a safe and comfortable ride on-road or off-road.
You can add the necessary accessories to make it ready for your tour.
The TFT instrument display gives clear readings and the rider can view all the essential information in all lighting conditions.
Approximate starting base price: $13,800.
View specs and more info on TriumphMotorcycles
8. Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS
- 103.7 cu.in. (1700 cc) V-Twin Liquid-cooled engine.
- 6-speed transmission with overdrive and positive neutral finder.
- Seat height: 28.7 inches.
- Curb weight: 895.2 Lbs. (406 kgs.)
- Fuel tank capacity: 5.3 gallons
Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS is a high-end bike and has everything you can dream of in a motorcycle.
This can be yours if you can manage its weight (895.2 Lbs.) and of course, your pocket permits it.
Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 powers your ride with its 103.7 cu.in. V-Twin Engine and 107.6 lb-ft torque @ 2750 rpm and 6-speed transmission with overdrive.
A low seat height (28.7ʺ), hydraulic fork front suspension, twin air-assisted shocks rear suspension, plenty of space for your essentials, ABS, windshield, and wide tires make your journey safe and comfortable even on rough roads.
The electronic cruise control of Vulcan 1700 allows you to set a speed (engine rpm) and relieves your right hand from the stress of continuous throttling.
The ABS system of Vulcan 1700 monitors the brake force you are exerting on the front and rear wheels and ensures effective braking and chassis stability duly considering the bike speed.
Approximate starting base price: $17,499.
View specs and more info on Kawasaki
9. Harley-Davidson 2020. Electra Glide® Standard
- 107 cu.in. (1753 cc) Milwaukee- Eight® 107 engine.
- Six-speed gearbox
- Seat height: 26.1 inches
- Weight with full tank: 820 Lbs. (372 Kgs.)
- Fuel tank capacity: 6.0 gallons
- Fuel economy: 43 mpg
Harley-Davidson Electra Glide makes your bike smoothly glide on the road with its powerful 107 cubic inches capacity smooth-running V-Twin engine, a torque of 111 ft-lb @ 3250 rpm, and six-speed transmission.
A comfortable low seat (26.1ʺ height), Brembo® brakes with standard ABS, high windshield, front forks suspension, emulsion Technology rear shock absorber, and wide tires make your ride a comfortable and joyous experience.
This bike disconnects you from all the gadgets and screens and gives you the sheer joy of riding with minimum features like electronic cruise control.
Approximate starting base price: $18,995.
View specs and more info on Harley-Davidson
10. BMW K 1600 GTL
- 100.63 cu. In. (1649 cc) Liquid-cooled, in-line-6 cylinder engine.
- 6-speed constant mesh gearbox.
- Seat height: 29.5 inches.
- Weight (fuel filled, road-ready): 772 Lbs. (350 kgs.)
- Fuel tank capacity: 7.0 gallons
- Fuel consumption: 41 mpg (WMTC)
- Maximum speed: 125 MPH
The new BMW K 1600 GTL is a high-end luxury motorcycle and comes with a first-class upgrade like the newly designed side panels, fuel tank, radiator, and storage area which makes it look more elegant.
The 100.63 cubic inches legendary liquid-cooled engine of the BMW K 1600 gives you a smooth, powerful, and luxurious riding experience with its 160 HP output and 129 lb-ft torque @5250 rpm.
BMW K 1600 offers unlimited pleasure filled with joy for a memorable luxury tour for you and your partner; it has appealing features like central locking, electrically adjustable windshield, and comfortable seat (29.5ʺ height).
Standard features include 3 ride modes (rain/road/dynamic), integral ABS, Bluetooth interface control, Audio system with Bluetooth, Radio, GPS Prep and Sirius, Xenon headlight, LED turn signals and rear light, saddlebags, etc.
A central spring strut front suspension, para-lever rear suspension, dual floating disc brakes in the front, and single disc brake in the rear, with BMW Motorrad integral ABS and wide tires, makes your ride safe and comfortable.
Approximate starting base price: $26,175.
View specs and more info on BMWMotorcycles
How We Choose These Touring Bikes
We have considered the seat height as a primary factor since a motorcycle rider must have his feet firmly on the ground at any stop, for a safe and confident ride.
Other important factors like engine power, suspension, brakes, ABS, storage area, a seat for a companion, and price are also considered.
What to Look for in a Touring Motorcycle as a Shorter Rider
If you are under 5’7″, a seat height up to 29 inches should be very comfortable and seat height up to 31 inches may be managed with a pair of good quality riding boots.
However, seat height is only one of the starting criteria for selecting a good touring bike.
You should also look for the following factors:
- In many bikes, the seat width tapers to a minimum in the front. This is a good feature and helps your feet reach the ground. Check the seat height and feel whether your feet firmly touch the ground in the sitting position. Hold the handlebars and ensure it is comfortable.
- Check the weight of the bike in full tank road-ready condition and see if you are comfortable in handling it.
- Check the other important features of a good touring bike: engine power, transmission, brakes, ABS, suspension, display panels, fuel tank capacity, and fuel economy.
Do not get influenced by the dealer’s pitch. Take a test ride and see for yourself before making a decision.
