Let’s be real – most motorcycles aren’t for petite ladies. Often, the seat is too tall, the handlebars too wide, and flat-footing the ground. Forget about it. As an inseam-challenged woman myself, I know the struggles firsthand, and I got you with my 10 best picks.
So, what are the top 10 motorcycles for short women? I’ve got Grom, Navi, Shadow Phantom, Silverwing 600, Rebel 500, and CB300R models from Honda. For Harley lovers, there’s the FXR 1340, Tri Glide Ultra, Rocker, and Sportster 883. After trying way too many so-called “compact” bikes, these models actually work for us shorter folks.
In this article, I’m sharing my top 10 favorite motorcycle picks for any short women out there struggling to find the right ride.
10 Motorcycles For Short Women: Comparison Table
I evaluated everything from cruisers to sportbikes to find models that have:
- Low seat heights (we’re talking 30 inches or less with a few exceptions)
- Narrower seats to reach the ground
- Lighter weights that are easier to handle (with some few exceptions that compensate with more stability)
- Lower center of gravity for confidence and control
I’ll go over everything from seat heights and weights to engine specs so you can determine which bike might be the perfect fit – literally. There’s a motorcycle on this list that will have you saying, “Finally, a bike I can actually throw a leg over!”
| Model | Type | Seat Height | Weight | Engine |
| Grom | Sport | 30 inches | 224 lbs | 124cc |
| Navi | Sport | 30 inches | 234 lbs | 109cc |
| Silverwing 600 | Touring Scooter | 29.7 inches | 480 lbs | 582cc |
| Rebel 500 | Cruiser | 27.2 inches | 408 lbs | 471cc |
| Shadow Phantom | Cruiser | 25.8 inches | 549 lbs | 745cc |
| Honda CB300R | Sport | 31.5 inches | 321 lbs | 286.01cc |
| Harley FXR 1340 Super Glide | Cruiser | 26 inches | 551 lbs | 1337cc |
| Harley Tri Glide Ultra | Touring Trike | 28.9 inches | 1200 lbs | 1870cc |
| Harley Davidson Rocker | Cruiser | 26.2 inches | 686 lbs | 1584cc |
| Sportster 883 SuperLow | Cruiser | 25.5 inches | 536 lbs | 883cc |
Note that women under 4’11 or 150 cm are considered short. Nevertheless, these short women motorcycles can also accommodate a couple extra inches. So, they allow some extra room for growth, extending the usefulness of the motorcycle.
Keep in mind that smaller displacement models like the Grom and Navi may have highway operating restrictions. According to the Honda Grom manual, displacement less than 150cc may be restricted for highway use in some state laws.
A Detailed Discussion on the Top 10 Motorcycles For Short Women
Let’s explore the list in detail and find out the actual match for you.
1. Honda Grom
- Engine: 124cc
- Seat height: 30 inches
- Weight: 224 pounds
First up on my list is the Honda Grom. This mini sport bike is totally the bomb for short women looking for a bike that’s fun to zip around on. It’s so tiny and the 30-inch seat is super low to the ground, so it’s perfect for ladies who are on the shorter side.
Even though it’s small, the Grom’s 124cc engine still packs a decent punch of power, making it good for both new riders and those who’ve been cruising for a while. And it looks hella cool with three trim options of Standard, ABS, and SP. And with a removable bodywork, customizing your ride is a lot easier with Honda Grom.
Again, Grom stands out for its thicker padding. In fact, thicker padding allows it to accommodate taller riders too. Plus it has one of the best gas mileage in a motorcycle at 166.5 MPG, so what’s not to love?
Bottom line, the Grom is an awesome ride for any short woman wanting something that’s fun, versatile, and easy peasy to handle.
2. Honda Navi
- Engine: 109cc
- Seat height: 30 inches
- Weight: 234 pounds
The Honda Navi is a little ride, totally perfect for short women looking for something different. Its funky design and tiny size make it really easy to zip through city streets and squeeze into tight spots.
The super low 30-inch seat means even the shortest riders can put both feet firmly on the ground, giving you that extra bit of confidence.
Sure, the 109cc engine isn’t the most powerful in the Honda miniMOTO lineup. Nevertheless, the Navi is Honda’s only miniMOTO with a no-shift automatic CVT transmission, making it the easiest to ride.
Apparently, Navi has a long flat seat. So, there’s enough room to wiggle around, even for tall riders.
If you want a bike that’ll turn heads and is easy as hell to handle, the Honda Navi is worth a good hard look.
Note: In a Honda Navi vs Grom comparison, the Grom wins in most areas. But Navi’s insanely affordable $1,807 base price tag, which is half of the Grom’s ($3,599-3,799), is a huge plus. Navi’s more upright riding position and built-in 15-liter storage are also practical bonuses.
3. Honda Silverwing 600
- Engine: 582cc
- Seat height: 29.7 inches
- Weight: 480 pounds
The touring-oriented Silverwing 600 is for short women looking for a bike that’s comfy and meant for longer rides. At 480 pounds, this scooter is indeed way bigger than the likes of Grom. Be that as it may, it’s still easy as pie for shorter folks to handle.
Essentially, the 29.7-inch low seat and decent weight distribution make for a super stable ride that gives you confidence. Also, you get 55-liter under seat storage and a way more comfy seat for cruising for hours.
Overall, the Honda Silverwing 600 gives you the best of both worlds – performance and comfort. It’s perfect for shorties wanting a touring bike.
4. Honda Rebel 500
- Engine: 471cc
- Seat height: 27.2 inches
- Weight: 408 pounds
This awesome little cruiser is for short women looking for something with style but still packs a punch. Its super low 27.2-inch seat and compact size make it really easy to handle, no matter how tall (or short!) you are.
The Rebel’s got that peppy little twin-engine, comfortable seat positioning, and a slick retro design. So, it’s a solid ride for newbies and seasoned riders alike. Shorties will find it a dependable and super fun bike, whether zooming around town or taking a leisurely cruise.
5. Honda Shadow Phantom
- Engine: 745cc
- Seat height: 25.8 inches
- Weight: 549 pounds
The Shadow Phantom is a sexy-looking cruiser perfect for shorties who crave classic styling and a cushy ride. With its 25.8-inch low seat and easy-to-reach controls, shorties will find it a breeze to handle.
In particular, the responsive 52-degree V-twin engine and laid-back riding position make for a totally enjoyable ride. It has you covered for short trips to the store or an all-day joyride. For a timeless cruiser with a hint of nostalgia, Honda Phantom is a pretty solid choice.
6. Honda CB300R
- Engine: 286.01cc
- Seat height: 31.5 inches
- Weight: 321 pounds
Shorties will definitely find a dynamic ride in this little sportbike. A slim profile and a low 31.5-inch seat make the CB300R really nimble and easy to handle, no matter what.
Perhaps another sweet spot of this Honda is the responsive steering and peppy engine. They make for a thrilling ride while still being easy enough for new riders. With its sleek, modern looks and dependable performance, it’s perfect for shorties who want something sporty but still practical.
7. Harley-Davidson FXR 1340 Super Glide
- Engine: 1337cc
- Seat height: 26 inches
- Weight: 551 pounds
Harley’s FXR is an old-school cruiser perfect for short women craving a bit of nostalgia and all-American cool. It’s true that the 26-inch seat is a little higher, at least for a Harley. Nevertheless, the FXR’s good weight distribution means it’s still easy to handle, regardless of your height.
To boot, this Harley’s got a beefy 45° V-Twin engine and a cushy ride that’ll make long journeys a breeze. Like most Harleys, it’s probably best for riders who’ve been at it for a while. Nevertheless, FXR’s classic looks and illustrious history make it irresistible for anyone who wants to experience some Harley heritage.
8. Harley Tri Glide Ultra
- Engine: 1870cc
- Seat height: 28.9 inches
- Weight: 1200 pounds
This three-wheeler offers a one-of-a-kind touring experience. Primarily, it’s made just right for short ladies looking for comfort, stability, and some serious long-haul capabilities.
Being a trike means it’s super stable even at low speeds and when parked, making it perfect for shorties. The plush seat and 193.5-liter integrated storage make it ideal for those multi-day trips.
Plus, a beefy V-twin engine means journeys are silky, smooth and relaxed. For short women who prefer the ease of a trike and want maximum comfort on the open road, this trike deserves a good hard look.
9. Harley Davidson Rocker
- Engine: 1584cc
- Seat height: 26.2 inches
- Weight: 686 pounds
The Harley Davidson Rocker is a super custom cruiser that’s perfect for short women looking to make a statement with something different. Its low-slung design and decently 26.2-inch low seat mean it’s still pretty manageable for shorties.
Well, we understand the customized appearance may not be to everyone’s taste. Plus, there are a few Harley Davidson Rocker problems to deal with.
Nonetheless, the Rocker delivers when it comes to comfort and performance. Essentially, you get a buttery smooth and stable ride on this Harley cruiser, perfect for everything from running errands to weekend trips.
For those who value doing their own thing and aren’t scared of standing out, the Rocker is one hell of an exciting option for them.
10. Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 SuperLow
- Engine: 883cc
- Seat height: 25.5 inches
- Weight: 536 pounds
The Sportster 883 SuperLow is for short ladies wanting a classic-cool cruiser with an even lower 25.5-inch seat. The level feel and easy-to-reach controls allow you to take command and truly own the ride.
Likewise, the peppy V-twin engine and buttery smooth handling make every ride – zipping around town or cruising the open pavement – an adventure of pure joy.
Plus, the vintage styling and options for customizing make it uniquely yours. Bottom line – if you love the Harley name and want an easy but totally badass cruiser, the Sportster 883 SuperLow is for you!
Wrapping Up
Finding the perfect bike can be tough, especially if you’re on the shorter side. Fortunately, you still have options, and I’ve summed up the top 10 motorcycles for short women to get you started. From sporty bikes to classic cruisers and touring bikes, these rides offer sweet styling, comfort, and performance.
Of course, this list is just the start – you should always test-ride a bike yourself to make sure it works with your height, style, and skills. But these options will put you on the right path to finding your perfect match.