Nepal has low human height, for instance, the average height of Nepali men and women is 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet respectively. This is among the lowest in the world and thus hugely impact the sales of motorcycles in the country. On one side, you have scooters, where the seat height is lower than the bikes. And hence, we need to have serious discussion on the best bikes for short riders in India. Here is the price list of best bikes that are suitable for short riders.
What should be the ideal seat height on a motorcycle which is suitable for short riders? Wait. First let’s understand how short a short rider is. Short riders are those whose height ranges from 5’3” and goes up to 5’6”. If the rider is taller than 5’6”, he/she can ride a bike with a little higher seat height and if he/she is shorter than 5’3”, then the best bikes will be the low seat cruiser motorcycles.
What is a comfortable seat height for short riders? For a rider of height 5 feet and five inches tall, the upper comfortable limit is around 800 mm. However, it depends on the width of the seat as certain bike’s 800 mm might feel manageable but on another bike with a wider seat, the same 800 mm seat height will feel uncomfortable. A seat height of 780-790 mm is most comfortable for short riders who obviously do not want a cruiser bike for daily needs.
In this article, we will not only discuss about the cruiser bikes but we will take note of each and every bike which fits right for short riders in India in a wide category and budget range. There are many street bikes, sports bikes as well as cruiser motorcycles which are well-suited to the short riders for their daily riding needs. Here, we will try to keep all the bikes with seat height less than 800 mm.
We will discuss bikes in ascending order of their prices means we will start with the most affordable bike and goes up to most expensive and ideal motorcycle in that particular segment. So, why wait, let’s dive into this comprehensive list of best bikes for the short riders out there.
Hero Splendor Plus
Hero Splendor Plus will be the first bike in this list as it is an affordable option for the short riders. Its price starts from Rs 60,960 ex-showroom New Delhi and is available country wide in all the Hero showrooms in India. It is highly popular bike and offers a seat height of 780 mm which is comfortable for short riders and in many case shorter riders with less than 5’3” can also ride the Splendor Plus with relative ease.
Hero Splendor Plus has a seat which is comfortable to sit on and is also quite narrow and does not ask you to open your legs wide. Hence, if you are a person with height less than 5 ‘6” you can ride the Splendor comfortably in the city and even on the uneven paths that you might find in the rural areas.
The main problem a short rider comes in contact with is the uneven terrain and broken roads. Hero Splendor Plus has comfort focused suspension which provides a plush ride even on the bad patch of roads. And with a low seat height, a short rider can easily manoeuvre the bike by placing his foot on the uneven ground.
When coupled with a low kerb weight of just 110 kg, the Splendor Plus is a hot knife on the Butter like roads of India. You will not feel overwhelmed with the bike’s stance and the riding experience is one of a kind which reminds you off vintage class.
Speaking about the powertrain, the Splendor Plus still uses same tried and tested 97.2 cc Honda engine from the 80’s which is air-cooled and comes with a 2-valve head. With the BS6 upgrade, the engine finally got the fuel injection system and provides far better throttle response, engine composure along with greater fuel efficiency.
This powerplant churns out a max power of 7.91 bhp at 8000 rpm and a peak torque of 8.05 Nm at 6000 rpm. These numbers are adequate for light weighted city riding. This particular engine is not built for extreme performance but to settle the daily commuting needs. You get a 4-speed gearbox connected with this engine which comes with short first gear to provide extra initial grunt.
Other 100-110cc bikes are have seat height in the 780-800 mm range which comes with narrow yet comfortable seats. If you are looking for other commuter bike, there will be many options available for you in the market.
Due to extremely high reliability and trust quotient, Hero Splendor Plus is the highest selling bike in the country. If you want an affordable, low seat height bike which also happens to be highly fuel efficient, Hero Splendor Plus is the way to go.
Model | Hero Splendor Plus |
Engine | 97.2 cc |
Cooling | Air-Cooled |
Power | 7.91 bhp @ 8,000 rpm |
Torque | 8.05 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
Gearbox | 4-Speed |
Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks |
Rear Suspension | Twin Shock |
Front Tyre | 80/100-18 M/C 47P |
Rear Tyre | 80/100-18 M/C 54P |
Front Brake | Drum |
Rear Brake | Drum |
ABS | N/A |
Weight | 110 kg |
Fuel Tank | 9.8 Ltr |
Mileage | 65 kmpl |
Top Speed | 85 kmph |
Honda Shine
Next, we have Honda Shine, it is a 125cc motorcycle which is especially developed for a wide range of Indian customers. The bike comes with a seat height of 790 mm which is well-suited for short riders in the country. As we have already mentioned that average Indian men’s height is 5’5” and with monthly sales of more than 80,000 units, Honda Shine proves that it fits right with the masses.
Honda Shine gets a wider seat for the rider which is highly comfortable for city as well as highway rides. For shorter riders, the bike might feel a bit uncomfortable due to wider seat, the kerb weight of just 114 kg comes for the rescue as it is easy to manage even in the bumper to bumper traffic. The best thing you can do at traffic signals is, slightly tilt the bike and firmly place for one foot rather placing toes of both your feet. This practice helps in holding control of your bike during stops.
What makes this Honda move? If you are wondering, we have the answer, the bike is powered by an 124cc single cylinder, air-cooled engine which now comes with electronic fuel injection system for fuelling. This motor develops a power of 10.59 bhp at 7500 rpm and a peak torque of 11 Nm at 6000 rpm. With a light kerb weight and a 5-speed gearbox, the bike offers quick initial acceleration and goes up to a top speed of 95 kmph. The mid-range is the spot where this engine performs the best and delivers striking commuting performance.
The fuel efficiency also plays an important role in deciding which bike is great for you. Honda Shine returns a mileage of about 55 kmpl in mixed riding conditions.
Not only the Shine, there are many other 125cc bikes in the market which comes with seats lower than 800 mm tall making them useful for short riders. The Shine 125 comes with soft suspension which are great to ride on the road and provides support on bad section of roads.
Honda Shine is a trustful motorcycle and will last for years just on the regular servicing because of Honda’s bulletproof reliability and build quality. If you want a 125cc bike for daily use and do not want to get distracted by flashy features, Honda Shine can be your next bike.
Model | Honda Shine |
Engine | 124 cc |
Cooling | Air-Cooled |
Power | 10.59 bhp @ 7,500 rpm |
Torque | 11 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
Gearbox | 5-Speed |
Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks |
Rear Suspension | Twin Shock |
Front Tyre | 80/100-18 M/C 47P |
Rear Tyre | 80/100-18 M/C 54P |
Front Brake | Drum/Disc |
Rear Brake | Drum |
ABS | N/A |
Weight | 114 kg |
Fuel Tank | 10.5 Ltr |
Mileage | 55 kmpl |
Top Speed | 95 kmph |
Honda Unicorn
Up next, we have Honda Unicorn 160. Yes, the BS6 version of the bike got an upgraded higher capacity motor for providing better pickup and performance. With a seat height of 798 mm the Unicorn 160 might seem a bit taller for short riders but that’s not the case.
Honda Unicorn’s seat is designed in such a way that when you put your foot down, the curvature will allow your thigh to be closer to the bike’s body. Hence, even if you are short, your foot will reach the ground without effort. Apart from that, if you place a single foot on the ground, you can firmly hold your position on the traffic signals as well as others places where you stop.
Speaking about riding on uneven surface, the bike comes with fine-tuned front telescopic forks and rear monoshock suspension for a comfortable ride on the bad patches, broken roads and rural terrains.
At the heart of the Honda Unicorn, you will get a BS6 upgraded, 162.7cc engine that does the job in XBlade as well albeit in a different state of tune. The air-cooled, fuel injected, 2-valve SOHC engine offer more torque at 14 Nm at 5500 rpm and a low power of 12.73 bhp at 7500 rpm. A 5-speed gearbox is there to help you tackle the reduction duties. The gear ratios are well placed for providing excellent city and highway riding experience.
The engine is tuned for fuel efficient rather than outright power. ARAI fuel efficiency of the bike is rated at 53 kmpl and in the real-world you can expect more than 47 kmpl in mixed riding conditions which is a boon when you consider the large engine capacity.
Honda Unicorn is a solid motorcycle and a perfect machine for daily usage. It is a robust bike made for Indian use, the frame, tyres, suspension, engine and other components have a long life and can be used on any type of road conditions in urban and rural India.
Model | Honda Unicorn |
Engine | 162.7 cc |
Cooling | Air-Cooled |
Power | 12.73 bhp @ 7,500 rpm |
Torque | 14 Nm @ 5,500 rpm |
Gearbox | 5-Speed |
Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks |
Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
Front Tyre | 80/100-18 M/C 47P |
Rear Tyre | 100/90-18 M/C 56P |
Front Brake | Disc |
Rear Brake | Drum |
ABS | Single-Channel |
Weight | 140 kg |
Fuel Tank | 13 Ltr |
Mileage | 53 kmpl |
Top Speed | 105 kmph |
Bajaj Pulsar 150
Bajaj Pulsar 150 is one such bike that is made for India by keeping the requirements of Indian customers. This is seen in the muscular design which is loved by Indian youngsters, the saddle height is just 785 mm which is again developed keeping in mind the average height of the targeted customers.
If you are a 5’5” person, you can easily place your entire foot on the ground effortlessly. On placing both e feet down, you can even touch your ball of the feet and hold your ground. This is a purposeful bike made to tackle Indian road conditions without unsettling the rider. Pulsar is known for its versatility as this bike can be used for daily commuting, highway rides its suspension is robust enough to tackle the rural terrain as well.
Bajaj Pulsar 150 has a powerful 149.5cc engine which is old in design and technology but offers respectable performance in the real-world scenario. The air-cooled, 2 valve SOHC fuel injection motor can churn out a peak power of 13.79 bhp at 8000 rpm and a max twisting force is rated at 13.4 Nm at 6000 rpm. With the BS6 upgrade, both power and torque numbers have fallen in a bid to reduce the tail pipe emissions. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox which is responsible for reduction duties.
The top speed of Pulsar 150 is around 110 kmph which makes it good for highway riding as well. On the highways, you can easily cruise at a speed of 80 kmph. ARAI mileage is about 50 kmph and you can expect a little less in the city riding conditions.
Bajaj Pulsar 150 is one of the most loved bikes and is suited for short riders as well thanks to a lower seat height. With the correct amount of performance, versatility and comfort on board, Pulsar 150 can be your next bike if you love to go with a power commuter.
Model | Bajaj Pulsar 150 |
Engine | 149.5 cc |
Cooling | Air-Cooled |
Power | 13.79 bhp @ 8,000 rpm |
Torque | 13.4 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
Gearbox | 5-Speed |
Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks |
Rear Suspension | Twin Shock |
Front Tyre | 80/100 17 |
Rear Tyre | 100/90 17 |
Front Brake | Disc – 240mm |
Rear Brake | Drum |
ABS | Single-Channel |
Weight | 144 kg |
Fuel Tank | 15 Ltr |
Mileage | 50 kmpl |
Top Speed | 110 kmph |
Bajaj Avenger 160
Our first cruiser bike in this list of best bikes for short riders, Bajaj Avenger 160 is the most affordable cruiser bike in the country with a price tag of Rs 1,01,092 ex-showroom, New Delhi. The Avenger 160 is mostly used as city bike but it provides great comfort on the highways while covering long distances. It comes with a low seat height of just 737 mm which is a boon for short riders even if you are just 5 feet tall.
Being a proper cruiser style motorcycle, the Avenger 160 Street has adequate power for cruising on the highways at about 80 kmph. There are many options for aftermarket windscreen visors for protection from high-speed wind blast. Avenger 160 is a special motorcycle which is both affordable and practical for daily usage. With a long wheelbase of 1490 mm, you might face little issue while taking U-turns in tight places.
Bajaj Avenger 160 Street is propelled by a 160cc, single cylinder air-cooled, fuel injected engine with 2 valve SOHC head. This motor is capable of producing a max power of 14.79 bhp at 8500 rpm and a peak torque of 13.7 Nm comes up at 7000 rpm. The engine is connected to a 5-speed gearbox with adequately spaced gear ratios for optimum city performance. On the highways you have to ride in the fifth gear which is sufficiently tall for long rides.
The fuel efficiency of the Avenger 160 is in the range of 45 km per litre which can be increased slightly by riding on the highway at constant speed. A range of more than 580 km is easily achievable from its 13-litre fuel tank. That said, if you are out on the highways, you have to deal with lesser fuel stops.
Bajaj Avenger 160 comes with a saddle that is just 737 mm and has wide and comfortable seat design. There is ample space for pillion rider as well making it an ideal bike for touring. The bike gets a semi-digital instrument cluster with analogue speedometer and an LCD screen for odometer, trip meter and fuel gauge. Being a cruiser, the company should have provided more information on the console.
If you are cruiser person, Bajaj Avenger 160 is a best motorcycle for short riders that has its own road presence.
Model | Bajaj Avenger 160 |
Engine | 160 cc |
Cooling | Air-Cooled |
Power | 14.79 bhp @ 8,500 rpm |
Torque | 13.7 Nm @ 7,000 rpm |
Gearbox | 5-Speed |
Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks |
Rear Suspension | Twin Shock |
Front Tyre | 90/90-17 49P |
Rear Tyre | 130/90-15 66P |
Front Brake | Disc – 280 mm |
Rear Brake | Drum |
ABS | Single-Channel |
Weight | 156 kg |
Fuel Tank | 13 Ltr |
Mileage | 45 kmpl |
Top Speed | 110 kmph |
Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise
After the little Avenger 160, you are greeted by its elder brother, the Avenger 220 Cruise. This particular motorcycle also has the same frame that is used on the 160cc Avenger but with a higher capacity engine. The seat height is same as that of its younger sibling at 737 mm which is best suited to all kinds of riders.
Bajaj Avenger 220 has a powerful 220c engine which makes it possible for the rider to cruise on the highways at 100 kmph all day long. With the bike, you get an efficient oil-cooled engine which keeps the engine at a controlled and safe temperature. This also ensures that engine oil retains its viscosity and lubricates the engine well during long rides.
The 163 kg motorcycle is moved by a Pulsar sourced 220cc, single cylinder, air and oil-cooled engine, with electronics fuel injection system and 2 valve SOHC head. This powerplant pumps out a hefty 18.76 bhp at 8500 rpm and a peak torque of 17.55 Nm at 7000 rpm. These numbers are more than sufficient for nation wide touring. The engine comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox that has best set of gear ratios that do not succumb in the city use and, on the highways, the taller gears will let you ride at 100 kmph for hundreds of kilometres at a stretch.
You get a pair of telescopic forks at the front with twin shock absorbers at the rear. This setup is tuned on a bit softer side which makes the bike usable and stable on the bad patch of roads. With greater power comes greater responsibility for safety. Therefore, the Avenger 220 Cruise comes with 280 mm front disc brake and rear drum brake. There is a single channel ABS for supporting the braking system and providing a safer braking experience under challenging conditions.
This motorcycle will provide you a range of more than 450 km in a single tankful of 13 litres. The average fuel economy from its powerful engine turns out to be 35 km per litre which is a great figure in itself.
Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise is a comfortable bike for short riders who can experience the fun of mile munching without worrying about managing the bike in slow speeds.
Model | Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise |
0Engine | 220 cc |
Cooling | Oil-Cooled |
Power | 18.76 bhp @ 8,500 rpm |
Torque | 17.55 Nm @ 7,000 rpm |
Gearbox | 5-Speed |
Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks |
Rear Suspension | Twin-Shock |
Front Tyre | 90/90-17 49P |
Rear Tyre | 130/90-15 66P |
Front Brake | Disc – 280mm |
Rear Brake | Drum |
ABS | Single-Channel |
Weight | 163 kg |
Fuel Tank | 13 Ltr |
Mileage | 35 kmpl |
Top Speed | 130 kmph |
Suzuki Intruder 150
Suzuki Intruder is a big name when it comes to the heavy weight cruiser in the international markets. Since Intruder brand is quite popular among the masses in India, Suzuki decided to launch a small Intruder motorcycle for young customers. Here, we have Suzuki Intruder 150. The bike is great for people who love to own a Japanese motorcycle with well-known international brand name.
Suzuki Intruder has a seat height of 740 mm which is accessible for short riders and it a light motorcycle with a kerb weight of 152 kg which is whole 11 kg lighter than the Avenger 220. You get a well-tuned suspension system that is good for city riding and takes up shocks from the bad roads pretty well.
Suzuki Intruder comes with Gixxer sourced 155cc, single cylinder, air-cooled engine which is fed by a fuel injection and breaths via a 2-valve SOHC head. This engine is capable of developing 13.4 bhp at 8000 rpm and 13.8 Nm torque comes up at 6000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox that handles the reduction duties. Performance of the bike is like any other 150-160cc bike in the segment and goes up to a top speed of 110 kmph.
Speaking about the features, the bike gets a fully digital instrument cluster with a good amount of information of offer. You get a speedometer, odometer, trip meters, fuel gauge and gear position indicator. The bike also gets headlamp that is inspired from bigger Intruder motorcycles.
There is a set of telescopic forks at the front and monoshock at the rear which is well-balanced for delivering optimum ride quality. For stopping the bike, the company has offered disc brakes on both ends with a single channel ABS for taking care of the rider under hard braking conditions.
Suzuki is known to deliver highly reliable motorcycles which are low on maintenance and are dependable for daily use. If you are looking for something new in the cruiser range, do take a test ride of the Suzuki Intruder before settling on any other motorcycle.
Model | Suzuki Intruder 150 |
Engine | 155 cc |
Cooling | Air-Cooled |
Power | 13.4 bhp @ 8,000 rpm |
Torque | 13.8 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
Gearbox | 5-Speed |
Front Suspension | Telescopic |
Rear Suspension | MonoShock |
Front Tyre | 100/80-17M/C 52P |
Rear Tyre | 140/60R17M/C 63P |
Front Brake | Disc – 266mm |
Rear Brake | Disc – 220mm |
ABS | Single-Channel |
Weight | 152 kg |
Fuel Tank | 11 Ltr |
Mileage | 45 kmpl |
Top Speed | 110 kmph |
Honda Hornet 2.0
Next, we have Honda Hornet 2.0. Yes, it is a stylish streetfighter motorcycle that is good for short riders. Honda Hornet 2.0 is the latest model launched in India with a BS6 engine and it is suited for city riding. Speaking about the saddle height, the number is around 780 to 790 mm and it not officially informed by the Japanese company.
Hornet 2.0 is well suited for any rider with height 5’2” and with a low kerb weight of just 142 kg, the bike is easy to manage in the slow-moving traffic. Apart from that, the bike offers a comfortable seat with a slight lean towards the handlebars.
At the core of the hornet 2.0, the bike comes with a larger 184.4cc, single cylinder, air-cooled, fuel injected engine with 2 valve SOHC head. This engine churns out a maximum power of 17.03 bhp at 8500 rpm and a peak twisting force of 16.1 Nm at 6000 rpm. There is a 5-speed gearbox that has shorter gear ratios for impressive acceleration. Honda Hornet 2.0 does 0-100 kmph in about 12.5 seconds and goes up to a top speed of 125 kmph.
Since Hornet 2.0 has shorter gears, it is best to ride the bike in city limits as the engine feels a bit strained over 85 kmph in the 5th gear. Had it come with an overdrive fifth gear; it would be easy to tour on this bike as well. In present configuration, Hornet 2.0 is good for spirited city riding. In bumper to bumper traffic, the strong mid-range of the 184cc engine provides sufficient grunt to lead the traffic.
Speaking about the mileage, the Hornet 2.0 is a highly fuel-efficient motorcycle with about 47 to 48 kmpl in mixed riding conditions. There is a 12-litre fuel tank which promises for a range of more than 540 km in a single tankful.
Honda Hornet 2.0 is a spirited streetfighter that promises fun riding in the urban jungle. It offers reasonable comfort for the short riders with its saddle height of about 780 to 790 mm.
Model | Honda Hornet 2.0 |
Engine | 184.4 cc |
Cooling | Air-Cooled |
Power | 17.03 bhp @ 8,500 rpm |
Torque | 16.1 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
Gearbox | 5-Speed |
Front Suspension | USD Forks |
Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
Front Tyre | 110/70-17 M/C 54S |
Rear Tyre | 140/70- 17 M/C 66S |
Front Brake | Disc – 276mm |
Rear Brake | Disc – 220mm |
ABS | Single-Channel |
Weight | 142 kg |
Fuel Tank | 12 Ltr |
Mileage | 45 kmpl |
Top Speed | 123 kmph |
Jawa 300
Jawa Standard 300 is a classic motorcycle inspired by the 2-stroke Jawa bikes from the yesteryears. A couple of years ago, Classic Legends launched the most loved Jawa brand in India with 4-stroke engine but somehow managed to retain some level of 2-stroke sound from of the old bikes. Jawa standard is also an accessible bike for short rider with a saddle height of 765 mm.
Jawa is made for city as well as highway touring with comfortable riding posture with upright siting position with high raised handlebars. Jawa weighs in at 170 kg which might not be a manageable bike in the slow-moving traffic but it is highly stable out on the open country roads. The suspension of system is comprised of telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. It is tuned towards softer side for providing comfort to the rider.
Powering the Jawa 300 is a 293cc, single cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel injected engine with 4-valve SOHC head. It develops 27 bhp of max power and 28 Nm of peak torque. The engine speed at which these numbers are developed is not disclosed by the manufacturer. There is a 6-speed gearbox attached with this powerplant which offers smooth ride and takes the bike up to a top speed of 130 kmph.
Speaking about the mileage, the Jawa Standard delivers a fuel economy of about 34 kmpl in mixed riding conditions. The range you can extract from this bike is more than 460 km in a single tankful of 14 litres.
If you are in love with the classic bikes, then Jawa 300 is the best choice for you as it also has a lower seat for you to touch your foot on the ground. However, if you are looking for a modern classic motorcycle, then Jawa has another bike for you which goes by name – Forty-Two. Forty-Two comes with modern touch-ups like blacked out and lower set handlebars.
Model | Jawa 300 |
Engine | 293 cc |
Cooling | Liquid-Cooled |
Power | 27 bhp |
Torque | 28 Nm |
Gearbox | 6-Speed |
Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks |
Rear Suspension | Twin-Shock |
Front Tyre | 90/90 18 |
Rear Tyre | 120/80 17 |
Front Brake | Disc – 280mm |
Rear Brake | Disc – 240mm |
ABS | Dual-Channel |
Weight | 170 kg |
Fuel Tank | 14 Ltr |
Mileage | 34 kmpl |
Top Speed | 130 kmph |
Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | ₹ 1,60,300 |
Jawa Perak
Another bike from Jawa is a bobber motorcycle which comes with factory fitted single piece seat. The seat height of this bike also remains similar to other Jawa bikes at 765 mm but Perak offers more visual appeal and road presence with its unique styling and long swing-arm.
It is the only classic roadster motorcycle under Rs 2 lakh to comes with a monoshock rear suspension for enhanced ride quality. It carries a price tag of Rs 1,94,500 ex-showroom, New Delhi. It is a perfect motorcycle for those who love to ride alone and take charge on the unknown.
Jawa Perak is powered by a bored-out version of the Jawa’s 300cc engine that is present on other two bikes. It is a 334cc, liquid-cooled, single cylinder engine with fuel injection system and 4 valve SOHC head. This engine delivers 30 bhp of max power and 32.74 Nm of peak torque which provides better performance than the other two bikes from Jawa. A 6-speed gearbox does the job of reduction and is smooth and precise.
The fuel efficiency might be little less than the Jawa 300 and the Forty-Two due to a large engine that pumps out more power and torque. Expect a mixed mileage of around 33 kmpl and a range of 440 km in a single tankful of 14 litres.
If you look closely, the bike is completely similar to the other Jawa bikes in the front half and real changes are seen in the rear half of the bike. At the rear, you get a longer swing-arm which is supported on a monoshock suspension for better stability. On top of the monoshock, a single piece rider seat is fitted via cantilever frame. This provides a unique stance to the bike and looks badass.
Jawa Perak is a great bike for short riders and tall riders as well due to its unique design and positioning. The kerb weight is increased to 179 kg and might feel bit heavy in the stop and go traffic during rush hours.
Model | Jawa Perak |
Engine | 334 cc |
Cooling | Liquid-Cooled |
Power | 30 bhp |
Torque | 32.74 Nm |
Gearbox | 6-Speed |
Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks |
Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
Front Tyre | 100/90-18 |
Rear Tyre | 140/70-17 |
Front Brake | Disc – 280mm |
Rear Brake | Disc – 240mm |
ABS | Dual-Channel |
Weight | 179 kg |
Fuel Tank | 14 Ltr |
Mileage | 33 kmpl |
Top Speed | 135 kmph |
Royal Enfield Meteor 350
Up next, we have Royal Enfield Meteor 350 in this list of best bikes for short riders. The newly launched Meteor 350 has seat height of just 765 mm which is a perfect option for short riders. Apart from this if you are even shorter, you can opt for a lower seat of 745 mm seat height. At 745 mm even a rider of 5’2” can comfortably place his feet firmly on the ground.
The one thing that might dwindle your confidence is the high kerb weight of 191 kg which is actually 6 kg lower than the Thunderbird 350 but still on the higher side. However, the company has developed an all-new chassis which reduces the effects of high kerb weight in the bike. The handlebar is well laid out and is easy to take a U-turn on this machine.
It is a perfect motorcycle for long distance touring as it gets a comfortable riding posture which makes you less tiring on the saddle for hours. A large windshield visor is available in the top most variant as standard and optional in the lower variants. For pillion, you can opt for rear back rest making it comfortable for pillions during long riding hours.
All-new Royal Enfield Meteor is propelled by an air and oil-cooled, 350cc, single cylinder engine with fuel injection system and 2 valve SOHC head. This powerplant guarantees 20.2 bhp of max power at 6100 rpm and 27 Nm twisting force at 4000 rpm. For reduction, you get to deal with a 5-speed gearbox which offer tall gear ratios. The gears are so tall that you can hit 100 kmph in the 3rd gear itself and the 4th gear will take you to 120 kmph which is the top speed of the bike. Oh, the 5th gear is just to keeping the engine calm on the highways.
Fuel economy plays a vital role when you go out on a long haul. The new engine with fuel injection returns a class leading mileage of 41 kmpl in the city while the highway mileage drops to about 38 kmpl when ridden in the Eco mode. The fuel tank has a capacity of 15 litres which can give you a real-world range of about 525 km if you able to extract 35 kmpl mileage. This kind of range is great for long riding as it there will be lesser fuel stops in the journey.
With the new Meteor 350, Royal Enfield has done great job by introducing lower seat height for all the short riders out there who can now own one for their adventurous rides.
Model | Royal Enfield Meteor 350 |
Engine | 349 cc |
Cooling | Oil-Cooled |
Power | 20.2 bhp @ 6,100 rpm |
Torque | 27 Nm @ 4,000 rpm |
Gearbox | 5-Speed |
Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks |
Rear Suspension | Twin-Shock |
Front Tyre | 100/90 – 19 – 57P |
Rear Tyre | 140/70 – 17 – 66P |
Front Brake | Disc – 300mm |
Rear Brake | Disc – 270mm |
ABS | Dual-Channel |
Weight | 191 kg |
Fuel Tank | 15 Ltr |
Mileage | 40 kmpl |
Top Speed | 120 kmph |
BMW G 310 R
BMW G310R is the next bike which is a good option for short riders in India. This particular motorcycle was quite expensive in the BS4 era but recently BMW surprised everyone by launching the bike in additional features at a price tag of just Rs 2.45 lakh ex-showroom. Yes, you read that right, the bike now gets full LED headlight unit and slipper clutch as mechanical updates. You also get new colour schemes for better visual appeal.
But what’s in there for riders? BMW G310 R has a seat height of 780 mm which is very much suitable for short riders. You can comfortably place both your feet on the ground and balance the bike. If you are habitual of placing a single foot, you can have total control on the bike. Moreover, the seat is comfortable both rider and the pillion as it gets perfect amount of padding.
BMW G310 R gets a liquid-cooled, 313cc, reverse inclined single cylinder engine which is benefitted by fuel injection and 4 valve DOHC head. This motor pumps out a healthy power of 33.5 bhp at 9250 rpm and a peak torque arrives at 7500 rpm. There is a 6-speed gearbox connected via a slip and assist clutch making it easier to operate the clutch and is safer under aggressive downshifts.
The 158 kg bike feels light while on the highways and can goes up to a top speed of 162 kmph according to the speedometer. Speaking about the fuel efficiency, the bike returns a real-world mileage of 30 kmpl giving out a range of 330 km in a single tankful of 11 litres.
If you are a short height person and want a premium segment motorcycle under 3 lakh rupees, then BMW G310 R is the perfect choice as it is also capable of being used as daily commuter and highway tourer as well.
Model | BMW G 310 R |
Engine | 313 cc |
Cooling | Liquid-Cooled |
Power | 33.5 bhp @ 9,250 rpm |
Torque | 28 Nm @ 7,500 rpm |
Gearbox | 6-Speed |
Front Suspension | USD Forks |
Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
Front Tyre | 110/70 R 17 |
Rear Tyre | 150/60 R 17 |
Front Brake | Disc – 300mm |
Rear Brake | Disc – 240mm |
ABS | Dual-Channel |
Weight | 158.5 kg |
Fuel Tank | 11 Ltr |
Mileage | 30 kmpl |
Top Speed | 143 kmph |
Kawasaki Vulcan S
Let’s move up in the price range and we are welcomed by Kawasaki Vulcan S cruiser motorcycle. This bike has a seat height of 705 mm which is great for any type of rider. Even a rider under 5’2” can also ride the bike. The reason for such as low seat height is the high kerb weight of 235 kg. At 705 mm you can now easily manage the bike even at slow speeds and in the bumper to bumper traffic in Indian metro cities.
Kawasaki Vulcan S offer a comfortable riding position with raised handle bars and laid-back riding posture. The seat has scoop curvature which helps in aligning your lower back in perfect position. Overall, this posture can let you ride for hours without breaks.
Moving on to the engine of the Kawasaki Vulcan S, you will find a liquid-cooled, 649cc, parallel twin engine which is fed by fuel injection system and breaths via an 8 valve DOHC head. The powerplant churns out a max power of 59.9 bhp at 7500 rpm and a peak twisting force of 62.4 Nm comes up at 6600 rpm. This engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission that can take this bike to a top speed in excess of 180 kmph.
For a cruiser bike, the fuel tank can hold only 14 litres of petrol. That said, the bike returns a fuel economy of just 20 kmpl with a light wrist and thus, you can get a range of 280 km which is too less. You have to frequently refill the tank on longer tours.
The suspension system is taken care of by telescopic forks at the front and an offset monoshock does the job at the rear. Suspension is balanced as it is neither too stiff nor too soft. You will have to slow down over bad roads so that the bike does not unsettle. However, the weight of the bike keeps things under control.
Kawasaki Vulcan S is a modern cruiser and comes with a host of features. A 705 mm saddle height makes it a good steal for short riders who are in love with the premium cruisers.
Model | Kawasaki Vulcan S |
Engine | 649 cc |
Cooling | Liquid-Cooled |
Power | 59.9 bhp @ 7,500 rpm |
Torque | 62.4 Nm @ 6,600 rpm |
Gearbox | 6-Speed |
Front Suspension | Telescopic |
Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
Front Tyre | 120/70R18M/C 59H |
Rear Tyre | 160/60R17M/C 69H |
Front Brake | Disc – 300mm |
Rear Brake | Disc – 250mm |
ABS | Dual-Channel |
Weight | 235 kg |
Fuel Tank | 14 Ltr |
Mileage | 20 kmpl |
Top Speed | 180 kmph |
Harley Davidson Street 750
Let’s move on to the most precious and demanding name in this list, the Harley Davidson Street 750. It is the most affordable Harley Davidson bike available in India but most of the riders cannot afford it. However, those who are willing to spend a great deal of money on a cruiser, the Harley Davidson Street 750 can become an amazing option.
The seat height of Street 750 is 720 mm which is about 15 mm more than the Kawasaki Vulcan S but lower than any other bike in this list. Next, you can only see the Bajaj Avenger’s 737 mm seat height. Harley Davidson bikes are known to have touring friendly seats which lets riders to travel great distances at once.
Harley Davidson Street 750 is fitted with a Revolution X liquid-cooled, 749cc, V-twin engine with single overhead cams and fuel injection. This powerplant generates a peak torque of 59 Nm at 4000 rpm which is enough to propel this 233 kg behemoth to a top speed of 180 kmph. The power figure is not disclosed by the company but we expect it to be around 50 bhp. You get a 6-speed gearbox that performs the reduction duties.
The bike is a cruiser in nature which makes it a ideal for long rides. But with a small fuel tank of 13.1 litres and average fuel economy of 18 kmpl, the Street 750 can cover only 235 km in a single tankful. The company should have increased the volume of fuel tank to about 18 litres to run those extra miles. If you are going on a long tour, you have to frequently refill the tank to move further.
Harley Davidson motorcycles are cruisers in nature and comes with lower seat height which becomes useful for short riders as well.
Model | Harley Davidson Street 750 |
Engine | 749 cc |
Cooling | Liquid-Cooled |
Power | Not Specified |
Torque | 59 Nm @ 4,000 rpm |
Gearbox | 6-Speed |
Front Suspension | Telescopic |
Rear Suspension | Twin-Shock |
Front Tyre | 100/80-17 |
Rear Tyre | 140/75 R15 |
Front Brake | Disc – 292mm |
Rear Brake | Disc – 260mm |
ABS | Dual-Channel |
Weight | 233 kg |
Fuel Tank | 13.1 Ltr |
Mileage | 18 kmpl |
Top Speed | 180 kmph |
In Conclusion…
With this, we have concluded our list of the best bikes for short riders in India that you can buy in the year 2020-21. Here, you have clearly seen that we not only talked about cruisers but also about those bikes which are suitable for short riders.
The lowest seat height belongs to Kawasaki Vulcan S at 705 mm, next we have Street 750 with 720mm saddle height. This is followed by Bajaj Avenger series with 737 mm and 740 mm seat height of Suzuki Intruder.
Royal Enfield Meteor’s optional 745 mm seat height is ideal and is followed by Jawa range of bikes with 765 mm seat height. All these bikes are pretty valid for short riders in India and offer unique characters.
There are short riders who love to ride a streetfighter motorcycle but due to lack of information, they are forced to go with a cruiser bike even for daily commuting needs. Cruisers are great for highways but not for the city as congested traffic and tight spaces makes it difficult for the cruiser bikes to move freely.
We advise you to go to the showrooms and take proper test rides of the bikes that are in your mind. This will help you choose a perfect bike and reduce the chances of regretting the decision later.
We hope that, after reading this post you can choose the right bike for you according to your requirements and usage pattern. Which one will you choose and why? Do tell us in the comments section below.
Always wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle and follow all the traffic rules. This way we can make our roads safer for all. Stay tuned for more from the motorcycling world at Cars 24 Moto.
Best Bikes for Short Riders in India Specifications: Engine and Gearbox
Hero Splendor Plus | 97.2 cc | Air-Cooled | 7.91 bhp @ 8,000 rpm | 8.05 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 4-Speed |
Honda Shine | 124 cc | Air-Cooled | 10.59 bhp @ 7,500 rpm | 11 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 5-Speed |
Honda Unicorn | 162.7 cc | Air-Cooled | 12.73 bhp @ 7,500 rpm | 14 Nm @ 5,500 rpm | 5-Speed |
Bajaj Pulsar 150 | 149.5 cc | Air-Cooled | 13.79 bhp @ 8,000 rpm | 13.4 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 5-Speed |
Bajaj Avenger 160 | 160 cc | Air-Cooled | 14.79 bhp @ 8,500 rpm | 13.7 Nm @ 7,000 rpm | 5-Speed |
Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise | 220 cc | Oil-Cooled | 18.76 bhp @ 8,500 rpm | 17.55 Nm @ 7,000 rpm | 5-Speed |
Suzuki Intruder 150 | 155 cc | Air-Cooled | 13.4 bhp @ 8,000 rpm | 13.8 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 5-Speed |
Honda Hornet 2.0 | 184.4 cc | Air-Cooled | 17.03 bhp @ 8,500 rpm | 16.1 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 5-Speed |
Jawa 300 | 293 cc | Liquid-Cooled | 27 bhp | 28 Nm | 6-Speed |
Jawa Perak | 334 cc | Liquid-Cooled | 30 bhp | 32.74 Nm | 6-Speed |
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 | 349 cc | Oil-Cooled | 20.2 bhp @ 6,100 rpm | 27 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | 5-Speed |
BMW G 310 R | 313 cc | Liquid-Cooled | 33.5 bhp @ 9,250 rpm | 28 Nm @ 7,500 rpm | 6-Speed |
Kawasaki Vulcan S | 649 cc | Liquid-Cooled | 59.9 bhp @ 7,500 rpm | 62.4 Nm @ 6,600 rpm | 6-Speed |
Harley Davidson Street 750 | 749 cc | Liquid-Cooled | Not Specified | 59 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | 6-Speed |
Best Bikes for Short Riders in India Specifications: Suspension and Tyres
Model | Front Suspension | Rear Suspension | Front Tyre | Rear Tyre |
Hero Splendor Plus | Telescopic Forks | Twin Shock | 80/100-18 M/C 47P | 80/100-18 M/C 54P |
Honda Shine | Telescopic Forks | Twin Shock | 80/100-18 M/C 47P | 80/100-18 M/C 54P |
Honda Unicorn | Telescopic Forks | Monoshock | 80/100-18 M/C 47P | 100/90-18 M/C 56P |
Bajaj Pulsar 150 | Telescopic Forks | Twin Shock | 80/100 17 | 100/90 17 |
Bajaj Avenger 160 | Telescopic Forks | Twin Shock | 90/90-17 49P | 130/90-15 66P |
Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise | Telescopic Forks | Twin-Shock | 90/90-17 49P | 130/90-15 66P |
Suzuki Intruder 150 | Telescopic | MonoShock | 100/80-17M/C 52P | 140/60R17M/C 63P |
Honda Hornet 2.0 | USD Forks | Monoshock | 110/70-17 M/C 54S | 140/70- 17 M/C 66S |
Jawa 300 | Telescopic Forks | Twin-Shock | 90/90 18 | 120/80 17 |
Jawa Perak | Telescopic Forks | Monoshock | 100/90-18 | 140/70-17 |
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 | Telescopic Forks | Twin-Shock | 100/90 – 19 – 57P | 140/70 – 17 – 66P |
BMW G 310 R | USD Forks | Monoshock | 110/70 R 17 | 150/60 R 17 |
Kawasaki Vulcan S | Telescopic | Monoshock | 120/70R18M/C 59H | 160/60R17M/C 69H |
Harley Davidson Street 750 | Telescopic | Twin-Shock | 100/80-17 | 140/75 R15 |
Best Bikes for Short Riders in Nepal Specifications: Brakes and Weight
Model | Front Brake | Rear Brake | ABS | Weight |
Hero Splendor Plus | Drum | Drum | N/A | 110 kg |
Honda Shine | Drum/Disc | Drum | N/A | 114 kg |
Honda Unicorn | Disc | Drum | Single-Channel | 140 kg |
Bajaj Pulsar 150 | Disc – 240mm | Drum | Single-Channel | 144 kg |
Bajaj Avenger 160 | Disc – 280 mm | Drum | Single-Channel | 156 kg |
Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise | Disc – 280mm | Drum | Single-Channel | 163 kg |
Suzuki Intruder 150 | Disc – 266mm | Disc – 220mm | Single-Channel | 152 kg |
Honda Hornet 2.0 | Disc – 276mm | Disc – 220mm | Single-Channel | 142 kg |
Jawa 300 | Disc – 280mm | Disc – 240mm | Dual-Channel | 170 kg |
Jawa Perak | Disc – 280mm | Disc – 240mm | Dual-Channel | 179 kg |
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 | Disc – 300mm | Disc – 270mm | Dual-Channel | 191 kg |
BMW G 310 R | Disc – 300mm | Disc – 240mm | Dual-Channel | 158.5 kg |
Kawasaki Vulcan S | Disc – 300mm | Disc – 250mm | Dual-Channel | 235 kg |
Harley Davidson Street 750 | Disc – 292mm | Disc – 260mm | Dual-Channel | 233 kg |
Best Bikes for Short Riders in India Specifications: Mileage and Price
Model | Fuel Tank | Mileage | Top Speed | |
Hero Splendor Plus | 9.8 Ltr | 65 kmpl | 85 kmph | |
Honda Shine | 10.5 Ltr | 55 kmpl | 95 kmph | |
Honda Unicorn | 13 Ltr | 53 kmpl | 105 kmph | |
Bajaj Pulsar 150 | 15 Ltr | 50 kmpl | 110 kmph | |
Bajaj Avenger 160 | 13 Ltr | 45 kmpl | 110 kmph | |
Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise | 13 Ltr | 35 kmpl | 130 kmph | |
Suzuki Intruder 150 | 11 Ltr | 45 kmpl | 110 kmph | |
Honda Hornet 2.0 | 12 Ltr | 45 kmpl | 123 kmph | |
Jawa 300 | 14 Ltr | 34 kmpl | 130 kmph | |
Jawa Perak | 14 Ltr | 33 kmpl | 135 kmph | |
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 | 15 Ltr | 40 kmpl | 120 kmph | |
BMW G 310 R | 11 Ltr | 30 kmpl | 143 kmph | |
Kawasaki Vulcan S | 14 Ltr | 20 kmpl | 180 kmph | |
Harley Davidson Street 750 | 13.1 Ltr | 18 kmpl | 180 kmph |
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