Make the most of the time you spend riding, it’s important that your motorcycle fits your body and your preferred riding style. Tall riders can sometimes have challenges feeling comfortable on many motorcycles due to the increased size of a taller rider’s features. The best Harley-Davidson® for a tall rider is one that is adjusted to fit correctly. Read on to find the best motorcycles for tall riders from Harley-Davidson and to learn how to customize a motorcycle to better fit a tall rider.
The key to comfort and confidence when riding a motorcycle is the relationship the rider feels from their hands on the hand grips, to their hips on the seat, to their boots on the foot controls. Matching this “triangle of comfort” to your body is the key to being able to operate motorcycle controls properly and to ride many miles comfortably without straining your body.
Learn more about motorcycle ergonomics.
Tall riders may find that triangle of comfort is cramped – handlebar and hand controls too close and not enough distance from the seat to the foot controls, so that their hips are angled up and knees bent uncomfortably. Reaching feet to the ground is an element of fit that is not a problem for most tall riders, so seat height – defined as the distance from the seat to the ground – may not be as much as a concern. The key to comfort for a tall rider is selecting a motorcycle with a larger triangle of comfort or using motorcycle parts and accessories to expand that triangle on a motorcycle they otherwise like. Learn more about our recommended motorcycle mods for tall riders.
Here are some Harley-Davidson motorcycles best suited to taller riders.
The Road Glide® motorcycle has a new handlebar that is shaped for rider comfort and is easily adjustable through a range of 27 degrees, so it can be moved forward to best match the reach of a tall rider with long arms.
Explore the Road Glide
The Pan America® 1250 adventure motorcycles have a higher seat height than many other Harley-Davidson® models, which suits many taller riders, and that seat height is adjustable. The two-position seat can be raised one inch higher than its standard position, moving the seat further above the footpegs for increased leg room.
Explore the Pan America 1250 Special
The Fat Boy® is a cruiser model that’s equipped with footboards that allow the rider to stretch their legs.
Explore the Fat Boy
This motorcycle is also equipped with footboards that allow the rider to stretch their legs.
Explore the Heritage Classic
The drag-bike styling of the Breakout® model features a stretched-out riding position and forward foot controls that combine for a great fit for many taller riders.
Explore the Breakout
The Street Bob® model is equipped with a tall mini-ape handlebar that can be adjusted for the longer reach of a tall rider.
Explore the Street Bob
Authorized Harley-Davidson® dealers are motorcycle fit experts that can help find the best motorcycle for tall riders. To learn more, visit an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer, where you can also schedule a test ride on a new or Harley-Davidson Certified™ motorcycle.
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