Why Do Tall People Choose Smaller Motorcycles?

Have you ever wondered why taller riders, like those standing at 6’2” or even 6’4”, often gravitate towards smaller motorcycle models rather than monstrous cruisers that can accommodate their height? In my 45-year riding career, as a tall rider myself (6'4"), I've observed a unique pattern in motorcycle preferences. This phenomenon encompasses not just my own experiences but those of many other tall riders like me.

The Tall Rider Experience

From my perspective, a typical cruiser has a seating height that ranges from 29" to 30", often unable to comfortably fit someone as tall as myself. Even a Revtech lounge seat, which can extend the seating height to around 31", may not be sufficient. My long legs can cramp up if I don't have enough space, and positioning my feet on highway pegs is simply not an option. Instead, I prefer using the feet pegs and riding in a sitting position to maximize my comfort and maintain control over the bike.

Performance Over Showmanship

While many younger riders desire bikes that allow for flashy stunts like wheelies and are designed for attention, my motivations are quite different. For me, performance and stability are key. My VTX 1800S dynes at 147 hp and my Honda can hit a 9-second quarter mile or accelerate to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds. My reasoning is straightforward: keep the tires down and use the full power to maintain control and traverse in a straight line. It's all about making the most of the horsepower and maintaining a solid grip over the bike.

Engagement and Humor

My girlfriend often finds humor in the situation where smaller motorcycle enthusiasts and Harley riders take turns showing off. She shakes her head and laughs as the smaller bikes and Harleys disappear behind us, having conceded the race in terms of sheer power and control. These smaller bikes are often meant for more casual riding, lacking the aggressive performance needed for a serious power rider like myself.

A Personal Anecdote

I have been a motorcycle enthusiast for over four decades, and my journey has seen me ride everything from cruisers to smaller motorcycles. I've noticed that tall riders like myself often find smaller bikes more suitable for our height and riding preferences. From my own experience, I own a VTX 1800S, which is significantly smaller than a cruiser but still capable of 147 hp, and I've also had a Honda that's approximately 3000 pounds and performs well in acceleration tests. The choice to ride these smaller bikes is primarily based on comfort and efficiency rather than size.

The Perception of Tall Riders

Interestingly, tall riders don’t necessarily draw as much attention as shorter riders, including women, in the motorcycling community. We require a minimum seat height of 31 inches, ideally 32 or 33 inches, to prevent our long legs from cramping up. Highway pegs are simply uncomfortable and impractical for tall riders like me. We prefer to use the feet pegs and ride in a sitting position to fully utilize our height and maintain stability.

A Personal Journey

I stand at 6'2" and weigh 200 pounds, and my motorcycle is a Harley Davidson Fat Boy, which weighs close to 750 pounds. Regardless of the bike size, taller riders tend to disregard the abundance of options available in the market that can comfortably accommodate us. All of my friends ride Harleys as well, and I am the smallest among them. This seemingly counterintuitive choice is driven by our need for comfort, power, and control, not just by the size of the motorcycle itself.

Conclusion

The preference for smaller motorcycles among tall riders is a nuanced choice rooted in comfort, performance, and personal riding styles. While some may see this as a generalization, the reality is that taller riders often find smaller bikes more suitable for their unique needs. Whether it's a VTX 1800S or a Fat Boy, the choice to ride these smaller bikes is ultimately about making the best use of power and ensuring a comfortable, enjoyable ride.