Why seat height is only half the story
Seat height is measured at the lowest point of the seat, but your legs go down either side of it. A wide seat or wide bodywork pushes your feet outwards, so a narrow bike with a slightly taller seat can feel lower than a wide bike with a lower one.
- Seat width at the front, where your thighs meet the bike.
- Weight, and how low it sits — a low centre of gravity is easier to hold up.
- Suspension sag: the bike settles when you sit on it, so it feels lower than the brochure figure.
How to test the fit
- Wear the boots you will ride in.
- Lift the bike off its side stand and hold it upright with both feet down.
- Try walking it backwards a step or two — you will do this every time you park.
- Check you can reach the bars, clutch and brake without stretching.
If a bike is a little tall
- Riding boots with a thicker sole can add a useful centimetre or two.
- A narrower or lower aftermarket seat can help — ask the dealer what is available.
- Lowering kits exist for some bikes, but they change the handling and ground clearance, so get advice first.
LAMS bikes compared by seat height
Cruisers and bobbers tend to have the lowest seats of any motorcycle style, which is why they are popular with shorter riders.
| Model | Seat height | Engine | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BENDA Chinchilla 350 CVT Neo | 690 mm | 343cc · 25 kW | 195kg | $10,990 ride-away |
| BENDA Napoleonbob 500 | 695 mm | 476cc · 35 kW | 215kg | $12,990 ride-away |
| BENDA Dark Flag 500 Commander | 700 mm | 496cc · 35 kW | 260kg | $13,990 ride-away |
| BENDA Chinchilla 500 | 705 mm | 476cc · 35 kW | 215kg | $10,990 ride-away |
| BENDA Napoleonbob 250 | 748 mm | 249cc · 19 kW | 182kg | $9,990 ride-away |
Quick answers
Common questions.
What seat height is good for a short rider?
Many shorter riders are comfortable on seats around 700 mm or lower, but width and weight matter too. The best test is to sit on the bike in your boots and hold it upright.
Which type of motorcycle has the lowest seat?
Cruisers and bobbers usually have the lowest seats, followed by many naked bikes and scooters. Adventure bikes are usually the tallest.
Is it OK if I can only touch the ground with one foot?
Yes, as long as one foot is flat and the bike feels steady. Being on tiptoes with both feet is the thing to avoid on a first bike.
