Confidence is a key intangible element for shorter riders when they step up to their first big bike and having a manageable machine which allows them to put their feet on the ground is an important consideration. Keeping this in mind, we have curated a list of all the big bikes available in India with a seat height lower than 810mm, which should make the bikes pretty easy to flatfoot.
Do bear in mind that we have only included models under the Rs 10 lakh mark (ex-showroom, Delhi), above 600cc and making over 60hp from reputed and established brands with a fairly decent reach across the country.
Suzuki GSX-8R (Rs 9.89 lakh) / Triumph Daytona 660 (Rs 9.88 lakh)
810mm
Both the GSX-8R and Daytona 660 are from a breed of new-age sportbikes that prioritize real-world usability rather than outright speed and performance. As a result, they have comfortable ergonomics and engines that prioritize solid mid-range grunt over a searing top-end rush. The Suzuki uses a 776cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine making 82.9hp and 78 Nm of torque, whereas the Triumph is powered by a 660cc, 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor making 95hp and 69Nm of torque.
As you’d expect, these bikes feel very different in the way they deliver their maximum performance as well as the sound emanating from their underbelly-exit exhaust mufflers. While there are a great many differences between the two, the GSX-8R and Daytona 660 both have identical 810mm seat heights.
Triumph Trident 660 (Rs 8.99 lakh)
805mm
Another Triumph motorcycle on this list is the Trident 660 - essentially a stripped-back Daytona. The Trident is the most affordable multi-cylinder Triumph in India and has handsome neo-retro styling as well as an upright, comfortable riding position. At 805mm, its perch is also decently manageable and is even lower than the Daytona. The Trident sold in India still uses the 660cc, liquid-cooled, 3-cyl engine in its older state of tune, which means it makes 81hp and 64Nm of torque, which is lower than the Daytona but enough to make it the second most powerful machine on this list.
Kawasaki Z650RS (Rs 7.83 lakh)
800mm
Another sporty neo-retro offering on this list comes from Kawasaki, in the form of the rather handsome Z650RS. Powered by Kawasaki’s ultra-reliable, tried-and-tested 649cc, liquid-cooled, parallel twin engine making 68hp and 62.1Nm of torque and draped in bodywork which has some elements from the ‘70s, the Z650RS is equal parts sporty and retro. With a seat that’s just 800mm off the ground, the Z650RS should be easy to manage for most folks.
Kawasaki Z650 (Rs 7.26 lakh) / Ninja 650 (Rs 7.91 lakh)
790mm
Kawasaki’s venerable 649cc p-twin powers as many as five different models in its lineup and within that, two of the most popular models are the Z650 and the Ninja 650. Renowned for their punchy performance, good handling without sacrificing comfort and decent pricing, the Kawasaki 650 twins have always been a popular choice for those shopping for their first big bike.
One big part of their appeal lies in their manageable 790mm seat height, which is one of the most amenable figures in the big bike space.
Triumph Speed Twin 900 (Rs 9.71 lakh)
780mm
The final Triumph motorcycle on our list is the Speed Twin 900 - known by the name ‘Street Twin’ a few years back. The Speed Twin 900 is powered by the 900cc, twin-cyl, liquid-cooled engine making 65hp and 80Nm of torque, paired to a 5-speed gearbox. The focus of this engine is to give you effortless shove no matter what rpm range or gear you are in and with the highest torque number on this list, it could very well do that. While its 5-speed gearbox might be a cog down on the 6-speed units we see on most modern bikes, the ratios are well-judged and at highway speeds, the Speed Twin 900 is a calm and relaxed machine. It is also one of the better looking bikes on this list and with a low 780mm seat, it's also one of the most approachable big bikes at this price point.
Kawasaki Vulcan S (Rs 8.13 lakh)
705mm
There are very few machines like the Kawasaki Vulcan S - a high-revving sportbike engine-powered cruiser. This unconventionally sporty cruiser is one of the nicest machines to ride - despite its oddball looks - thanks to its grunty motor, well-setup chassis and approachable demeanour. Its approachability is further accentuated by its ultra-low 705mm perch and this oddball machine has the lowest seat height on a big bike under Rs 10 lakh in India.
