3 Motorcycle Mods for Tall Riders
March 27, 2025 Comments CommentThere are two main ways a tall motorcycle rider can make their motorcycle more comfortable. The first is likely the most obvious – choosing a motorcycle that’s well-suited for taller riders and was designed with an expanded triangle of comfort. The second way to make a motorcycle more comfortable for a tall rider, and is sometimes overlooked by riders, is to use motorcycle parts and accessories to expand that triangle on a bike they otherwise like.
Luckily for tall motorcycle riders, Harley-Davidson offers a variety of accessories for many of its motorcycle models that can be used to adjust the triangle of comfort to better fit a tall motorcycle rider.
3 Ways to Make a Motorcycle More Comfortable for a Tall Rider
1. Adjust Your Foot Controls
Mid-mount foot controls can be relocated for a longer reach with a Further Forward kit from Harley-Davidson, which includes all the components required to move mid controls forward about 3 inches from the standard position. For even more room, a Forward Control Kit can be used to convert mid controls to forward controls, helping riders gain more than 7 inches of leg room. Both foot control options can give taller motorcycle riders more breathing room for their legs
2. Adjust Your Handlebars
Some Original Equipment motorcycle handlebars have a range for forward and back adjustment that can help improve the fit for tall riders. If more adjustment is desired, a Tallboy® handlebar may be the solution. For example, the Batwing Tallboy® Handlebar for many Harley-Davidson® Touring models was extensively tested for riders 5 feet 11 inches to 6 feet 3 inches tall. When rotated forward, this handlebar offers a higher and flatter hand and wrist location and stretches the elbow to a more natural angle, reducing the cramped look often seen in riders with long arms. Handlebar height is regulated in many locations. Check your local laws to ensure your motorcycle meets the applicable state regulations.
Learn more about the different types of motorcycle handlebar styles.
3. Add a Tallboy Motorcycle Seat
Harley-Davidson® Tallboy® seats are designed to position the rider further back on the motorcycle compared to the Original Equipment seat. The popular Tallboy® seat for Touring models, for example, moves the rider back about 2 inches, extending the reach to both the hand and foot controls to accommodate taller riders. The Tallboy® Solo Seat for Pan America® 1250 models increases the seat height by an inch. There are Tallboy® seats available for many other Harley® models, and many Harley® dealers can let you demo a Tallboy® seat to see how it fits before purchase.
Authorized Harley-Davidson® dealers are motorcycle fit experts that can help you dial in your ideal triangle of comfort. For motorcycle adjustments for tall riders, visit an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer, where you can also schedule a test ride on a new or Harley-Davidson Certified™ motorcycle.
