The Best Motorcycles for Big and Heavy Riders – [Top 10]

best motorcycle for heavy riders

Motorcycle riding is an activity that everyone can enjoy, regardless of body size. In fact, you’ll find that you’re more than welcome on the road with a motorcycle. Since so many motorcycles are available for purchase, it’s essential to know which one is right for you.

Why is weight a point of concern in motorcycle riding? If you’re a big guy, a big bike will be the best choice. This will allow you to ride comfortably without worrying about your size. You’ll find that the extra space will be perfect for carrying things like groceries or even a friend. Big bikes also have more power, which will allow you to get to your destination quicker.

In this article, I will share ten motorcycles that will fit a heavy rider comfortably.

The 10 best motorcycles for heavy riders list:

See pictures and info at bottom of page

RankMotorcycle ModelKey Features
1BMW 1200 RTLight and nimble, comfortable, practical, good power and torque, GVWR of 1089 lbs, can carry 486 lbs
2Kawasaki ConcoursCruiser/sports bike, performance, comfort, style, GVWR of 1193, curb weight of 690, load capacity of 503 lbs
3Victory VisionSingle-seater, unique style, radical look, GVWR of 1414 pounds, curb weight of 889 pounds, load capacity of over 500lbs
4Harley Davidson FreewheelerStable, easy to learn to ride, good for weight over 500lbs, three wheels
5Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6RSporty, 636cc engine with inline 4 and 127 horsepower, maximum speed of 180 mph, comfortable, easy to ride
6Kawasaki Vulcan 900 ClassicStylish, lightweight, classic, 903cc V-twin cylinder engine with 50 horsepower, weight of 657 lbs
7Suzuki SV650Naked sport model, 645cc V-twin cylinder engine with 75 HP, weight of 429 lbs, 47 lb-ft torque, good for first-time riders
8Honda Rebel 500Sport cruiser, good for bulky riders and beginners, 471cc parallel twin-cylinder engine, weight of 414 lbs, 32 lb-ft torque
9Honda CB500XGood for overweight and tall riders, adventure category, 471cc parallel twin-cylinder, 50 hp engine, 32 lb-ft torque, 430 lbs. curb weight, good on- or off-road
10Kawasaki Ninja 650Good for heavyweight riders, sports riding, 649cc parallel twin-cylinder engine, 67 horsepower, torque of 47 lb-ft, easy to control, smooth ride

1. BMW 1200 RT

2. The Kawasaki Concours

3. Victory Vision

4. The Harley Davidson Freewheeler

5. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R

6. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

7. Suzuki SV650

8. Honda Rebel 500

9. Honda CB500X

10. The Kawasaki Ninja 650

Before we go on with our list of the 10 best motorcycles for heavy riders, I’ll show you first why a rider’s weight matters and how it affects performance.

How Does a Rider’s Weight Affect a Motorcycle?

If you’re looking for a motorcycle with good performance, you’ll want to consider what kind of engine it has. A big engine will make the bike much heavier and harder to handle. A heavy motorcycle will be harder to ride as well.

You may also want to consider the frame of the bike. Some manufacturers put extra steel in the frame to make it stronger. But these extra layers of metal add weight and make the motorcycle harder to handle.

1. Speed and Acceleration

If you’re a heavier rider, you’ll want to consider the speed and acceleration of the motorcycle. Because a heavy bike is harder to handle, a heavy rider will be slower and have less control over the cycle. You can buy a motorcycle with a larger engine to increase your speed and acceleration. A larger engine will allow you to go faster and accelerate more quickly.

2. Steering and Handling

Heavier riders have to use more force to steer the motorcycle, so you’ll need to apply more pressure to the handlebars to make the motorcycle turn. If you want to ensure that the bike is easy to steer and handle, you can consult with riders on which bike is better in that aspect, or you can sit on one and test a bike at the dealership. 

3. Braking

A heavy motorcycle needs more time to stop when you engage the brakes. In contrast, a lighter motorcycle can stop much faster. The weight of the rider and the bike combined affects the bike’s center of gravity, which contributes to the bike’s slower braking ability.

4. Stability

This is where a heavy bike with a heavy rider shines. A heavy bike is stable. Of course, it doesn’t mean that lightweight bikes are not stable, but compared to heavy ones, they are far less stable. 

What Motorcycles Are Recommended for Heavy Riders?

1. BMW 1200 RT

The 1200 RT is an excellent bike for those who want something slightly different. It’s light and nimble, but it’s also comfortable and practical. Its single-cylinder engine makes the most of what it has and provides good power and torque. It’s not very fast, but it is competent for it.

If your weight is around 400 lbs, the BMW 1200 RT is a great bike to ride. The bike has a GVWR of 1089 lbs, but it can carry 486 lbs.

 2. The Kawasaki Concours

The Concours is a cruiser/sports bike built for performance, comfort, and style. It is designed to make your ride more enjoyable. The Kawasaki Concours is a sporty motorcycle with a GVWR of 1193, a curb weight of 690, and a load capacity of 503 lbs (still without the fuel weight). 

3. Victory Vision

The Victory Vision is a bike that has been around for a while but is now making a comeback. It is a single-seater motorcycle, but it has a unique style and radical look. The Victory Vision Touring model has a GVWR of 1414 pounds and a curb weight of 889 pounds. Subtract the 40lb trunk and add 50lbs for fuel, and you have a load capacity of well over 500lbs.

4. The Harley Davidson Freewheeler

Heavy riders will find the Harley Davidson Freewheeler to be an excellent motorcycle. It is very stable, easy to learn to ride, and easy to control. Because this bike has three wheels, it’s a great choice if your weight is over 500lbs and you can’t fit on a regular motorcycle.

5. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R

The Ninja ZX-6R is a sporty motorcycle. It has a 636cc engine with inline 4 and 127 horsepower. This motorcycle is for those who want to experience the thrill of riding a bike. It has a maximum speed of 180 mph. However, some people prefer not to go that fast. It’s good to know that the Ninja ZX-6R is also a comfortable bike that is easy to ride.

If you want a motorcycle with a little more power but still easy to handle and maneuver, you should consider a supersport motorcycle. These motorcycles are made for experienced and confident riders who want a powerful bike that is fun to ride. An incredible sports motorcycle can be an excellent choice with the right rider.

6. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 is stylish, lightweight, and classic yet intimidating. It is a cruiser-type motorcycle that offers a smooth and comfy ride, providing a 903cc V-twin cylinder engine with 50 horsepower. The Vulcan 900 is heavy at 657 lbs, making turns extra challenging. This is an excellent motorcycle if you’re on the heavy side. 

7. Suzuki SV650

In the naked sport model, the SV650 is highly recommended. It has a 645cc V-twin cylinder engine with a 75 HP pulling power. It weighs 429 lbs and has a 47 lb-ft torque. If you’re a heavyset first-time rider, this motorcycle is perfect for you. The low RPM assist is an innovative function that raises engine rpm in launching or low-rpm riding conditions. The Low RPM Assist system helps the rider achieve a smooth take-off and makes riding through city traffic more manageable.

8. Honda Rebel 500

The Honda Rebel 500 is a perfect sport cruiser ride for bulky riders and beginners. It has s 471cc parallel twin-cylinder engine, weighs 414 lbs, and gives a 32 lb-ft torque. Although low in torque output, this bike is easy to maneuver, making it perfect for first-time riders. It can easily carry heavyweight riders. 

9. Honda CB500X

The Honda CB500X is an excellent ride for overweight and tall riders in the adventure category. It has a 471cc parallel twin-cylinder, a 50 hp engine and 32 lb-ft torque, and 430 lbs. curb weight. The CB500X can be used on- or off-road, which means it has a great suspension ideal for heavyweight bikers. 

10. The Kawasaki Ninja 650

Many heavyweight riders attest to the Kawasaki Ninja 650 as a perfect sports riding motorcycle. Additionally, consider using motorcycle gear that fits you such as the motorcycle jackets for tall riders are specific for tall riders. It has a 649cc parallel twin-cylinder engine, 67 horsepower, and a torque of 47 lb-ft. Since the torque is low, the bike is easy to control, giving the rider a smoother ride. 

Conclusion

Riding is an exhilarating experience. Although this may be true, it can be challenging to ride a motorcycle if you are overweight. The right bike is the best way to ride and experience the thrill of riding. So the most important thing is to find the right bike for you.

It’s also crucial to understand different types of motorcycles for various purposes. There are sportbikes, cruiser bikes, adventure bikes, and naked bikes. Additionally, it’s essential to consider the weight of the bike, the engine, and the bike’s power. 

Please let me know if you’ve found this article helpful in the comments section below. Have a great day!