8 Best Motorcycles for a Comfortable, Upright Riding Position

I used to think comfort was something you earned by suffering. Then I spent a summer on a forward-leaning sportbike, and my wrists, neck, and lower back all filed formal complaints.

Switching to an upright motorcycle changed how much I enjoyed riding. I could see farther, relax my shoulders, and ride for hours without that creeping ache.

Below are eight bikes I’ve ridden, spent real time around, or researched closely, each with an easy, natural posture. I’ll share what I like, what I don’t, and who I think each one suits.

What Makes a Riding Position Truly Upright?

An upright position means your torso is roughly vertical, your arms reach forward only slightly, and your knees bend at a relaxed angle. Your weight sits on your seat bones, not on your wrists.

The Three Things I Check First

Handlebar height and reach come first. If the bars sit near hip or chest height and fall naturally into your hands, you’re off to a good start.

Footpeg placement is second. Pegs directly below or slightly forward of your hips keep your knees from folding up tight.

Third is the seat shape. A flat, supportive seat beats a sculpted one on long days, in my experience.

1. Honda NC750X — Best Overall for Everyday Comfort

If I could own only one upright bike, the Honda NC750X would be a serious contender. It has a 745cc parallel twin that makes around 58 hp, and it’s tuned for low-rev torque rather than top-end drama.

The riding position is about as relaxed as it gets. The bars are high and wide, the pegs sit under you, and the seat height is roughly 32.7 inches, which most riders can manage.

Why I Love It

The NC750X has a front storage compartment where a fuel tank would normally sit, big enough to swallow a full-face helmet. The real fuel tank is under the passenger seat, which keeps the center of gravity low.

The optional dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is excellent in traffic. Fuel economy often lands in the 60s mpg, and pricing generally sits around the $8,000 range.

What Could Be Better

It’s not thrilling, and the redline arrives early. But I’d trade a little excitement for a bike this stress-free every time I commute.

2. Triumph Trident 660 — Best Upright Naked for Fun and Control

The Triumph Trident 660 proves that a relaxed posture doesn’t have to be boring. Its 660cc inline-three makes roughly 80 hp and sounds great.

The seat height is about 31.7 inches, and the bike weighs around 415 lb wet. That makes it easy to handle, even for newer riders stepping up from a small-displacement bike.

Ergonomics That Just Work

The Trident’s handlebar sits high enough that my shoulders stay loose, and the pegs are neutral rather than aggressively rearset. I can ride two hours without needing to stretch.

Riding modes, traction control, and a slip-assist clutch come standard. Expect a price in the neighborhood of $8,000 to $9,000.

3. Yamaha MT-07 — Best Lightweight Upright Roadster

The Yamaha MT-07 is the bike I recommend most often to friends who want something playful and comfortable. Its 689cc CP2 twin delivers about 73 hp with a punchy, linear feel.

The MT-07 weighs roughly 410 lb wet, and the seat height is about 32.1 inches. The bars are wide and the posture is slightly more active than the NC750X, but still firmly upright.

Where It Shines

City riding and twisty back roads are where this bike lives. It flicks side to side with almost no effort, and the price is usually under $8,500.

The stock seat is a bit firm after a long day, and wind protection is nonexistent. A small flyscreen and a gel pad fixed that for me.

4. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 — Best Budget Upright Adventure Bike

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is a big leap from the old Himalayan. It uses a liquid-cooled 452cc single making about 40 hp, with a tall front end and a very natural stance.

Seat height is adjustable through accessory seats, and the stock seat is in the low 32-inch range. The 21-inch front wheel and long-travel suspension make rough roads feel far more manageable.

Why It Works for Upright Riders

The bars rise up toward you, so standing on the pegs feels intuitive. Even sitting, I felt like I was looking down the road instead of at the tank.

It’s also friendly on the wallet, in the US and especially in India. If you’re keeping a single-cylinder bike healthy, check out this guide on the best engine oil for 4 stroke motorcycle in india, which is useful for hot, dusty conditions.

5. Honda NX500 — Best Beginner-Friendly Upright Crossover

The Honda NX500 is the modern successor to the CB500X. It has a 471cc parallel twin with around 47 hp and a smooth, forgiving powerband.

Seat height is roughly 32.8 inches, and the riding position is classic adventure-style: wide bars, a tall screen, and relaxed knees.

My Experience With It

It feels almost impossible to get wrong. The throttle is gentle, the brakes are easy to modulate, and the suspension soaks up broken pavement.

At roughly $7,000, it’s a strong value. It’s also a good option if you plan to share the seat occasionally, and I’d compare it to the picks in this guide to the best adventure motorcycle for 2up riding.

6. Suzuki V-Strom 800DE — Best Upright Bike for Taller Riders

If you’re tall, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE may be the most comfortable bike on this list. It uses a 776cc parallel twin making around 83 hp and sits tall at about 33.5 inches.

The bars are high and wide, the pegs are low, and the seat is spacious. I’m not especially tall, but even I appreciated the roomy cockpit.

Touring Talents

The 21-inch front wheel and long-travel suspension give it real off-pavement ability. The adjustable windscreen and cruise control make highway days easy.

Pricing is typically around $11,000. It’s heavier than the others, so shorter riders should sit on one before committing.

7. Royal Enfield Classic 350 — Best Easygoing Upright Cruiser-Style Standard

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is a different kind of upright bike. It makes only about 20 hp from its 349cc single, but the posture is relaxed and natural.

Seat height is around 30.5 inches, so it suits a wide range of riders. It’s also affordable, often near $4,500 in the US and much less in India.

Who It’s For

I like it for slow Sunday rides, short commutes, and new riders who want a bike with character. The thumping single sounds fantastic.

It isn’t a highway rocket. If you’re curious how this displacement class handles a passenger, see my notes on the best 300cc motorcycle for 2 up riding.

8. Kawasaki Z900RS — Best Retro Upright Bike With Real Power

The Kawasaki Z900RS mixes 1970s Z1 styling with modern performance. Its 948cc inline-four produces about 111 hp, and it’s silky smooth.

The seat height is around 31.7 inches, and the bars place you in a classic, upright roadster stance. It’s a comfortable bike that still feels fast.

The Trade-Offs

It weighs about 920 lb… actually closer to 470 lb wet, which still feels manageable once you’re moving. It costs around $12,000 to $13,000, so it’s the priciest pick here.

The payoff is style and a motor that never runs out of enthusiasm. If you want upright comfort with real presence, it’s hard to beat.

How to Choose the Right Upright Bike for You

Every rider is built differently, so a bike that suits me might not suit you. Here’s how I narrow it down.

Match the Bike to Your Riding

For commuting, I’d lean toward the NC750X or MT-07. For touring, the V-Strom 800DE or NX500 make more sense.

For style and character, the Classic 350 and Z900RS are hard to ignore.

Check Fit Before You Buy

Sit on the bike and put your hands on the bars. Your elbows should have a slight bend, and your feet should reach the ground without strain.

If possible, ride it for at least 30 minutes. Discomfort that’s invisible in a showroom shows up fast on the road.

Keeping Your Upright Bike Healthy

A comfortable bike is only enjoyable if it runs well. Fresh oil and regular maintenance protect any of these engines.

When you’re ready to service your bike, read up on the best motor oil for 4 stroke motorcycle engines. You can also compare options in this guide to the top engine oil for 4 stroke motorcycle models.

Final Thoughts

An upright riding position isn’t about being lazy. It’s about staying fresh enough to enjoy every mile.

My overall favorite is the Honda NC750X, but the Trident 660, MT-07, and V-Strom 800DE each win in their own way. Pick the one that fits your body and your roads, and I think you’ll be riding longer and smiling more.

Frequently Asked Questions