street bob discomfort
street bob discomfort
newbie here. bought a 2011 street bob a few weeks ago. really enjoying it, and/but after I've put about 120 miles on it, I'm starting to notice it's not really that comfortable, or natural feeling. I'm starting to wonder if I was more attracted to it's looks than anything when I bought it...compared it only against a nightster. I'm not that tall of a guy, 5'9/185 pounds, and it really doesn't seem that bike is intended for a smaller person. I just feel kinda curled up on the bike, and lower back gets kinda uncomfortable. is it the stock seat? the mini-apes? the low seat height? or am I maybe just new, driving tense, and it will feel more comfortable in time with more miles under my belt? I've made the mistake in dating, choosing looks over practicality...have I made the same mistake with the street bob?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 11,240
Likes: 2,293
From: Lake Seminole
I dont think you made a mistake. Thats the beauty of owning a Harley you can change it and make it fit you. You can get a seat with a backrest, adjust the handle bars a little, put some Highway pegs on , get a detatchable windshield for those long rides to reduce fatigue. the options are endless.
Make it your bike dont be afraid to experiment with the things you can adjust yourself.
Ride safe and welcome to the forum.
Make it your bike dont be afraid to experiment with the things you can adjust yourself.
Ride safe and welcome to the forum.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 539
Likes: 1
From: Grand Blanc, MI
If you have mid controls on your bike then thats probably your problem. Put on a set of forwards and you'll be much more comfortable.
I'm 6'1" and feel like my bike is plenty big, even with the OL on back.
I'm 6'1" and feel like my bike is plenty big, even with the OL on back.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 1
From: St Louis, MO
Mids aren't very comfortable if you stay in that position the whole time you ride. You need to narrow down exactly what is not comfortable. Your hand position, your feet position, your butt....be specific about what you don't like and then you can fix it to suit you.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 9,850
Likes: 220
From: Sacramento, CA.
If the dealership is worth anything they can work with you to get the correct set-up for you. Have them "GIVE" you(as in free) a 2011 P&A catalog. They have a section in there about fitting a bike to your needs. Maybe just adjusting the handlebars will do the trick. Good luck
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
could be one or all of the things listed. Could be you just need to adjust the angle of the bars. Probably would be a good idea to get forward controls or at least highway pegs.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 0
From: Flatwoods Kentucky
You didn't make a mistake getting the Bob!!
Could be just tense, you said you are a newbie. Maybe give yourself more time in the saddle. Like everyone else said, you can make so many adjustments to these bikes. But before doing any of that I would get more saddle time in to make sure that isn't your problem..
Could be just tense, you said you are a newbie. Maybe give yourself more time in the saddle. Like everyone else said, you can make so many adjustments to these bikes. But before doing any of that I would get more saddle time in to make sure that isn't your problem..
