EVO All Evo Model Discussion

85 evo flht

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Old Feb 9, 2024 | 12:34 PM
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Default 85 evo flht

I’m tall and purchased 85 evo FLHT
6’6”

I found riding with legs stretched in front uncomfortable.
anyone know if bear trap style fits on early evo flht?
would like to sit forward and higher up
will ask on shovel forum as well.
thought 84/85 frames are similar to late model shovel.
thanks for the help!

 
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Old Feb 9, 2024 | 06:21 PM
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My trick, is highway pegs, set so I can rest my toes on the pegs/heal on the front of floor boards for around town, and then aches of foot on the pegs for highway riding instead.


Foot shift to either brake or shifters is easy, keeps my legs stretched out so they don't cramp up, and only time I go flat foot on the floor boards, is when coming to a stop.

Also, I'm running heritage style(police) bars, which bring the grips up higher and does not require are lines/cables to be changed, to keep my arms more comfortable as well. In my case, has my hands only about a 1' below my shoulders,

Note, there are two types of heritage bars, one that will bring the grips up with the bars more forward for correct grip, while the other type that grips the bars more swept back, with it grip proper for that instead. Its the former that you want as a taller rider.

Here is the swept back that you don't want,


Here is the forward swept type you want, since the length of your arms finder to finger with them opened all the way out, will be your height, and want the longer reach to bars, with the grips postion forward as much as possible.



But yes, you could go with higher seat, and even one that has the sitting area farther back, but this would mean that you would needed every taller bars so your hands are not reaching way down to cause back problems on longer ride, and with the even higher bars, bat wing type fairing is going to be a waste, since your hands will be way above the wings on the faring for any protection.


And yes, one would think with Harley riders not wanting to have there hands around their knees (since first mode to most bikes is higher bars), that HD would design the bikes so hand position was an inch below shoulder high for standard 6' rider, and the wings of the fairings would be in the correct heights to protect the hand there.
Instead, HD is still living in the past (1930's), where standard male height was 5'6", and riders weighting 160lbs as well.
Christ, first mod on even the Goldwings, is bar risers as well, since Honda designs the bikes around the shorter Asian riders, not the US market where the riders are taller to begin with instead.
 
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Old Feb 9, 2024 | 06:42 PM
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thanks for the suggestion.
Looking to do the opposite.
raise my seat up and forward.
tilt the bars back by my knees
feet under body
big giant barn door in front of me
I ride old motorbikes and find the seating position extremely comfortable for me.
feet out front always hurt my low back
thanks again
 
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Old Feb 9, 2024 | 07:01 PM
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Not hard to set the bike up like a WL, if that is the riding position you want to go.


Hence police single seat to bring you up and forward, and 85 police bars to bring your hands bars back and lower as well.
 

Last edited by Dano523; Feb 9, 2024 at 07:03 PM.
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Old Feb 9, 2024 | 08:07 PM
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That's the fit I'm trying to achieve.
Thanks Dano523!
very nice looking bike
suggestions where would i find PN's?
comfort flex seat would best fit my needs (& knees) however that would be a great alternative.
thanks again!
 
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Old Feb 10, 2024 | 02:59 AM
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Normally, would just push you to here,
https://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche...avidsonmc/1985

But not showing for the 1985 FLHTP, which is the police version show above.
Maybe someone else has a source for that models microfiche, or at least has the seat assembly and bars parts list numbers, since all you would really need.
 
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Old Feb 10, 2024 | 06:43 AM
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A stock 85 FLHTC [I own one] has a high seat that is almost flat. If you want to sit up higher that's the way to go.
 
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Old Feb 10, 2024 | 09:04 AM
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Have one of those comfort flex seats on this bike from purchase, wouldn't recommend it due to being a soft sofa. Put a aftermarket Solo seat on and moved back for leg length which is opposite of your direction but a Police Solo seat is forward and up thinking this is your direction plus possibly the most comfortable seat made but not appealing to the eyes. Links attached has complete Police seats including the cover and air pumps


comfort flex seat for sale | eBay

harley police seat for sale | eBay



 
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Old Feb 10, 2024 | 09:24 AM
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Tried cop seats in the past
comfort flex seems to be best option
looking for spring assembly/bear trap pn:52158-80
seats the easy part
thanks for the suggestions and help
 
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Old Feb 10, 2024 | 12:18 PM
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EDIT I was giving info for the 93 - 94 FLHTP so you can disregard my post below.

You can try looking here

99545-90_EN - 1984.5-1990 FXRP/FLHTP Models Parts Catalog | Harley-Davidson SIP

The newer police seats replaced the air shock with an adjustable spring. That eliminates the air line and air tank.

99545-13_486420_en_US - 2013 HARLEY-DAVIDSON® PARTS CATALOG: POLICE MODELS | Harley-Davidson SIP
 

Last edited by 14GuineaPig; Feb 10, 2024 at 12:29 PM.
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