Epic Softail Slim Rant
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,427
Likes: 164
From: Home
The stock seat made me feel like I was going to fly off the back. This wide tripper doesn't. So I guess it's more in than on.
But the knee thing is a mystery to me. Every other harley rider I talk to doesn't know what I'm talking about. Maybe I have really weak thighs or something. If anything would work it'd probably be fangs. I'd ride a bike with hard lowers but I just can't get onboard with the leather lowers on a crash bar.
But the knee thing is a mystery to me. Every other harley rider I talk to doesn't know what I'm talking about. Maybe I have really weak thighs or something. If anything would work it'd probably be fangs. I'd ride a bike with hard lowers but I just can't get onboard with the leather lowers on a crash bar.
When you get on the bike, point your feet in. It may take a bit to get used to but after a short time you won't even notice it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,601
Likes: 679
From: San Francisco
This bike is pretty low compared to other Harleys. Maybe that is my problem.
I wish I was taller though as I really loved the 15RG that I had. At 6'2" i would be looking at a bagger. I will say though that of all the baggers the Rushmore Road Glides have the worst stock handlebar.
If you are still trying to work with your Slim, a taller handlebar ( 16" ape hangers)will stretch you out a lot. Revzilla sells an extended toe and brake levers (Arlen Ness I think) that would extend your legs. That and a billboard windshield should do the trick.
Last edited by HD_fan; Jul 26, 2016 at 12:29 PM.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsburg, PA
When I'm cruising back roads I don't even think about my feet. But at 70+ I have to make an effort to keep my knees in.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
On my old Softail, I notice that the footboards aren't "level", but instead tip upward toward the outside, which may tend to keep my knees together. I don't know how the boards on the newer Softails are, but this might be a place to look.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,741
Likes: 1,599
From: Danbury CT
Same here, same result
Last edited by golfblues; Jul 26, 2016 at 02:56 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 9,829
Likes: 8,737
From: Edmonton, Alberta
I'm just pretty bummed about having buyers remorse for something that was everything I wanted. I feel like if I had a touring bike I'd hate looking at it in the garage. I'm only 33. Maybe in another 10 years, lol.
But the wind blowing my legs, I feel like I'm getting arthritis in my hips from it.
But the wind blowing my legs, I feel like I'm getting arthritis in my hips from it.
I don't hate looking at this in my garage. In fact, I sneak a look back every time I walk away from it. That's how you know you've found the right one.
Tourer
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 410
Likes: 17
From: NOVA
I had a similar problem on my Sportster as far as wind buffeting. I was doing a lot of longer trips so I bought a windshield. It helped a lot but the buffeting almost caused as much fatigue as just running without the windshield at all. Eventually I got a Dart flyscreen for my bike which was much smaller. It keeps a lot of wind off my torso and there is no buffeting as it leaves my helmet in clean air. I really like it a lot and can't see myself ever taking it off. As someone else mentioned, you should try one of those recurved windshields; I kind of wished they made them for my bike to be honest.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 117
From: ARIZONA
Im a short guy (5'5"...ask me how awesome that is). I had an 07 Fatboy with floorboards and HATED them. Problem is on the Softails, there wass no other option for peg controls than the forwards found on the Breakout or other such equipped bikes. I couldnt reach them. :/
Constantly found myself fighting to keep my feet on the boards. When I traded that in for my Dyna, I fell in love with the pegs. Getting all the parts to swap to a peg control setup shouldnt be expensive at all. Not nearly as expensive as trading the bike in.
Constantly found myself fighting to keep my feet on the boards. When I traded that in for my Dyna, I fell in love with the pegs. Getting all the parts to swap to a peg control setup shouldnt be expensive at all. Not nearly as expensive as trading the bike in.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 565
Likes: 197
From: London, UK
So, when I first got my Slim, I had that 'legs squeezing the tank' feeling too - like they just couldn't get comfy and if I relaxed, they'd slip off the floorboards to the sides.
However, in my journey to find the right seat (a whole other story!), I found that the spring solo set-up I had put me a little forward and a good couple of inches higher than the stock seat... the upshot being that my legs were at a more 'downward' angle to the footboards and no more discomfort - my legs felt in a much better, relaxed position and no longer felt like I had to squeeze the tank for fear of them slipping off the floorboards.
Just a thought.
However, in my journey to find the right seat (a whole other story!), I found that the spring solo set-up I had put me a little forward and a good couple of inches higher than the stock seat... the upshot being that my legs were at a more 'downward' angle to the footboards and no more discomfort - my legs felt in a much better, relaxed position and no longer felt like I had to squeeze the tank for fear of them slipping off the floorboards.
Just a thought.