REALLY short girl wanting a Harley
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 13
Likes: 19
From: San Diego
REALLY short girl wanting a Harley
So Ive been researching the crap out of this and so far Im the shortest person I can find who has her heart set on a Harley. Im only 48. Is it even possible for me to ride one? I learned on a Kawasaki, Ive sat on Yamahas, but theres nothing like a Harley (as Im sure everyone on here knows). What are my best options and what mods could make this possible? IS this possible? The shortest person Ive read up on these forums was a whopping 52 - six inches taller than me. Help!
Popular Reply
May 21, 2018, 06:15 PM
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 13
Likes: 19
From: San Diego
Yeah, well, if I always let my height get in the way of my life, I wouldn't have done half the stuff I've done. Besides, when I have nothing to lose, what's stopping me?
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 459
Likes: 405
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
I test rode this Softail Slim S at my dealership. It was beautiful. It was also the shortest one I've ever sat on. I'd try sitting on one of these if you can find one.
Softail Slim S
Softail Slim S
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 9,596
Likes: 20,660
From: Globe AZ
best I can do is say go and sit test as many bikes as you can. there are seats that can help adapt for shorter riders. Worst case, you can always go with a trike. no need to flat foot one of those. Good luck
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,717
Likes: 273
From: Minnesota
Aftermarket stuff; shorter rear shocks, forwards seats and pull back risers all combined will put you in a comfortable position for the controls and balance. Look at Low-rider dynas, Fat Boy softails and Road Kings as low center of gravity bikes
Is it possible? Yes.
Shortest one I know is a feller we call Little Man, he's 5 foot,, well maybe shorter now,, he's been riding for 40+yrs
Is it possible? Yes.
Shortest one I know is a feller we call Little Man, he's 5 foot,, well maybe shorter now,, he's been riding for 40+yrs
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 44
Likes: 1
From: Hawaii
So Ive been researching the crap out of this and so far Im the shortest person I can find who has her heart set on a Harley. Im only 48. Is it even possible for me to ride one? I learned on a Kawasaki, Ive sat on Yamahas, but theres nothing like a Harley (as Im sure everyone on here knows). What are my best options and what mods could make this possible? IS this possible? The shortest person Ive read up on these forums was a whopping 52 - six inches taller than me. Help!
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 341
Likes: 144
From: Desloge missouri
I am probably that 5 ft 2 in member I really like my slim Harley has lowering kits different seats I almost bought a softtail deluxe the dealer was going to try a different seat but I bought the bike I like best the slim
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,580
From: Wisconsin, USA
How much experience do you have on the Kawasaki? Anything can be done, but it requires hard work, practice and time. Not wishful thinking. I wouldnt trust the opinions of people who havent experienced what it takes to be successful. Or tutored one, like a MSF instructor.
You should PM some of them. I think Neil is an instructor. https://www.hdforums.com/forum/members/13864-neil.html
Another instructor:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/membe...12-twistr.html
Good luck.
You should PM some of them. I think Neil is an instructor. https://www.hdforums.com/forum/members/13864-neil.html
Another instructor:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/membe...12-twistr.html
Good luck.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 2,716
Likes: 1,813
From: In a house
The better half is 5' 0" with her hair proofed up (28" inseam) and is now on a 16 RG. She started on a sportster, spent a few years on a couple of fat boy lo (including 7000+ mile round trip to Sturgis twice) but always wanted a big bike. Like others have said the inseam is more important than overall height. 4" might as well be a mile, but something can likely be done. The slim or an 883 lo may be the answer. We tried every combination possible of seats, boots, and air ride and she's finally at a point where she's comfortable, safe, and the bike rides without clearance/suspension issues. One important thing is our dealer was very willing to find a way to make it happen other than just slamming the bike and killing the ride quality. Feel free to shoot me a PM, glad to help you out any way we can.
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Banned
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 4,576
Likes: 978
From: Viet Vet, crossroads
The 1977 onward Low Rider used to advertise a 26-inch ride height, so it is all relevant to what you want to spend.
http://dudeworld.com.au/ARTILOWRIDER.HTML
http://dudeworld.com.au/ARTILOWRIDER.HTML
Last edited by Kingglide549; May 21, 2018 at 05:42 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,014
Likes: 19,121
From: The Wasteland
Look into a Ridley Motorcycle. They have very low seat heights, automatic transmissions and look very much like a Harley. My wife is 5'1 and she was looking at one several years ago. She sat on it and loved being able to flat foot it.