New Study Finds That We’re Probably Riding Our Motorcycles All Wrong
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9,238
Likes: 5,784
From: On the Big Blue marble
I (like many of y'all) started riding back in the "last century" when all bikes were designed for the "average" person making many (especially touring models) too high and too heavy for smaller riders and the "sport bikes" just too uncomfortable for us more "mature" riders.
In my younger years I just went along and purchased and rode may bikes that didn't really fit me, especially the handlebars and seating position.
I wasn't until '01 (when I got older) and after doing some long trips that I determined that I had to do something about the "fit" of my '00 Ultra Classic and had the "Tallboy" handlebars installed. What a difference!
When I got my '13 CVO Ultra. I went with the W.O. 577's (could have went with the shorter 578's) and they were great.
On my '18 Tri-Glide I opted for Helibars (expensive) but they are fully adjustable and I love them!
I believe the only two (H-D's) in stock configuration that fit me really well was my '87 Softail Custom (FXSTC), which was nearly identical to the Dyna-Glide (FXDWG). Both had great seating/handlebar configurations and the other was my first '92 Heritage Softail Classic.
I had two Heritages ('92 & '95). My wife (who is much shorter) liked the '95 Heritage fit so much that she purchased two ('99 & '08) and we had the the suspension lowered, front and rear and she rode the '08 until she 'hung up he boots".
In my younger years I just went along and purchased and rode may bikes that didn't really fit me, especially the handlebars and seating position.
I wasn't until '01 (when I got older) and after doing some long trips that I determined that I had to do something about the "fit" of my '00 Ultra Classic and had the "Tallboy" handlebars installed. What a difference!
When I got my '13 CVO Ultra. I went with the W.O. 577's (could have went with the shorter 578's) and they were great.
On my '18 Tri-Glide I opted for Helibars (expensive) but they are fully adjustable and I love them!
I believe the only two (H-D's) in stock configuration that fit me really well was my '87 Softail Custom (FXSTC), which was nearly identical to the Dyna-Glide (FXDWG). Both had great seating/handlebar configurations and the other was my first '92 Heritage Softail Classic.
I had two Heritages ('92 & '95). My wife (who is much shorter) liked the '95 Heritage fit so much that she purchased two ('99 & '08) and we had the the suspension lowered, front and rear and she rode the '08 until she 'hung up he boots".
You and I must have the same build as I feel exactly the same about the FXST, WG and HSTC.. They fit like a glove.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 198
Likes: 102
From: Virginia Beach
What I see as one of the bigger failures is when purchasing the bike, the sales department is missing the mark. Dealers should have a "tree" in which a seat and handle bar configuration can be the "test fit" for riders. I have my second Ultra Classic and in both cases I had to on my own change handle bars and seats and not for a "style" but for ergonomics. I'm of average size 5'10 180lb's. The stock bars were too far away from the seat positions. Would have been great to have the salesperson advise me on what seat and bars were best for me. Ergonomics is a major concern for riders and their ability to properly make turns no matter the speed. Come On Harley take the next step!
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