Why must Harleys set so low
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,392
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From: Big ol Titties
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...ual-sport.html
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 720
Likes: 6
From: South Jersey
My Road King is much higher than my Honda Shadow, but the Shadow is higher than the wife's 883 sporty. I'm only 5'9 and the Road King is a little too tall for me at a stop, and heavy as hell. But once your moving it handles great.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 112
From: Florida
Harley's are set low for us old farts so we can easily lift our leg over when mounting. And in case you haven't noticed, outside of a few youngsters, Harley's are usually ridden by the older crowd. JMO
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 46
Likes: 3
From: Garner, NC
I guess I'm real lucky being the average rider (according to the motorcycle industry) at 5'7 and about 180 lbs. Which seems what most bikes are set up for from factory. Wish I was a few inches taller though, hate being average.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
In my riding lifetime I have had everything from a step through Honda 90 and all of the HD families of bikes.
I rode a CB160 for a couple years. On any bike that I ride, I just adapt to it. I either fold up or stretch out. I'm 6'3" and have never had a problem riding form a mini to the mighty. Just like a knife either fold up or stretch out.
Comfort is a somewhat new feature for bikes. Was not a problem for riders back in the day. They were just happy to be on two wheels and didn't sweat the details.
In the late 60's I saw a less the 5 foot little person on a big Harley on the 4 lane avenue in Moline, Illinois. When the traffic light ahead would turn red he would jump off to the left side and stand on his left leg with his right foot just barely up on the seat. He had the front end to the right stop and was able to hold the throttle with his right hand. When the light changed to green he would add throttle and just the pull of the bike help swing him up into the saddle. He looked very proficient at doing it.
He is a lesson to today's riders. Make do with the bike and in reality there is no need to spend $$ to make a bike fit. Just fit yourself to the bike.
Of course current riders are softer than a mother's kiss on her new born baby's butt.
I rode a CB160 for a couple years. On any bike that I ride, I just adapt to it. I either fold up or stretch out. I'm 6'3" and have never had a problem riding form a mini to the mighty. Just like a knife either fold up or stretch out.
Comfort is a somewhat new feature for bikes. Was not a problem for riders back in the day. They were just happy to be on two wheels and didn't sweat the details.
In the late 60's I saw a less the 5 foot little person on a big Harley on the 4 lane avenue in Moline, Illinois. When the traffic light ahead would turn red he would jump off to the left side and stand on his left leg with his right foot just barely up on the seat. He had the front end to the right stop and was able to hold the throttle with his right hand. When the light changed to green he would add throttle and just the pull of the bike help swing him up into the saddle. He looked very proficient at doing it.
He is a lesson to today's riders. Make do with the bike and in reality there is no need to spend $$ to make a bike fit. Just fit yourself to the bike.
Of course current riders are softer than a mother's kiss on her new born baby's butt.
Last edited by lh4x4; Dec 23, 2013 at 09:44 PM.
Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
Old geezers don't like them high bikes.
Makes their depends bunch up.
Makes their depends bunch up.
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