When I decided to move up to a Harley because my fiance wants to ride with me I tried on a Limited Low it fit great on the show room floor. Riding was a different story I felt like I was riding in a clown car. I am a short guy 29" inseam. So I got some thick soled Harley boots, and had the bike lowered 1". The problem is while I am flat footed my legs are fully extended. So moving it is pretty tough when I am on it.

My question is how much can I lower it before I start to compromise the ride? What are some of the hints other short people have?

 

Shop for a seat that's lower. Don't change the "geometry" of the cycle further than you have. Check out Mustang seats or demo some seats at your HD dealer.. Mustang has a narrow seat and they also have a lower seat. HD may also have something you may like. Either of which might solve your issue. BTW.....my legs are also stretched out but flat on the ground. In my case, I replaced my "low" seat that came on my "low" model with the standard Ultra Limited seat and it's perfect for me. I push back using the ***** of my feet but I also am always very aware of where I park and the grade of slope if any. No matter how tall a rider is, a 900 lb vehicle parked on a slope can be difficult to push back.

 

Also, Mean City Cycles in Statesville NC will customize your current seat. They say they can lower you up to 3 inches and move you forward a couple inches as well.

Very good prices it seems. Much cheaper than a different seat or other lowering options.

Planning on doing mine this winter or early next year.

 

I have a Limited Low and MCC did wonders on my seat. Lowered, narrowed and a lot more comfortable than stock reach seat.

 

The best seat I found to use is a CVO seat. At 5'6" it works really well for me. Even my wife likes the passenger pad for the driving we do. I had a stock seat done up by Mean City Cycles, which the wife liked enough, but I never really cared for it. To stiff and it didn't feel like it formed to me.

 

I am confused, you did buy the low and want to lower that? Or did you buy the Limited and lower it 1" which is then a low without the same seat?

Any further lowering of a low is going to kill what ride you have, it only has 3 inches of travel and I have bottomed out a few times solo running hard. Unless you slide the forks down in the trees some but then you have the issue of the bike being unbalanced fore and aft. Also you will drag the boards even more.

I have the low and a 29" inseam, I don't really love the stock seat but I am afraid to change it and lose the ability to touch the ground almost flat footed. I can't stand Herman Munster boots to reach the ground.

 

A 19" inseam? Dude, what are you 4'7"?

 

Must be a lot of short people buying Ultra's

 

19" inseam, I'd damn near be drag'n my tool box.

 

and I thought my 29 inch inseam was a problem.


For a serious answer, you can add an aftermarket reverse gear.


Baker and Yelvington are out there, and others. Too expensive for me.


Look for a reverse gear in a low something from Harley, maybe soon.