Vertically Challenged Issue!
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 726
Likes: 3
From: Pacific Northwest
So I stand corrected on the controls on the Deluxe. I hate to admit this too, but before I go to bed, I'll usually say good night to the dogs and on occasion, to my wife and kids, but I always go out to the garage to put my baby to bed. So tonight I noticed that yes, the controls on the Deluxe are somewhat forward mounted. But the Reach seat may be an idea. These seats don't really bring you lower, but they do move you forward, closer to the controls and handlebars. Another thing might be a narrower seat. The stock seat is pretty wide, which makes it a little tougher to reach the ground. Oh, and no car, but my dad did buy me my first new bike, but it was only a 250 Honda.
Last edited by gforrest2; Mar 15, 2010 at 02:30 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
From:
Don't need to bring the controls back just bring the seat forward and down. Stock seats are wide, thick, and offer nothing to hold you forward. I'm 5' 2" with an inseam of 24" I use the Danny Gray Speed Cradle Solo. Compared to the stock FatBoy seat the Speed Cradle is a little more then 2" forward, 2" down and a hell of a lot narrower. So she is not reaching to far forward you will also need handlebars with plenty of pullback.
http://www.dannygray.com/StandardSea...itch=1&Bike=-1
http://www.dannygray.com/StandardSea...itch=1&Bike=-1
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 570
Likes: 2
it's great that your mom shares the passion for harleys, enjoy every minute...like the payback concept...
i would follow phanthomaxx advise and if needed get a rear mounted kickstand...
btw, performance machine makes mid controls for softails
i would follow phanthomaxx advise and if needed get a rear mounted kickstand...
btw, performance machine makes mid controls for softails
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 2
Even to this day we enjoy going on long rides together. It is really nice to be able to do things with your parent(s)...I know plenty of people that have nothing to do with their parents, kids, or any other member of their family. I must say that I feel truly blessed.
So far, the concepts appear to be a little cheaper than I expected. I still need to do a little research on how to install a rear mounted kickstand, though. I'm starting to get a little excited about this project.
I checked with Performance Machine's website, and came up empty handed...I may have to call and talk with them about that...if they do, that would be NICE.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 570
Likes: 2
pm mid controls:
http://www.performancemachine.com/Ca...px?display=367
the mid control route would be expensive, i would try first a seat change, curved pullback risers for handlebars, and rear kickstand...
i've got a ness rear kickstand, it mounts with 2 bolts in the holes on the frame found on the lowest part at the level of the swing arm pivot...the holes come with plastic plugs from factory, just remove them and they are already threaded...real easy install
http://www.performancemachine.com/Ca...px?display=367
the mid control route would be expensive, i would try first a seat change, curved pullback risers for handlebars, and rear kickstand...
i've got a ness rear kickstand, it mounts with 2 bolts in the holes on the frame found on the lowest part at the level of the swing arm pivot...the holes come with plastic plugs from factory, just remove them and they are already threaded...real easy install
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 2
pm mid controls:
http://www.performancemachine.com/Ca...px?display=367
the mid control route would be expensive, i would try first a seat change, curved pullback risers for handlebars, and rear kickstand...
i've got a ness rear kickstand, it mounts with 2 bolts in the holes on the frame found on the lowest part at the level of the swing arm pivot...the holes come with plastic plugs from factory, just remove them and they are already threaded...real easy install
http://www.performancemachine.com/Ca...px?display=367
the mid control route would be expensive, i would try first a seat change, curved pullback risers for handlebars, and rear kickstand...
i've got a ness rear kickstand, it mounts with 2 bolts in the holes on the frame found on the lowest part at the level of the swing arm pivot...the holes come with plastic plugs from factory, just remove them and they are already threaded...real easy install
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Hi! I am too 5'2" and I traded in my Nightster for a Deluxe. I have researched the handlebars, lowering seat, and lowering the bike. Yes, I will have to do all 3 to be comfortable. DO NOT get the reach seat as I did and did NOT work for me! HD is coming out with a "new reach seat" sometime in July. I will be selling my "reach seat" and I'm taking the stock seat to a place to have it fit me. I'm changing the handlebars, which at this point I'll probably buy the "Buckhorn" as I like that style and not the "Swingback" as I don't like the style. Finally, I'll lower the bike, as I want to feel very comfortable. After doing the other 2 changes, I will probably need to lower the bike 1" to be able to handle the bike as I want.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 2
Thanks for the heads up on the seat! I think we may just go the route of having the stock seat redone on this one.
With lowering the bike, are you planning on lowing both front and rear, or just the rear portion of the bike?
With lowering the bike, are you planning on lowing both front and rear, or just the rear portion of the bike?
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
I am lowering both, but I think I only need 1" lower. The rear comes "lowered from the factory," but one of the dealerships around here told me that they can lower it one more inch. The other two dealerships told us that lowering the back can't be done, unless you use "Air Shocks". However, they do not recommend the Air shocks as you have to hit something (a switch) every time you come to a stop. I don't think I'm going that route as I can barely keep my eyes on the road!