Short Rider on Slim...Ideas
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 198
Likes: 1
From: Miami, FL
Short Rider on Slim...Ideas
I am considering trading in my Iron for a 2014 Slim. I have ridden the bike at the dealer and love the way it rides. That big motor is so smooth and the bike floats along the road. Being able to flat-foot the bike at stops makes riding the Slim more comfortable than my Iron 
The problem is my short legs (5'3" tall, 28" inseam). The stock setup with floor boards and very far forward controls is not comfortable. I am aware HD makes a shorter rear brake lever and that would help, but the shifting is not comfortable.
Even more of a problem is just that the floor board are a bit too far forward and my legs are almost straight instead of having a comfortable bend in my knees.
The dealer has suggested trying the reduced reach seat. This may work but the looks of the bike are killed by this seat. I ride solo and a big 2-up seat is not an ideal solution.
I am hoping somebody knows a way/parts to move the floor boards back
Even bringing them back 2-3" would be perfect. I could always match this to the shorter rear brake and maybe a single & shorter shifter instead of the longer heel/toe shifters. Having the boards farther back is the ultimate solution I am looking for.
All ideas are appreciated.
The problem is my short legs (5'3" tall, 28" inseam). The stock setup with floor boards and very far forward controls is not comfortable. I am aware HD makes a shorter rear brake lever and that would help, but the shifting is not comfortable.
Even more of a problem is just that the floor board are a bit too far forward and my legs are almost straight instead of having a comfortable bend in my knees.
The dealer has suggested trying the reduced reach seat. This may work but the looks of the bike are killed by this seat. I ride solo and a big 2-up seat is not an ideal solution.
I am hoping somebody knows a way/parts to move the floor boards back
Even bringing them back 2-3" would be perfect. I could always match this to the shorter rear brake and maybe a single & shorter shifter instead of the longer heel/toe shifters. Having the boards farther back is the ultimate solution I am looking for.All ideas are appreciated.
Supporter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 73
From: Pittsburgh, PA
The reduced reach seat would be the cheapest, fastest and maybe best way to solve your problem, and I don't think they look bad at all... and they do come in solos.
Moving your boards and controls could get costly...
Moving your boards and controls could get costly...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,719
Likes: 60
From: Los Angeles
A spring solo seat would move you forward and I think would improve your leg angle on the controls. But it would also move you up, so you might not be able to flat foot the same.
Tough one. I wish I had a better answer.
I do know this, your Iron is one of the best looking I've ever seen. Great color and like how you gave it just the right amount of black.
Good luck.
Tough one. I wish I had a better answer.
I do know this, your Iron is one of the best looking I've ever seen. Great color and like how you gave it just the right amount of black.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 198
Likes: 1
From: Miami, FL
The only reduced reach seat I can find for the Slim is the 2-up model:
http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...16-52000012--1
http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...16-52000012--1
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 3,293
Likes: 3,518
From: PA
The question then becomes, what is more important your enjoyment or the look of your bike? I used to think the look is all that matters but after riding may fatboy for a year with the stock seat. I am now looking for a seat that offers more comfort even if it takes away from the look a little bit. I want to ride not stare at my bike
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,050
Likes: 44
From: VA
from another vertically challenged rider, change up the air cleaner cover and go with a plate and rain sock, a black line stock seat may work as it did for me, also they HD makes a pull back riser for the slim that brings the bars back a little, I went with a bigger brake pedal and removed heel shifter but I had no issues with reaching brake and shifter, floor boards non issue
as the boards and low seat height sold me on it,
Then I found a Xbones slim went up the road
changing air cleaner cover will get your leg in closer as not reaching around it every little bit helps when you are vertically challenged. good luck the slim is a sweet machine
as the boards and low seat height sold me on it,
Then I found a Xbones slim went up the road
changing air cleaner cover will get your leg in closer as not reaching around it every little bit helps when you are vertically challenged. good luck the slim is a sweet machine
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,158
Likes: 68
From: Martinsburg, WV
Thicker boot soles. I'm not short and probably about average, but I can tell a difference depending on what footwear I have on.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
I would kill 2 birds with one stone and take my seat to a custom upholsterer and have it reworked. You could use gelfoam and lower the seat giving you a closer sit and more comfortable too.