hey fellow sporty enthusiasts, I'm having a bit of a problem. I recently got an iron 883 and man it's beautiful. its my first bike and I love the way it looks. The problem im having tho is that on long rides it's not comfortable. I'm a lanky 6'3 and the last thing i want to do is part ways with the bike. I def need forward controls and a new seat but is that enough. Should i just get a bigger bike and if so what? Nothing has the same visual appeal as the Iron. What should i do????

 

Forward controls will make a huge difference.

 

^^^ +1. a seat that sits you back a lil further will help too. maybe get a pillion and ride from the rear fender, lol. just kidding. check the forums for the badlander seat or some of the mustangs (might want to start a new thread but search first). this is always a big topic of discussion on the boards. good luck bro and welcome from killadelphia!

 

I'm 6'1"+ and I'm very comfortable with my forward controls. I have the stock seat, but as BMXATV mentioned, there are other seats that may extend your reach even further. If that isn't enough, changing your bars could provide even more reach by adding some apes or drag bars. Don't get rid of your bike....make it fit you and good luck!

 

^^^agreed, bars could also help, just do your research before you buy. one of my pet peeves about buying parts is theres no way to tell whether you'll like something or how it will feel without buying it! sux! needless to say, you'll be posting on the classifieds to sell stuff a lot of you can't leave your bike alone like me, lol. good luck bro!

 

awesome thanks a lot guys! sounds like i have a nice winter project ahead of me. I'll keep you posted

 

I'm 6'2'' barefoot and ride an 883. A good comfortable seat, forward controls, and possibly handlebar upgrade (coming for me this winter) and you will be extremely comfortable.

I will never understand people who "grow out" of Sportsters...

 

+1 I don't understand that either how anyone could "outgrow" a Sporty. I love mine for what it is. Sportys are awesome in every form and the best part about them is there are unlimited possibilites for customization.

Try different setups until you find what works for you. I have found and bought many barely used like new parts and accessories on Craigslist for 1/4 price of new & if you try something and don't like it, you can always sell the parts on there or on this site.

Try the forward controls first the go from there. I've rode Sprotys with mids and I'm just all cramped up, but the forwards completely change the bike without stretching you out too far.

 

Well I dont think people "grow out" of sportsters because of how tall they are ... has more to do with the mid section ! lol Ive let some of my 6ft plus friends who are big guys sit on my bike and well the frame is almost on the ground with stock shocks haha

 

I may be wrong, but I've seen "extended reach" forward controls... If they're available for the Sporty, it'll give you an extra 2-3" of legroom. If that doesn't work, you need to put footpegs on your front axles

Mini apes and a mustang saddle should give you longer comfortable rides... either way, good luck and see you on the open road...