Bars for short riders?
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Stage I
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1
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From: CT
Bars for short riders?
I just bought my first Brand new Harley. An new 2011 XL883N (One of the last few left in the area). Sold my Honda CBR600 F4i and not looking back.
I am only 5'4" and do not have the best back. The reach on the iron leaves me reaching about as bad as my f4i. Does anyone have an recommendations for bars that would bring the controls a bit more up and toward me? I would prefer to not have to replace all the cables if possible.
I am only 5'4" and do not have the best back. The reach on the iron leaves me reaching about as bad as my f4i. Does anyone have an recommendations for bars that would bring the controls a bit more up and toward me? I would prefer to not have to replace all the cables if possible.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 755
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
First, welcome and congrats on the bike.
Another option to consider is the HD Reduced Reach seat or the Super Reduced Reach seat. Both of these would bring you closer to the bars. I just purchased the Super Reduced Reach seat for myself. IMO, a $125 seat is an easier starting point than new bars, new cables, etc. Just scoot yourself forward about 3" and ask yourself how that would feel, since the Super Reduced Reach seat brings you forward about 3".
Another option to consider is the HD Reduced Reach seat or the Super Reduced Reach seat. Both of these would bring you closer to the bars. I just purchased the Super Reduced Reach seat for myself. IMO, a $125 seat is an easier starting point than new bars, new cables, etc. Just scoot yourself forward about 3" and ask yourself how that would feel, since the Super Reduced Reach seat brings you forward about 3".
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 146
Likes: 2
From: SouthWest Arizona
Congrats on the new bike! I too know the feeling of giving up a crotch rocket (Kawi Ninja) for a Harley (05 Sportster XL883).
I am 5'5'' and about 155 lbs. I have forward controls on my bike when I got it and at first wasnt too comfortable with them but now I cant imagine going back to mids. As far as seats go I swap between the badlander and the sundowner. The only thing I needed to have better control over the bike was some pullback risers and reduced reach bars.
I can easily reach the bars and make my turns with no problems at all while not feeling like Im eating the handle bar.
I know Irons already run kinda low, Ive checked them out repeatedly at my dealer. So I think that your best bet is either a reduced reach seat or some new bars. Either one will be a good way to go.
I am 5'5'' and about 155 lbs. I have forward controls on my bike when I got it and at first wasnt too comfortable with them but now I cant imagine going back to mids. As far as seats go I swap between the badlander and the sundowner. The only thing I needed to have better control over the bike was some pullback risers and reduced reach bars.
I can easily reach the bars and make my turns with no problems at all while not feeling like Im eating the handle bar.
I know Irons already run kinda low, Ive checked them out repeatedly at my dealer. So I think that your best bet is either a reduced reach seat or some new bars. Either one will be a good way to go.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 7
I'm 5'5". I hated the drag bars on my 2010 Iron. Went to 12" mini apes and tilted them back a bit. HUGE improvement, but not quite enough. Went to 16" apes, ahhhhhhh perfect. I like sitting upright, not leaning forward like a sportbike.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 958
Likes: 0
From: Hartford, WI
I liked sitting back as far as I can whether I am riding or driving a car or ATV or Jetski so I went with something that reached as far back as it can and put 2 inch risers.
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