Upgrade
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,915
Likes: 4,670
From: West Texas Sandhills
This. I found out the hard way when I bought my first touring bike. I rode Softails for years before I bought the 13 Limited. My 2018 RGU feels even heavier.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,083
Likes: 1,959
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
I'm the same height as you with a 29" inseam and have gone from a Sporty to a King (I still ride my Sporty). The mods I did on the King is lower shocks to 12" Ohlins with the same stroke as a 13" shock, and seat modified to get me closer to the ground. This setup allows me to sit on the bike flat footed with a slight knee bend. The seat mod was lowering the seat cushion and narrow the neck so my legs are closer together. Makes a difference.
The ride difference between your Deluxe and a touring bike is very different. You sit more "on" the bike instead of "in" the bike like your Deluxe and the ride quality is better in my opinion. My wife doesn't ride too often with me, but when she does, she is more comfortable on the bike than on a Softail. We rented a Heritage Classic a few years back and she did not like the ride.
The ride difference between your Deluxe and a touring bike is very different. You sit more "on" the bike instead of "in" the bike like your Deluxe and the ride quality is better in my opinion. My wife doesn't ride too often with me, but when she does, she is more comfortable on the bike than on a Softail. We rented a Heritage Classic a few years back and she did not like the ride.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,712
Likes: 9,219
From: Snow Hill, NC
If I were you, I would both go to the dealership and sit on what you are looking at. They also make a reduced reach seat that is rather comfortable I hear. My friend had one. You could get a set of street glide shocks or a get a Street Glide and ad a backrest or tourpak. Boots with thicker soles also helps.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 200
Likes: 35
From: southern Wisconsin
Midnight,
I am 5"6" myself. 32" inseam. I had a '97 dyna wide glide. l LOVED that bike, but not the best for 2 up long rides. Then moved to a '04 electra glide classic (not ultra). But I made things "fit" me. I dropped the rear 1". I cut about 1/2" out of the seat. It made me more comfortable with a passenger on it. That bike was a perfect fit for me and my passenger. I now have a 2008 ultra classic (tour pack) it makes a huge difference having that tour pack on the back. Top heavy. I have dropped the rear 1" already. I purchased a LePera seat, which got me lower and closer to the ground. In the very near future going to take atleast 1/2" out of the seat cushion (yup, out of a brand new seat). I personally like sitting "in the bike, not on the bike". I feel more in control.
My recommendation to you, being a vertically challenged person like myself. You have a choice to make. Either put some cash into the bike you have (seat and suspension) or upgrade to another bike. But remember, you might have to do some upgrades or changes to the new bike to fit you and your passenger also. It can be a battle. To have your passenger feel comfortable and want to be on the bike for longer rides. Which many of us buy bikes just to have them with us. And to have yourself (the driver) to feel comfortable and control.
I agree with the above post. Go, both of you, to a dealer and sit on some of the bikes. Or if you have a friend with like a street glide or whatever. Ask them if you could sit on it. Get the feel of it before you make a jump.
Just my 2 cents. Good luck and that is awesome she wants to ride with you !!!!!!
I am 5"6" myself. 32" inseam. I had a '97 dyna wide glide. l LOVED that bike, but not the best for 2 up long rides. Then moved to a '04 electra glide classic (not ultra). But I made things "fit" me. I dropped the rear 1". I cut about 1/2" out of the seat. It made me more comfortable with a passenger on it. That bike was a perfect fit for me and my passenger. I now have a 2008 ultra classic (tour pack) it makes a huge difference having that tour pack on the back. Top heavy. I have dropped the rear 1" already. I purchased a LePera seat, which got me lower and closer to the ground. In the very near future going to take atleast 1/2" out of the seat cushion (yup, out of a brand new seat). I personally like sitting "in the bike, not on the bike". I feel more in control.
My recommendation to you, being a vertically challenged person like myself. You have a choice to make. Either put some cash into the bike you have (seat and suspension) or upgrade to another bike. But remember, you might have to do some upgrades or changes to the new bike to fit you and your passenger also. It can be a battle. To have your passenger feel comfortable and want to be on the bike for longer rides. Which many of us buy bikes just to have them with us. And to have yourself (the driver) to feel comfortable and control.
I agree with the above post. Go, both of you, to a dealer and sit on some of the bikes. Or if you have a friend with like a street glide or whatever. Ask them if you could sit on it. Get the feel of it before you make a jump.
Just my 2 cents. Good luck and that is awesome she wants to ride with you !!!!!!
Last edited by sjones73; Jun 8, 2023 at 10:33 AM.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 17,008
Likes: 14,675
From: in a cave at the foothills
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
