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Stage III
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh
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Afternoon all. I have a 2011 Softail deluxe and the old lady has begun riding with me, and now I can't leave the house without her, which I don't mind, I love having her with me, except she's not crazy about the suspension, so I'm considering either a better seat, with a backrest, and progressive shocks, or upgrading to a touring bike. Anyway, my question is, is 5'6" too short for an ultra? Any vertically challenged fellas out there ride an ultra?
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,158
Likes: 565
From: TX
Not sure if you're looking new or used but harley made a ultra low at one point. I believe lower suspension and I've seen others post about things like narrower primary cover etc.
Also maybe a street glide is option?
I didn't buy a touring bike with tour pack but I did test ride a couple and it's definitely something to get used to. Just a heads up for any potential test rides
Also maybe a street glide is option?
I didn't buy a touring bike with tour pack but I did test ride a couple and it's definitely something to get used to. Just a heads up for any potential test rides
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 10,858
Likes: 5,421
From: My own little slice of heaven
That touring bike is going to be a LOT heavier. I would test ride, slow maneuver, park on a hill etc. everything you can think of to test the weight. Riding comfort will be fantastic, due to the weight
Last edited by TracerBullet; Jun 6, 2023 at 04:39 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,678
Likes: 4,182
From: Virginia
Its all about your likes and preferences. IMO best bikes harley makes are their touring bikes. I've seen ladies weighing 100lb's soaking wet handle baggers with ease and skill and I've seen the opposite as well.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,210
Likes: 11,336
From: San Diego, CA
I'm 5'8" w/31" inseam. I am comfortable on a touring bike... BUT... I am very conscious to NOT add any more height to it.
I bought Ohlins that allowed for a slight decrease in seat height (1/4"), then added a Russell Day Long seat, which raises the driver's position about an 1". I wouldn't want the seat any higher...
The height of my 2003 Heritage is much lower than the bagger... but it has OEM seat, suspension, and sissy bar.
You may want to try a better seat , sissy bar and suspension to see if she will like the softail with the improvements.... It may ride good enough, and would certainly be a better fit, not to mention cheaper, than upgrading to a Touring bike.
If you want a bagger, you can do things to the bagger to make it lower. You can start with a "low" model, use shock lowering blocks, custom seat mods, wear thick soled boots, etc
My wife likes both the Heritage (in OEM form) and my bagger, but prefers the bagger on multi-day trips...
I bought Ohlins that allowed for a slight decrease in seat height (1/4"), then added a Russell Day Long seat, which raises the driver's position about an 1". I wouldn't want the seat any higher...
The height of my 2003 Heritage is much lower than the bagger... but it has OEM seat, suspension, and sissy bar.
You may want to try a better seat , sissy bar and suspension to see if she will like the softail with the improvements.... It may ride good enough, and would certainly be a better fit, not to mention cheaper, than upgrading to a Touring bike.
If you want a bagger, you can do things to the bagger to make it lower. You can start with a "low" model, use shock lowering blocks, custom seat mods, wear thick soled boots, etc
My wife likes both the Heritage (in OEM form) and my bagger, but prefers the bagger on multi-day trips...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,511
Likes: 2,544
From: Lititz Pa
5'8 I have an Ultra Limited, I put lowering blocks from DK, lowered the front end an 1" Rides good for me your wife will love it she can sit back and enjoy the music and the ride. You can also get a reach seat too.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 10,833
Likes: 6,485
From: Canada Flats
Have you considered a Road King , pretty much a Deluxe on steroids . My wife and I travel everywhere on mine , picked up a tour pack recently and now have tons of space for the both of us , also much more comfortable with the dual shocks on the rear . I've never been a fairing guy , love seeing the road in front of me , and listening to the bike is all I need .
But , I can totally understand the Ultra , the fairing etc , music on the go , I get it , just consider the weight difference , it's a totally different animal .
But , I can totally understand the Ultra , the fairing etc , music on the go , I get it , just consider the weight difference , it's a totally different animal .
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 416
Likes: 408
From: Central Arkansas
I'm 5'7" with a 30" inseam. I have no problem with my 2012 Ultra with a stock seat and shocks. (I did change the bars to Khrome werks +2 narrow sweepers) I suggest that you give one a test ride. Recommendations only go so far, it's you that has to determine if the bike is a good fit for you. My wife loves the comfort of the bike.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 798
Likes: 726
From: Moncton, NB
.
It may be worth renting one or two touring models for a day or two for an evaluation before committing to anything. This is a big step up from a Deluxe.
You will get a better ride with a touring chassis, especially 2 up but the price is weight. A good footing is mandatory...
It may be worth renting one or two touring models for a day or two for an evaluation before committing to anything. This is a big step up from a Deluxe.
You will get a better ride with a touring chassis, especially 2 up but the price is weight. A good footing is mandatory...