5"4 - Roadglide?

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Sep 1, 2009 | 08:27 AM

Buellrunner

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 122

Likes: 3

From: Toronto

5"4 - Roadglide?

Hey all,

Long time rider here - currently have a lowered Heritage with WO508's and love it. Thinking about adding a used RG to my garage.....

Anyone 5"5 and under "30 inseam ride one around here? Any feedback from shorter riders? The goods? The bads?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Sep 1, 2009 | 01:43 PM

fxdwg_rugby

Road Master

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 910

Likes: 0

From: State of Confusion, SE PA

Why Not?

I know several people who have a 29" inseam and they have either a SG or an Ultra and a hot babe with a RK classic. There is a parts girl at the local HD who's about 4'11" and she rides a Wide Glide. You lower the front an 1-2" and the back an 1" along with changing the seat. I dont see why you cant ride any bike, You only have to make the initial investment to have it lowered.....

Sep 1, 2009 | 02:10 PM

piasspj

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 9,206

Likes: 372

From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74

Only you can make the decision, take one for a test ride, or rent one for a day.
I have a 30" inseam and ride an '08 Ultra. Liked the Ultra after several test rides, no problems at stock height. I had mine lowered 1" in the back, makes it easier to back up and walk the bike around.
BTW the seat and frame on the newer bikes is wider, it makes the bike feel taller.

Sep 1, 2009 | 02:15 PM

Bluegrasser

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 760

Likes: 1

From: Mesa, AZ

I'm 6', but have a 29" inseam. I feel very comfortable on an RG. I think they come lowered from the factory, correct? All I know is they fit me like a glove.

Sep 1, 2009 | 02:19 PM

BCguy

Road Captain

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 674

Likes: 0

From: Vancouver Island

Seems to be a lot of these "am I too short to ride a ________ (fill in blanks)" threads on here lately. It's really pretty simple - ride whatever you are comfortable on. I've got a 29" inseam and have no problems with my RG but I spent many years riding sky high dirt bikes and got used to not always being able to touch down never mind being flatfooted.

Ride whatever you want.

Sep 1, 2009 | 09:32 PM

shakey1378

Intermediate

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 36

Likes: 0

From: Orlando FL

5'5" 28 inseam and my current ride has a 32inch seat height. ive ridden bikes up to 34.5

its all in your head really. slide off the seat to one side at stops. as far as harleys are concerned softails and dynas should be easy. heritage i rode and loved and didnt need any lowering. ive decided on the road king and with the reach seat and hd lowered suspension it will fit like a glove.

Sep 1, 2009 | 11:06 PM

jcanrun

Tourer

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 336

Likes: 9

From: Elk Grove, California

I'm only 5'6" and ride an 09 Road Glide. Put a HD Reach Seat on it and its comfortable, but still can't flat foot. 09 and up Road Glides are wider due to the new frame, hence why the reach seat helped, it's got a narrower nose. 08 and older have a narrower frame. You can lower the rear by an inch and same with the front and also go with a reach seat. You might have to get longer reach handlebars as well. It all depends on how much riding experience you have and your comfort level. The only real problem I have riding my bike, is having to back up while seated. I just don't have long enough legs to give me the leverage to back up when there is even the most slightest incline. So I compensate but not trying to back up an incline or just drive in frontways up an incline to park. So basically, the only problems I have are backing up while parking. The benefits of riding a road glide far outweigh this minor inconvenience, in my opinion.