Touring Models Road King, Road King Custom, Road King Classic, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Electra Glide Classic, and Electra Glide Ultra Classic bikes.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

reach seat question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 25, 2009 | 07:15 AM
  #1  
locodude's Avatar
locodude
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 502
Likes: 0
From: lone grove, oklahoma
Default reach seat question

I'm a little inseam challenged (30 in) and am less than flatfooted at stops on my 09 ultra, looking at a reach seat and it sounds like it will solve that but I don't really need to be moved forward, I'm very comfortable with the stock seat position in that regard. so my question is how far forward does the reach push you? or would just lowering the suspension work out better. I only got about 350 to spend and I think lowering the suspension costs considerably more than that.
 
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2009 | 07:28 AM
  #2  
FLHTCU Owner's Avatar
FLHTCU Owner
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 8
From: North Texas
Default

A buddy of mine has the Reach and has not mentioned anything about moving him forward, just lower about 1" or so. Also if you haven't already done so, consider the riding boots with the thick soles.
 
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2009 | 07:35 AM
  #3  
soos's Avatar
soos
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 73
From: MA
Default

I found the reach seat to be very uncomfortable. It was on my scoot for less than 24 hours. I wear Chippewa Logger style boots with a high heel and thicker soles. My scoot is an '06 with a Sundowner seat.
 

Last edited by soos; Sep 25, 2009 at 07:46 AM.
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2009 | 07:43 AM
  #4  
hawg20's Avatar
hawg20
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 228
Likes: 1
From: Shelby, N.C.
Default

I too have a 30" inseam. I had the dealer put a lowering kit. 1" and I wear Justin Roper boots, they have a good sized heel and are lined with gore-tex. Couldn't ask for a better riding boot. I am now just flat-footed. Not great but lots better than stock. I am using the Sundowner seat. It's more comfortable than the stock seat. Good Luck in your quest for comfort!!
 
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2009 | 08:07 AM
  #5  
paguy's Avatar
paguy
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 559
Likes: 0
From: Berwick, Pa.
Default

As far as I know all reach seats bring you forward, around an inch. My inseam is 30" and shrinking. I have a Corbin solo reach seat and like it. Problem with lowering is loss of ground clearance.
 
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2009 | 08:39 AM
  #6  
piasspj's Avatar
piasspj
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,208
Likes: 374
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
Default

I have a 30" inseam. Lowering blocks work for me on my '08 Ultra. The dealer installed them as part of the sale. Lowering blocks are the cheapest solution $25-$50. Replacing shocks can be done for about $100 if you look.
You also could have your seat modified or get an aftermarket seat.
 
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2009 | 09:05 AM
  #7  
DrPlastic's Avatar
DrPlastic
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 34
From: Newport news, Virginia
Default

30" inseam...damn I wish I had a 30" inseam!

You should feel blessed as I only have a 27" inseam! I have the Reach seat and I have also had the front and rear Profile suspension pieces installed at delivery. Along with my River road highway boots I am able to flatfoot with ease.

The Reach seat moves you fwd 2" and lower 1". It is a bit uncomfortable but I have grown used to it. I plan on installing 2" pull back bars and extenders for the boards to move them fwd 2" and out 1". Then I will be set!
 

Last edited by DrPlastic; Sep 25, 2009 at 09:07 AM.
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2009 | 09:16 PM
  #8  
ucommbxny's Avatar
ucommbxny
Road Master
15 Year Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 957
Likes: 1
From: New York / Texas
Default

had my seat customized (lowered and shaved sides), and good ridding boots problem solved
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Sep 27, 2009 | 10:56 PM
  #9  
jberg's Avatar
jberg
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 37
From: Rockland County, NY
Default

Reach seat is supposed to move you 1" closer and 1" lower. Also narrower at the front allowing your thighs to be closer together. I have a Reach seat but I'm using my original seat with Mean City Cycles modification. That, along with adding 1/2" to the soles of my boots, did the trick. Lowering should be a last resort.
 
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2009 | 03:31 PM
  #10  
Super Mario's Avatar
Super Mario
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Default

I am inseam challenged, same as you. I tried the Reach seat but did not like the way it moved me forward. I have since sent my stock '08 Ultra seat to Mean City Cycles for rework and am thrilled with the results. I recommend giving those guys a call and you will have a stock looking seat that fits you perfectly, not to mention that out of that $350., you will have plenty of cash left over for more goodies!
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:39 PM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE