Vertically Challenged Wannabe Touring Owner
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
Wanna thank everybody who has chimed in. I really appreciate it. I'm pretty knowledgeable regarding all the things to lower the bike and get closer to the ground (Progressive Lowering kits in front and rear) and seats (the Danny Gray Big Seat lowered me a lot!) and getting the handlebars to fit (Wild One Pullbacks) as I experienced all that with my Streetbob but it had the mid-controls so I had no problem reaching the pedals.
So, I guess there isn't such thing as custom brake and shifter pedals that are closer to the seat? That's really what I'm trying to find out, I guess. If anyone knows or has heard of this I'd love to hear about it. If not, I guess I'm SOL.
So, I guess there isn't such thing as custom brake and shifter pedals that are closer to the seat? That's really what I'm trying to find out, I guess. If anyone knows or has heard of this I'd love to hear about it. If not, I guess I'm SOL.
anyway, i am short as well, 5'4", with 29" inseam. i'm riding an 07 road king custom which comes with the 12" shocks. i replaced those with 11-1/2" progressive 440s which gave me enough lowering to where i could flatfoot comfortably and back up in the parking lot.
i replaced the beach bars with a set of flanders mini apes and that took care of the weird 'wheelbarrow-like' wrist placement which helped with wrist and upper back pain.
i also have a c&c solo seat which sits me back about the same as the stock seat, but a little lower, and a lot more comfortable. corbin is good too, but you gotta get the 'close' model or you will find yourself further back than stock, which will aggravate your problem.
now to get to the heart of your problem, the pedals. i think the big problem that you are having is just a matter of getting used to the difference between the floorboards and the mid controls. one of the first things that i did was to remove the heel shifter. with the heel/toe shifters in place, it kind of locks your foot into one spot on the floorboard and i would get a cramp in my thigh. with the heel shifter gone, i can move my foot around as much as i like. when you're riding, you really only need to have your toes move forward far enough to shift and then you can slide your feet back again to your 'comfort zone'. i'm also using highway pegs, though my legs are too short to use them completely, i have them set to where i can put my heels on the floorboards and my toes on the pegs. pretty much the same position as if i had forward controls.
i know that this has been long, but short answer, i think its just a matter of getting used to a different foot position.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 544
Likes: 0
From: MD
Steve,
For the Control issue, the Reach seat is supposed to move you forward so that should help. I also am 5'6", but with a 29" inseam. I just lowered my bike front and rear it is an 07. The 09 and newer are wider and higher with the frame and seat and noticed it when I test road one of the newer bikes. I am sure some seat and suspension work would fix that as you have done in the past. The backrest does keep you pushed forward also.
You could try to find an old style short brake pedal out there, I am sure there are plenty of takeoff's on older bikes. I had a 97RK with this and changed to an aftermarket extended pedal before HD came out with theirs. The reason is it was far enough back, that your foot was under it while on the floorboard and you had to move your foot out from under it to get to the pedal.
If you get your seat and bars right, the controls should not be a real big issue once you get used to them.
Happy Bike hunting and Happy Holiday's
For the Control issue, the Reach seat is supposed to move you forward so that should help. I also am 5'6", but with a 29" inseam. I just lowered my bike front and rear it is an 07. The 09 and newer are wider and higher with the frame and seat and noticed it when I test road one of the newer bikes. I am sure some seat and suspension work would fix that as you have done in the past. The backrest does keep you pushed forward also.
You could try to find an old style short brake pedal out there, I am sure there are plenty of takeoff's on older bikes. I had a 97RK with this and changed to an aftermarket extended pedal before HD came out with theirs. The reason is it was far enough back, that your foot was under it while on the floorboard and you had to move your foot out from under it to get to the pedal.
If you get your seat and bars right, the controls should not be a real big issue once you get used to them.
Happy Bike hunting and Happy Holiday's
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Topeka, KS
Well I can relate, i'm 5' 4" and 196lbs and I bought the reach seat, and had mine lowerd front and back. You should do fine holding it up since you are also a seasoned rider having owned a Dyna. Go for it...nothing like riden a cadillac!
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 935
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
5'7" 30" inseam, 33" waist 160# here. Reason I mention the waist is sometimes one can have short inseam but wider hip, that'll help the legs spread wider to reach.
When I first got my 08 SG, I lowered the front (hd lower springs) and rear (Bitchin' Baggers), together with MeanCity Cycle modified seat. I can reach ground comfortably but not totally flat foot.
Now the reach for control issue: initially I felt like I have to wrap my legs around the gas tank to reach for the shifter and brake pads. By adding floorboard extension kit from Kury and mounting the boards higher (it has 2 set of mounting holes on the 08 frame), all reaching problems solved.
I retain the heel shifter but did 2 things to improve it: replacing the shifter peg with a short chrome bolt and spacer, only sticks out 1 1/2", and lower the angle of the shifter, now my left foot can move around comfortably on the floorboard, and just have to move the heel closer to the bike to heel shift.
Try the floorboard spacer, I'm really surprised that it works well for me, remember I don't have a wide hip, so by straightening my legs, the controls are actually closer to me than stock.
When I first got my 08 SG, I lowered the front (hd lower springs) and rear (Bitchin' Baggers), together with MeanCity Cycle modified seat. I can reach ground comfortably but not totally flat foot.
Now the reach for control issue: initially I felt like I have to wrap my legs around the gas tank to reach for the shifter and brake pads. By adding floorboard extension kit from Kury and mounting the boards higher (it has 2 set of mounting holes on the 08 frame), all reaching problems solved.
I retain the heel shifter but did 2 things to improve it: replacing the shifter peg with a short chrome bolt and spacer, only sticks out 1 1/2", and lower the angle of the shifter, now my left foot can move around comfortably on the floorboard, and just have to move the heel closer to the bike to heel shift.
Try the floorboard spacer, I'm really surprised that it works well for me, remember I don't have a wide hip, so by straightening my legs, the controls are actually closer to me than stock.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
dontcha just love when you get all kinds of info, but none of it is directed to the question that you asked? lol......
i replaced those with 11-1/2" progressive 440s which gave me enough lowering to where i could flatfoot comfortably and back up in the parking lot.
now to get to the heart of your problem, the pedals.
i know that this has been long, but short answer, i think its just a matter of getting used to a different foot position.
i replaced those with 11-1/2" progressive 440s which gave me enough lowering to where i could flatfoot comfortably and back up in the parking lot.
now to get to the heart of your problem, the pedals.
i know that this has been long, but short answer, i think its just a matter of getting used to a different foot position.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,923
Likes: 266
From: Deep in the heart of New Jersey
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,398
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From: Newport news, Virginia
StevieG
Welcome to the fold!
I feel your pain bro. I am a member of the same fraternity! I too stand at 5' 4" with a 27" inseam and I ride an Electra Glide.
At time of purchase I had the Reach seat along with both the front and rear Profile lowered shocks and front springs installed (along with SE Heavy duty fork oil) when I wear my Wolverine riding boots I flat foot with ease! Stand up frm a seated position! I am in the process of installing a set of Krome Werks Wide sweepers +2 and extending the floor boards fwd a inch. You should have no problems!
Welcome to the fold!
I feel your pain bro. I am a member of the same fraternity! I too stand at 5' 4" with a 27" inseam and I ride an Electra Glide.
At time of purchase I had the Reach seat along with both the front and rear Profile lowered shocks and front springs installed (along with SE Heavy duty fork oil) when I wear my Wolverine riding boots I flat foot with ease! Stand up frm a seated position! I am in the process of installing a set of Krome Werks Wide sweepers +2 and extending the floor boards fwd a inch. You should have no problems!
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