Vertically Challenged Wannabe Touring Owner
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 1
From: Louisville, CO
Vertically Challenged Wannabe Touring Owner
New to this part of the forum. I just sold my '07 Streetbob and just like I did when I sold my 1200, I immediately started looking for another bike. I'd really like to get a bagger (preferrably a StreetGlide or other fairing equipped bike) but I'm about 5'4" (on a good day). The Streetbob had mid-controls and I got to where I could flat-foot it with a Danny Gray seat, lowered suspension and some high-heeled Red Wings so I know how to get closer to the ground but wondered if any of you short people out there with touring models had any tips on how to get a better reach on the pedals. Do they make custom brake and shifter pedals that are closer to the back of the bike? When I sit on a touring model in the dealership my legs are pretty stretched out when I hit the pedals and I always figured if I got them about 2 inches closer to me I'd be good to go. So, any advice (other than stick with a Dyna, please) from you vertically challenged (or anyone who's familiar with the problem) about how you've overcome this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, and no "short" jokes, please. (I've heard 'em all)
Steve
Thanks, and no "short" jokes, please. (I've heard 'em all)
Steve
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,341
Likes: 714
stick with 08 or older 09 sits a little wider and higher. u can get your seat restuffed for around 100$ that will be narrower on the nose lower in the bucket and move u forward an inch or street glide has the suspension lowered already add a backrest to help kep u forward and with backing up and your good to go.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 559
Likes: 0
From: Berwick, Pa.
I'm 5'9" and shrinking. Just about get two feet on ground, comfortable, on an 07 RKC. Have you thought about a Heritage Classic or one of the other softtails. Beautiful bikes and will allow a vertically challenged brother to get both feet down.
If the shocks are a problem check the Progressive site. Also, I like the removable windshield. It can be cut down or replaced with a shorter size.
If the shocks are a problem check the Progressive site. Also, I like the removable windshield. It can be cut down or replaced with a shorter size.
Last edited by paguy; Nov 18, 2009 at 08:19 PM.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 1
From: Louisville, CO
Yeah, I've considered a Heritage but I really want a fairing, radio, etc. Thanks for the input, though. I exchanged pms with someone who has the Arnott air system and he can raise and lower his Ultra 2 or 3 inches with the flip of a switch which sounds cool (and expensive) but doesn't help with the pedal problem. So...nobody's heard of custom shorter pedals? Maybe there's an untapped market out there.....hmmmm......($$$$)
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 860
Likes: 1
From: Deep South Texas
The '10 Street Glide and Road Glide are 1" lower. Tell your dealer you want a new bike but want to make sure it fits first. Make them put a reach seat on it which is supposed to move you 1" forward and narrower in the front to help you reach the ground. I bought a seat from C&C seats which lowered me 1". C&C seats will also make one to move you forward as well and narrow in the front.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 104
From: Prescott, AZ
You did not say where you are from but IF you are close to CA... the best thing you can do is have Corbin built for you.. To have that done, You have to ride to Hollister, CA - they have a ride in appoitment where you meet with the seat builder and the seat is custom made for YOUR body... it takes the day, but you leave with a real custom seat ... I am 5'6" and if I had to loose another 2" - that would be really pushing the limits.. good luck.. be aware... 800+ pounds and short legs... NO lean angle when stopped... enjoy.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 605
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
+1 on the Reach seat from Harley. I've not used one, but have seen posts here that said it moved them forward. Most of the posts I saw said they went to it to get a lower ride and that they didn't like the fact that it moved them forward. I think the idea of combining the Reach with a back rest is a good idea. There are several HOG members in my chapter that are on the short side and ride baggers or Road Kings (RKs aren't any lower) with a lowering kit.
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Club Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 760
Likes: 2
From: South Carolina
Just put my wife (5'5", 130lbs) on an '09 Street Glide. Lowered the back-end 1" with, put on a Mustang solo seat (lower & more forward position), and she's flat-footed with her riding boots (~1" heel). She's only put ~500 miles on the bike so far, but she loved every minute of it. BTW, she moved from a Softail Deluxe to this new bike. I think a Street Glide is about as low as you're gonna get in a touring HD.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 33
From: So Cal The Golden State
Steve, I am 5-6 the two biggest things that helped are the Shoes with heals and getting the seat work on going foward and down. On my 07 I sent my Sundowner to Mean City and on the 09 I just had a upholstery shop fill in the back and shave down. Try first because they are local and cost the least. I am now getting a reach seat for 09 Road King. Funny I was move up anout two inches and I now fell to close to the foot controlls.
As previously mentioned there is a difference between 08 and 09 Frames. Another option to is I think FBI has a bolt on seat kit that lowers like 2-3 inches but real pricey.
Take care.
As previously mentioned there is a difference between 08 and 09 Frames. Another option to is I think FBI has a bolt on seat kit that lowers like 2-3 inches but real pricey.
Take care.