short folks and road glides
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 674
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Island
This thread comes up every month or so. I'm 5'6" with a 29" inseam and I have NO problems with my stock suspension '08 RG. I can't 'flatfoot' it with knees bent like so many people seem to need but I've got more than enough sole on the ground to be comfortable.
It's whatever works for you.
It's whatever works for you.
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 3
From: Stamford, CT
+1 with BCguy's statement. At 5'8" I can't flatfoot either but I'm ok with that. I did consider the Reach Seat but I prefer the ability to slide back and forth a bit on the flatter stock seat.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,208
Likes: 374
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
I'm 5'8" tall and ride an Ultra. I had my Ultra lowered 1". I did test ride several Road Glides. The fairing feels like it is way out there, I can understand why tall or big guys would prefer them or feel closed in by the batwing. For shorter folks it is only an issue if your reaching for the radio or odometer reset (not that you have to do either when riding). I didn't notice having to stretch or lean forward to reach the bars.
If I could have bought one set up like an Ultra for the same price I would have.
If I could have bought one set up like an Ultra for the same price I would have.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Hartford WI
I did what joke is proposing .... rode for the season after doing the sg lower shocks and reach seat on my 09. Then for the winter mods I have now added the Khromeworks +2 sweepers to put the bars in a better postion for me. I'm 5'7" with 30 inseam and can flat foot and back her up with no issues. Rode it with the stock seat and just the lower shocks for the first 1500 miles found I needed the reach seat. If you like the room of the stock seat I have heard nothing but good things about Mean City and the work they do on the stock seat.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
lowering
I , as a rule, do not recommend lowering a bike, but in this case, it may be a necessity. One of our members had the HD lowering kit and hated the rough ride. I saw a need and came up with a solution.
I machined the fork sliders and cut the fork tubes down 1 1/4" I installed a set of springs for his weight and a set of Gold Valves (fully adjustable) before putting it together. It retains the full OEM stroke (fork Travel) but is lowered to the maximum (lowered fender is necessary) so when you fall into a crater, your fender will not go through the Ultra light bar. He will post once he gets it together with photos. As an hour ago he was working on it.
For the rear I designed a set of 12" #3~#1 shocks which will put your rear wheel 3/16" from the rear fender under full stroke. This is a separated system (nitrogen & oil do not mix) with fully adjustable spring pre-load (threaded body), and externally adjustable compression and rebound.
I am gathering up 25 sets of brand new take off sliders and purchasing 25 sets of lowered fork tubes. They will be available in Black powder coat, clear powder coat or show chrome from world class Melimar plating.
I will sell the either as above (sliders & fork tubes) + custom springs to your weight (stock will not work), with Gold valves and use your internals, or with my X-Factor adjustable cartridges (ready to go).
I machined the fork sliders and cut the fork tubes down 1 1/4" I installed a set of springs for his weight and a set of Gold Valves (fully adjustable) before putting it together. It retains the full OEM stroke (fork Travel) but is lowered to the maximum (lowered fender is necessary) so when you fall into a crater, your fender will not go through the Ultra light bar. He will post once he gets it together with photos. As an hour ago he was working on it.
For the rear I designed a set of 12" #3~#1 shocks which will put your rear wheel 3/16" from the rear fender under full stroke. This is a separated system (nitrogen & oil do not mix) with fully adjustable spring pre-load (threaded body), and externally adjustable compression and rebound.
I am gathering up 25 sets of brand new take off sliders and purchasing 25 sets of lowered fork tubes. They will be available in Black powder coat, clear powder coat or show chrome from world class Melimar plating.
I will sell the either as above (sliders & fork tubes) + custom springs to your weight (stock will not work), with Gold valves and use your internals, or with my X-Factor adjustable cartridges (ready to go).
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rtbuck89
General Harley Davidson Chat
43
Dec 21, 2017 07:49 AM
Big_Al47
Touring Models
15
Jul 24, 2013 08:31 PM
