Ultra - A good Idea?
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 122
Likes: 3
From: Toronto
Ultra - A good Idea?
My wife has been on me for an Ultra Classic.....And I like the 09+ bikes, and would consider adding one to my garage for long hauls....
Here's the thing - Were a small athletic couple. Im 5"4 135lbs and shes 5"0 90lbs.....29 inch inseam....
I went to a dealer - and the bike fit fine - except obviously my feet dont reach the ground. The seat on this bike is WIDE! Our asses take up 50% of the seat....
Anyway - love the bike - but Im thinking maybe its just not for a rider my size....
Any other small & light riders on Ultra's? Hows it working out for you?
Here's the thing - Were a small athletic couple. Im 5"4 135lbs and shes 5"0 90lbs.....29 inch inseam....
I went to a dealer - and the bike fit fine - except obviously my feet dont reach the ground. The seat on this bike is WIDE! Our asses take up 50% of the seat....
Anyway - love the bike - but Im thinking maybe its just not for a rider my size....
Any other small & light riders on Ultra's? Hows it working out for you?
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 30 inch inseam. I have an '08 ultra lowered 1" in the rear (you can have the front lowered as well). The only reason I lowered it is because it makes it easier when I need to back up.
The seat on the '09 and '10 is wider. You can also get a different seat. Harley's Reach seat is designed for shorter riders. I believe it moves the rider 1" forward and 1" lower.
By changing the seat and lowering the suspension you should be able to make the bike fit you.
The seat on the '09 and '10 is wider. You can also get a different seat. Harley's Reach seat is designed for shorter riders. I believe it moves the rider 1" forward and 1" lower.
By changing the seat and lowering the suspension you should be able to make the bike fit you.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
The Reach seat would be a good choice. There are also great, but expensive offerings from Russel Day Long, Corbin and others.
I would hesitate against lowering the bike unless you absolutely must. I have ridden lowered Ultras and hated the feel as well as the lessened ground clearance in turns.
I can't flat foot either of my bikes, but don't care. 99% of the time, the bike is moving.
However, more to your point and thread title, an Ultra is ALWAYS a good idea.
I would hesitate against lowering the bike unless you absolutely must. I have ridden lowered Ultras and hated the feel as well as the lessened ground clearance in turns.
I can't flat foot either of my bikes, but don't care. 99% of the time, the bike is moving.
However, more to your point and thread title, an Ultra is ALWAYS a good idea.
Last edited by Bibleman; Jun 29, 2010 at 01:21 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,948
Likes: 54
From: The Burgh
My wife has been on me for an Ultra Classic.....And I like the 09+ bikes, and would consider adding one to my garage for long hauls....
Here's the thing - Were a small athletic couple. Im 5"4 135lbs and shes 5"0 90lbs.....29 inch inseam....
I went to a dealer - and the bike fit fine - except obviously my feet dont reach the ground. The seat on this bike is WIDE! Our asses take up 50% of the seat....
Anyway - love the bike - but Im thinking maybe its just not for a rider my size....
Any other small & light riders on Ultra's? Hows it working out for you?
Here's the thing - Were a small athletic couple. Im 5"4 135lbs and shes 5"0 90lbs.....29 inch inseam....
I went to a dealer - and the bike fit fine - except obviously my feet dont reach the ground. The seat on this bike is WIDE! Our asses take up 50% of the seat....
Anyway - love the bike - but Im thinking maybe its just not for a rider my size....
Any other small & light riders on Ultra's? Hows it working out for you?
We're not "vertically challenged" and we're not athletic either although I don't know what athletic means. If it's being built like a weightlifter, then it's not me but I'm not chubby either.
I'm 5'11" 165lbs and she's 5'8" 135lbs. What I can tell you is, 1) you'll have a serious pb reaching the ground and 2) you'll have your hands full handling an Ultra at low speed.
I'd suggest you and her first sit on a Street Glide which is lower and lighter. Once you've determined if the height of the SG is adequate, I would add to the stock Street Glide whatever's needed to meet your needs, like Cuise Control, TourPak, maybe rear speakers, maybe lowers, maybe CB and Communication, I don't know what your needs are. Note than lowering a SG might not be realistic cause it's already lower than an Ultra.
Then once you've come up with the cost of your dream bike built on a Street Glide, I'd do the same thing with an Ultra.
Take the cost of the Ultra, add the cost of lowering it plus the cost of a lower/narrower seat, then subtract what you will not use that you could sell (CB, Intercom etc..........) and compare the 2 amounts.
It could be cheaper to start with an Ultra, and it could be cheaper to start with a Street Glide. Only you know what you need.
Hope that helps.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 911
Likes: 1
From: Orem Utah
I'm 5'6" but got you by a few pounds. I rode an 09 last year and did fine in the stock form with the wife on the back (who also has you by a few pounds). I bought an 04 Ultra and lowered it an inch and love it. I also sent the seat into Mean City and had them lower and narrow the front and push me an inch forward. Also changed the bars to bring them back. I feel very comfortable on the bike.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 1
From: Topeka, KS
Hmmm ...... I don't mean to be rude but here is what I think: the Ultra can very well be too much bike for you guys. I've seen huge guys on Sportsters and small guys on Touring bikes, both look funny. Now, the looks is one thing, the feel is much more important.
We're not "vertically challenged" and we're not athletic either although I don't know what athletic means. If it's being built like a weightlifter, then it's not me but I'm not chubby either.
I'm 5'11" 165lbs and she's 5'8" 135lbs. What I can tell you is, 1) you'll have a serious pb reaching the ground and 2) you'll have your hands full handling an Ultra at low speed.
I'd suggest you and her first sit on a Street Glide which is lower and lighter. Once you've determined if the height of the SG is adequate, I would add to the stock Street Glide whatever's needed to meet your needs, like Cuise Control, TourPak, maybe rear speakers, maybe lowers, maybe CB and Communication, I don't know what your needs are. Note than lowering a SG might not be realistic cause it's already lower than an Ultra.
Then once you've come up with the cost of your dream bike built on a Street Glide, I'd do the same thing with an Ultra.
Take the cost of the Ultra, add the cost of lowering it plus the cost of a lower/narrower seat, then subtract what you will not use that you could sell (CB, Intercom etc..........) and compare the 2 amounts.
It could be cheaper to start with an Ultra, and it could be cheaper to start with a Street Glide. Only you know what you need.
Hope that helps.
We're not "vertically challenged" and we're not athletic either although I don't know what athletic means. If it's being built like a weightlifter, then it's not me but I'm not chubby either.
I'm 5'11" 165lbs and she's 5'8" 135lbs. What I can tell you is, 1) you'll have a serious pb reaching the ground and 2) you'll have your hands full handling an Ultra at low speed.
I'd suggest you and her first sit on a Street Glide which is lower and lighter. Once you've determined if the height of the SG is adequate, I would add to the stock Street Glide whatever's needed to meet your needs, like Cuise Control, TourPak, maybe rear speakers, maybe lowers, maybe CB and Communication, I don't know what your needs are. Note than lowering a SG might not be realistic cause it's already lower than an Ultra.
Then once you've come up with the cost of your dream bike built on a Street Glide, I'd do the same thing with an Ultra.
Take the cost of the Ultra, add the cost of lowering it plus the cost of a lower/narrower seat, then subtract what you will not use that you could sell (CB, Intercom etc..........) and compare the 2 amounts.
It could be cheaper to start with an Ultra, and it could be cheaper to start with a Street Glide. Only you know what you need.
Hope that helps.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,371
Likes: 6
From: near Paris, France
My wife has been on me for an Ultra Classic.....And I like the 09+ bikes, and would consider adding one to my garage for long hauls....
Here's the thing - Were a small athletic couple. Im 5"4 135lbs and shes 5"0 90lbs.....29 inch inseam....
I went to a dealer - and the bike fit fine - except obviously my feet dont reach the ground. The seat on this bike is WIDE! Our asses take up 50% of the seat....
Anyway - love the bike - but Im thinking maybe its just not for a rider my size....
Any other small & light riders on Ultra's? Hows it working out for you?
Here's the thing - Were a small athletic couple. Im 5"4 135lbs and shes 5"0 90lbs.....29 inch inseam....
I went to a dealer - and the bike fit fine - except obviously my feet dont reach the ground. The seat on this bike is WIDE! Our asses take up 50% of the seat....
Anyway - love the bike - but Im thinking maybe its just not for a rider my size....
Any other small & light riders on Ultra's? Hows it working out for you?
Just to remember, a Ultra is a "too" much heavy bike for everyone at stops. You have to take care of everything and more when you have the TP full and her behind. But it's a great bike and riding it is always a pleasure.
Hope it help
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,837
Likes: 50
From: usa
I'm 5'5" on a tall day,160 lbs with a 29 inch inseam.Last fall I bought an 09 EG Classic and before it left the dealer I had the low shocks installed.In the spring of this year I purchased the mid year 2010 EG seat.Now I'm nearly flat footin it.Since I ride solo all the time I also picked up a Danny Gray seat,now I'm flat footin.I love the ride and the look.