Vertically challenged
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2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale,Az
Vertically challenged
Howdy all,
I am considering having the FBI 3 inch drop seat kit (narrow version) installed on my 2012 Ultra Classic. I'm not comfortably flat footed with the standard version because the side covers stick out too far. Since this is a 950 lb motorcycle, I want as solid a base as possible. I am 5'7" and 240 lbs with a 30 inch inseam. My question is this: If necessary, could I use the HD Low Profile shocks in conjunction with the kit to give me another 3/4 of an inch reach without creating other problems ??
I am considering having the FBI 3 inch drop seat kit (narrow version) installed on my 2012 Ultra Classic. I'm not comfortably flat footed with the standard version because the side covers stick out too far. Since this is a 950 lb motorcycle, I want as solid a base as possible. I am 5'7" and 240 lbs with a 30 inch inseam. My question is this: If necessary, could I use the HD Low Profile shocks in conjunction with the kit to give me another 3/4 of an inch reach without creating other problems ??
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Motorcity
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,481
Likes: 630
From: NorCal Rocklin
Man, Im like an inch shorter 100 lbs less and still be able to mangle my Ultra. I learned how to balanced my bike plus going to my local upholster to narrow down and lower my seat.
You think being as heavy as you are your weight should be able to get you flat footed. If being flat footed is that important, than do it. I just found other avenues to lower my bike without spending 2000 dollars to do it.
You should have no issues with lowering. If you are critical about suspension tuning, then I wouldn't recommend it due to the low travel. You can try adjustable air suspension.
You think being as heavy as you are your weight should be able to get you flat footed. If being flat footed is that important, than do it. I just found other avenues to lower my bike without spending 2000 dollars to do it.
You should have no issues with lowering. If you are critical about suspension tuning, then I wouldn't recommend it due to the low travel. You can try adjustable air suspension.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 4
From: nebraska
First had cobbler give me taller heels , thicker sols on my boots .
Then i added a kickstand exstention so i could reach it $30
Then had MeanCity lower narrow add memory foam Thrifty just under $150 including shipping both ways . 2" lower
Then some 11" Bitchin Bagger shocks bike handles better .
all done for a cple hunderd dollars.
Then i added a kickstand exstention so i could reach it $30
Then had MeanCity lower narrow add memory foam Thrifty just under $150 including shipping both ways . 2" lower
Then some 11" Bitchin Bagger shocks bike handles better .
all done for a cple hunderd dollars.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 647
Likes: 7
From: Corning, Ohio
Just contacted Steve @ Mean City Cycles to make the necessary arrangements to get my stock '09 FLHTCU seat lowerede and made a little narrower. Not doing anything to the passenger pillion. Having momory foam added to the drivers seat. Estimated cost including shipping is around $200.00. Much, much cheaper than a new or different seat. They are scheduling out to the end of March at present. Gonna give 'em a try.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,476
Likes: 193
From: Las Vegas, NV
OP: When you say you're not flat-footed on the bike; are you close? I have the same inseam as you (30") and if I stand up a little I can flat foot mine. Sitting against the backrest enough of my foot is on the ground that its not a problem. What kind of bike/model are you coming from? Before you make all of these changes you may want to spend a lot of time in a parking lot and really practice with this bike. The lower seat, shocks and so on could really affect how comfortable the bike will be for long distance rides which is where our bike really shines. If you need to have the seat lowered I agree with Mean City Cycles. They did my current seat with better materials and its really comfortable. Even though I have an '09 I use a mid-2010 seat (same as yours) because Harley redesigned the pan. At one point I had MCC lower my original '09 seat which that worked pretty well and was still comfortable for long days in the saddle. Also; you might want spend some time watching the Ride Like A Pro V video; that helped me a lot and I use these lessons all the time.
Last edited by vistavette; Feb 28, 2012 at 02:25 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 3
From: Central Texas
OP .... before you drop a chunk of your hard earned $$$ on a FBI drop seat... like other have mentioned...Meancitycycles does excellant work!
Have you concidered air ride? There is a excellant thread (just a search for you) on this forum that costs around $200 or $300.
Have you concidered air ride? There is a excellant thread (just a search for you) on this forum that costs around $200 or $300.
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Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale,Az
Howdy all and thanks for your input. I live in the Phoenix, Az area and went over to Phoenix Custom (Bitchin' Baggers) the other day with a buddy and Ron took an hour out of his busy day to answer all of our questions and show us around. He even had me straddle his 2012 Road Glide Ultra and I was indeed flat footed. This coupled with a 1" drop kit in the front and an MCC Super Narrow seat mod should do the job. Thanks for your input everyone.
HDDaddy7838
HDDaddy7838
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 449
Likes: 29
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Same height as you, went with the Arnott adjustable air shocks. Love lowering it to back up, etc, but on the go having full travel is awesome. I am in Scottsdale, if you want to take a look give me a shout.