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I have done every variation and combination in the book with 4 different touring models. In my mind only real solution is the drop seat kit available from 2 aftermarket mfg for 09 and later touring models. Check out this write up on my scoot on Bikernet:
I am 5'7" inseam 28" first thing i did was add the HD kickstand exstention $30
Pretty much the same dimensions here and my RKC is stock except for the C&C Forward seat which is very close to stock position. I've gotten used to not being able to flatfoot but the kickstand extension is a must. I wish I had done it sooner. Oh and a backrest helps with backing up as well as relieve lower back pain.
Thanks guys! The first thing I am going to do is make him get his a$$ registered on this forum! I have been here (Dyna forum) for a few years now and its been GREAT! Lots of info, tips, and tricks being shared by people with the same interest.
I am 5,4" with a "short" 29" inseam....I have a 2012 Ultra Classic that I bought in March of this year. Currently I have almost 8000 miles on it, Bought the super reach seat when I bought the bike...big mistake! Kept "crushing the boys" Took the seat back and went with the reduced reach seat. No I cannot flat foot it, but I really couldnt flat foot the Heritage before it and don't think I was able to flat foot my Sporty either. Bottom line is that it really is not true that you need to flat foot but you do really need to be comfortable. Yes I have to be carefull when parking and turning but really it's an Ultra Classic, not exactly a sport bike is it?? Tell your brother to go out on some interstate rides and then work up to winding roads once he starts to feel comfortable it will all be ok. Also I would suggest to tell him to watch the "Ride like a pro" video on line, there is a girl 4foot something riding an electra glide....if nothing else he will get some good safety ideas and maybe some inspiration. Best wishes and have some fun.
yeah, that girl is pretty impressive...she can RIDE the bike, but as Jerry himself says, she can't stop or get the bike off the kickstand, he has to help her hold the bike up until she gets it moving and has to catch her when she stops and put the bike on a kickstand for her....that's fine for a demonstration, but would take an awful lot of planning in the real world to make sure that wherever you go, someone is there ready to catch you when you stop and help you park it and get going again.
O.K. guys, my little brother, (by age AND size!) just bought a new Electra Glide Classic and is having trouble getting flat footed with it. He already has the reduced reach seat and shorter air shocks but is still not comfortable with it. He is 5'6" with a 30" inseam. Any suggestions?
I'm 5'5" and I'm able to get flat footed on my '11, but I've replaced the Air Shocks with Ohlin's. Even though the Air Shocks are 1" shorter they have no "shock sag". With my 12" Ohlins I get about 1" of sag thus making them more like a 11" shock but with spring that still prevents bottoming out. I also replace the Front Fork Springs with a Progressive Monotube 1" lowered Fork Kit. The HD front fork lowering kit is crap so don't waste your money.
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