Short guy problem lol...please help
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Texas
HereNtheShadows,
I went thru this in October. I agree with the other posters, modify the seat and put on the HD touring bars. It will give you about an inch because your legs will be closer together and the bars will give you one inch of pull back.
Cheers.
I went thru this in October. I agree with the other posters, modify the seat and put on the HD touring bars. It will give you about an inch because your legs will be closer together and the bars will give you one inch of pull back.
Cheers.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 33
From: So Cal The Golden State
I am 5 foot 4 inches, Before you modify the bike in any way and compromise the handling, try boots first. I wear Wesco Boots, (I have 3 pairs). They are expensive but cheaper than modifing your bike. I also have taken riding classes so slow speed with my wife is not a problem, more over when I stop I only put my left foot down even with my wife--two up.
Ride the bike first and don't drink the mod--bolt--shave punch yet.
Ride the bike first and don't drink the mod--bolt--shave punch yet.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 11
From: Lorton, VA
The suspension should be the last alternative. Modify the seat and wear boots with thick soles. When you ride two up, the suspension will also compress more allowing you to reach the ground even better. Good luck!
Novice
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Vestal, NY
If you have room (I'm not sure how much room the 14 street glide's have) but Progressive Shocks come in different size's. You may be able to find a 11" shock and your ride will be amazing also. I put progressive's on my bike and i absolutly love them! Will never go back!!
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
From: North Texas
I just put lowering blocks from LA Choppers on mine (1 inch) for $95. I know some people don't like them, but so far they have been great. Nice thing about them is they barley change the shock angle because the new mounting hole is almost directly under the old mounting hole on the frame.
Easy and Cheap Fix First
@HeroNtheShadows...
Lots of talk about MeanCityCycles. This is a cheaper modification that is a must - since you may have to do other things. Get the Super Narrow configuration (what I did) and maybe get the rear pillion adjusted. [$150 with shipping all done]
I also lowered the front of the bike with the HD lowered fork kit and swapped the rear passenger pegs aftermarket pegs that don't stick out as much. [$180 after installation]
Finally, I have a pair of Milwaukee Afterburner Leather Zip Boots with a custom insole for my feet (comfort thing, but works well adding a time bit of height). [$90 - not including the cost of the insoles, because I need them in other footwear anyway]
I'm now 100% flat footed on a straight road with knees bent a little bit.
All the best.
Lots of talk about MeanCityCycles. This is a cheaper modification that is a must - since you may have to do other things. Get the Super Narrow configuration (what I did) and maybe get the rear pillion adjusted. [$150 with shipping all done]
I also lowered the front of the bike with the HD lowered fork kit and swapped the rear passenger pegs aftermarket pegs that don't stick out as much. [$180 after installation]
Finally, I have a pair of Milwaukee Afterburner Leather Zip Boots with a custom insole for my feet (comfort thing, but works well adding a time bit of height). [$90 - not including the cost of the insoles, because I need them in other footwear anyway]
I'm now 100% flat footed on a straight road with knees bent a little bit.
All the best.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: Michigan/Colorado
I am really suprised that the salesman that sold you the bike didn't address the issue for you at the time of purchase!
You have very good advice here.
Modding your bike is the way to go to keep safe and worth it. You must have a secure strong hold. You'll get there.
Be careful on the boots, MAKE SURE they are sturdy (unlike a very soft tennis shoe that has no support) in the fact that they are a bit more ridged in your case so that when needing good stability they don't allow your foot to turn inside the boot or to fall over the side of the sole hence you loosing your hold. Should not be a soft type leather but a real good quality supportive type boot. If the sole and heel are to high they will not give you what you need here, they must be supportive. Worth their weight in gold here.
These bikes get very heavy when leaning or moving the bike around in everyday manuvers, just make sure you have a confident strong hold on the ground and you'll be fine.
You have very good advice here.
Modding your bike is the way to go to keep safe and worth it. You must have a secure strong hold. You'll get there.
Be careful on the boots, MAKE SURE they are sturdy (unlike a very soft tennis shoe that has no support) in the fact that they are a bit more ridged in your case so that when needing good stability they don't allow your foot to turn inside the boot or to fall over the side of the sole hence you loosing your hold. Should not be a soft type leather but a real good quality supportive type boot. If the sole and heel are to high they will not give you what you need here, they must be supportive. Worth their weight in gold here.
These bikes get very heavy when leaning or moving the bike around in everyday manuvers, just make sure you have a confident strong hold on the ground and you'll be fine.
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Fort Kent, Alberta
We just took my bro's 14 FLHR and put progressive shocks in the rear (2" lower) and dropped the front springs 2". Stock bags and still has good clearance, added with a saddlemen profiler seat its a huge difference. I'm 5'8" and the bike feels lower and nicer than my softail.