Re-introduction!
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Re-introduction!
I have been a member of these boards for quite some time, but I drifted away as my wife and I weren't ready to buy a bike quite yet. Now, as long as I don't end up on strike this spring, it looks like it will finally happen! This is where everyone comes in.....
I'm a short guy, I mean really *^$#!ing short! About 5'1" barefoot, maybe 5'3" in a work boot. About 175ish. My wife is 5'5" around 140-150ish. I need suggestions on what all you vertically challenged people are riding. I'd like to stay in the dyna series, I went to demo days last season, and felt very comfortable on the Street Bob, but I wonder how it will do for two-up riding. We don't plan much more than day trips at the longest, as we have a 4 year old and don't get away much. Mel plans on taking the riders course, but shes still not sure she's going to take to riding on her own.
I'm a short guy, I mean really *^$#!ing short! About 5'1" barefoot, maybe 5'3" in a work boot. About 175ish. My wife is 5'5" around 140-150ish. I need suggestions on what all you vertically challenged people are riding. I'd like to stay in the dyna series, I went to demo days last season, and felt very comfortable on the Street Bob, but I wonder how it will do for two-up riding. We don't plan much more than day trips at the longest, as we have a 4 year old and don't get away much. Mel plans on taking the riders course, but shes still not sure she's going to take to riding on her own.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,579
Likes: 0
From: N.C.
I love my dyna but i am also 5'10'' so.. I would go with what you liked and get it.. you said you went to the demo and liked the way the street bob felt so i would just stick with it.. 
.. Welcome to the forums from NC.
.. Welcome to the forums from NC.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,394
Likes: 0
From: Bristol UK
Welcome from Bristol, England.
We are both taller but lighter and ride an XL1200C two up on day rides. Its certainly doable but not the ideal bike for two up IMHO. We do need to stop and stretch our legs every 10 miles or so.
I've no experience of the bigger bikes, but from what I've read believe the Dynas to be a bit easier to ride than Sportsters. I believe its due to the Sportsters having a slightly higher centre of gravity, but am no expert on these things.
Best I can suggest is try sitting on a few at the dealers, make sure you can hold the bike upright with both feet flat on the ground.
The tourers are probably the most ideal two up bikes but purely from having sat on a Road King in the dealers I think you would struggle with one of those. Its not so much that the seat is much higher, rather that the bikes significantly wider. I'm 5'8" and questioned whether it was two wide for me to get my feet down properly.
If your just talking relatively local days out I suspect a Dyna would suit you ok. You may need to change a few things like the seat etc. But I'm sure the many Dyna owners on here will be generous with their advice.
having said all that, you CAN ride two up on pretty much any bike. In my late teens I regularly rode two up on my Suzuki 120cc bike.
We are both taller but lighter and ride an XL1200C two up on day rides. Its certainly doable but not the ideal bike for two up IMHO. We do need to stop and stretch our legs every 10 miles or so.
I've no experience of the bigger bikes, but from what I've read believe the Dynas to be a bit easier to ride than Sportsters. I believe its due to the Sportsters having a slightly higher centre of gravity, but am no expert on these things.
Best I can suggest is try sitting on a few at the dealers, make sure you can hold the bike upright with both feet flat on the ground.
The tourers are probably the most ideal two up bikes but purely from having sat on a Road King in the dealers I think you would struggle with one of those. Its not so much that the seat is much higher, rather that the bikes significantly wider. I'm 5'8" and questioned whether it was two wide for me to get my feet down properly.
If your just talking relatively local days out I suspect a Dyna would suit you ok. You may need to change a few things like the seat etc. But I'm sure the many Dyna owners on here will be generous with their advice.
having said all that, you CAN ride two up on pretty much any bike. In my late teens I regularly rode two up on my Suzuki 120cc bike.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 765
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NC
My suggestions are:
BOTH sit on the bike. Thats how bought our last 2.
REALLY think about what you plan to do with it. Most any bike works for "in-town" riding.
Check what its like at what I call "Zero" speed. Backing up in particular. In other words - when you are doing the work - not the engine.
BOTH sit on the bike. Thats how bought our last 2.
REALLY think about what you plan to do with it. Most any bike works for "in-town" riding.
Check what its like at what I call "Zero" speed. Backing up in particular. In other words - when you are doing the work - not the engine.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 7,116
Likes: 3
From: Yakima, Wa.
When you sit on the one that feels right, buy it! Welcome from central Washington. Happy to have to you join in the fun. Geezer
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,929
Likes: 1
From: Grayland, WA.
Welcome from the coast of Washington State! You can shave the seats, lower the ride, a bunch of stuff you can do to make it fit. Check out the Fat Boy, it's pretty low and good for two up for a bit. Just try 'em all out, you'l find one that fits.
