I’m short and I bought a 2016 road king brand new.. The dealer sold me a reach seat.. to was terrible, it’s a ball buster.. I have a back issue now so I need comfort for my back..I don’t want to give up riding, I need more foot on the ground to keep me riding.. We lowered the shocks to street glide shocks but still need more. I’m no longer allowed to wear heals on my boots.. I don’t want to give up my bike..I just want to ride comfortably as safely.. thanks for the video..
two option not covered is there are two companies but one brand that I remember is the F.B.I. (Fat Baggers Inc) makes a seat drop kit. it changes the frame section under the seat. there is no major modifications done doing this as the frame of the touring bikes are sectional, this just swaps into the mid section. it will lower the seat about 2-3 inches (model of HD dependent). you will also get a different seat. which you can add foam and still be lower than stock. you will need different side covers but they have those available too and they will even match color to your bike if you want (extra cost of course). but if all you are wanting to do is adjust ride height. this is a single change solution for most people. no changes to suspension or foot wear required, and it doesnt change rake or trail for handling. they have a smart ride adjustable iRIDE by Thundermax. which will adjust ride height based on your speed and you can adjust these settings through a small LCD screen display. so you are lower at stops and low speeds and up higher as you gain speed driving down the road. they are a bit more pricy but way worth it, between both options you are looking at 4500-5000 of investment. but you are looking at upwards of 4.5-5 inches which is just crazy low. which makes getting on and off way easy too.
The Sundowner set me up higher and forward on my street glide. Wasted my money. My ASR seat by Ciro is perfect. It moved me back and down so i flatfoot and the forward controls now feel perfect
I think it depends on the individuals comfort level. I watched a 5 ft blond lady probably weight 90 lbs riding a big Harley bagger and she handled it just find, she would keep her right foot on the brake at stops and put her left foot flat on the ground by shifting her butt just off to the left of the seat. I watched her do it over and over again. Obviously her comfort level was very high. I too am a bit short for my bagger. If i put both feet on the ground I'm tippy toeing. But if I keep my right foot on the brake and lean the bike slightly to the left at stops, I'm flat footed on the left. I'm not sure but I too may be offsetting my butt on the seat. It just takes practice until you can do it without thinking. I even do find when riding 2-up.
lol have this problem with my 2003 elictra glide classic it's next to impossible for me without boots I did get a rear lowering kit however for me to get it where I want it I will bottom out on my fender when I hit a bump therefore I had to raise it back up 2 inches. My next thing I may do is get a different seat but that's costly for me but I may not have a choice
Very informative! Thank you! I am 5’3 on a 2010 Street Glide with a super reach seat, and I wear an H-D boot with a 1.5” heel. I am thinking about getting a boot with a 2” or 2.5” heel.
You will be very surprised at how confident you will feel with just 1” higher. You may want to consider added height on the sole and not just the heel. Something like H-D women’s boot “Iredell “ model.
Nice video with some good tips, but every time you change the travel of the shock or the length of the shock it also effects the handling of the bike as it was designed by the factory...just something to think about, for example the lower the machine the less of a lean angle, and in a lot of cases it will also effect steering....
The LA shock kit moves the shock back by about 1 inch. I did this to my Road King that I used to have. I didn't find that it changed the handling at all. My inseam is 29" and by moving the socks back, lowering the bike seat height by an inch meant that I was more stable moving the bike around or at a stop, especially if there was a bit of sand or dirt underfoot. So fo me , personally, I would prefer not to drop my bike and if the handling did change slightly ( which in this case, didn't), is a good tradeoff.
These LA Chopper blocks are really excellent, simple one piece billet. We’re rugged and very secure. Changed bike last year to a new 2019 FLHTK, got same blocks but different part number of course, and have done 2 summers with them. Absolute no issues with them at all. Like if it was an OEM part.
Maybe you can have the seat reupholstered locally. The shop could trim down the foam , narrow it some, add where needed or change the foam completely using the current leather cover. May turn out to be cheaper than a new seat. Nothing better than custom made. May turn out to be much more comfortable than what it is now.
Hi Paul thank you for the information, in my case i am facing totally the opposite situation. what options do i have beside purchasing after market extended reach seats.
If your of a tall stature, Possibly a combination of reach handle bars & extended foot controls could do the trick. Really depends on the bike your riding.
Harley cop bikes are made for six footers. You can screw up the seat by removing it and sitting on the frame if you want. But the bike will not handle correctly (poor natural balance) if you are not sitting slightly ABOVE the tank mounting points. Look at any early original Harley and the seat is ABOVE the tank bottom. Then marketing got the bright idea to remove the seat so that little tiny people could ride a huge big bike somehow. In my experience nearly every Harley built since the 70s has the seat way too low and too far back to control the bike properly. And they say Harley riders can't handle their bikes? It's because the stupid seat the factory puts on them today. Seriously I have built seats for all my Harleys. It is always a problem they are too low and too far back nowadays. Ugh!
2017 Road Glide Special... I got a take off seat for an Ultra Low from the dealer for a fair price. I can't imagine anyone paying$400- $500 up for $20 worth of foam and vinyl or $1000 for a pair of Chinese Air Shocks to totally remove your suspension. Clearly more Dollars than sense. One would think Harley could be able to build bikes/seats for the average size person by now. Harley seems like a failing company these days. A lower center of gravity is better on almost any bike anyway.
Both are from Harley Davidson. The models selection changes often but they offer various models from 1” to 2 1/2” heal. Some are very breathable and cool while other models are all leather and waterproof, therefore hot.
I find it absolutely asinine that after a century of motorcycle manufacturing, HD hasn't produced a charted table Re: rider height/inseam seating position for proper, safe reach and comfort. Jeez, what a bunch of laggards. It's not rocket science! Even more mortifying is that the Japanese haven't done it. I just bought a used Sportster and started looking because the seat is destroyed. ZIP, ZERO, NADA, NOTHING but "...well, that depends..." No it dosen't "that depends."
Awesome intro its very psychologically powerful as a speaker to do. Mini act Bravo!
I’m short and I bought a 2016 road king brand new.. The dealer sold me a reach seat.. to was terrible, it’s a ball buster.. I have a back issue now so I need comfort for my back..I don’t want to give up riding, I need more foot on the ground to keep me riding.. We lowered the shocks to street glide shocks but still need more. I’m no longer allowed to wear heals on my boots.. I don’t want to give up my bike..I just want to ride comfortably as safely.. thanks for the video..
Good tips Paul, I got an inch high boots and got my stock seat of my RKS shaved from the sides and it made a tremendous difference.
Thank you for the thoughtful video. The boots were the first lesson for me. Nice ride! Be and ride safe.
I'm 5'6"with a 30" inseam, but I really want something like an electra glide or an ultra limited, and I will NOT compromise.
two option not covered is there are two companies but one brand that I remember is the F.B.I. (Fat Baggers Inc) makes a seat drop kit. it changes the frame section under the seat. there is no major modifications done doing this as the frame of the touring bikes are sectional, this just swaps into the mid section. it will lower the seat about 2-3 inches (model of HD dependent). you will also get a different seat. which you can add foam and still be lower than stock. you will need different side covers but they have those available too and they will even match color to your bike if you want (extra cost of course). but if all you are wanting to do is adjust ride height. this is a single change solution for most people. no changes to suspension or foot wear required, and it doesnt change rake or trail for handling.
they have a smart ride adjustable iRIDE by Thundermax. which will adjust ride height based on your speed and you can adjust these settings through a small LCD screen display. so you are lower at stops and low speeds and up higher as you gain speed driving down the road.
they are a bit more pricy but way worth it, between both options you are looking at 4500-5000 of investment. but you are looking at upwards of 4.5-5 inches which is just crazy low. which makes getting on and off way easy too.
The Sundowner set me up higher and forward on my street glide. Wasted my money. My ASR seat by Ciro is perfect. It moved me back and down so i flatfoot and the forward controls now feel perfect
Great to hear you found the perfect formula that suits you. Enjoy the rides.
That was a lot of good tips. Thanks 👍
I think it depends on the individuals comfort level. I watched a 5 ft blond lady probably weight 90 lbs riding a big Harley bagger and she handled it just find, she would keep her right foot on the brake at stops and put her left foot flat on the ground by shifting her butt just off to the left of the seat. I watched her do it over and over again. Obviously her comfort level was very high. I too am a bit short for my bagger. If i put both feet on the ground I'm tippy toeing. But if I keep my right foot on the brake and lean the bike slightly to the left at stops, I'm flat footed on the left. I'm not sure but I too may be offsetting my butt on the seat. It just takes practice until you can do it without thinking. I even do find when riding 2-up.
Great and comprehensive tips Paul.
Really well done. I don't need height adjustment but the video was on time and interesting. Thx
lol have this problem with my 2003 elictra glide classic it's next to impossible for me without boots I did get a rear lowering kit however for me to get it where I want it I will bottom out on my fender when I hit a bump therefore I had to raise it back up 2 inches. My next thing I may do is get a different seat but that's costly for me but I may not have a choice
Hi Paul
Very helpful thank you mate
Very good video
Very informative! Thank you! I am 5’3 on a 2010 Street Glide with a super reach seat, and I wear an H-D boot with a 1.5” heel. I am thinking about getting a boot with a 2” or 2.5” heel.
You will be very surprised at how confident you will feel with just 1” higher. You may want to consider added height on the sole and not just the heel. Something like H-D women’s boot “Iredell “ model.
@@harleyquebecenrevue3580 Thank you! I will check them out! 😊
Thanks, I'll look into those.
Great tips!
Nice video with some good tips, but every time you change the travel of the shock or the length of the shock it also effects the handling of the bike as it was designed by the factory...just something to think about, for example the lower the machine the less of a lean angle, and in a lot of cases it will also effect steering....
The LA shock kit moves the shock back by about 1 inch. I did this to my Road King that I used to have. I didn't find that it changed the handling at all. My inseam is 29" and by moving the socks back, lowering the bike seat height by an inch meant that I was more stable moving the bike around or at a stop, especially if there was a bit of sand or dirt underfoot. So fo me , personally, I would prefer not to drop my bike and if the handling did change slightly ( which in this case, didn't), is a good tradeoff.
I lower my bike 1 1/2 inch and no problems on handing or leaning to me it’s more relaxing to ride good day everyone 👍🏻✌️
good point with the boots
Hmm, pretty helpful for many, but seems you forgot to address the safe operation kickstand operation with lowering the bike
I hear lower blocks screw up shocks -- is LA Chopper blocks different? I have been leery of blocks and looking at 12" shocks on Road King.Thanks
These LA Chopper blocks are really excellent, simple one piece billet. We’re rugged and very secure. Changed bike last year to a new 2019 FLHTK, got same blocks but different part number of course, and have done 2 summers with them. Absolute no issues with them at all. Like if it was an OEM part.
I have a 2006 electric glide I cant reach the kick stand to put it up even if i lift the foot board
H-D has a solution for that. Take a look at this www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/shop/Jiffy-Stand-Extension-Kit/p/50000032
I need a low prowfile seat for my 2001 electra glide. Can't find one.
Maybe you can have the seat reupholstered locally. The shop could trim down the foam , narrow it some, add where needed or change the foam completely using the current leather cover. May turn out to be cheaper than a new seat. Nothing better than custom made. May turn out to be much more comfortable than what it is now.
@@harleyquebecenrevue3580 Or I could do it myself. Thanks friend.
Hi Paul thank you for the information, in my case i am facing totally the opposite situation. what options do i have beside purchasing after market extended reach seats.
If your of a tall stature, Possibly a combination of reach handle bars & extended foot controls could do the trick. Really depends on the bike your riding.
Hi Paul, are you still an HD owner?
Yes, but a 2019 FLHTK. Changed from stock shocks to legend brand front and back. Best money spent on this bike.
this was great, thanks paul. btw, how tall are you?
5’8” with a 28” inseam.
Harley cop bikes are made for six footers. You can screw up the seat by removing it and sitting on the frame if you want. But the bike will not handle correctly (poor natural balance) if you are not sitting slightly ABOVE the tank mounting points. Look at any early original Harley and the seat is ABOVE the tank bottom. Then marketing got the bright idea to remove the seat so that little tiny people could ride a huge big bike somehow. In my experience nearly every Harley built since the 70s has the seat way too low and too far back to control the bike properly. And they say Harley riders can't handle their bikes? It's because the stupid seat the factory puts on them today. Seriously I have built seats for all my Harleys. It is always a problem they are too low and too far back nowadays. Ugh!
Your volume is not high enough on video. I can hardly hear with volume turned up. Can't watch.
2017 Road Glide Special... I got a take off seat for an Ultra Low from the dealer for a fair price. I can't imagine anyone paying$400- $500 up for $20 worth of foam and vinyl or $1000 for a pair of Chinese Air Shocks to totally remove your suspension. Clearly more Dollars than sense. One would think Harley could be able to build bikes/seats for the average size person by now. Harley seems like a failing company these days. A lower center of gravity is better on almost any bike anyway.
But how tall are you ???????
5’10 ‘’ and 28 ‘’ in seem.
@@paulhd9535 So based on what I have heard online, you should have a 26" seat height. That's in the soft tail range. Thanks
Hi Paul What brand of boot is that?
Both are from Harley Davidson. The models selection changes often but they offer various models from 1” to 2 1/2” heal. Some are very breathable and cool while other models are all leather and waterproof, therefore hot.
@@harleyquebecenrevue3580 do you have the model number of yours?
Inside label says D96109, that’s for the 2.5 in heal model. Purchased in 2018
@@harleyquebecenrevue3580 thanks so much
F. Grow. Lmao. I’m tring to get a seat for a 2001 heritage I’m 6,5 and need a back rest seems Harley builds bikes for little guys.
😎🏍💨💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦
5.8 is it good for fatboy ride ?!
I find it absolutely asinine that after a century of motorcycle manufacturing, HD hasn't produced a charted table Re: rider height/inseam seating position for proper, safe reach and comfort. Jeez, what a bunch of laggards. It's not rocket science! Even more mortifying is that the Japanese haven't done it. I just bought a used Sportster and started looking because the seat is destroyed. ZIP, ZERO, NADA, NOTHING but "...well, that depends..." No it dosen't "that depends."
Paul don't be real weird... oops too fuckin late 😡