Never lower your bike, try this first!
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- čas přidán 29. 07. 2024
- Here's a variety of seats for your Harley-Davidson. All of which are a better alternative to lowering the bike and much less expensive with no ill effects. Don't forget to like and subscribe to my channel! For more information on my ride like a pro classes, locations, thumb-drive, downloads, book and videos, www.ridelikeapro.com
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Donna you rock! Women need more role models like you!
I'm a short person. I learned something new today. Thanks.
WOW!! I never would have thought that Donna was only 5'3"! I thought she was at least 5'10"! I am 4'11" and sit flat footed on my 2015 Indian Scout with the reduced reach seat. However, I have a 29" inseam so..... Lucky me! Short but long legs!! : )
Very informative. Amazing, after all these years, I can still learn something. Lol. I have a 2007 Flhtcui, and although I am 6’ , I think I am going to lower my seat a little. I put the lowering shocks on another identical model and you are so right as to how it affected the ride. Would not make that mistake again.
I mounted high side from instinct, engaging front brake, someone saw me do that and said never mount from that side more chance to drop bike, but I see it is safely possible now, one can never stop learning. Thx Jerry and Donna!
I'm 5'2" and ride a 1985 Kawasaki ZN 700. The first time I rode it I was tippy toe. Not fun. So I got a pair of Harley boots similar to your wifes. With a 1.75" heal and the platform is about 1/2". This was better. but being a new rider i didn't feel comfortable. I didn't want to lower my bike. I felt the bike was built a certain way and I didn't want to mess with the suspension. So I took my seat apart and shaved at least 2" off. I couldn't change the width but taking the 2" off helped immensely. I'm flat footed and feel much more confident. Plus I have a really nice back rest now... But thank you for the video. Everyone was telling me to lower my bike. I'm happy that I made the right decision.
Same here! I didn't want to change anything about my bike, for the same reason you mentioned. I think it's perfect the way it is :-)
Mine is a Honda CB-1, so about half the weight of most Harleys I guess. Fortunately, I didn't even have to lower the seat. Bought a pair of Daytona boots with thick heels/soles. I can't flatfoot on both sides at once, but I'm happy just the same!
Btw, just googled your Kawasaki, that's a nice one! Also not too heavy :-)
Rettequetette thanks. She is lighter than most bikes today but her center of gravity is not as good as the newer bikes, she feels tippsier and is sooo much harder to pick up if you drop it. We practiced. LOL. My friend has a Vulcan S. Heavier bike but sooo much easier the pick up and maneuver. I do love Josephine. She runs great.
Rettequetette I have a CB-1. Not many left out there!
Very helpful I was thinking about lowering my bike but thanks to this video I’m going to look into purchasing another seat that will give me at least an inch
Great video
I am only 5’3” and the new Electra Glide Standard is perfect for shorter riders. I love this bike and it’s a joy to ride and so easy to maneuver. I am flat footed with no mods!
I don't know for sure Don, but between getting the mods to have your feet changed to the flat footed configuration, I think it would have been more prudent to have gone with inserts and thicker soles and heels.
Ride safe !
Thanks Jerry & Donna. I am 5'11" and ride a Heritage Softail. I don't have the boots on the ground issue, but I do appreciate your discussions on the different seats & handlebar placement. Being relatively new to the mc world, by far your videos makes it easy to understand. And thanks for taking the time to answer the viewers questions. This is also very helpful.
You're very welcome, glad to be of help!
Jerry, thanks for the great illustrations on choosing a seat. I didn’t realize there were that many options..... again, another great informative video!
An excellent review of seat configurations. Thank you. Dean from Seattle. Me? 5'5", 140lbs. Back in the saddle after over 40 years out of the saddle and now riding a 2016 SYM HD 200 scooter (170cc) and it is quite a reach at a stop. I slide down on the seat a bit and that really helps. Not cool but it works! Now looking to get back to a V-twin with a lower seat height. Nobody told me scooters have high seat heights!
Hi. I had my 2000 Heritage lowered 1 inch front and rear about 3 years after buying it. I also changed the seat. I had extra sole put on my boots. I could still walk in them. Like I said, I am a 5’3” male with less than 23” inseam.
I'm 5'8" and prefer the H-D Sundowner Deep Bucket on my Ultra. You sit a little lower with your feet flat on the ground and doesn't push your junk into the tank.
Excellent video again. Kudos to your lovely model.
This very good advice. I am 5ft 6 inches tall and ride a Street Glide. I have the Ultra Low seat which is great for me both feet flat on the ground. I tried the Super Reach seat and that was the most uncomfortable seat I have ever used.
thank you for your lovely lesson and god bless you and your wife , you are a good man
I lowered the seat on my GSX-S750 by buying a used seat that I figured I would end up destroying, but it turned out I was able to lower it by replacing the rubber supports under the plastic seat mold by about a half inch with shorter ones. I am still experimenting, but believe I will be successful in getting is to my desired height. My inseam in about 30 inches, the seat height on a Suzuki GSX-S750 is over 32 inches! I DID NOT want to lower my bike with dog-bones, etc...for the reasons you presented here. By the way, I signed up to take a course from "Ride Like A Pro" the first of next year (will be riding my Vulcan 900). I hope it was your organization. You are an excellent teacher. Thank you for posting these videos!!
I bought a 92 Electra glide sport that I loved but was always on the balls of my feet. A lot of crowned and uneven roads here in PA. Tried but harley doesn't make reach seats for that old of a bike so I went with a mustang seat that was still well padded and but tapered enough on the sides to let me flat foot it. 5'8" with 29" inseam
Thank you for this video. I understand what you're saying about the 3" of travel and I refuse to lower a bike. It's a pretty common sales pitch where I come from. Wanted a SG but I didn't want to lower it so I keep my deluxe, which fits me perfectly and got road glide bags added. U mentioned the ultra limited low which fit me like a glove, I'm 5'2". But I didn't want that much bike. It was a heavy beast and ya gotta be about to park it not just ride it.
Thank you so much for honest reply. More power to you and your husband👍👏👌
You sound like a professional speaker... Sales, politics, documentaries... You'd be great at any
Love your videos!!!! Im a new rider and the tutorials yo provide are invaluable
This is the best video.
Very informative specially for my height which is the same height as your wife. I been trying to get an street glide or electra glide but my main issue is my height.
Now that I know I can customize the seat and I will feel more confident with my ride.
Thank you and to your wife and more power and ride safe.👌👍👏
I have a 14 Streetglide with a stock seat and I'm 5'9" and my feet barely sit flat-footed. I had an 05 electraglide with a drag specialties seat (if I only knew the model #) and I was able sit below the windshield and sit flat-footed. The more narrow the seat the better.
I am 5’5 with a super reach seat on my 2010 street glide, and I can almost flat foot. I just need a little more.
My bike is a tad taller than the newer models. I sit in the saddle on my bike like Donna did with the ultra low seat on your new bike.
I am so glad you did this seat video, and had Dr. Donna model it for us. Very informative! Thank you Donna, and Jerry!
You're welcome, Karen!! :)
I love the wide range of topics you cover, Jerry. Thank you and Donna for quality content!
You're welcome, glad we can help.
Great demonstrations! I've shopped online till I'm cross eyed! Looked at low profile seats and couldn't understand why they said they move you farther from the bars, defeating my purpose. Thanks for clearing that up👍
Glad it was helpful!
I agree with you about not moving the shocks back. I did that once on a 08 Electra-glide because my buddies had Street glides that were lower, and I thought they looked pretty cool. Well long story short I switched them back after the first test ride because it bottomed out going over a expansion joint in the road.
Heh brother, I just went for my first ride on my Suzuki boulevard 1500, and just want to say your vids have been invaluable in giving me confidence and inspiration as I practised the techniques. I haven't ridden since my teens, apart from an e'bicycle, which helped, but Your advice and steady teaching method continues to be really helpful. Thank you and God bless you and your family always.
You are absolutely correct. Each "lowering kit" offered for any motorcycle is changing the handling, mainly makes the bike stiffer and takes the ease out of ride. Besides as you mentioned it costs you lean angle as well. Greetings from Germany
Put a mustang low rider on my 07 Rd Kg Classic. Moved me almost 2" forward & lets my feet be flat on ground. Better control all around without hurting the ride!
Nice video. I'm 64 and 5'6" owner of a 2011 SG. I too tried the lowering tricks and boy did the ride suffer. I then sent my seat to Mean City for a refitted seat and installed ne bars with a little more pull back . They moved me up 1 inch and narrowed the leg area just a little. This helped tremendously but I do wish I had it built to move me up a 1/2 inch more.
I am not short. But this is one of your most informative videos in terms adjusting the bike components to fit the rider.
Good on you.
I screwed up, lowered my shock to 11'' shocks, rode with that till shocks went bad, I just bought 12" shocks love the lean angle got a lower seat, rides great. more control on turns now. Good advice. Know one told us shit when you purchased a bike learn on your own. now with CZcams learn all the time. Bought your video practicing on the weekends thank you Merry Christmas!
I'm 5'8" and have to tip toe on my Goldwing even with the pre-load set kind of soft (I ride fairly aggressively so I don't like it too soft). I know they make seats that put you lower to the ground for the GW, but I don't want to change the seat on it -it is heaven to sit upon. I think thick-soled boots are a great idea that should help. Thanks for your great videos!
In 2014, I bought a Harley Ultra Limited (after not riding for 3 years). It seemed to me that the seat was closer to the bars. Thanks to your video, I'm going to look for a seat that will be more comfortable for me. THANKS!
Thanks Jerry and Donna great vlog for a shorter rider on a Harley. Be Safe🏍🇺🇸
but completely irrevelant for other types of bikes whos handling may be improved by lowering suspension...
Apparently alot of effort went into this video. It is very appreciated and your Electra Glide is beautiful. That blue really makes it.
You are correct. A lot of effort went into this. Thanks for noticing.
All blue bike lovely colour also
another addition that can be made is there are two companies out there that make seat dropping kits, it'll drop you 3-3.5 inches. also a fairing lowering kit that will drop your fairing by 1.75 inches, and there are many special handlebars, Harley has their own "reach bar" that brings your hands back about 3 inches, and there are many other companies that make heavy pullback bars, I have mine WAY back cause of an accident doesnt allow me to be on a bike longer than 30 minutes without the bars being much closer to me. just make sure they are stiff bars or sometimes harder turns will feel "springy"
Good information. I have a Saddle man seat on my 1983 FXWG. Sit flat footed and I am 5'9"
Well done, very informative. Every one is different. I'm 5'8 but must have shorter arms. Went for the HD Reach seat on my 19 Street Glide Special which initially felt a little tight for leg room but perfect for bar reach. The back support is excellent on the reach seat which saves me buying a back rest.
Thank you - great video and thank you Donna for your assisance!
Your videos are so expert and practical! Thank you.
Glad you like them!
Blue and white colour scheme looks great
Learning to put only one foot down at stops enables a rider to ride taller bikes as you can lean your bike to that side and even slide off the edge of the seat to extend your leg. Some may think you can't hold up a heavy bike with one leg but I'm 62 years old and have always stopped that way even on my 2014 Ultra Limited and I continue to do so on my 2018 Road Glide Ultra.
I agree, I lowered my 2004 Road King. Wish I hadn’t.
hi there Jerry i appreciate your knowledge and advice long story short i picked up a 2004 road king about two weeks ago im 5ft 9 but when i sat on it i could barely touch the ground not comfortable at all infact my buddy who is 6 ft 2 had to drive it home for me so i spent money on the brackets to lower it went out today and spent another 175 $$ for a bike jack and was planing on lowering it two inches in the morning but after watching your video you convinced me to take the jack back and put that money into a lower seat i didnt really want to lower it in the first place .... but the seat was the farthest thing from my mind and once again thank you for video
I should have thought of this. I lowered my Triumph Rocket 3 Touring and spent a nice chunk of change on it. Though the new shocks are far better than stock.
Thanks for the idea. I am going to look at adjusting my bars. And see how it makes me feel.
No problem 👍
Very helpful information about seating.
Great affordable alternatives to lowering the bike. Especially if you get a bad ride out of a lowered bike.
A seat can make a huge difference! The stock seat on my 07 EGC pushes me too far forward for my height and inseam. I bought a Road Glide seat from someone and it was a great change. It allows me to sit farther back into the bike with lower nose rise in front of me. I also bought a street glide seat and it’s similar but sits a little too low to me, changing the angle of my hips to knees.
I may be looking at cruisers in the future. Something I learned the hard way; if you put a wide, thick, comfortable seat on an "adventure" bike you'd better be at least 6'5" tall or you'll be dropping it all the time. I'm only 6'1".
Awesome information. I recently purchased a 2019 Kawasaki concours 14 and I’m 5’6” so I’m having a bit of trouble putting my feet flat on the ground. I was planning on using a lowering kit but I have mix emotions about it. I’ll look for a different seat and see if it helps. I only need another 11/2” to 2”. Great video.
Always appreciate your advice. To both you & your wife: take care & best wishes. Same goes for anyone who comes across this comment. Cheers ✌️
Great Videos Jerry! Thank you!
Jerry since this comment I've made here I have actually watched many more of your videos and find you to be the best instructor by far. And I just subscribed.
Thank you, welcome aboard!
Your knowledge of motorcycle and riding is unbelievable. Ive never ran a cross such a wonderful channel in my whole life of motorcycle riding. I have a 2013 heritage Softail I'm 6 ft 2 weigh 220 lb. One day I took my factory seat off the bike and I could not believe how much better the bike handled and how more comfortable I was sitting lower on top of the battery with a rag under my butt. I ordered a saddleman low profile seat but it puts me closer to the tank like you said and with my long ass legs it's not the same if I could get back just a few more inches with my tailbone I would feel so much better in balance and handling and stopping at a red light it's unbelievable the difference. I cannot find an aftermarket seat that will do what I wanted to do. I am going to have to build my own frame like I have in the past and have someone cover it the way I want it so I can get down in that chopper seat and have more control and more comfort on the motorcycle
What I was trying to say with my longer legs comes longer arms also
This is a really useful vlog. I hadn't appreciated there was so much seat variation. Thank you :-)
I didn't know about the changes either to the seats. Wished I kept my 2012 Road King seat . More padding than '14.
An other option is to buy new boots with a higher heal and soul. Did the trick for me!
WOWSA KAPOWSA JERRY AND DONNA!!!!!! EXCELLENT Video!!!!!
Even the Mechanics sometimes push the lower rear shocks!!!! The different seat is a great alternative!!!!
I bought a 2012 Heritage Softail Classic. I put a 2" lowering kit on it but only dropped it about a half inch since it is adjustable. Haven't had any issues with bottoming out on bumps.
Aahh thank you
Ride Like A Pro,I have a girlfriend who I'm trying to pursued, to taking up Motorcycles, as a fab new hobby ,thank you to your superb looking wife,for helping in this video,thank you for your thoughtfulness & care ,Excellent options shown there,thank you & happy riding friend
😉
Beautiful blue and white bike.
I have a 2020 RK with that last seat you showed. I can’t get comfortable on it as I slide forward and have to continually scoot back into it.
Great video, as usual. Damn, I wish my wife would ride.
Great Video, you answered my question that the idiots at my HD dealership couldn't
Jerry & Donna, thanks for the information, ergonomics on a motorcycle is going to make or break your ride experience and it was my main bargaining chip when buying a bike, even if the dealer will not exchange a seat for one you like better (from previous riding experience) but getting another one a little above cost is not out of the question, and don't ever buy one because it looks cool.
Anyway, appreciate any information which helps the ride more enjoyable.
I have a friend who is really tall, like 6’8”. He has an old ‘83 Goldwung and sometimes on a trip will ride from the back seat just to get more comfortable. Always looks funny!
Jerry, I don't care what seat you put on the bike, Donna makes it look good 👍
Thank you Norm, that was very nice! :)
Gracias por este vídeo.. hacia rato que buscaba algo así para tomar decisiones.. gracias 👌🏼
Just picked up a 2018 Street Glide Special. Video will be very helpful in making a decision.
Did you call your wife "... that short..." and "...flat foot..." ? LOL, just kidding!
Thank you for all your videos from all these years!!
Thank you Jerry, for a great, informative video. 😊👍
Very welcome
I purchased a extended reach seat by chance for half of what HD charges, and to be honest the ride feels better. I'm flat footed, my arms are in a more comfortable position. I no longer slide back when I accelerate. Night and day difference.
Wish I would've seen this before i changed to progressive lower shocks. Thank for the video
Glad to help
Informative video, lovely couple & nice bikes.
I’m 5’3 progressive shocks & a mustang seat on my street glides 2013 & 2016
Lol. I am 6’2 and ride a Multistrada Enduro. I can put my feet flat on the ground but I don’t mind if only my toes touch the ground. I like sitting high on the bike to see over the cars in front of me. Good vid.
Your conversations with your wife are cute and very sweet. God bless :)
Thanks Jerry hate backing up my street bob being only 5 foot 3" it has always made me worry always looking for a good place to park up when I stop .Your video has been very helpful for us shorter riders.Definetly will be looking at a different for my bob.👍
Steven Edwards my wife has 07 streetbob.
Slammer kit.
It works for her ;
Shocks bottom out with me on it.
She says ok with her weight.
Hmmm-
Why can’t they make them lower seat height from the get go -
Well ;hope this helps -
crspcritter .Thank you my friend .I'll take that on board.👍👍
i had no idea about all these changes they made to seats. very helpful
In Europe, when you start learning how to ride a motorcycle, the first thing is to sit down and get off the motorcycle to the left. For safety, when the motorcycle flies off the foot or something happens, it is easier to jump away or catch the motorcycle so that it does not fall over. you are the opposite and you don't fly with the weight of a motorcycle. I often watch movies from the United States getting off the motorcycle to the right. One of the differences between the continents. Stay safe.Greetings from Poland
Barely ever do I see people get on/off from the right in the US.
That is what bothers me too, in England we are tought to get on and off from the left incase the side stand flips up, I was watching this worrying that would happen every time she got on and off scraping the side stand on the floor
for a hundred pounds soaking wet it shouldnt make a difference 😃
We mount and dismount on left in US, like a horse. That is why kick stand is on left side.
Movies are not real life.
Ask King Kong.
Like to hear some stories about people who did the class and are great riders now. If Irkutsk been a long time since I rode, this is same as my new bike even if it’s big.
Thanks for sharing this, Motorman! I have to add that fitting ALL the controls of whatever bike one is on to yourself is probably THE single best thing one can do. My g/f stands a whopping five inches shorter than Donna at 4'-10, and for her, the width of the bike is equally the issue as the height - every cruiser larger than the 250cc class is too wide for her, so she is on a 2002 Kawasaki ZZR250 sport-touring bike that we cut the seat down (stock 29.5", now 27.7") - still not optimal, but at least she can get ONE foot down, which is all you need. Cheers!
Here's a 4'10'' little girl riding an unmodified Police bike in the motor officer intersection, 18ft wide by 21ft long. czcams.com/video/BYXam1edBFU/video.html for inspiration.
I definitely understand the width of the bike thing. I'm 5'2" with a 28" inch inseam. I'm just now learning to ride. Not long ago my hubs kept insisting that I could touch flat foot on his Heritage which was lowered by the previous owner. So we got it out and I couldn't because it's so dang wide. Lol He was like dang, now that's some sawed off legs right there! 😜
I have a sportster which he lowered for me because I insisted that I must be able to flat foot it. We have a low sitting seat on it as well. I've recently come to the realization that I would really benefit from buying a Rebel 250 or a Yamaha V Star 250 to learn on til I acquire better skills to aid in dealing with the size of my sportster. That bike seems huge to me right now. 😊
Great video, thank you!
I have a 2016 road king and I bought a reach seat recommended by the dealer..it’s a ball buster.. I’m 5’5” I put Street glide rear shocks helped some.. still to tall..
Some scooters are not meant for short riders. I ride a 2016 Sym HD 200 (171cc) with a seat height of just over 30". I'm a male rider at 5'4" and I'm 74. I've tipped the scooter over about 5 times while at a stop and once while in a slow u-turn. Sooo embarrassing! Sure, I was daydreaming at those times too, I admit that. However after those tips-overs I learned to simply keep my head and eyes dead straight at all times when arriving to a stop, concentrate, concentrate, slide forward on the saddle where its more narrow, put the feet down then all is good.
Whew, lots of work but it works although I'm getting this seat shaved down by a pro bike seat guy this week here in Seattle. Thanks Jerry for the tip about not only shaving the seat down but being sure the hands reach the bar correctly. Short folks = short arms!
Dean
Seattle
Always intertaining with excellent information. How about a video on mirrors. Seems to be a big difference in how well different ones allow you to view the traffic around you.
I cut 4" of foam out of the vn900 seat ! And customed out the nut crusher !
I'm 5'7" too
I am really enjoying your videos and way of presentation.
I've learned alot from you thanks
My 2005 Sportster standard was a little too high for me and changing seats was a necessary option because both of my stock seats (one solo, one two-up one-piece) had broken bases. This seems to be a common problem with the Harley seats with plastic bases. After a lot of research and reviews, I found two perfect replacements from Mustang Seats which are made in the USA and have fiber glass bases (one Day Tripper solo and one Regal Duke two-up, one-piece) which are about 1" lower with excellent support. Changes seats is the best way to "lower" the bike without changing its geometry. I definitely recommend doing a LOT of research before changing seats. No two butts are alike and good seats are an expensive investment. If your butt hurts, you will not enjoy your ride.
I'm watching All Your Videos, and 'though I've been Riding since the Late '50's, I find Your Instructions Awesome ! I suppose since I've been Safe, for the Most Part I have used Proper Handling, but Your Videos make feel like I'm a Beginner Again ! I urge Everyone to Watch, as You are a True Asset to All Riders ! Sort of the difference between a common Motorist and a Race Driver. There's a LOT We Don't know even with Experience. Thanks for Sharing Your Vast Knowledge !👏
Thanks I was going to lower mine but you bring up rock solid reasons not to
Glad I could help
You are correct.
I have my third Honda Gold Wing.
First one I exchanged my stock seat with a Corbin. Bad idea set the seat height higher and center of balance/gravity completely off...spent so much on Corbin had to live with it but a bad ride ever since.
My Gold Wing I have now, I traded the stock seat for a Road Sofa.
Lower the ride about two inches. Much more connected to the bike, handling completely different for the good.
But have never lowered the bike.
I resolved the problem about seat and bike height, get yourself Indian , over 4 1/2 in rear suspension. And plus I put a mini air compressor on the bike, I can adjust air suspension on the fly, and a air Chuck to air up tires, mattresses and whatever.
Thank you for the video. I think I'm still left with the question! You showed moving forward but not downward. KTM and BMW bikes are really tall!
CORBIN PRODUCTS. I'VE 50 YRS. EXPERIENCE. BUT I DO have a Wide Glide DYNA. You know, the supposed factory chopper. High bars, being used to flattrack bars I merely added bars with about 4"lower.rise. I'm 5'10 and the stock seat with the new lower bars made all the difference.Even with forward controls!😎🎶🍺
Riding boots and a lowered seat. Help a lot, if you ride a motorcycle and don't ride with boots, well it's only a mater of time.