Recent Convert

[glide]

Hiya all, from rural New Brunswick, Canada. It's the dead of winter here, but I am admittedly chomping at the bit for riding season. Rode a few smaller bikes before switching to HD's in 74, and had 3 progressively bigger Harleys over the years, till I quit riding around 2005 or so. Arthritis and back problems got me. But after years of riding year round on Vancouver Island, I finally moved across country to NB, and last year, I just couldn't stand it any more not riding.......and lo and behold......a pretty lil Rocket caught my eye.....shouldn't actually say little tho, as the seat height is 7 inches higher than my last bike was....I am struggling a bit with that, but hoping to find good advice for altering the height without screwing up handling, in this forum. My first instinct is to go for shorter shocks of course. Don't want to give up the comfy seat, so I am wondering if shocks are the way to go. I am 5' 9" now, thanks to compressed spine and neck vertibrae....(too many years of riding hardtails, or lowered bikes..lol) I served just under 22 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, and took a full pension at the grand ole age of 38 to become a pub musician. Would have stayed in the mob longer, but got promoted out of any chance of going back to sea! Desk job just didn't cut it for me. Anyway, hope to gain much knowledge in this forum, and it's nice to have a place to ask questions in......ride safe guys, and if anyone ever needs recommendations on good rides in BC, especially on Vancouver Island, feel free to ask.

 

[rainman]

Welcome from TN
Shorter shocks and a solo seat will drop it down did this on my girlfriend r3t and she was able to be flat footed

 

[phar2slo]

Welcome from Christchurch New Zealand.

You could go custom seat or get the seat you have redone to take a inch out of it.

 

[TURBO200R4]

welcome from arizona

 

[Grumpy Ole Codger]

Hi Glide and a warm welcome to the forum from the British Isles. A lovely introduction and good luck with the bike. There are many talented people on this forum who should be able to find the answers you seek.

 

[Mike188]

welcome from Adelaide, South Australia

 

[motolink]

Welcome from Australia

 

[Sparky59]

Welcome from Illinois

 

[1olbull]

WELCOME to ya, from WA State!
If you want good hsndling, DO NOT shorten shocks!
Trim seat, wear lifts, use one foot . . .
I get by with a 29" inseam.

 

[Fenners]

Welcome Glide from Chesterfield UK,
I am 5ft 7 inches with a 29 inch inseam. If I sit closer to tank, where the seat is lower, and wear a pair of boots with a good thick sole I can just about get both feet flat on the floor. You will also find it easier when riding with a pillion, as the extra weight helps.
The other thing to remember is it is not just the height of the seat but the width. Another reason to support sitting closer to the tank.
Eventually I plan on getting a spare solo seat and modifying it. BigNorm has created a thread on how to do this yourself, search Seat mod.

Hope this helps, enjoy the ride.