I have owned a lot of bikes, and a couple of Harleys. I am a tall rider with a 36" inseam. Most bikes I sit on feel small, cramped, and like mini-bikes. These bikes were designed for people shorter than 6' tall. There are a lot of us that are "super size" and it baffles me why companies don't build bikes to tailor for this substantial portion of the marketplace. I see a lot of bigger and taller riders that would love to have more leg and seat room.

One of the reasons I sold my Harley's and looked at the Japaneese bikes was for the longer frame and more comfortable ride and room. I now notice that the newer Victories are also longer and roomier. So there are options out there for more room. I don't understand why Harley hasn't addressed this and offered a longer, roomier bike for big riders. I keep forgetting and coming back to Harley and looking at the bikes. Then I get on one and then I remember how small they are. I would really like to consider another Harley, but this space/size thing really bugs me. I have spent too much time and money trying to make bikes fit me just so I can get comfortable. Otherwise it is like trying to put a circus gorilla on a 50cc mini-bike. So now I am second guessing getting another Harley after hopping on a RKC the other day and feeling how cramped I was. I know I am not going to get this fixed myself or in the time frame that I want to buy my next bike, but maybe getting more people talking about this might make this happen.

I know I am not alone in being a large rider so let's hear your thoughts on Harley offering a bigger size bike for bigger size riders. How many folks out here would like to see HD address this issue?

I would like to own another Harley, but I am not going to compromise comfort to do it. I know there are workarounds for workarounds to make it work, but damnit maybe if we keep saying something they will build bikes for people other than 5' - 5'10" tall riders. Thoughts?

Guy

 

Just get the Honda VTX 1800c its huge compared to a Hd. Its also faster. Just try it you will see.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...7-14-07015.jpg

 

Well I am not a VTX kind of guy personally, but your right it is bigger, roomier, and fairly comfortable out of the box. I also hopped on the Strataliner, and Road Star. They are bigger also. That said I would like to buy American if I can. So I am looking at Victory as a serious option for my next bike since HD isn't making anything that fits me. Victory has carved out a different look and niche than HD, and I think the bikes look nice, but not the classical HD look.

The purpose for starting this thread is to possibly raise the awareness to HD that people will come and buy bikes if the bikes fit the riders better. I like the classical lines of the HD and would love to own another one if it fit me better. Just thinking if people speak up maybe we can get it done. Don't take it as an attack on the bike or the company. I just want one that at least comes close to fitting those of us that are on the larger side of the scale.

Guy

 

Why can't you look at 3" extensions for the fwd controls on some Softails. I'm 6"3 and put them one and also have some highway pegs on. The other thing that makes a difference is what type of handlebars you have. change the handlebars change your posture which shifts your legs. you mentioned a RK bikes with the floorboards automatically place your feet under the knees which would give you a cramped feeling given you inseam.

 

Ohh well not cause a ruckus..The VTx is made in OHIO. In the US providing US jobs and helping the economy. I assume the proceeeds go to japan though....Anyway I have over 51,000 miles and not a hiccup...well One new clutch at 40,000 miles. I ride it kinda hard. Ride safe....Shane

 

The wie glide comes with stock forward controls. A different seat and some control extensions could be your ticket. I'm 6'4" and 260-280lbs depending on the week - I'm relatively comfortable w/o extensions on my forwards. Plan on getting the 2" or 3" ones myself, later on down the road.

 

I was originally looking at the Heritage Classic or Road King but found them cramped also. I'm 6'4" with a 35" inseam. I finally tried the '07 Softail Custom and I fit much better since it comes with forward controls, then I went with the Arlen Ness 3" extention brackets. It is much more comfortable now.

 

I'm 6'4" 260lbs. I own an '06 Fatboy. I didn't want a bike with boards because it felt like I was riding with my knees in my chest,butmyBrother-in-Law found a great dealand I extended the boards 5" and it feels like a completly different bike.

 

I agree the VTX is made here in the US and I have no issues with that at all. A companies largest expenditures are in salaries and benefits of employees, so the vast majority of the companies operating capital is being spent on employees and in our economy. So I have no beef with any company that wants to come to the US and employ people to make products. I just don't care for some of they styling that Honda uses with the VTX. I think it is a very nice looking bike, but it isn't quite my cup of tea.. So I didn't intend to offend, and I think you are on the same wavelength as I am with the size and comfort factor. I don't mind the styling queues of the Yamaha bikes, and the design and custom look of the Victory bikes is very refreshing. All that said I would love it if HD would just make a bigger bike for the classic look that is distinctively HD. Thanks for the great replies.

Guy

 

6'2"here with a 36" inseam. Have you sat on/rode a Road Glide? The fairing sits further over the front end, so no cramped up feeling, sink $80-90 into a set of highway pegs and you can stretch out however you like, plus it has that "distinctively HD" look. If you're looking at that new Victory moon machine, you'd better go sit on one. There's a write-up in one of the magazines and that thing looks just as cramped up as a Goldwing. Good luck, and hope you find what you're looking for. Oh, you might also want to look at the Triumph Rocket III. No other bike like it either.