As I mentioned in a previous post looking to buy a couple different 1200s. The only bike I've owned was an '01 1200C and I had it converted to mid controls which I liked.
I'm looking at some 1200Ls and an '04 1200C with forward controls. The woman who owns the '04
is 5' 2" and says she has no problem reaching the controls.

How many short riders (please state your hgt if you don't mind) are using forward controls on their Sporties and how's it workin' out?

Thanks

 

The 'forward controls' on the 2004+ Sportsters are in reality what I would call "mid-forward controls".

One of the changes Harley made to the "C" Sportsters in 2004 was to move the forward controls 1.5" closer to the rider. They must have thought that more people with shorter inseams would be purchasing and riding the bikes.

They are only positioned 5 or 6 inches forward of where the mid controls would be located.

Below you can see the difference in position between the 'forward controls' on a 2005 Sportster, and the true forward controls on a Dyna WideGlide.

 

Nothing makes me chuckle more than seeing a guy with real short legs and a big pillow seat to push him forwardand still just barely tip-toes the controls?

Come to think of it, a long legged dude cruising the freeway in heavy traffic with his calf's resting on the HWY pegs is pretty funny too.

 

Old Fender Guy,
Thanks for the pics. Helps a lot! I could probably reach those!
Steve

 

If you can flat foot the 04 up C model the forwards should not be a problem.

 

I have an'07 C. I'm 5'6". I have no trouble at all reaching and/or working the controls. Pretty comfortable ride.

 

uhhh, take the bike for a ride?

 

Good idea. The bike is 125 miles away or I would.

 

I'm 5'9" and feel comfortable on the 07 1200N (with forward controls) and our 03 1200C. The 03 is longer to the controls, Kristins 5'7" and she rides it with no problem.


Brian

 

How's this for short? 5'3. 26" inseam, 28" leg length. 29.5" leg length with my boots on. 145lbs. And I'm a GUY![:@] I can almost guarantee you that little 5'2" female has longer legs than I do! I have a slight issue reaching the shifter with the newer forwards, but still workable, I think. If I could adjust the shifter and brake pedal moreupward, it'd be no problem at all. Can this bedone easily? I have a major reachissue with the older forwards. Can barely flat-foot the Low if I try hard enough. Not a problem at all unless I try to back up...no leverage; can easily flat-foot the Nightster. The Custom sits slightly higher than both.Since I don't weigh 180 lbs, I use theunladen seat height H-D lists. 27.1" I think for the Low. cHarley's right...if you can flat-foot the Custom, or if youcan use your heeltosolidly deploy the jiffy stand,you won't have a problem, unless you just simply don't like forward controls. I have more of an issue withreach than the vast majority of the adult human population on the planet, so I have limited choices. So if I can do it, albeit stretching a little, you most certainly can.

Teek