6'1", sporty 1200 custom, extended my forwards 5".. huge difference... Like those before me have stated, you have to fit the bike to you.. and that is ANY bike.. Even a BT would require this... If you like what you have, make it fit you.

 

 

I had some back pain with my bike at first also. I changed from drag bars with a 6" rise. I left the 6" rise and put on Dyna Low bars that have a 5" rise so I am 11" over the forks. I also change to a sundowner seat. Those two things eliminated my back problems. I then also went with some Road King shocks. The thing rides 1000 times better and I can go for hours with no back pain.

 

I did the Dyna Low bars on my 1200C and it made all the difference. A little closer, a little wider and a bit more rise. Also did the Mustang solo seat which helped some.

 

Be prepared to experiment. Forward controls work for some, but I solved back problems by getting rid of the forwards. I found I was more comfortable leaning slightly forward and with my feet under me. Keep trying stuff, a move to a BT probably isn't going to solve the problem for you and is a very expensive risk.

 

Since you didn't say what model Sporty you have, who knows what your problem is, but I would bet it's the piece of crap seat Harley puts on everything and the handlebars that where designed for an orangutan.

 

I'm 6'3" and 240. Very comfortable riding all day. Maybe you are getting old?

 

Thanks very much for all the good advice -- I very much appreciate it. I have ordered a new mustang seat and progressive shocks. And I'm trying to decide on which handlebar setup to go with. I'm leaning toward the 12" mini apes.

The bike I have is a 2005 883L and I got an absolute screaming deal on it and it only has 1800 miles.

This is probably a stupid question, but on a cruiser are you ideally trying to sit straight upright for the most part? Or should be slightly leaning back? Or I suppose just whatever feels the most comfortable. I really don't know.

And maybe I am old. I just turned 40. So if you say I'm not too tall for a sport, maybe I'm too old??

 

Hang on a minute. You're 6' tall and own a LOW ?!

IMO, you're way to crunched up on that bike. I'm a good half-a-foot shorter than you, and I feel just right on the bike.

I agree with everyone here. You're just going to have to experiment with different seats/foot controls/handlebars to obtain the most comfortable riding position.

And if that doesn't work, maybe a move to a bigger Sporty or a BT might just be the answer.

 

I disagree...the physical dimensions of the 883L are the same as a Nightster and I would gander to say there are LOTS of 6' tall people riding the 1200N.

Playing with different combinations of handle bars, forward controls, suspension, and seat should alleviate any problems.