I'm 5'6" with a 28" inseam. I ride a 2008 road Glide, everything is stock. No lowering or height inducing aids. No problem at all. As others have said with no reverse watch where you park so you can pull out. these heavy bikes are a bear to back up on A SLOPE, level ground not to bad. Grab one you don't know what your missing.

 

start with the seat it will surprise u what a difference that makes, then if u have too do the shocks but... u may sacrife a little in the ride and groungd clearence.and go for 08 or earlery, 09 has a wider frame under the seat and sits a little higher.

 

Looks like the mods can be made to ride the big bagger but have they altered riding boots to keep from chaffing the short legged riders inner thighs

 

I'm 5' 6 with a 29" inseam. I test rode an EGC. It took me 3 tries stabbing my left foot at the kickstand to get it up. I was afraid the salesman was going to come back out and take it away from me. My heels were nowhere near the ground. I could only get the ***** of my feet on the ground. The test ride went great but I knew I'd have to get it lowered so that when my wife was onboard I'd be able to handle the bike while stopped. I got the Ultra with lower rear shocks and a lowering kit for the front. I also got the Reach seat. I had 1/4" extra high heel put on my riding boots and now have no trouble. I'm satisfied with my ability to handle the bike.

The main problem for me was the width of the seat.

 

all day

 

Instruct your passenger to retract their floorboards and pull their legs back when duck walking the bike. This is very easy for them to do. My GF started doing this (on her own) when she noticed the limited area for the driver to move legs aft with the floorboards down. When stopping, have left leg out (ready to support the bike) but not touching the ground, come to a complete stop then use both legs. Startin off... get legs up quickly.

I have a 29" inseam, can flat foot with slightly bent knees. Seat has been reworked, 12" shocks and Harley boots with, I think 1-1/4 heels. I also raised my footboards (has nothing to do with flat footing) to the upper position so I wouldn't drag them as much with the lower rear shocks.

 

I am 59, 5'6" - 2004 FLHTCI - 40K miles - no problems...

Corbin Custom seat made AT the factory while I was there
did front and rear lower - hated the ride - went back to stock...
Wear Red Wing boots -

Between the seat and Red Wing boots - its and easy ride...

Main thing a short rider has to be concerned about.... Very slow movement of the bike. Have to remember - our legs "at best" go straight down - Taller people can move their legs out some - meaning they can have better control of the bike when stopped and can lean the bike more than a short rider...

 

actually the seat height on the 09 is the same as other years - however - as you state - the seat is wider - therefore your legs have to go out and around the seat before they go to the ground - on a short rider - this can make all the difference in the world..

 

Check out the Ride like a Pro video and watch the 110 pound girl ride and your question will be fully answered.