I'm still on the fence about which bike I'm going to buy this year. Here's my dilemma -
I love the ride/size of the pre-'08 touring bikes. I rode a friends '99 Standard from PA to LA and couldn't have asked for a better fit. If I could get the same fit in an '09 model, I would have one in my garage right now. I want to get a new Standard or Ultra, but with the wider seat, (although this is embarrassing to say), I can't reach the kickstand.

I need your advice. I know that there are countless posts about getting the bike lowered, having Mean City modify the seat, buy Corbin, buy mustang, etc... I want to know if anyone has been able to replicate the feel of a pre-'08 bike on an '08 or '09. I'm looking to have the plush feel of a seat and be able to flat-foot the bike.

 

I have a 29 inch inseam too!

My bike is a 2008 road glide. I have a reach seat (that I just put on) and the street glide lowered air shocks in the back. For solo, I have a Danny Gray buttcrack solo seat.

I put a 18x4.5 rear and 21x3.5 in the front.

For me, I still need to have 1 inch added to my boots or put the stock tires and wheels back on (ick).

Soloutions to our problem are not easy to come by....

 

I have a 27 1/2 inch inseam and I recently purchased an 09 Ultra and love it. I purchased a sundowner seat and had mean city cycles modify it. They did a good job. I only have 200 miles on my bike so the real test with the seat will be in the spring when I can actually go out and ride for a while. I also lowered front and rear. When I stop, I can flat foot one side or I can put both feet down and be on the ***** of the feet. I pretty close to being flat footed. I have no problem riding this bike and I'm just careful where I park it. I sat on a 08 with a modified seat and was flat footed. With the new frame, ABS, 96in, etc, I would go with the 09! Good luck.

 

I have a short legged friend who has an 08 SG and had an Ultra seat on his bike and it too was way too wide for him. I took him to Corbins during Bike Week and he got the Classic Solo with the touring passenger pillion and he loves it and he can't stop thanking me for getting him set up with this seat. He got the close version which moves him up a little also which allowed him to reach his highways pegs comfortably. I highly recommend this seat set-up.

 

I have an 08 EGC. Just had MeanCityCycles modify the seat in January. Haven't been able to ride yet because of the weather, but sitting on it in the garage, it seems enough lower that I can sit flat footed, a $100 mod, seemed like a no brainer. (MCC is one of the best companies I've ever dealt with) I can't say if I've replicated the feel of a pre'08 though.

 

Just add a kickstand extender to the bike. $13.99 here. http://www.debrix.com/items/item.aspx?itemid=676970

I've only got a 30" inseam and don't think an inch would make a big difference. Flat-footing isn't necessary, if you can get one foot down you'll be fine as the bike is very well balanced. btw, I always wear boots with tall heels.

 

08 FLHT I have a 28" inseam put the reach seat and pingel lowering blocks and can flat foot with tennis shoes(what I wear at work) Got 19,000 on it, rides good, feels good,

 

The 09 street glide is the only one that feels right to my short legs,maybe build on that platform.

 

Get the 09 Street Glide, have the front end lowered one inch, and get the jiffy stand extention put at the dealer befor you take delivery of your new 09. I did the same thing because i am also of average hight and short of inseam.

 

P.S. chrome fork lowers at the same time bike is lowered for coolness.