Touring Models Road King, Road King Custom, Road King Classic, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Electra Glide Classic, and Electra Glide Ultra Classic bikes.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Small rider BIG bike

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 05-15-2006 | 01:45 AM
fastgirl's Avatar
fastgirl
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From:
Default Small rider BIG bike

I need some advice on making my 06 Road King more managable for me when I need to "walk" it or back it up in/out of a parking spot. It's hard for me to move. It feels real heavy & bulky.I am an experienced rider -25years on Big Twin HD's & others. I'm 5'4", 120 pounds. I've lowered the bike. tried bikini beach bars. The bars are too wide so I've ordered mini-apes. The seat is by Corbin & puts the rider about 2" closer to the bars. I love the bike on the road, I've put 6400 miles on it, but I'm ready to sell it if I can't manage it in the parking lot.
[IMG]local://upfiles/7812/4926421382DF47E58E3DA4AC5A24E5D6.jpg[/IMG]
 
  #2  
Old 05-15-2006 | 02:01 AM
nmfxstc's Avatar
nmfxstc
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 978
Likes: 1
From:
Default RE: Small rider BIG bike

Do you have a backrest? Backing up w/o one is esentially pulling the handlebars....use a backrest to lean against when backing and that eases it a lot.
 
  #3  
Old 05-15-2006 | 02:07 AM
harley0711's Avatar
harley0711
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,028
Likes: 95
From: Prescott, AZ
Default RE: Small rider BIG bike

have you looked at wild1's? give them a call,,,, they should be able to help you...http://www.wild1inc.com/ let us know, I am 5'6" and ride a FLHTCI

I understand your pain.. I have short legs and I have to be real careful where I park.... our problem is we don't have that extra reach to be able to "Bend" our legs and Push.... thats just what life gave us.... So, I look real good befor I park or at times I have had to ask for a push back out... I have only had to ask twice and its been some time... We learn fast Not to head "In"....
 
  #4  
Old 05-15-2006 | 09:15 AM
RDKingRider's Avatar
RDKingRider
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10,471
Likes: 1
From: Heart of Missouri
Default RE: Small rider BIG bike

one of the guys in our chapter put a back rest on his and changed his handlebar from a road king to a heritage classic,did not have to change any wiring or cables,he is about 5'6" and has no problems backing up his[sm=biker2.gif]
 
  #5  
Old 05-15-2006 | 09:29 AM
lp's Avatar
lp
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,369
Likes: 2,867
From: Charleston, SC
Default RE: Small rider BIG bike

That bike was not made for someone your size. You'll never be happy. Should give it to me!!
Honestly, if that is your only complaint then your doing ok. I don't know but maybe you'd feel a little better if could get your legs more or less straight and more planted? Did with my wife so we had her seat cut and narrowed. Much better now. You know, about everyone is in this boat. These things are Heavy! No handle bar is really going to make that thing lighter ya know. Adding a back rest as mentioned before will probably work wonders.....something to leverage off.

Lastly, don't sell that puppy, it looks great!



ORIGINAL: fastgirl

I need some advice on making my 06 Road King more managable for me when I need to "walk" it or back it up in/out of a parking spot. It's hard for me to move. It feels real heavy & bulky.I am an experienced rider -25years on Big Twin HD's & others. I'm 5'4", 120 pounds. I've lowered the bike. tried bikini beach bars. The bars are too wide so I've ordered mini-apes. The seat is by Corbin & puts the rider about 2" closer to the bars. I love the bike on the road, I've put 6400 miles on it, but I'm ready to sell it if I can't manage it in the parking lot.
 
  #6  
Old 05-15-2006 | 10:16 AM
liltrk's Avatar
liltrk
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 4
From: London, Canada
Default RE: Small rider BIG bike

The right pair of boots might make a difference as well. I am 5' 10" but I still feel more comfortable/confident in boots with good heels.
 
  #7  
Old 05-15-2006 | 10:20 AM
vulhalla's Avatar
vulhalla
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 851
Likes: 1
Default RE: Small rider BIG bike

Petite lil' thing on a mortorcycle, nothing more attractive.....
 
  #8  
Old 05-15-2006 | 10:38 AM
MiniMe's Avatar
MiniMe
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
From: South Bend, In
Default RE: Small rider BIG bike

I'm in your shoes, I'm 5'3". I also have a hard time with backing sometimes. So if you find a solution, you let me know. I'm not going to sell my bike because of it. I've been riding for many years and this has been the norm for me.
 
  #9  
Old 05-15-2006 | 10:50 AM
venture33's Avatar
venture33
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
Default RE: Small rider BIG bike

ORIGINAL: liltrk

The right pair of boots might make a difference as well. I am 5' 10" but I still feel more comfortable/confident in boots with good heels.
I agree with liltrk...good boots do make a difference.
 
  #10  
Old 05-15-2006 | 12:07 PM
William's Avatar
William
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
From:
Default RE: Small rider BIG bike

Well im the same height but got a few more pounds on ya....
but i can tell you sometimes it is harder for us verticly challenged...
I do try to find easy ingress and egress parking spots....
when all else fails if i cant back in sitting i get off and stand on the side and pull it in being careful tokeep the bike close to me and balanced....
hope this helps you might practice at home with some help to see if it works for you....
 


Quick Reply: Small rider BIG bike



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:38 PM.