Do you have to be "Big and Tall" to Ride a Harley-Davidson?
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- Опубліковано 8 лис 2023
- Matt Laidlaw tackles a common fear and the myth behind the the fear of riders not being big, tall, or strong enough to handle riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. This is a big mental barrier that keeps a lot of would be riders on the side lines when really the key ingredient to allowing most people the opportunity to ride is training to gain the proper experience. Danielle talks about her riding journey as a smaller stature female rider who now rides a touring chassis bike thousands of miles a year all over the country.
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I am 5'3 with a 28" inseam. Spent 2 years on a Yamaha 650 and went to a Ride Like A Pro Class and I practice slow speed skills. Then I got my Glide! 😊 Had to have bags, and a radio! I refused to lower it! I did not want to change what the factory had designed. The HD Super Reach Seat helped a lot. They are only heavy when backing up or picking them up. Thank you Matt!
one of the worst things i’ve seen in the motorcycle world is dealership salesmen pushing smaller bikes on new female riders and telling them that this is right size bike for you….
I'm 5'4" with a 29 Inseam. I ride a 2023 Road Glide standard, stock seat stock height rear shocks. While Im technically on my toes while straddling, I keep my left foot up and ready to work the shift and my right foot down at stops. I also have to back out and maneuver around my wifes car every morning to ride to work. You figure out the bike, what its happy doing, what will F you. Loose gravel or sand under foot when manuevering under human power makes a hell time. Been riding since 2007, and Im looking to go after a 2023 Road Glide Limited. Im getting up in age and Im finally ready to embrace the Road Sofa Geezer Glide.
Nice man. Great comment. Thank you. Yes, sand and gravel on the ground is tough at any height
Try the opposite at a stop, left foot down, stay in 1st gear and right foot should be on your rear brake! With low speed skills, you are always ready to go since you only need first gear to get out and maybe even worst, get away from a vehicle that’s about to rear end you. Watch my channel for tips and advices
Hey , someone like me, I'm 73 now, so I've shrunk two inches, since younger. Am 5' 3 , riding a 2013 Dyna Super Glide. Here in Auckland, New Zealand. My bike looks brand new. People are surprised. Not quite 9 000 miles on the clock. ( 12 500 km , odd ).
I learned on a 960 lb Ultra Classic 2 years ago. All that weight disappears once them tires start rolling. I spent a LOT of time in parking lots and learning slow riding,u-turns,figure 8’s and got myself some cones to really learn the weight distribution in different scenarios. Ridings not for everyone,but if you’re really determined and patient,you can absolutely learn the skills needed to get out on the road confidently and safely. Now there’s 3 Harley Davidsons in the driveway INCLUDING a Trike,which I gotta admit,is my favorite because I love sitting on the couch at home…now I can do it out on the road😁
Skill conquers all!! I’m a skinny dude and riding my Road King Special feels like second nature. There was a bit of a learning curve coming from a Softail but I never feel overmatched by the RKS. 40 years of riding experience helps too, lol.
40 years of riding experience trumps all
I feel her pain. Just this week I pulled a dumbass and forgot to put the kickstand down at the gas pump. Over went my Limited. All 900 lbs! I did the back to the bike, lift with the legs maneuver. But yea, 4 days later and my elbow, back and legs still hurt. Lol! The price we pay to live free! ✌️
Really like the Softail slim or street Bob as beginner bikes in the Harley line up.
Another awesome video Matt!!! But of course, you always make wonderful videos that are helpful and useful and entertaining too!!! I just bought my first Harley Davidson... a 2023 Harley Breakout in Baja Orange. What a cool motorbike the Breakout is!!! Gets lots of looks from passerby's and at the Harley dealership too. After watching this video... I'm thinking a Road King is in my future! I had a Kawasaki ZZR1200 with saddlebags and really miss the storage I had on it. I've put a Sissy bar and a luggage rack on my Breakout so I can at least strap items onto the luggage rack if need be. Matt... I have to say... I truly enjoy your videos more each time I watch them!!! Keep up the great job you're doing!!! I hope one day I can meet you in person too!!! John...
Thanks so much for this video Matt! My wife’s been on a Heritage for 3.5 years I’ve been trying to get her on a Tour Frame for awhile. She’s got 60k under her belt. Love your mention of technique getting off the kickstand like the lovely lady so easily demonstrated. Just awesome as always. Love all your videos we watch them all over and over! PCH, Sturgis, Sedona, all just beyond incredible. North Rim too…😎❤️❤️
More of these ladies, please. Love their spirit and personality.
If you say so😂
desperate af
@@superduperkid3143 Nope, just not an immature punk.
Great video Matt! Liked your explanation of lowering the bike with the shocks vs changing the seat makes good sense. Also choosing the bike to suit what your riding desire is makes sense as well. Look forward to future content...
Thank you. I appreciate the comment 👍🏼
🤔😁😂yeah makes sense spending $$$$$$ on seats , shocks ect ect . All part of the Harley plan . Yeah I have two of them .😉🫡😎
Great video. I work a lot and am mostly a weekend local/hobby rider. I had a Street Bob and traded it for a Street Glide. The Street Glide is an amazing machine but didn’t really make sense for me lugging that bagger around town and such. I am now riding the Pan America which I love and will most likely keep for a while.
I liked this without watching it because I thought it was going to be about short, female riders. That girl is awesome but she's as tall as many men, so it's not really the same. Matt, can you please feature some small women who manage to ride bigger bikes? I would also really like your opinion on getting air suspension so I can lower mine for backing up but raise it back up for riding. Thank you in advance!
Yup, I'm 5'-1" and ride an HD SportGlide, I had to make several adjustments to make it fit. Luckily, some were already done when I bought it. I'm an experienced rider and now on my 6th and last bike.
Perfect video for me and the timing couldn’t have been better. Been asking myself the same question. I had a Sportster 1200 and I think “Am I able and ready for that weight jump”? I want to take long trips and moto camp etc…..I just don’t want to bite off more than I can chew. So this was definitely helpful. Thank you to the ladies as well for giving your perspective, because it’s important to hear that for someone looking to make that transition to the next level. Well done! 😃
Started with a softball (at age 56) with no riding experience but after 3k miles upgraded to a Road Glide for the wind protection. After 5k miles on RG, I'm still learning but have the basics down to where I am comfortable on twisty roads, highways and even in town riding. Agree with your #1 points, skill and time in the saddle. Nothing beats actually riding to your improve your skills and of course, practice certain skills in parking lots that you don't get with just riding (emergency stops, obstacle avoidance, sharp U-turns etc.).
Thanks for sharing, awesome video Matt 👍
Thanks for watching !
My compliments to your photographer. No reason women can't handle a big motorcycle. You and Danielle looked great! Keep on ridin! 🏍🏍
Thank you 👍🏼 we will.
When looking at seats also consider the width of the seat. A narrower seat will help to get your feet on the ground. Another thing is to learn the proper technique to lift your bike so you aren't relying on needing someone else to be able to pick it back up. If you are unsure or uncomfortable still then go out and practice practice practice.
Valid comment. 👍🏼
Excellent video Matt! This is a topic that needed to be covered and glad you presented it using a women's POV...Well done.
Thank you! Yes, it’s a topic that a lot of new riders want to know about.
AWESOME VIDEO!! Thank you TEAM LAIDLAW!!!
Totally agree with you, technique is everything. Often guys will naturally rely on strength only to find out the bike’s weight is more than they can manage. Dropping your bike is an important lesson for everyone as it reminds you that skill is where it’s at. Slow riding skills are so much fun on a Harley-Davidson and allow you to conquer riding fears 🔥
Well said.
This is good stuff. Technique makes all the difference even for us bigger guys. At the risk of recommending other content creators, Ride Like A Pro and Be The Boss Of Your Motorcycle teach the slow spped skills to avoid dropping the bike in the first place. Great info and thank you all for sharing.
What a wonderful subject about inspiring others to ride motorcycle and get that freedom in your life......also i watch all your vlogs and think,,,,when i can get out of Boston and be in southern ca.....Ride safe Brother.
Thank you. Thanks for watching. Come out to Southern CA and take a ride.
Great video Matt!
I’m thinking slow speed maneuvers is crucial, especially if you are shorter or not as strong, learn about that friction zone.
Very true
I'm riding over 15 years,on my 1st Harley for the last year now and I'm still not great at slow speed manouvres.
@@MrMurphc13 Go on out and practice, do some drills. It will significantly improve your riding skills and confidence. Or take the MSF course.
@feloniousmonk3049 Don't get me wrong.Im not saying I'm terrible.But right hand u turns are a problem and my wide bar m8 fat bob bar doesn't make it easy either.
@@MrMurphc13 I agree on the right hand u turns, I need to practice more on those.
Good stuff Matt. Very informative and hopefully more people, women, younger people will jump on the Harley train.
🤘🏼 hope so. People don’t know what they’re missing
Very sound and practical advice in this video. - Moto LEO
Lowering any bike is almost always a bad idea... I upgraded to 1" longer Legend shocks (that almost doubled the travel) on my Sportster Forty-Eight and the difference was great!
Rad video, I rode a street bob for awhile, and now I am looking at getting a road glide. Im 5'6
I'm an experienced rider. I now have a 2018 SportGlide that's been adjusted for my 5'-1" frame (27") inseam.
Maybe you can do a segment for smaller riders and the extra adjustments that are available/possible? I never thought the bike could be made to fit me until I met another woman at the dealership who was doing the same thing. We literally followed each other in our mods.
A 5'-7" rider is not exactly small....
Facts!!!!! She taller than most of my homies. Jk Jk
I am 5'7 however with a 28" inseam it seems we're actually not that far different 🤪
@@ladybadbones872 I'm 5 ft 2, but have an almost 30" inchseam. Short torso, but loooong legs. I can flat foot my R3 (780 mm) or 30.7
I am surprised that you did not mention Harley Trikes in this video. I’m 6’2” with a 36” inseam. Never ridden before. Bought my bike 2 months ago. I ride a 2023 Road Glide 3. Can’t drop it if I tried. 3 wheels with the ability to travel long distance. My female roommate whom is easily more than 100 lbs less than me can ride it with no problems. Great video. Great advice. My local dealership wanted to help me as much as possible. Shout out to Outlaw H-D.
Thank you. Yea, the trikes deserved a quick mention in the video. Really the topic was about addressing people’s mental block of riding a 2 wheeler though.
What a beautiful motivational speaker riding one of the nicest Harley’s I’ve ever seen.
🥰🥰🥰
Great video guys!! 💯💯🤌🏽
Thanks Andrew 😘
So much truth here. I watched this 5’7” lady move her bike around and I’m reminded of a lady I know and have ridden with several times (she is married to a good friend of mine) who is only about 5’3”. She rides a Road King. Now, she can handle her bike very well on flat ground. However, I’ve seen her drop her bike in the mountains of East TN because when she tried to move her bike around, the huge slopes in the pavement threw her off. I’m not tall at all myself. I’m probably about 5’8”. The place where my friend’s wife dropped her bike would have been hard for me to keep it up. Know your skill level and put it in places you can handle.
I started riding 15 years ago. Started on a Sporster. Outgrew it in 6 months. I rode to work daily from orange county to Compton. Im on my 5th HD. And have 300,000 miles. I have 35,000 miles on my 18 month old RGS. I am 5ft tall....ok the dr said i shrunk and inch but i rebuke that! Im 140lbs. I changed my seat. Lowered my fairing and wear boots with a taller heal. I ride everywhere! "Small" riders are not 5'7" but i appreciate the lady in the video alot!! Kudos to her for riding a bagger! Matt, can we do a video for short riders under 5'4"? They DO exist :)
'Ridability' (not sure if that's a word in the dictionary) is the key, which is a combination of knowhow, technique, confidence, plus having the right bike and the setup of the bike. For me, I made 2 simple changes to improve the ridability of my bike; first I watched a few simple Jerry Paladino video clips (one was about preventing dropping your bike) and the other change was fitting a set of Metzeler Cruisetec tires to the bike. The other thing that works well for me is the tune; my bike is stock (easy to ride at idle) and manageable at walking pace, so whilst it's no drag bike, it's easy in city traffic, parking areas, and driveways.
I am 64, 5'6", 175lbs. I ride a Road King and absolutely love it. I only with Harley had not taken the RK standard out of the lineup this year. Certainly hope they bring it back.
perfect video, love it. I've rode 600cc sport bikes my whole life and switched to a Harley lowrider s in my late 50's , A completely different style of riding, got use to it and moved up to a street glide, Dam that bike is heavy but learning. there's 2 types of rider's, those who have dropped a bike and those who gonna drop a bike. it's ok we all done it
Trying being too tall,, finding good position, Triple extra large Oval helmet. Long jackets... etc. love it,,, ride safe all.
I feel ya.
100% I'm 6'8" 320lbs and it's a challenge sometimes.
great video and for sure self confidence plays big part. my wife (5-4ish, 240ish) pulled a fast one on me, she got her MC endorsement took the local safety class. went out to the school, she got onto my then 2006 RD King classic all stock, had it about 2 yrs and had the near tippy toe thing going on. she was able take off shift to 2nd gear, turn. stopping though where came issue, didn't stay balanced and was a controlled lay down. got her a cfmoto scooter the next season got comfortable on it, for her 50th birthday, surprised her with 2011 st. glide 103 power pak, she tried going out once on own, got to the corner went down and neighbor help get back up. few times we went out together, it went down. the next yr traded in and uped the size, 2012 triglide, she gets on it without any thought, goes on trips alone cross state lines.
I'd suggest the 2 wheeled bikes were way too heavy for her. Seat Height. 27.30 in on the 2006 Roadking and she couldn't flat foot it?!? I'm 5 ft 2 and could easily flat foot that!
5'10" 165 lbs riding a '21 Road King, can do feet-up tight u-turns and figure 8s, used to ride a sports bike, done track days etc. Still drop the bike now and again. Did it parking the bike in my garage the other day. I have guards, so the bike doesn't go over that far, and it's no trouble getting it back up. Don't let the size of the thing stop you getting a big bike and enjoying riding. Esp. as the weight cuts both ways, Harley tourers are very stable and handles passengers well. The weight isn't all bad.
Matt - so real! Great statement, "If you've got $ coming out of your eyeballs - buy a new (HD) bike."
Great topic. That Road King is beautiful!!!! Ride safe all!
thank ya kindly !
Super video me diverti muchísimo saludos ❤
And learn to pick up the bike by yourself, I was teaching it to 5’2’’ 120 woman and they got it! And we are talking about a street glide :) and if you do ask, make you tell them where to grab and be careful of the hot exhaust and engine :)
Nice video Matt, but at 50 when i got the itch for a motorcycle, my 04 sporty 1200 C felt like it was gonna go over every time i came to a stop from feeling so top heavy. But fell on hard time's and lost my scoot, but im back in the saddle again at 60, with a 2021 street bob which feels a lot less top heavy. But at 6'0" myself the bob does feel a bit small, so a SG will be in my future.
I bought a HD Sportster 2021 Iron 883 which weighs about 550 lbs as my first bike after getting my license at 60 years old while learning to ride in NYC. I wanted a smaller and lighter bike for the city streets. After a month and 250 miles of riding I feel like I could handle something bigger but glad I started on a smaller HD.
Bags with the frame under them and engine guard are a must for new riders imo. I put them on my wife's 1200C and they've saved me allot of money in cosmetic repair. She's laid it over at a stop few times and it don't go all the way down on it's side. Only minor scrape on bottom of said add ons. Ride safe
I’m 5”4, started on a 2015 sportster 48, had it only 8mths and it just wasn’t big enough for me, I wanted more than the bike could give. Went to a 2016 softail slim next, and again I just wanted more after the first year. Went to a 2017 street glide special and loved it but then I was hooked and wanted better, got a 2019 CVO Road Glide and now I’m on a 2022 CVO Road Glide because I wanted the traction control and loved the orange colour.
I could’ve saved a lot of money by going straight to the touring bikes, but then I don’t regret getting the smaller bikes because they allowed me to gain my confidence, and thankfully I have an understanding wife.
I'm 5'9" with a 29" inseam. My softail slim is a perfect fit for me, unlike the past 2 bikes I had.
Excellent video Matt, I'm going to forward this to a friend who's GF is buying her first bike and signed up for the beginners course. Bagger Mommy that is a very unique Road King, great customization. What is the part number for the police tour pack I'm looking for one to add to my Highway King.
i believe you should start on whatever bike you want to ride. When i was looking for my first bike i was told to start with something small. I really liked the Harley fat bob but i was scared out of getting it because people made me believe it was too much bike for a beginner. I went with my second choice the Indian scout bobber. People were saying that was still too much bike for me to start out with but they were wrong. My next bike was the Street glide. What I learned between owning the two bikes is that you should learn on whatever bike you want to ride on. Just take your time because it is all basically the same once you get it moving. If money is no factor then sure start small and move up. If money is a factor get what you want and take your time to learn on it so you are not stuck with a bike that leaves you wanting more. Thank God i could afford both bikes because the bobber is fun around town but not on a long distance trip. Its all pretty much the same if you can exercise some self control and patients.
I’ve never rode a bike before but I’m going to take the class in March…The guys we’re going to ride with said the same thing!! Her what you want and learn on it. They both have Street Glides…I’m looking to get a road king or a street glide our plan/goal is to glide from state to state once I really get going!
Thanks Matt, great guidance for new riders (even experienced riders moving up to a bigger bike). No one likes to admit they've dropped a bike but it's not "if" you will drop one it's "when". So don't beat yourself up over it. FYI, glad to see you featuring the ladies in your video (much easier on the eyes for sure😊). Also seems like you are a little less "manly" these days (looks like your nose broom is missing 😂😂😂).
👍☺ ... perfectly Statement ...
The Wisdom that a long Time Rider can underline three Times ...
Thanks for showing this in a Video Matt ...
Your Arne
That was a great video
🤙🏼 thanks for checking it out
Great video Matt as always. Being a tall rider I take it u have a tall rider seat? I’m 6’3 and have one. Also I notice most of your group wear modular helmets and I’m having trouble finding one to fit a long oval head. Any recommendations
That’s a great looking Road King! Love a badass lady on a tricked out bike. Awesome! 👏🏻
My wife is 5’10 130 lbs in 07 she bought a soft tail Deluxe, in 2011 moved to a Street Glide, 2017 RoadGlide Special,in 2021 CVO RoadGlide.She is a heads up excellent rider who’s father was a motorcycle cop she has his DNA and is now 65 years old and still out there.Take the class and get out there
Good educational film Matt, good job. Girls, you are great, congratulations! I suggest you see how the best do it! Donnie Williams police rodeo
Love the handle bar mount tach and speedo gauges. I found the gauges, basically spec'd out for the Road & Street Glides. Do you have a link for the, as shown, Road King handlebar mounting bracket?
I’m 5’5 and ride a street glide with 1” taller rear shocks and a 21” front wheel. No problems with being too short.
Great video !! I have a 2002 Fat Boy, stock height, but want a BETTER seat. Lol..I would like to know what is the BEST solo seat for long distance ( 190+ miles a day ) I had a Lepera Bare bones solo seat and after about 100 miles..Holy shit lol..now I have a Harley badlander , a little better but still want a solo seat for long distance..keep up the great work
It boils down to ergonomics and experience. Male or female, doesn’t matter, just know what you can handle and be humble when you realize a bike doesn’t fit you.
I bought my Bagger to Commute to work every day, got 21k as of OCT 2022 just riding to work and taking short trips around Southern Cali, I traded in the FXR is was just to too small felt like i was on a scooter without big enough bags. Get what suites you. at 6''3 285 the Roadglide is the perfect bike from me for City riding, daily commutes. only time im in a car is if its Thunder Storming/Snowing in San Diego. Im on a bike 95% of the year..Good thing i got Tires for Life lol..
interesting topic. My question is... why isn't the touring chassis bike the overall best option (in town and highway)? Police motorcycles (touring) are exclusively used in-town application...essentially as 'bar hoppers' and they have to be able to chase bad guys in and and out of traffic, etc. They seem to have the longest suspension travel, larger fuel capacity, and maneuverability.
It’s 99% about skill.. however…no matter how you slice it… it is best to be able to place both feet on the ground flat footed with knees bent a little bit.. it’s not necessary, but it is inarguably better than not being able to
I'm not trying to plug an other channels but Carolyn from doodle on a motorcycle is a small woman and she has rented harley baggers and have rode them all across America.
My personal experience is this. I love baggers and heavy bikes, but I much prefer bikes in the 600 pound range. I live in northern VA and there is a lot of traffic around here. Even though lane filtering is not legal, I do it anyways. While I have filtered on a bagger before, it is much easier to do on a lighter and smaller bike, especially when people will not move out of the way for you. If I lived out in Cali, I would probably have a road king set up similar to the one in this video.
I am a 5'1" guy with a 25" inseam, I ride a Softail Street Bob. My touring seat actually makes it taller. I don't flatfoot, barely on the balls of my feet. Luckily, I am not a lightweight, so strength isn't an issue. Sometimes maneuvering , like backing up, I lean to get good traction with one foot. I will ask for a push, I don't let pride get in the way. As a retired Marine, I don't let what other people may think of me get in the way. I have done tons of group rides and never had anyone not help when asked. I make plenty of jokes about my height and don't get offended by the short jokes. Don't let anyone keep you from riding. If someone is being negative, it is about them, not you. Both my wife and I ride Softails and have done 800-900 mile days. She is taller by the way
Well said man. Thank you for your service. Enjoy the ride. 🤙🏼
Good stuff...
Matt, nice video.
Isn't it the job of HD to offer the customer ergonomics directly from the beginning.
Compare it if you buy a car. Your seat position, height, stearing wheel position, etc. is adjustable.
No extra price.
Buying a motorcycle, you have to buy a seat, handle bars, etc. just to have it like you need it.
In the USA you are paying app. 27.000$ for a HD Highway King.
Here in Austria you are paying 45.000€ for the same bike.
For this price I expect perfect ergonomics and perfect suspension. But you have to spend even much more money to get this.
This might be a clever selling strategy at the moment for HD,
but not on long term view.
Especially if you watch the chinese bike offers - for example Shineray's stormbraker (like HD Sportster 1200) for low budget money.
Regards from Austria.
5’4 31 inseam 2021 Road King special. My first bike was an iron. I sometimes ride my husbands Road Glide. Yes I can almost flat foot it, my seat is a little higher than most but it’s fine!
You can flat foot a road glide at 5’4’’? Do you have lowered suspension?
@@MattLaidlaw not completely but almost. If i sit forward at a stop I can. The seat is low and narrow and the 31 inseam helps . Also some good taller boots definitely helps. Regular suspension
Regular suspension
55yrs old, 5'7 with a 30in inseam, and I'm no way giving up the pan america, it does absolutely everything......
Hell yea. Pan America at 5’7’’. Nice man
Who makes that fairing? Great video!
russ weinermont designs
@@ladybadbones872 looks amazing! And you’re right that bike fits you like a glove.
Great video Matt - sent a link to my petite girl friend.
I'm 5'3" with a 29" inseam and have put 17k miles on my '22 Lowrider ST no problems.
Right on🤙🏼 love it
I’m glad to see that 70s moustache gone. It was almost covering my entire tv screen.
🤣 I’m getting mixed reactions. Some people wish I kept it. Maybe it will make a return one day.
I'm 6' wirh a 32" inseam and can flat-foot my bike with almost a 90⁰ bend in my knees. Even little kids can put both feet on the ground because it's a hard tail with a 22" seat height. They just can't reach the 18" apes.
Perfect practice makes perfect. Anyone can ride fast, but how tight of a turn can you make?
True, slow speed maneuvers is where real skill comes in
Great video brother. These girls can flat ride.
At 6'4 275# I actually feel cramped on a Harley bagger, leg wise.
I prefer the stretch I can exert on a victory
I found that being a Boomer, tall, old, fat, and wealthy got me into the H.A.W. G. Klub. Softail Sport Glide with the forward foot pegs. It's now killing me being tall, trying to get a BMW R 1250 GSA as a 2nd bike. I blame it on Matt's last Utah trip video to Mexican Hat area. Cramped seating and foot room, pegs are way, way back, knees way bent, with a tall seat. i'm standing up like a Meercat every chance I get! Yeah... I even dropped my Sport Glide in the Thrashin Supply parking lot, as a newbie, before taking my MSF course to update from a beginners permit to a M1. Shameless! About a years street experience now and 6500 miles later, all that practice in parking lots and actual canyon riding experience pays off. Go out there and ride. I LOVE how smooth a M8 motor runs, the crank is very well balanced!
Nope - 5' 8.5" and 135 lbs per USMC, and had an 04 Super Glide years later (5-10 years being dad/school/work - ok shape but not combat ready). Only problem I had once was after long ride, backing into spot on slop and had to tip toe, fell over b/c service injury knee gave out when tipped that side too much. Nothing serious to me or bike.
I'm a short guy at 5'6" and 28" inseam. I have ridden Softails for 17 years and never dropped one. I put the HD Reach seat on them and that helps a lot. The only problem I have is backing up the bike. With short legs, I don't have much leverage to push the bike back when sitting on it, especially if going backwards is on an up slope. I learned early on to always back in to parking spots so that I can just drive out. But sometimes it's hard to avoid backing upslope. Also, I'm not comfortable moving the bike from the side, when I'm off of the seat. Any tips?
We're about the same size.. I lean forward and give the bike a yank at the bars right as i back up . I also learned to put it on the kickstand, get off and push the bike backwards if my little legs cant handle the grade or off camber ground . Practice moving the bike while not on it , it might be helpful in those situations
@@ladybadbones872 Thanks for the tips. I was a bit shocked to see a sales or service guy at a local dealership pushing a bike on the stand, to it place in the showroom. I would be hesitant to do that unless the ground under the stand was fairly smooth.
heavyweight cruisers are a lot better ride than lightweights. that said, they take a few yards longer to stop. i'm still waiting to meet a motorcycle-riding lady to ride around this beautiful country.
Harley Davidson motos - and generally speaking, ALL the motos under the "Custom" category - are ideal for the not so tall people. My 883 was the ONLY one moto I could ride (besides scooters). I am kind of short... (just) 1.69 tall. Plus, in addition, riding on it, I received courage, from her, and I was feeling more self-confidence.
I am only 5’7ft. I was told in the past a touring bike would probably be too big. Turned out this was utter nonsense. As you guys say, you can make a bike work for you.
To me, my boots probably make the biggest difference. They add about 2in to my height, which is just enough to flatfoot me on a touring bike.
where is the stach?
In my mind, with 50 years of riding and knowing several women who ride, I think HD are probably one of the easiest bikes to ride, with the low seat height and slow steering. Clarification being what has been modified. I have a 1988 Lowrider, that is hotted up and a beast to ride, it is not a new rider bike.
Great video Matt! Solid advice from a person that wisely managed her anxieties and now enjoys the thrill and satisfaction of riding a Harley bagger…cheers!
Cruisers are actually very well suited to shorter men. European standards, adventure bikes, and sport bikes are better suited for the tall. Sport bikes less so these days, but in the 90s/2ks their seat heights were quite high. 6'5" here and I have two Indians, but they both have custom Corbin seats with the seat pan pushed back 2 inches. No stock Indian or HD I've ever sat on feels comfortable to me.
You are right you don’t need to be big and strong just good technique at slow speeds. But for me a heavy bike is now a issue and I’m at a crossroads as I want to stay with the Harley Davidson brand but after having back surgery I can’t risk because it because at some point you are going to have push a 300kg bike or just getting caught off Balance on some off camber so I’m struggling I was hoping the new bikes would be good but I like to do long distance so the nightster has to small a tank which you can’t do nothing about. The sportster s has no suspension. So all I’m left with is the pan America which is a nice bike but not a cruiser. I can’t be the only rider that has issues with the weight for what ever there reason is even getting older
Valid. Having strength gives you an advantage and it is a factor like I said. Just not the #1 factor. Maybe time for a trike? Also don’t be afraid to grab the Pan America. That bike is a touring machine!
I have a quality complaint Matt. My HD battery went dead this week.
It got a bit cooler last week and we had some light night frost and one morning it just gave up the ghost.
Now I had to replace it after only seventeen years of duty. After 16 years it already got a bit weak.
It’s a crying shame Harley Davidson. 😉
You don't have to be to ride.
But it might help when pushing it off of the road after
breaking down.
What riser and handlebar setup does @ladybadbones have on her RK?
My son has a 2019 Ultra, he is 5'-10" and 150 lbs
im 6’ and felt cramped on the harleys i test drove
My layte-Father had no problem with his Harley Davidson Dresser (~1,000 pounds) at 5'5" (5'4" at death), However he was a Force-Recon-Marine and basically looked like T.J. Dillashaw, not a small man in any way just short. Very tall men always befriended him, so I'm sure he and Matt would have been friends IRL.
Just ride who cares. My wife who's only 5'4" 160lbs. never rode all her life and riding the new 117 Breakout. She does drive stick shift, i'm not sure if it helped her understand how to shift a lot easier. On top of that, she took the Harley riding course and pass the class without any issues. Relax, be responsible, enjoy life and feel the spirit of freedom.
The most important thing I get out of this video is that you shaved off that mustache lol
Great video Matt lotta great information right now I’m in the market for a fat boy. I’m going to be going through the streets not far from home. My riding days of distance are over. Where I live it’s kind of hard to find a lot of different bikes because of the weather and they don’t have large inventories is the 2024 fat boy out yet.
Sounds like you need to make a trip to LA to visit us and our inventory, we have a few fatboys here waiting for you ! End of January 2024 they will release the new models, stay tuned!
@@ladybadbones872 I just talked to two dealers today in Michigan and neither one of them could find one fat boy in the whole state. So I might have to come out there and get one.