hey guys,  i am thinking of joining the Bagger Brigade and putting a deposit on a new blue/pewter FLHR.  I sat on a FLHRC today and noticed the seat is wider and higher than the one on my sporty and when all the way back in the seat, i am on tiptoes...  i am guessing the height of the two FLH bikes is the same ?  I was gonna wait until i get the bike and see how i go after a couple of weeks before taking the plunge and getting it lowered, or getting a Reach seat, etc..   I am 5'6"  - is there any other vertically challenged FLHR owners out there with some advice ?   cheers, OB.

 

The trouble with lowering is that you will lose some cornering ability - not good.

Another option is to get a Street Glide - 1 inch lower.

Best option is get the seat lowered and narrowed at a uphosters shop, might cost a bit but if you hunt around there are guys in most cities that alter bike seats for a living and will do a good job.

My $00.02 worth.

I believe the FLHR has different wheel sizes to the FLHRC, they also have different seats. So, the seating position may not be as tall on your FLHR than the one you tried out.

Check the specs out and compre the two.

Regards Bob

Hi Outbak.

You tall bastard!

I'm 5'3".

I have an 07FLHRC.

I tried the shorter suspension from the 07 Street Glide. The loss of travel really stuffed up the ride. Very harsh. My missus complained bitterly.

I then worked out that I only need the suspension low when the bike is stopped. The rest of the time I need it right up to give cornering clearance and more travel for a softer ride. I also didn't want to reduce the padding on my Sundowner touring seat.

Have a look at members.optusnet.com.au/gonzalesb/rkc/  and select the Airtail shocks and the Active suspension links.

It's a pretty radical mod, but it works for me. One good thing about the baggers is that you have somewhere to put the compressor!

Gonzo.

Hi Outbak

I have an 07 Road King Custom with a Sundowner seat a Tru- Track and I run Cotinental Marathons, on the way to Phillip Island in a mixed bag of bikes I made it to the top of Mt Hotham not far behind a Laverda, the first there, I am sure some of the guys on BM'S etc behind me would have passed me if I was holding them up. My view is the lowered suspension does not compromise the handling much at all.

Lynz

gonzos bike is cool

Flattery will get you everywhere, guys!

Gonzo

Thanks for all the advice guys. I ended up getting a 2008 FLHRC instead. The 2008 has a ride height about 1" lower according to my local dealer. So i might not have to lower it after all. It should arrive here about 2-3 weeks time and then i will know for sure. If i do need to do anything, i think it will be a factory lowering kit. cheers
OB

Great choice of bike mate, I've done 14,000 km now on my RKC and it's a great bike, excellent for the long haul, especially if you ride two up.
Ask the dealer if your bike is part of the recall on the fuel pump. I read about the problem last year on the American HD forum, and wondered if my bike was affected. I don't think it was a problem with all 08 models, but won't hurt to ask. Being a later buy, hopefully yours has been rectified in the factory. I eventually got a letter from HD Australia, and they replaced the dodgy part at my 8000km service.
Nice colour you have chosen.....tc88b