Hello! I've had my 2002 VTX1800C for two years and now I'm running into a problem. For medical reasons, when I got the bike, it had what I call "Training Wheels" which is basically a bolt on trailer. My knees are better now and I've taken off the training wheels and realize that at 5'7" I can't flatfoot the bike. I have a 29" inseam. Are there any ways to lower the bike? I've heard of getting shorter shocks and low profile seats. Maybe even both options. I'm looking for ideas that won't hurt the wallet too badly.
Well ,hate to break it to you but you named your 2 options and they aren't cheap. So, unless you can find used shocks and used seat you're going to have to spend a few bucks to get a lower seat.
My son is a short guy.
I gave him a 1200 Sportster for a graduation present. A tiptoe situation.
We found some other Sportster shocks and used the shock body with the preload presets that were lower on the shock body.
I had built a shock spring compressor so a swap of springs worked well. Step 1 and 2 had no preload, step 3 was a light preload. Bingo!
The other mod was to loosen the tree/bridge clamps and lifted the fork top from level at the top to 1" protruding above the top tree/bridge.
It has worked well for him the past 8+ years.
Check clearances carefully if you do any mods. Check with front wheel/fender clearance to radiator.
I, too, at 5' 4" have the same inseam. You'd think that with shorter shocks and a lower seat, one with a 29" inseam would be able to flat foot. But no.
What we don't realize is that inseams and bikes' seat heights are measured straight down.
Straddling over 1800cc's of Vtwin while in a seated position, the effective 'standing height' is substantially reduced because inseam distance is spread out or is no longer straight down. Certain seats, such as some Corbins, make matters worse when the seat is in a 'bucket' shape.
I CAN get flat footed if I straighten my legs, but it's not comfortable squeezing the seat like a Thigh Master. But that's okay because I CAN flat foot when I NEED to.
Been riding her since '03 and I just have to be careful to not stop over dips such as where driveways meet the road.
when I am at a stop.. I look like I am still sitting and flat footed.. ( knees bent almost 90 degrees )
aka WIDE HIPS.
but then, being flat footed is over rated, if you want to ride a big/wide bike.
back in the day... I rode my 1972 CB750,,, with a 10 inch extended front end.. for several years.
it needed 5 inch longer side stand.
so I used my tip toes., at stop signs / stop lights.
My wife has the same problem. Shes 5'5.
And rides an 1800C.
We found a REALY cheap and easy solution. New boots.
I'm not kidding here.
We got her new boots with a slightly thicker sole and she can no flat foot the bike no problems.
They do make her about 1" taller. But she likes them, and honestly they look fine and are comfortable.
I think they cost about $120 when we got them a few years ago.
Mod the seat. The stock seat can be modded to sit way lower in it. This can be a DIY project or send it out to be done. Hopefully someone will chime in with the name for the place that does this. Next would be lower rear shocks, but going to much lower is a harsher ride. Don't go lower than 11" and it won't be bad.
MCC has come along ways from back in the day when he first advertised on here....great success story....
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