lowing bike

[curtis]

I was checking to see if you can lower these bike very much. I sure don' t need it but the wife is 5'2" sanding on a 3' step ladder. She now rides a HD heritage softail but has trouble touching the ground flat footed. Anyone who has ever rode one knows you cant go any lower on them they drag to much now. I thought about getting her a venture if you can lower them enough for her to get on. I would like to see her with a dresser bike.

[elmicko]

I haven't been able to find any way to lower these bikes, but I'm rather vertically challenged myself. I pulled the cover back on my seat and shaved about 2 1/2" off of the seat it's self and about 1/2" off of each side where the legs go over to hold the bike up when stopped. Now I have no problem getting both feet firmly on the ground. And I actually believe the seat is more comfortable now than it was before I started. Good luck, go slow and it's no problem.

[mbrood]

I replaced the front fork springs with Progressives and she stood "taller" with the better springs (newer). So tall that it leaned WAY over on the side stand and I had serious problems as I could only tip-toe her in the seat. I pulled ALL of the "Progresive provided spacer" from the top of the spring and she now leans "proper" on the side stand and I can flat foot her if I stand up a bit in the saddle... (29" inseam).

 

You can see the difference in parts when converting over... With the top unit the Progressive (without the provided shim) and the original parts below. And yeah, I NEVER approach the bike without riding boots with a good heel and base!

 

http://www.bergall.org/temp/venture/springs3.jpg

Edited June 10, 2010 by mbrood