Windshiels, Handle Bars, & Seat. Fitting The Rider

[Geezzer Glide]

Hope this don't offend anyone as that is not my intention. I've seen it here, on other forums, & even in conversation at places were riders gather and talk. I always see people referring to their over all total height (head to foot) when referring to how handle bar height and windshield height is right for them and what seat they want.

Some one will always say I'm 6ft and your 6ft so the height windshield I have will work for you. It rarely works out that way as it is almost impossible to find 2 people that their measurements are exactly the same and that sit in the exact same position as they ride. Some sit straight up and some slouch.

An example of this is my son and I are both exactly 6ft tall standing side by side. Sitting down my son is taller than me. I have a 36in inseam. My son has a 32in inseam. So sitting on my bike in my normal riding position a wind shield that fits me right is to short for him. One needs to figure ones height from their head to their butt while sitting in their normal riding position on their bike to determine what height windshield they need.

Their height from head to foot makes no difference at all. Also what seat one may have on their bike is a factor.

You can take 2 identical Harley Ultras except they each have a different seat. How thick that seat is on them also makes a difference. Even a 1in difference in the seat thickness can have a big effect on which windshield is the proper height. Also I see many that ride different bikes. In many cases with different bikes there is a difference between the seat height and the height where the bars mount on top of the triple tree and also where the windshield mounts. I know that sounds dumb but I've seen people do it.

Now my arms take a 35in sleeve. My sons arms are a couple inches shorter than mine. Arm length also can make a big difference as far as what seat or handle bars will fit a person right and also ones leg length comes into play too as far as what seat one is comfortable on. I'll use 6ft just as a number to use here as that is where my son and I are at.

A person 6ft tall with shorter arms and/or legs may need a seat that moves them forward some or a set of bars with more pull back. One with longer arms and/or legs may need a seat to move them back some or bars with less or no pull back. There fore ones over all height makes no difference again.

Over my years I've seen people spend money on these parts because Joe is the same height as me and it fits him, mount them and then find out that the part is no where close to being the right fit for them.

I have my trike set perfect for me. There is a big difference in being comfortable and well it's ok and it really makes a difference on those long rides.

Again I hope I haven't offended anyone I just wanted to put this info out so others realize that theres more to getting their trike or bike to fit them right the way they want it too and maybe save some bucks in the process not buying the wrong part. I did considerable research and checking in order to get mine exactly right for me and I managed to do it with out spending money on the wrong parts. Just remember ones over all height has no bearing at all when trying to find the right part that will fit you right. I hope everyone gets what I'm saying. Sometimes I don't type things as well as I think them.

Dan

[Sloufoot]

What everything comes down to is find the right seat for YOURSELF. Take everyone's input as to their preference & why then find a dealer that will show you one or as some places do have a mock-up that they can put a seat on & you can at least sit on one. Next you can do the windshield after the seat. You can simply measure how high & type of shield you want. Don't get a shield that is tinted for night driving. You'll pay for it if you have to look through it at night.
Third you can figure the bars that will feel right FOR YOU. Not someone else ! But also figure in what foot boards & how YOU want them to feel.
You are correct saying no two people are the same ! Some people's knuckles really do drag the ground !

Ride Safe
Ride often !

[captdanwh]

I agree with you about the comfortable seat that fits only you. after owning my trike for a few years i was wondering about how a new seat under my butt would feel. i went to my local dealer and they only had one different one they would let me try. i installed it on the trike except for the bolt in the rear and sat on it and this was not for me, it was as hard as a rock and way to narrow. i do not know of any dealers around that carry a bunch of seats that fit my 2007 flhtc that i can try so i guess i will just stay with my original one. the dealers say they will be glad to order me a seat but once it is ordered it is mine and they will not give me a refund if i do not like it, which i really cannot blame them as they are expensive. if anybody out there knows of a dealer near central Florida that has a bunch of seats let me know. there is nothing wrong with my present seat but i guess i will never know what else is available to me.

[Geezzer Glide]

"if anybody out there knows of a dealer near central Florida that has a bunch of seats let me know. there is nothing wrong with my present seat but i guess i will never know what else is available to me. "

My dealer here has a loaner thing for seats. They have quite a few seats and they will loan you them to try on your bike for up to a week to see if it works for you. If you like it then you can order one. If you don't try another one. Thats how I found the right seat for me.

Another good way to find what will fit you is at bike nights or most motorcycle functions. Talk to different people about their bikes as most people I run into are more than willing to tell you all about their bike. If you find one that has a seat or set of bars you like ask them if you can sit on their bike to see how it feels. You will be surprised how many will let you sit on the bike.

That's how I found the right bars to fit me like I wanted.

All this can take a bit of time but the end result worked out great for me.

Dan

[captdanwh]

Hey Geezer , I am looking at a picture of your trike and it looks as if you have a set of raised handle bars. how high are they and did you have to got all new cables and wires to extend them to reach?

[rmrc51]

I've found that the typical MC dealer doesn't have many, if any aftermarket/custom seats at all for a customer to try. Your best bet is to be fortunate enough to find a fellow MC rider who happens to have a seat you might be interested in or simply a different custom seat for you to try. The other option would be to attend one of the big MC rally's (Honda, Harley, ect.) which usually have different seat manufacturers present so you can sample their seats. Just my opinion.

[Geezzer Glide]

Hey Geezer , I am looking at a picture of your trike and it looks as if you have a set of raised handle bars. how high are they and did you have to got all new cables and wires to extend them to reach?

They are 13 inch Bagger Bars from Cyclesmiths. Yes, need longer clutch cable, front brake lines, and had to extend the wiring. I have a complete parts break down if you would like me to post it let me know and when I get home later I will do so.

[DK Custom Products]

Great info!

My TG is the most comfortable place to sit I own. More comfortable than anything in the house, shop or my other bikes.

As I get up in years, being comfortable on my bikes has become a higher priority.

First thing I do is get my floorboards where I want them & highway pegs where I want them.

I used to reshape and add comfort foam to the stock seats to get them to fit my butt. A few years ago I discovered that between an airhawk and sheepskin, the stock seats are fine for me.

The most difficult aspect of getting a comfy riding position, that will still be comfortable after 6, 8 or 10 hours in the saddle...is the hand grip placement (handlebars).

The bullet proof way of knowing where your handlebars need to be is 4 easy steps-

Sit on your bike

Put your feet on the pegs

Close your eyes

Put your hands out to where it is most comfortable to hold them

Open your eyes...where ever your hands are, that is where you want the handlebar grips to be.

It's that simple. With this information you can adjust your existing handlebars, or visit an experienced shop that can get some bars (or make them) that will put the grips where you need them to be for Your max comfort.

Kevin