Advice on raising passenger seat

[Bruce_N]

Hey all. One small request from my passenger, Susie-Q. She likes the Lt and is comfortable on it. But she said she would really like to be able to see over my head to see in front of us. Kinda like the HD's you see where the passenger rides real high. We looked at it this weekend and figure we need to gain about 8 inches, either dropping my seat, raising hers or a combination of both. This would also mean raising/lowering footpegs as well. My biggest concern would be a higher center of gravity, certainly not desired on the LT. And I don't want it to look like an HD chopper. She saw a Electra Glide with a high passenger seat, I would hate to go that route, but as we all know the missus needs to be happy on the back. Any thoughts here??

[zippy_gg]

Urge her to look to the right side where the scenery is spectacular, and assure her that the traffic ahead is depressing so she shouldn't worry about it!:rotf:

JK, but I know what you are saying... Kathy made the same remark, and she can describe the back of my helmet by memory alone!:D

[andy]

Hey all. One small request from my passenger, Susie-Q. She likes the Lt and is comfortable on it. But she said she would really like to be able to see over my head to see in front of us. Kinda like the HD's you see where the passenger rides real high. We looked at it this weekend and figure we need to gain about 8 inches, either dropping my seat, raising hers or a combination of both. This would also mean raising/lowering footpegs as well. My biggest concern would be a higher center of gravity, certainly not desired on the LT. And I don't want it to look like an HD chopper. She saw a Electra Glide with a high passenger seat, I would hate to go that route, but as we all know the missus needs to be happy on the back. Any thoughts here??

Hhhmmm, you are really trying to gain 8"? That much?

here is my take on it: If there is someone that can pull off that trick it's Rick Mayer. His saddles are comfortable, and I know he can lower you about 0.5" and raise your missus. Give him a call, I am sure he is one of the few being able to pull that one off.

[zippy_gg]

Of course there is the option of getting a taller Susie-Q, although it might cost you an arm and a leg in attorney fees to dismount the current one!:rolleyes:
Like Andy said, custom seat can help you, although 8" is a lot to compensate for. Susie-Q will definitely need the peg risers...
I am 5'11" and Kathy is 5'9" yet she only sees the back of my head. I was considering tattooing a small book on my neck for her to read on long rides...:D
Someone on the site mentioned in the past a front mounted camera with a display on the back of the rider to solve the very problem you describe. I doubt it is cheap, or even worth the trouble, but you may want to look into that.:think:

[Bruce_N]

A taller Susie, that's funny!

To be honest, this plan doesn't sound too feasible. Maybe I'll cut a 8" block of styrofoam and have her sit on it and see if she really wants to sit that tall.

[zippy_gg]

A taller Susie, that's funny!

To be honest, this plan doesn't sound too feasible. Maybe I'll cut a 8" block of styrofoam and have her sit on it and see if she really wants to sit that tall.You want to be careful as this will be unstable for her. Plus the foam will compress and she won't get the 8" she is asking for(please no comments from the peanut gallery!!!:rolleyes: ).
Send a PM to Ron at Kontour seats (RonKMiller). He is a professional seat maker and he will give you an honest opinion as to what you are trying to achieve.

[zippy_gg]

Another thing... If you succeed in raising her seat, I can hear the next complaint "I go too much wind in my face and now my neck hurts because of that heavy helmet!" Don't ask how I know this one... (OK, you twisted my arm: previous relationship):rolleyes:

[CarSalesman]

I had the same problem. We ended up with the Corbin seats, which place the rider lower, and the passenger higher. I have the regular Corbin, not the "low" model. Unfortunately the Corbin is a harder seat, especially for the passenger, but not so much that either of us wants something different. This won't get you 8", but it will probably get you a 4" change.

[RonKMiller]

Hey all. One small request from my passenger, Susie-Q. She likes the Lt and is comfortable on it. But she said she would really like to be able to see over my head to see in front of us. Kinda like the HD's you see where the passenger rides real high. We looked at it this weekend and figure we need to gain about 8 inches, either dropping my seat, raising hers or a combination of both. This would also mean raising/lowering footpegs as well. My biggest concern would be a higher center of gravity, certainly not desired on the LT. And I don't want it to look like an HD chopper. She saw a Electra Glide with a high passenger seat, I would hate to go that route, but as we all know the missus needs to be happy on the back. Any thoughts here??

Sure, my observations:

Anything above an inch or two will have her riding well above the wind "envelope" of the LT - no matter WHAT brand windshield you have installed.
I tend to cruise at 80 or so with Amy. Without knowing your SO's height/weight/body style this is a pretty tough call...

In my experience high speeds will lead to dramatically MORE buffeting and fatigue. Hey, that is simply part of the experience. You sleep better at the end of the day. Looking at the back of your helmet is totally boring, but unless you want an Easy Rider type of bike it is going to happen on an LT.

Keeping Momma happy is my utmost priority for me on long rides. Beside a personal massage and hot bath at the end of the day - keeping her buns happy is by far the most important component.

I recommend an IPOD with some great music, podcasts, whatever - along with some good custom fit stereo speakers to take her mind off the boredom.
That, with some quality, stylish riding gear and an electric vest/jacket will keep her VERY happy. Oh yeah, stay at good hotels with nice towels. ;)

Either that or a periscope. :D

Eight inches ain't gonna' happen, but if you REALLY want it we WILL built it! :thumb: Extended sissy bar optional. :yeah:

[Steve_R]

You heard from Andy, Gilles and Don. As for me, I don't think I'd want my pillion any higher. You've already got high center of gravity that makes the LT top heavy as it is. But raising your pillion up any at all, you going to move the center of gravity even higher and make it even tougher to handle at slow speed. JM2CW

[SilverBuffalo]

Why go through all the trouble of raising and lowering the seats,
this simple device should be able to solve all of your problems :)





http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9662