inseam impaired only

[tbl160]

Let’s face it; inseam impaired individuals have a difficult time with the LT during non moving events. My 5’8”, 30” inseam has resulted in several challenges for me and the LT at different times. My Y2KLT was modified per Paul’s instructions and I lowered the seat about ½ of an inch. I was happy with that arrangement and traveled many miles. That bike has since been replaced with a 03. I had been using the standard seat on this one until I decided I wanted a heated low seat, (my modified seat is unheated) so I went ahead with the modification and installed the factory low seat (thank you Larry for the help). What a difference. This seat definitely has less padding and is narrower, but it allows me much better control of the bike at a stop. Bottom line is if you feel challenged by the bike, make the seat modification! Either Paul’s or the factory seat will improve your confidence with the bike while at a stop.

I was looking at a GW (blasphemy) and rode a friends for several miles to see if it was in fact lower and yes it has a reduced seat height. My second bike is an Electra Glide (peer pressure) which has a low seat and I feel very confident with it at low speeds or non moving events. Yes, I know low center of gravity.

I am not looking to get flamed on this, only to say if you feel unsure of the bike while at a stop go ahead and make the modification. I believe the improved confidence will only increase your enjoyment of a fine motorcycle even more.

Jim in GA

[mpillis]

Hey you are tall compared to me at 5'6 with 29 inseam. I have ridden the HD electra glide with no problems in the past, but the bike is too slow and requires too much shifting in the mountains. I love the LT and have gotten used to it at slow speeds. Most of my LT riding is 2 up. So I do know it can be a little tough. I have an 05 and the stock seat sucks. I cannot justify $900 for a different seat so I use the Beadrider. I no longer get sore but it does add a little more height. Wish BMW would have made a decent seat.

[johnrehder]

Hey Jim, I'm in Ga too. I had the BMW lowered seat plus I modified the passenger seat pan so the rider seat sat right on the frame. Hated the lower seat!!! I could flat foot at stop signs. After a year of torture I decided that I had enough stop and go practice that I traded for the stock seat again. I now have it set in the highest postion and boy is it better. I kinda of have to stretch a bit to hold her up but now I'm used to it and never give it a second thought. I think it just comes down to practice and many miles. good luck.


Let’s face it; inseam impaired individuals have a difficult time with the LT during non moving events. My 5’8”, 30” inseam has resulted in several challenges for me and the LT at different times. My Y2KLT was modified per Paul’s instructions and I lowered the seat about ½ of an inch. I was happy with that arrangement and traveled many miles. That bike has since been replaced with a 03. I had been using the standard seat on this one until I decided I wanted a heated low seat, (my modified seat is unheated) so I went ahead with the modification and installed the factory low seat (thank you Larry for the help). What a difference. This seat definitely has less padding and is narrower, but it allows me much better control of the bike at a stop. Bottom line is if you feel challenged by the bike, make the seat modification! Either Paul’s or the factory seat will improve your confidence with the bike while at a stop.

I was looking at a GW (blasphemy) and rode a friends for several miles to see if it was in fact lower and yes it has a reduced seat height. My second bike is an Electra Glide (peer pressure) which has a low seat and I feel very confident with it at low speeds or non moving events. Yes, I know low center of gravity.

I am not looking to get flamed on this, only to say if you feel unsure of the bike while at a stop go ahead and make the modification. I believe the improved confidence will only increase your enjoyment of a fine motorcycle even more.

Jim in GA

[ranks]

I know that some people TRULY have a difficult time.

I'm 5'10" with 31" inseam.

When I first got mine, (Came off a VSTAR with 29" Seat),

I couldn't flat foot it. It felt too tall, and it was top heavy.

After 25000 miles on my LT, and riding an R1200GS for over 3000 miles now, The LT seems to low to the ground, I've even started riding with the stock seat in the high position.

Part of it is the shock. Part of it is my comfort with the bike. Maybe the seat foam has compressed over time.

If someone feels it is too big, or too far of a reach, give it a few thousand miles before laying out big bucks, or modifing the seat.

This does not apply to the inseam challenged that TRULY have a problem.
I Think that if you can get both balls of your feet on the ground, you'll get used to it and it will start to fit you with time. If you can only get on foot with the ball on the ground and the other one tiptoeing, or have to lean it over because both feet wont touch, then you have an issue.

WARNING: All of the above is just my opinion and my be totally wrong for you.