The truth is that the manufacturers hardly make motorcycle seats for a class of riders. They usually maintain the shape and size of all seats keeping the standard height of people of an entire region, for instance, the average height of American males is 5 feet 9 inches. But that does not mean you’ve no solution as a relatively shorter person than the standard height. Manufacturers do not produce lower seats in general, but they make many of those adjustable. It means you can lower them as low as 1 inch. If it’s still not enough for your requirement, installing lowered shocks in addition to lowering the seat can resolve the issue entirely. However, here we have listed several adjustable seats that are considered to be the best Harley seat for short riders.
Best for Touring – Mustang Lowdown 79700 or Mustang 79910
Best Solo – Mustang Lowdown 79910 or Mustang Wide Tripper
Best for Street Glide – Mustang 79006 or XMT-MOTO
Best for Softail – Mustang 79738 or Mustang 76390
Best for Sportster – Mustang 76145 or Mustang 76728
Best Vehicle Specific – Mustang Super Touring
Best for Dyna – Mustang 75595 or TCMT S11-01 or Mustang 75445
Best Double – TCMT Rider+Passenger or XFMT Two
Mustang Lowdown Seat – Best Overall (Full Seat)
The seat foam in Mustang is formulated to be incredibly comfortable and supportive, despite years of use. Company’s New England manufacturing facility has decades of experience in foam compounding, and the resulting seat foam is exceptionally durable. To be fair, Mustang sets the standard for comfort in aftermarket motorcycle seats. We’ve also looked at how much extra cushioning the Mustang Lowdown seat gives drivers.
Different models of Lowdown seats are available in two distinct styles – single baseplates and two-piece seats. Single-piece seats have a baseplate that can be attached to the car’s frame, while two-up models can separate and install their own seats. The two-piece seats, like the Lowdown, are riveted together at the baseplate and are also ozone-protected. While most Mustang seats are single-piece configurations, there are also two-piece designs that feature the two-piece design. The baseplate is typically made of marine-grade fiberglass, steel, and carbon fiber.
As the Lowdown can position the rider 1 and 1/2 inch lower. With the nose of the seat being 1 and 1/2 inch narrower than any stock seat, short riders can maintain the ability to plant their feet firmly on the ground, confirming better control and balance. The Lowdown comes with backrest receiver in-built and bikers can separately purchase the compatible backrest any time later.
Check Latest PriceMustang Wide Tripper Seat – Best Solo
The Mustang 76694 Wide Tripper Solo Seat is a custom seat designed to fit the 2008-current Harley-Davidson FL Touring. Its unique design features extra width in the hip area and detailed stitch work. Available in American Beauty Red, Gunmetal Gray, and Double Diamond stitch styles. It features an optional driver backrest and comes with matching mini fender bibs.
The Wide Tripper Solo Seat offers the best of both worlds. It combines sculpted looks with all-day comfort. This seat supports the rider throughout the day without feeling bulky. Its classic brown cover and diamond stitching add to its timeless appeal. This seat will also work well with the matching passenger seat. The seat’s padded seat cushion is ideal for people who need extra support for long days on the road.
The baseplate of the Mustang 76694 Wide Tripper Solo Seat is built with precision fitment in mind. No aftermarket solo or rear seat will fit perfectly on your bike. The baseplate and foam are carefully designed and assembled in New England. These components are also ozone protected for optimum safety. The baseplate is made of steel, marine-grade fiberglass, and molded polyurethane for long-lasting durability.
Check Latest PriceMustang 76145 Fastback Seat
Fastback seats from Mustang can be an excellent addition to any ride, especially for short riders. The seats feature a low rider position, good back support, and reasonable passenger comfort. You can install the seats easily, using the same hardware and mounting points as the stock seats. Installation is relatively quick, and each seat comes with detailed mounting suggestions. Seats are measured across the widest point of the seating area, so installing one on your Mustang won’t be a difficult process.
This low-cut seat is designed for the comfort of the rider, and, as said, it will give a good amount of support to the back. The seat also has adequate room for the passenger. It is made of the best quality expanded vinyl in the U.S.A. The Mustang 76145 Fastback seat is designed to fit all Sportster models of Harley Davidson 2004 – current. If you are looking for a low-cost seat, you can choose the Fastback.
Check Latest PriceBest Harley Seat for Short Riders – Top Selections
What Short is Called Short for a Harley Bike?
Most people ranging from 5 feet 6 inches and below may find riding even a standard bike challenging. As you already know, American males have an average height of 5 feet 9 inches and the bikes produced there are based on that height in mind. Since most bikes’ height starts at 31 inches, those with shorter legs are usually disadvantaged. However, that does not mean a shorter person cannot ride a bike. Even though you must not put both feet on the ground, one should use a single foot. Besides, there are shorter bikes ideal for shorter people. Such bikes include a seat height of about 23 inches, meaning a shorter person will ride comfortably. Finally, you can choose to lower the bike using a lower-height (adjustable) seat. In short, if you are below 5.5 feet, finding an ideal bike is not easy.
Can You Be Too Short to Ride a Motorcycle?
There is no height requirement when it comes to riding a motorbike. Even the people who are short can have equal fun riding just like the taller ones. However, being short means you need to choose a bike ideal for your height, especially considering the foot stepping issue when necessary.
Good news! Most bikes come with adjustable seats where you can set your ideal seat height. Provided you know how to get balance and handle the bike weight with one foot, you can ride. There are short bikes ideal for shorter people, and as long as you choose the right one, you can have fun.
Considerations – Buying the Best Harley Seat for Short Riders
Seat’s dimension
For a fun experience, make sure the bike seat is lower than the ones in stock to help rest the feet on the ground. It’s also good to make sure the seat is wide. A broader seat boosts comfort when riding long distances.
Backrests
Relaxing your back muscles is crucial when riding. Some bikes come with adjustable backrests to make sure they complement your sitting posture depending on your size and height. However, all bike seats do not include backrests. You can choose to buy custom-made seats or buy the bike with a seat you feel comfortable when riding.
Quality of Materials
Whether cheap or pricey, quality is the only stuff that you need to remain keen on. Always make sure the seat has quality foam beneath as well as quality cover construction. Synthetic leather is the most durable, but vinyl is also a great performer.
Waterproof
Water can wet the bike seat; hence there is a need to get resilient water seats. Make sure the seat does not absorb water. Other features to consider on the seat are the front bucket as well as the drain.
Top Brands – Harley Seats for Shorter Riders
Mustang
Our best overall is the Mustang bike seats. Since Mustang is renowned for the production of quality and comfortable seats, you will never go wrong. Their seats are ideal for transportation, leisure, and industrial bikes, considering the air cell technology used on the seats.
TCMT Rider
Since TCMT is among the best bike seat manufacturers, you get better value for your money. As one of the leading manufacturers of motorcycle passenger seats, the TCMT Hammock seat promises good value for money. TCMT seats are lightweight, making them ideal for long rides. Such pieces include high-density cell cushioning and ergonomic shapes for comfort. The shapes make the seat ideal for supporting your lower back and the posterior.
Custom Harley Seats for Short Riders
Custom bike seats help in upgrading the bike, making it appear sleek. Such seats help you customize the bike depending on your taste. Besides, all manufacturers may not know your specific taste on all crucial parts.
If your bike fits you badly, it’s possible to turn the fit using a custom seat. Some bikes come with heel-down seats to make them ideal for short riders. If you need to move closer to the bar, a custom need will be good for you. On the other hand, taller riders may get a custom seat that increases seat height for comfort.
Low Ride Motorcycle or Lowering that – What’s Better?
Low-ride motorbikes are ideal since they boast low seat heights ideal for short individuals. They also include the low center of gravity. However, their ergonomics is well-spaced, but they tend to be a bit heavier. Even though such bikes are comfortable, they are somehow challenging to ride at low speeds.
On the other hand, lowering motorcycle seats boosts the bike’s comfort as you can easily reach the ground. By shaving a small portion of the seat, you can firmly plant your feet on the surface. Lowering the bike means you need not spread the legs much around the bike.
Can a 5 Foot Person Ride a Harley?
Riding a Harley comes with no height requirement. Short people can have equal fun riding the bike just like taller individuals. Shorter people can comfortably tear up the road enjoying what the road has to offer. Provided they know how to balance weight on their bike, they can ride. They need to learn to balance the weight on a single foot and ride comfortably and safely. Most Harley bikes ideal for short riders offer aftermarket options enabling them to adjust the bike seat height.
Which Harley has the Lowest Seat Height?
Most people think that all Harley bikes are huge, and that’s not always the case. Some of them are shorter enough to fit shorter individuals. For instance, Harley Sportster 1200 Low, which has about 24.4 inches of seat height, is significantly lower than most others, but not the lowest. As we see, the Softail Slim has a seat height of about 23.8 inches, making it the lowest among all. It’s 1690cc and weighs around 700lbs. Having a well-balanced stance and low gravity center, it remains the favorite Harley bike for short riders.
Motorcycle : for Short Women vs. for Short Men
Motorbikes for both men and women come with less difference since they all aim at one thing, a comfortable and fun ride. However, men’s bikes are usually heavier with higher frames. On the other hand, women’s bikes are less bulky with shorter frames.
As women usually are shorter than men, so most of their bikes are lower. Shorter torso length is another reason why female bikes have shorter reach lengths. Such features are the ones differentiating between a man and a woman bike. However, most bike shops ignore such features and concentrate on making bikes that fit various body proportions. The best way to get the ideal bike is by performing a test ride. Provided you feel comfortable riding, it’s the ideal bike for you.
Concluding Remarks
Choosing a Harley is generally a bit challenging if someone is short. Fortunately, various alternative options may help the person ride his beloved Harley regardless of height – the best Harley seat for a short individual is probably the easiest among those! Why late then?
Last update on 2022-06-20 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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