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[Tracy1973]

I am Tracy. My husband is turning 40 in September and I want to buy him a CVO for his birthday.

Currently he is without a bike, because he had to lay down his old bike because it was too tall for him and he couldn't reach the ground in a curve and ended up having to push it to the ground since his feet wouldn't reach.

Can I get some suggestions on Harley models to look at? It needs to be something where he can reach the ground with his 31" inseam, and something that is fun for two up rides as well.

Also, can I get some suggestions on a Harley dealership to buy from near Atherton, California?

[Mano]

Welcome from Toronto, Canada.

Start reading different treads and post. You will find the answers you are looking for. You can lower a bike by replacing the rear shocks or change the seat are two ways to lower a bike. Sometimes wearing boots with a longer heel helps too.

[Fired00d]

Welcome to the site glad to have you join us.

Best way to find out what bike is going to suit your needs is to go to a "Demo Day" at dealerships and ride some bikes. Hard to recommend or suggest a particular bike w/o knowing what your expectations (riding style/distance) and desire (bike style/look).

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Tracy1973]

Welcome to the site glad to have you join us.

Best way to find out what bike is going to suit your needs is to go to a "Demo Day" at dealerships and ride some bikes. Hard to recommend or suggest a particular bike w/o knowing what your expectations (riding style/distance) and desire (bike style/look).

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Thanks. I should mention, I want to surprise my husband with the new bike. So I think going to a demo day would kind of give away the secret! 

[JCZ]

I am Tracy. My husband is turning 40 in September and I want to buy him a CVO for his birthday.

Currently he is without a bike, because he had to lay down his old bike because it was too tall for him and he couldn't reach the ground in a curve and ended up having to push it to the ground since his feet wouldn't reach.

Can I get some suggestions on Harley models to look at? It needs to be something where he can reach the ground with his 31" inseam, and something that is fun for two up rides as well.

Also, can I get some suggestions on a Harley dealership to buy from near Atherton, California?

Exactly how short is he and why would he need to reach the ground in a curve?      This really begs for an explanation.

Oh, by the way.....I'm very familuar with Atherton.  One of my projects is on Sand Hill Rd.

[dm930]

Welcome from Long Island.

What I can tell you from a vertically challenged position, I am 5'7" and have a 29"-30" inseam and there isn't a Harley I can't ride.  They are generally on the lower ride side as opposed to the other manufacturers. 

Now weight, on the other hand, may be a whole different challenge you want to look at as well.  Harley's are generally heavier than most other brands.

You need to find out if he likes a sporty, cushy, type ride, aggressive position or laid back, forward controls or floorboards, long distance riding with saddle bags/tour pack or bar hopper style. 

There's a lot to consider.  Hope I didn't complicate it too much.

[MIKEYTEE]

Welcome to the site from The Lowcountry of South Carolina! I have a 29" inseam and I haven't found a Harley that I couldn't ride or sit at a stop light with both feet firmly planted on the ground.
Mike
 

[Tracy1973]

Exactly how short is he and why would he need to reach the ground in a curve?      This really begs for an explanation.

Oh, by the way.....I'm very familuar with Atherton.  One of my projects is on Sand Hill Rd.

I am not a motorcyclist so I cannot get too technical here. But he was taking a curve (admittedly too fast, so he says) and got to the point where the bike won't stay upright if you don't "scrape" a foot to keep it upright, sort of like riding a skateboard, where you plant a foot on the ground and push. Anyhow, as he could not reach the ground he ended up having to lean deeper and then ended up hitting his foot, and had to make the quick decision to lay down the bike to avoid crashing into the ground uncontrolled. I am just thankful that he had the quick instincts he did!

That is great that you know the Atherton area!! We live in Lindenwood

[Tracy1973]

Welcome to the site from The Lowcountry of South Carolina! I have a 29" inseam and I haven't found a Harley that I couldn't ride or sit at a stop light with both feet firmly planted on the ground.
Mike
 

That's great, so with 31" inseam, I hope that he can reach the ground on any bike that Harley makes.

[Skillet]

Welcome from South Korea.

[D-N-D]

Welcome from PA !!!

Dante

[Fired00d]

Thanks. I should mention, I want to surprise my husband with the new bike. So I think going to a demo day would kind of give away the secret! 

Demo riding the bikes to find out which one fits his physique and riding style IMO will not give away the secret of you surprising him with a bike. Letting someone  (us) on a website suggest/decide what is the best bike for him is a recipe for disaster.

Can someone "pass me a beer".

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[VaEagle]

Welcome to the site.
I understand the desire to surprise your husband but as others have said there are many variables to consider that can only be answered by you and your husband. What exact model with what features is hard to answer if we don't have the info. It's sort of like letting your husband pick an outfit for you to wear without knowing the event you plan to attend and whatever he picks out you will have to wear for several years.
It sounds like from your posts that your husband should attend a Ride Like a Pro course to refresh his riding and improve his skill level too. We all need refresher courses from time to time since we all get rusty or develop bad habits. You could gift him the course as part of reentering riding with the idea that you both want to learn and be as safe as possible. It may help him decide which model of bike he feels comfortable with as well.
https://www.ridelikeapro.com/

[jc15025]

Welcome from SW PA..... JC

[bigchuck]

It is very hard to pick out a bike for someone else. Do like others have suggested go to a demo day. Giving up the surprise is a small price to pay in order to get a bike that he likes and fits properly. CVO's are very expensive and the last thing you want to do is have to trade one back in two,weeks after purchase. If you insist on it being a secret maybe get one of his friends to help find out what bike you're husband would buy.