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[BakedInMN]

I recently traded my 2010 Ultra in on a 2013 CVO Ultra. I put a rear lowering kit on my 2010, and in combination with the stock seat, I was able to comfortably place both feet on the ground while at a stop. I had HD put a front and rear lowering kit on my CVO, and can only touch the ground on tiptoes. The difference between the two bikes is the heated seat on the CVO. I like the option of having a heated seat and would like to keep it. if possible. However, from what I've been able to research here, it doesn't seem as though I'll be able to trim the seat padding down to make it workable.

Any other vertically challenged riders out there with any suggestions on lowering the seat height a bit more to get my feet flatter on the ground? I'm sure I could change out the seat to a lower profile one, but then I lose the heated seat (it's a nice option, but not a necessity for me).

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[mjb765]

You already put the lowering kit so the next step is the seat. Have you looked at aftermarket heated seats? OR...I am not sure if Mean City Cycles will lower a stock HD seat with heat. I know they can add heat, but not sure about working with the stock heat setup. Give them a try. http://www.meancitycycles.com/

[BakedInMN]

Thanks for the lead. I sent them an email.

Anyone running a "low profile" seat? I'm not opposed to putting a different seat on the bike. Wouldn't mind seeing a couple of pics, and a a description of how much it changes rider (operator) position (i.e. back 1" down 2").

Many thanks in advance.

[mjb765]

Take a look at Corbin if you want to replace the seat. They make lower and more narrow in the front if you request--and they can install heat. I have a Corbin classic solo and love it. Give Jim at Metal Dragon (HD dude on the forum) a call and he can help you out and get you a discounted price if you say you are a member of cvoharley.com.  http://www.metaldragonhd.com/

[110tHunDer]

Thanks for the lead. I sent them an email.

Anyone running a "low profile" seat? I'm not opposed to putting a different seat on the bike. Wouldn't mind seeing a couple of pics, and a a description of how much it changes rider (operator) position (i.e. back 1" down 2").

Many thanks in advance.

I will be interested to see what you hear back.  I have a '12 SEUC and it's crazy-tall, too.  But, the stock seat is very comfortable.  I had a Corbin on another bike once and never did like the way it felt, so am reluctant to try another.  Plus, then you'd have the additional $$$s of getting a TP backrest pad to match.

[mjb765]

I will be interested to see what you hear back.  I have a '12 SEUC and it's crazy-tall, too.  But, the stock seat is very comfortable.  I had a Corbin on another bike once and never did like the way it felt, so am reluctant to try another.  Plus, then you'd have the additional $$$s of getting a TP backrest pad to match.

Not sure if Mean City is going to touch a stock heated seat....

And you are correct..the Corbin is not for everybody.....

[cahdbiker]

BakedInMN, Happy New year, I have commented about this before. Because of my short inseam I had my stock seat contoured to get my feet down closer to the ground.I have an 09SEUC with stock suspension. I took my bike to the local custom bike upholstery shop. I sat on it and he took a good look. I left the bike there and a few days later I went back for a test fitting. I still needed a little more reach so he narrowed the front of the seat as much as he could, put in a gel pad, reinstalled the heater and all is fine. Both feet flat on the ground, heater works good, still take extra care when I stop at an intersection which has a hump in the middle although I usually don't stop in the middle of the lane.Didn't do anything to passenger section of seat. Cost me $450.00, and I  don't have to have an extra seat laying around. CAHDBIKER

[BakedInMN]

Mean City Cycles said they can't do anything to the heated seat. So it looks like I'll be researching an aftermarket seat. I have a Corbin on my Dyna, and it is quite a bit stiffer than the HD "Gunslinger" seat. However, the seating position is great and it is considerably lower than stock (which isn't an issue on the Dyna). I need to go out and take some "unsprung" measurements of the current CVO setup (with and without the seat installed), and go from there.

I'm not sure what the return policy is for seats from Corbin, but St Paul HD doesn't let you return seats as they are "special order" (that was the case with the last seat I ordered from them). I really need to see pics of the seat installed, and would prefer being able to scrunch my butt around in the seat a bit, before owning it.

I'll double check the Corbin site and see what return policy they have. If I could get a hold of an inexpensive FLHTCU seat, I could do my own trimming or have a custom seat built using that seat pan.

[Midnight Rider]

I think the problem with Mean City modding the new seats is that they are "hammock" seats and there is little they can do with them because of the hammock.  But, that's probably what makes them comfortable.

Corbin will not refund money for a seat you order, but you could probably sell it here without a problem.  You'd lose some money though.

Having a 29" inseam, the only thing that works for me is Legend Air shocks in the rear. I've had them on two different bikes now.  Drops the rear end 3" when needed but allows infinite adjustment while riding or for different loads.  Cost?  $1500 if you install them yourself.  Considering that a Corbin seat with heat and backrest will run you close to $1000, the Legend option is not so bad.  My front suspension is stock height and the Legends allow me to get my feet 90% flat when needed.  If I'm riding in town where I am going to be stopping a lot, I just ride with the Legends pumped up about an inch or so and I'm still able to get my feet on the ground well enough.  I personally do not recommend lowering a HD more than 1" with fixed length shocks/fork springs.  The Legends will accomplish what you are trying to do, and is the most versatile solution while offering a good ride and handling.

For future reference:  To replace HD crappy suspension with HD crappy suspension that is 1" lower is a waste of money.  There are many alternatives that can lower an inch while improving the ride/handling.  HD does not offer any suspension component that I would buy.

[ultrafxr]

Midnight Rider is right about the Legends.  I have them on both my bikes.  BTW they are carried in the Drag Specialties catalog so you can get one of the 20% off H-D dealers to order them for you.  The list price is $1,600 and I got mine for my '12 back in March for 20% off that.   

[BakedInMN]

I'll look at the shocks as an option. I am thinking about The HD "Super Reduced Reach"(54382-11) seat. It's a cheaper alternative ($299) and may do what I want.

Thanks for all the ideas!

[UAV Pilot]

I too was having issues with my UC and feeling comfortable about the seat height.  I just found me a good pair of boots, SWAT brand I believe, that have a very thick sole.  The extra height of the boot sole gave me just enough extra reach to make the difference.  I am sure there are custom boot repair places that could also add an extra thick anti slip sole to any pair of boots too.

[Jswerve]

I too was having issues with my UC and feeling comfortable about the seat height.  I just found me a good pair of boots, SWAT brand I believe, that have a very thick sole.  The extra height of the boot sole gave me just enough extra reach to make the difference.  I am sure there are custom boot repair places that could also add an extra thick anti slip sole to any pair of boots too.

Read through all the posts and was wondering if the OP tried boots with taller soles myself. I am 5'6" and I just wear boots with really thick soles. Just does the trick for me and a cheap fix. Just a thought.

[petewerner]

I'll look at the shocks as an option. I am thinking about The HD "Super Reduced Reach"(54382-11) seat. It's a cheaper alternative ($299) and may do what I want.

Thanks for all the ideas!

I have this seat and love it!!! If U have passengers, they will really love it!! Every passenger comments about how comfy it is!!!!
Also a shoe guy can add hight to any shoe, boots can have added the biggest lift Mine are not the max and it really doesn't look much different and I'm 1 3/4" taller in my HD zip up engineer boots. So I can use the seat above with my boots and now no air shocks required, I just went with Progressive 944UT's which puts my bike at stock ride higth with 13" eye to eye but droops to about 12 3/8" and am flat footed .This makes it handle best! Next cartridges 1" lower forks from Progressive.

[BakedInMN]

I haven't tried taller boots yet. I've been compensating my entire life, that would be too obvious 

Thanks for the picture Pete. The seat looks like it may give me what I need. Next would be the shocks, and if all else fails, I'll get another pair of boots. The boots are the last option because all I wear are boots. I have three pairs that I wear, and it took awhile to get them all broken in. I'd probably trip over my tiny little feet in new higher boots...