New short rider

[Farther]

Hey folks,
I am new to motorcycles in general with one year of riding experience and am on the verge of purchasing a 2003 Standard.  Currently I have been riding a Honda Shadow Spirit 750 cruiser for the last year.  I have done a search and found some discussion on short riders on the Valk.  I am 5'8" with a 29-30 inseam.  I have quite a bit of upper body strength but I am concerned about my ability to handle the Valk.  Can anybody give me some advise on short riders on the Valk?

[Willow]

I'm 5'8" with a 30 inch inseam.  I don't have any problem handling a Valkyrie.

I would be more concerned about the "new to motorcycling" designation.

[Udo]

If you feel unsafe, you can use shorter shocks, lower the front end (0,5-0,75 inch), and can use a lower seat, i.e. Lowrider from Ultimate Seats:

http://www.ultimateseats.ca/stand_tourer.html

I would start with the seat, if needed.

[Motorider]

I have been riding motorcycles for forty years. (no joke) I am 5` 8" tall with a 30 " inseam. I have been riding an I/S Valk for one year. The only thing I needed to change as to my riding style is, I could always balance my motorcycles at a stop or yeald sign for a split second without putting my feet down. That dosen`t work for me on the Valk. I need to know beforehand if I am going roll through at a slow speed or come to a complete stop. I cannot balance the Valk for that split second if I get too slow. It works best for me if I come to a complete stop and put my feet down. I am glad my legs aren`t any shorter then they are as I can just stand flat footed while on the Valk as it is.

[Grandpot]

I have a 29" inseam.  My legs are so short, my feet don't reach the ground when am walking around.

I ride an Interstate with a Mustang seat and stock shocks.  No problem.

I do suggest you buy the "Ride Like a Pro" video from, http://www.ridelikeapro.com/

It has great tips and methods for handling a heavy motorcycle.  It really changed the way I ride. 

[Saphire]

Welcome!!!! formone shorty to another!  LOL

I'm 5'5" (I'd ahve to measure the inseam to tell you that)  LOL

Anyway, I went from a Kaw Vulkan 500 to my '97 Standard.  I had been riding for only 2 years when I
upgraded" and it was quite a bit more of a step up than I had anticipated.  Other Valkyrie riders say I handle her fine now, but at first that was A LOT OF BIKE.

Might I suggest:
 - take the motorocycle safety course if you haven't already.  (ok I tell any rider that one)

- check out the after market seats.  I replaced the stock seat with a Corbin and was suprised at the difference it made.

- when I'm alone on mine I keep the shocks adjusted down to 1.5-2 and that seems to help.  If I'm having a passenger along I'll adjust the shocks up a bit depending on who I'm taking. (only to allow extra clearance for the back wheel and still maintain my standing comfort level.)

- Also, I havent' seen anyone mention the handlebars.  For em personally, my arms match my legs, both are short.  I could ride the valk with the stock riser but it just felt like I was forward too much in the turns (especially slow turns when it's all steering).  I replaced the stock risers with a set I found on J&P or HondaDirectLine. (I can look them up when I get home if you like).  Basically that minor change brought my handlebars up and back about 1.25".  doesn't seem like much, but it makes a world of difference when steering a slow, tight turn and when stopping.

Hope this helps!  The folks on here are awesome about advice so just keep asking!!

-Leesa

[Spirited-6]

If you feel unsafe, you can use shorter shocks, lower the front end (0,5-0,75 inch), and can use a lower seat, i.e. Lowrider from Ultimate Seats:

http://www.ultimateseats.ca/stand_tourer.html

I would start with the seat, if needed.

I tried a Ultimate Seat and reduced my contact with the ground. Wider at the front spread my legs out therefore less contact. Loved the seat but had to return. I have a 29" - 30" inseam so I need all the reach I can get. I watch where I park making sure the that I`m not off camber or on a hill. Gravel, I hate gravel and will go out of my way to avoid.   

[StLRider]

I too have a 30" inseam. I ride a 2000 standard and when aproaching a stop sign or light, I slide down the seat ( near the tank ) and put my feet down. When I take off from the light, my butt slide back into my riding position. Not too bad getting used to. After a while, you don't even have to think about it!  Good riding to you!  StLRider

[BF]

Don't grab alot of brake when the handlebars are turned.  Don't ask me how I know.   

[Farther]

Good information.  I do have the Ride Like a Pro DVD and it is a big help.  Please post the link for the taller risers.  I shouldn't have waited 58 years to start riding.

[shortleg]

  Well first thing want to do is get more time rideing.
 Now I will tell you I am  5 foot 6 inches and have a
28 inseam. I have done what can be done to lower
my Valk.
  I have had two of them and have put about 60,000
miles on a Valk. I have found I must keep my head in the game
and watch all the time . I am 62 years old and have been rideing
from the age of 16. So bottom line get some time in the saddle.
             Shortleg[Dave]

[Jess from VA]

This is also my 40th year of riding; 5'9" 29.5 inseam.  No problems getting feet down.  It will take practice going slow, stop, and around tight spaces (gas stations, etc) on the fatlady.  The earlier riser advice is very good, you will do better at slow speed and smooth stopping with taller/pullback risers, if they're not already on the bike (and just plan comfort too).   If you feel the need you can go to 12' rear shocks (one inch under stock 13s) which makes balance and walking the bike easier (and you don't need to touch the forks/tree), but you will loose some cornering clearance.  Wear good treaded footwear, and don't be taking anyone for a ride until confidence is high.

[fudgie]

Welcome!!!! formone shorty to another!  LOL

I'm 5'5" (I'd ahve to measure the inseam to tell you that)  LOL

Anyway, I went from a Kaw Vulkan 500 to my '97 Standard.  I had been riding for only 2 years when I
upgraded" and it was quite a bit more of a step up than I had anticipated.  Other Valkyrie riders say I handle her fine now, but at first that was A LOT OF BIKE.

Might I suggest:
 - take the motorocycle safety course if you haven't already.  (ok I tell any rider that one)

- check out the after market seats.  I replaced the stock seat with a Corbin and was suprised at the difference it made.

- when I'm alone on mine I keep the shocks adjusted down to 1.5-2 and that seems to help.  If I'm having a passenger along I'll adjust the shocks up a bit depending on who I'm taking. (only to allow extra clearance for the back wheel and still maintain my standing comfort level.)

- Also, I havent' seen anyone mention the handlebars.  For em personally, my arms match my legs, both are short.  I could ride the valk with the stock riser but it just felt like I was forward too much in the turns (especially slow turns when it's all steering).  I replaced the stock risers with a set I found on J&P or HondaDirectLine. (I can look them up when I get home if you like).  Basically that minor change brought my handlebars up and back about 1.25".  doesn't seem like much, but it makes a world of difference when steering a slow, tight turn and when stopping.

Hope this helps!  The folks on here are awesome about advice so just keep asking!!

-Leesa

Holy cow! How ya been? Been awhile. You keeping Lefty outta trouble?

[JimL]

Pay special attention to what Willow mentioned.  We all love the Valkyrie motorcycle on this board, but it is a bit unforgiving if you don't have a lot of experience riding.  Even with experience on several other bikes for several years, the first couple hundred miles on the Valkyrie was a learning experience.

[Momz]

I also have short little darwf like legs. But I also have spinal chord and neuro-muscular issues. I have an I/S that I haven't ridden since last year since my strength has deteriorated rapidly.

I also have a 98 standard that I have modified by severely lightening it, installed PS 11.5" shocks, and a Saddlemen "Explorer" seat. The seat is to lowest overall on the market and has gel on the rider portion.

Take the MSF experienced rider course and ride often with more experienced riders whenever possible.

Here are photos of my "handicapped Rat Rod Valk"

[sugerbear]

how thick are the soles of your ridding boots??
maybe...........

[Farther]

I have done what can be done to lower
my Valk. Shortleg[Dave]

  Please tell me what you have done to lower your Valk.

[RP#62]

My wife's just a little girl (5'1, 28" inseam) and she has no problem riding her Valk.   We put 11.5" shocks on the back, slipped the front forks 3/4", cut some foam out and narrowed the front of the seat, and finally put Deuce risers on it to bring the handlebars back a little.  She's still not flat-footed but has no problems.
-RP

[humshark]

I did the same as you more than 8 years ago now.  I went from an ACE 1100 with about a year of experience to the VALK. 

I had 0 problems handling the bike.  I made my mind up to buy a Valkyrie after making acquaintance with a very short and small stature 5'4" South African whom after riding various bikes of make and model could only praise the day he got on a VALK.  He assured me that the "BIG GAL" would be putty in my hands above 15 miles and hour, and only slightly hefty at moving around the parking lot.   

He was absolutely correct about the 15 MPH.  The VALK handles WAY better than the ACE ever did, and my skills have increased greatly after consistently riding my VALK. 
She was heavy to park, making It a little "tense" moving around by foot for about the first couple of months.

I am 5'7" with a 29/30 in-seem.  I am running standard height shocks.  I did purchase pullback risers for my Valkyries.  Will will NOT regret the purchase.  As always take a MSF course if you have not.  With 1 year of riding - NOW IS THE TIME to learn GOOD habits that will save your life if adopted and practiced.  The Ride Like A Pro IV is good as well, but not a replacement for the course. 

[Saphire]

Good information.  I do have the Ride Like a Pro DVD and it is a big help.  Please post the link for the taller risers.  I shouldn't have waited 58 years to start riding.

Here's the risers I was talking about.  I LOVE THESE and another Valk rider I know who has no problems with his reach wants a set too.

https://www.directlineparts.com/product.asp?pid=519&str=2&ID=468557851

[Saphire]

Holy cow! How ya been? Been awhile. You keeping Lefty outta trouble?

Lefty and I aren't together anymore.....  just shy of 7 yrs together.  We'll have to go riding sometime if you wanna know more.

[Farther]

Thanks for the information.  I will be picking the bike up in 8 days (700 mile roundtrip) if the owner doesn't sell it first.  I offered him earnest money and agreed to pay his asking price but he refused.  Wish me luck. 

[humshark]

I will be picking the bike up in 8 days (700 mile roundtrip) if the owner doesn't sell it first.

We'll be rooting for you.  Riding it home?  I have a cool story 'bout my first Valk purchase, pickup and ride home.

Ride safe and good luck!

[Farther]

Well, I picked up a 2003 Standard with 16k miles and rode it 330 miles home.  My ass and bank account are sore but all is well.

[B]

If you go with the Valk ... in addition to the Valk being 1.5X the weight of your Shadow, you'll find a much higher center of gravity.  AND ... easy on the throttle ... she ain't no V-Twin. 

[Farther]

If you go with the Valk ... in addition to the Valk being 1.5X the weight of your Shadow, you'll find a much higher center of gravity.  AND ... easy on the throttle ... she ain't no V-Twin. 

Done deal.  I found the bike to be very well mannered on I-5 on the 330 mile trip home.  The center of gravity seems to be low to me.