Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Short rider

Folks,
I am currently stationed in Iraq and have decided that I want to purchase a motorcycle upon my return home with some of my cash that I saved during my deployment. I have pretty much decided that I want to purchase either an America or a Speedmaster. My question is how do these two models suit the shorter rider? (I am only 5'8") I have discovered that there is an aftermarket low profile seat offered that lowers the seat height by 2.75 inches. Has anyone tried this? In addition, I have also found that there are handle bar risers offered that will bring the bars 2 inches back toward the rider. I guess what I am trying to ask is if it is possible to fit the bike to the rider without badly screwing up the ergonomics that were obviously engineered into the bike's construction. Any and all help would be appreciated.

Well depends on the length of your inseam.I am 5'9" and the bike fits me well. I did put 4 1/2" risers on with a 1 1/2" pull back. That is 1/2" rise over the Speedmaster risers and 1 1/2" more pull back,in addition I put America bars on my Speedmaster. That combination gives me the position I wanted. Floorboards is another option if you feel the pegs are too far away. I changed Wendys bike to fit her and she is 5'1". When I added the floor boards I adjusted the break pedal back,it has a threaded adjustment and I took the arm off the trans shaft and moved it on its splines to bring the shifter farther back to make it comfortable for her. I also lowered the rear of her bike 2" so she was comfortable with her footing at a stop. I hope this is of some help.

It should fit you fine without changing the seat. I think an America would fit you better since the bars pull back more but you'd be fine on a Speedmaster too.

I'm 5'9" with a 31" inseam and my America fits very well. I went the opposite way from Ian and put on a stock Speedmaster riser/bar set which I find gives me a much better front end feel...I also have a Corbin solo seat and I sit flat footed easily when stopped. If anything, with my 31" inseam the forward controls miss being forward enough by about 2"...but I'll be putting on floorboards soon enough so it's a moot point.
BTW Thanks for serving. Those of us here at home really appreciate the sacrifices you make to protect us.

I don't think you would have a problem with the seat height. My 5'2" wife handles my speedy fine. You may want to move the bars or change the pegs to boards, but all those things are easy enough when the time comes.

Hey welcome to the forum, congrats on your choice - if you do the usual 15 months, you'll probably be able to pay cash for your new Triumph
I'm 5'10" and both bikes felt just fine to me, about the same. Can't really add anything about the seat, but I do have a tip for the America bars...I was looking into risers, but then had an idea. I loosened up the riser bolts and turned the bars up and back a few degreees (you have to also pivot the control levers up a little to match), and then it felt perfect. I was actually able to lean back a bit more.
Hurry back and keep your head down!

SSG Rex
Bahgdad, Balad, Babylon 03-04
4 Bde, 1 AD

I tend to prefer the style of the America. My inseam is more along the lines of 29". I know that asking these questions without ever having sat on the bike is a little premature. I have kind of made researching what I want to buy a hobby. With the help that you guys provide, I should be able to purchase the right product and/or accessories with ease. I have also figured out that this thing is going to cost me a pretty penny due to the fact that I really like the look of chrome......should add up real quick. Ready to get home and resume living life to the fullest.

Welcome Jason I don't think you will have any issues over either bikes, just get whatever takes your fancy on your return..

I have a 30" inseam and I have no problem reaching the controls on my America. My son who also has a 30" inseam says the controls on my bike are too far away. Go figure.

Chrome rules! Thanks for serving. It will be a blast coming home to a new Trumpet! Keep us posted cause we care!

I am only 5' 2", and what I did was put on different shocks (better ones) to lower it some so that I could stand flat footed. I bought the Progressive Shocks, 412 BAM model. It works for me.

Like the others, I would like to thank you for your service.

At 5' 8" you shouldn't have any problem, but as you said in your second post, you need to sit on the bike. Go to a dealer and sit on both models. My guess is that one will feel fine without having to do any modifications.

I'm only 5 3ish. I have a cobin seat, America bars on my speedie and just added Progressive shocks.....which somehow make the bars feel closer. Test ride, ride some more and see what works.
BTW......Thank you for serving. Hugs and Honor to you!
Tali

I'm 5' 6" and the bike fits me very well. I would say the bike is perfect for someone 5'8".

Lohman
I can not say about the size thing, I am 6' and the BA fits me well. I did however want to say thank you for your service and sacrifice. Be safe and an early welcome home!

Welcome and thank you for your service. 5'8", either one of these bikes will fit you just fine with no modifications. And may I add what an excellent choice you've made sir.

officially 65".
30" of it is inseam.
Blue and i are a perfect fit.


you should do just fine.

5'8" here with a 30in inseam and this bike (America) fits me like Mr. Bloor came and took measurments and then built me a bike. most comfortable i have ever owned!!!! and i have had a few. and handles grrreat!!!!
thank you for your service!!!!!!!!

Well I am 6'1 so I have no idea....seems like everyone has already answered your question.

My reason for responding is just to say THANKS for serving our country!1

Ya know you guys shamed me, It never crossed my mind to thank him for his service when it is so richly deserved. So allow me to rectify that. Thank you very much for protecting my freedoms. Now if someone could just protect me from our politicians! Come home safe and enjoy the new ride no matter what you decide on.

Jason,

I am 5'8 and have done nothing to the bike to lower it in any way. It fits very well as it is. I doubt you will have any problems with the seat height.

Thanks for everything you are doing over there. I hope to see you back in the states on a Triumph soon!

Hey, You're NOT short!
I'm 5'6" and my Speedy fits me fine.. I did change the handlebars because of the forward controls. If I had an America I would not have changed anything, but in 06 only the SM had mag wheels... I hate cleaning spokes.
I wish I were 5'8"!
Oh yeah. 29-30 inch inseam...depends on which boots I'm wearing! <G>
Go sit on them both, but make sure to get the faster red one! <BG>
Mary

24.5" inseam with lower profile seat and footboards fit just fine.
TBA seemed to fit a bit better then the speedie back in '04

Dude, get yer butt home and go to your nearest Triumph dealer and plant it on both. Your biggest problem will be deciding between Flashy (America - obviously over- compensating for something...) and Sleek (just cool lines, no worries). Either way, you'll like what you decide to ride.

Don't sell yourself short, Bub.

You'll be fine on either one of these bikes.

Funny thing is I tried a Kawasaki 900 Custom at the Int'l M/C Show and my first thought was how "small" and cramped the bike felt. Like I was sitting atop the triple clamp.

These bikes feel real roomy, but I don't think your inseam is going to be a problem, either. I sit real close to the tank on my Speedmaster, especially around town between the stops and red lights and such.

The solution is simple: Gain a bunch of weight. I'm 5'8.5", 29.5" inseam and I sit flat footed because I weigh over 300 pounds. If I weighed 200 pounds I probably couldn't sit flatfooted, I'd probably be teetering back and forth on my tip toes.

FWIW- My wife is 5'1" and with the 1" lower shocks on the bike she can almost flat foot it. Certainly could ride it (if she would learn to drive one). She used to have mini-panic attacks trying to get on the Concourse!