Is 5' 8'' Too Small For 1600 Classic

LED · 02-16-2005

Hi, I've been browsing the forum for a while now ( which is excellent by the way ) and if I was'nt convinced before about wanting a crusier I am now. The problem is that I have read road tests on the 1600 classic saying that 5' 8'' or less is too much of a stretch to the foot boards. There isn't a dealer in the country who would have one in stock, they can get them but you have to pay for it first. I have tried the VTX 1300 and it fits me fine, is the 1600 similar? Would it be too much of a change to go from sportsbikes to something as big as the 1600 classic? I want something to enjoy riding slower, 2 up touring, polishing and having both feet on the ground. Any help will be much appreciated.

Many Thanks
Lee

**2WheelFun** · 02-16-2005

Others are your height and have no problems. You'll enjoy the comfort once you begin to ride and those concerns will fade away quickly.

Good luck on your purchase!

**Spok** · 02-16-2005

Welcome LED, I'm 5'7" and ride the 1500. I've sat on the 1600's plenty of times and I don't think my height, or lack of, would keep me from reaching or riding that beast. I would suggest that you do whatever you can do to find one either in a showroom or another riders ride to throw your legs over but I think you'd be just fine.

Uncle Bob · 02-16-2005

Don't know where you got your info but you mention riding a sportbike, a cruiser ( even a 1600) will have a lower seat height than a sportbike.

My wife 5'1" rides a Nomad so I don't see a problem as far as height is concerned unless you are made real funny and only have a 12" inseam.LOL

woodchucks800 · 02-16-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Bob

Don't know where you got your info but you mention riding a sportbike, a cruiser ( even a 1600) will have a lower seat height than a sportbike.

My wife 5'1" rides a Nomad so I don't see a problem as far as height is concerned unless you are made real funny and only have a 12" inseam.LOL

Well,Uncle Bob from the pic of yourself in your avatar I'm guessing your

inseam is about 12" so if your able to handle the big cruisers than somebody thats 5'8" shouldn't have any problem.

Uncle Bob · 02-16-2005

But my arms are real long, I use those to keep the bike upright.

**2WheelFun** · 02-16-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodchucks800

Well,Uncle Bob from the pic of yourself in your avatar I'm guessing your

inseam is about 12" so if your able to handle the big cruisers than somebody thats 5'8" shouldn't have any problem.

ROTFLMAO.....Woody....Your a piece of work my friend!

**2WheelFun** · 02-16-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Bob

But my arms are real long, I use those to keep the bike upright.

ROTFLMAO....I'm laughing so hard with this visual.....Bob...glad your hanging on! LOL

**Spok** · 02-16-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodchucks800

Well,Uncle Bob from the pic of yourself in your avatar I'm guessing your

inseam is about 12" so if your able to handle the big cruisers than somebody thats 5'8" shouldn't have any problem.

I'm trying to put a visual of Uncle Bob working the foot controls with that short inseam. Must've had aftermarket higher controlls added.

*ispeed77* · 02-16-2005

at least the glasses will help him stay on the road !

*ispeed77* · 02-16-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by LED

Hi, I've been browsing the forum for a while now ( which is excellent by the way ) and if I was'nt convinced before about wanting a crusier I am now. The problem is that I have read road tests on the 1600 classic saying that 5' 8'' or less is too much of a stretch to the foot boards. There isn't a dealer in the country who would have one in stock, they can get them but you have to pay for it first. I have tried the VTX 1300 and it fits me fine, is the 1600 similar? Would it be too much of a change to go from sportsbikes to something as big as the 1600 classic? I want something to enjoy riding slower, 2 up touring, polishing and having both feet on the ground. Any help will be much appreciated.

Many Thanks
Lee

Lee
welcome to the forum. i just wanted to add to what these guys have already said. i am only about 5'8" as well and i ride a Nomad 1500 with no problems whatsoever. i really think the info that you received was incorrect. hopefully you'll be able to pick up a new 1600 now ! good luck, and keep us posted.
david

Paco · 02-16-2005

Im 5 eight, no problem with my 1600.

ntrlblkmn · 02-16-2005

hi led. i don't think its too small. i'm only 5'7 and i have the '05 vulcan 2000. i don't have any problems with it. i can feel the wait when putting it on the kickstand. other than that....i like the fit. 1600 should be just fine.

come on over to the cruiser world. its wonderful!!!!

**Spok** · 02-16-2005

I think the test has been passed. You'll fit jest fine! now go get that thing ordered...

Scotty Luv · 02-16-2005

Just like everyone else said, the bike should fit OK. I'm 5' 7" with a Nomad and no problems. If the 1600 feels like too much of a reach for you though, the 1500 should fit like a glove. It did for me. I say try'em both on and see which one fits best. I know you would be more than happy with either.

BTW, Welcome to the forum and welcome to the cruiser world!

Scott

*jukief* · 02-16-2005

I'm 5'5" and ride a 1500. I did add some risers to bring the handlebars closer, but that was just for comfort. I can flatfoot the bike with no problem.

luvcycles2 · 02-16-2005

Hi Led.Iride a 1600 and i'am 5"8 and i have no problem flat footing it .So just buy and ride Good luck.

shayshay · 02-16-2005

Led, I am 5' 7, workout regularly and pretty solid. I currently own a mean streak which fits me fairly well. I can tell you that I have sat on a VTX 1800 and found that bike to be too heavy, bulky and the floor boards just a little far foward making it a little uncomfortable for me. I have not sat on a 1600 classic, but I feel if you did it probably would not be as bad as the VTX.

Shendo57 · 02-16-2005

Does it strike anyone else odd that there are a lot of shorties on this forum??? Just kidding.

**Spok** · 02-16-2005

It aint the size of the rider but the displacement of the mill....lol

02-16-2005	#1 (permalink)
LED Newbie Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Belfast, N. Ireland, UK Posts: 2	Is 5' 8'' Too Small For 1600 Classic Hi, I've been browsing the forum for a while now ( which is excellent by the way ) and if I was'nt convinced before about wanting a crusier I am now. The problem is that I have read road tests on the 1600 classic saying that 5' 8'' or less is too much of a stretch to the foot boards. There isn't a dealer in the country who would have one in stock, they can get them but you have to pay for it first. I have tried the VTX 1300 and it fits me fine, is the 1600 similar? Would it be too much of a change to go from sportsbikes to something as big as the 1600 classic? I want something to enjoy riding slower, 2 up touring, polishing and having both feet on the ground. Any help will be much appreciated. Many Thanks Lee

02-16-2005	#2 (permalink)
2WheelFun the "fun" guy Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Albion, Washington "Pacific Northwest" Posts: 32,679	Others are your height and have no problems. You'll enjoy the comfort once you begin to ride and those concerns will fade away quickly. Good luck on your purchase! __________________ *KING KAHUNA* *2007 V2K LT* ****PICS** 2007 Brute Force 650i **PICS** I love the smell of SeaFoam in the morning**

02-16-2005	#3 (permalink)
Spok RIP Deron - 1400Pilot Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mount Vernon, Washington Posts: 36,700	Welcome LED, I'm 5'7" and ride the 1500. I've sat on the 1600's plenty of times and I don't think my height, or lack of, would keep me from reaching or riding that beast. I would suggest that you do whatever you can do to find one either in a showroom or another riders ride to throw your legs over but I think you'd be just fine. __________________ AUGUST 2006 MOM In Memory of Deron Harden - 1400 Pilot. You are missed. Official Cup Holder Inspection Officer

02-16-2005	#10 (permalink)
ispeed77 RIP Deron Harden :-( Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Gardner, MA Posts: 32,533	at least the glasses will help him stay on the road ! __________________ David - Moderator 2002 Suzuki DRZ400 2003 1500 Meanie, scraping pipes and frame :-) In loving memory of Deron Harden, forever in our thoughts :-(

02-16-2005	#12 (permalink)
Paco Turtle Wax Taster BTK Intermediate Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Greenwood, In Posts: 151	Im 5 eight, no problem with my 1600. __________________ Paco 06 KLR 650 VROC 6598 Greenwood, In

02-16-2005	#4 (permalink)
Uncle Bob No Significant Other Forum Supporter Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: Montreal Canada Posts: 5,201	Don't know where you got your info but you mention riding a sportbike, a cruiser ( even a 1600) will have a lower seat height than a sportbike. My wife 5'1" rides a Nomad so I don't see a problem as far as height is concerned unless you are made real funny and only have a 12" inseam.LOL

02-16-2005	#6 (permalink)
Uncle Bob No Significant Other Forum Supporter Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: Montreal Canada Posts: 5,201	But my arms are real long, I use those to keep the bike upright.

02-16-2005	#13 (permalink)
ntrlblkmn Finally Got Into First Gear BTK Beginner Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 58	hi led. i don't think its too small. i'm only 5'7 and i have the '05 vulcan 2000. i don't have any problems with it. i can feel the wait when putting it on the kickstand. other than that....i like the fit. 1600 should be just fine. come on over to the cruiser world. its wonderful!!!!

02-16-2005	#14 (permalink)
Spok RIP Deron - 1400Pilot Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mount Vernon, Washington Posts: 36,700	I think the test has been passed. You'll fit jest fine! now go get that thing ordered... __________________ AUGUST 2006 MOM In Memory of Deron Harden - 1400 Pilot. You are missed. Official Cup Holder Inspection Officer

02-16-2005	#15 (permalink)
Scotty Luv Sprinting G-Man Forum Supporter Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Plainfield, IL Posts: 4,168	Just like everyone else said, the bike should fit OK. I'm 5' 7" with a Nomad and no problems. If the 1600 feels like too much of a reach for you though, the 1500 should fit like a glove. It did for me. I say try'em both on and see which one fits best. I know you would be more than happy with either. BTW, Welcome to the forum and welcome to the cruiser world! Scott __________________ - '06 ZX-6R 636 Titanium, red alloy wheels and tribal graphics - '04 Nomad Metallic dark bronze

02-16-2005	#16 (permalink)
jukief I miss you, Deron Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Manchester, NH Posts: 19,469	I'm 5'5" and ride a 1500. I did add some risers to bring the handlebars closer, but that was just for comfort. I can flatfoot the bike with no problem. __________________ In memory of my friend Deron Harden. Life isn't going to be the same without him.

02-16-2005	#17 (permalink)
luvcycles2 Cruising In Fourth Gear BTK Intermediate Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Mastic Beach Long Island NY Posts: 204	Hi Led.Iride a 1600 and i'am 5"8 and i have no problem flat footing it .So just buy and ride Good luck.

02-16-2005	#18 (permalink)
shayshay Still On The Kickstand Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicopee, Ma Posts: 30	Led, I am 5' 7, workout regularly and pretty solid. I currently own a mean streak which fits me fairly well. I can tell you that I have sat on a VTX 1800 and found that bike to be too heavy, bulky and the floor boards just a little far foward making it a little uncomfortable for me. I have not sat on a 1600 classic, but I feel if you did it probably would not be as bad as the VTX.

02-16-2005	#19 (permalink)
Shendo57 Made It To Second Gear BTK Beginner Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Shenandoah, Pa Posts: 82	Does it strike anyone else odd that there are a lot of shorties on this forum??? Just kidding.

02-16-2005	#20 (permalink)
Spok RIP Deron - 1400Pilot Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mount Vernon, Washington Posts: 36,700	It aint the size of the rider but the displacement of the mill....lol __________________ AUGUST 2006 MOM In Memory of Deron Harden - 1400 Pilot. You are missed. Official Cup Holder Inspection Officer

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