6' 2" cramped

[bohomus]

A problem I'm having learning to drive my Goldwing trike is the length of my legs (33" inseam) causing the operation of the gears and brake pedals to be cumbersome. It's uncomfortable and a bit hard to get to the pedals. I've looked up solutions, including here, and the only thing I can see as a solution is to buy a expensive custom made seat. I've tried raising myself higher using a pillow which eases my legs somewhat but does nothing for the cramped pedal problem. Any suggestions? If the solution is the seat, which custom seat would you recommend? I've talked to Diamond Custom seats. It seems they can solve my problem for just under $700. Any advise would be appreciated.

 

[rmrc51]

You can also try Roadsmith's Comfort Controls. They move your shifter and rear brake 3 inches forward and 1 inch down. They're expensive, but I've found that they do offer some relief from the standard 'cramped' Wing foot position.

I just put out a thread on 'Maximizing leg Comfort' by removing my floor boards. Take a look and see if that might also be a possibility for you.

 

[bohomus]

Thanks Rich. I checked out Roadsmith's Comfort Controls. It looks like a possible solution, however it's not any cheaper than the Diamond Custom Seat. Have any idea which would be better? Man, your trike is incredible. I hate to see you remove those footboards. They're way cool.

 

[dogman513]

Thanks Rich. I checked out Roadsmith's Comfort Controls. It looks like a possible solution, however it's not any cheaper than the Diamond Custom Seat. Have any idea which would be better? Man, your trike is incredible. I hate to see you remove those footboards. They're way cool.

Check out the Kury. Mini floorboards, adjust forward,back and tilt down/up. Then of coarse in cruising mode, nothing beats stretching the legs out on those highway pegs. Just like riding the recliner !

 

[cavie]

After reading this I jumped on my buddy's wing yesterday. I much prefer the leg room of my VTX and I have short legs.

 

[rmrc51]

Thanks Rich. I checked out Roadsmith's Comfort Controls. It looks like a possible solution, however it's not any cheaper than the Diamond Custom Seat. Have any idea which would be better? Man, your trike is incredible. I hate to see you remove those footboards. They're way cool.

That's a tough call. The best scenario would be to have both as I do. (I have a custom Hartco Pro seat. A sister company to Diamond). That would give you the maximum stretched out distance. If you find your current seat uncomfortable, I'd change that first!

As for my floor/footboards, I'm only removing the chromed floorboards, not the large grey Wing Boards.

 

[bohomus]

Thanks for the advise Rich. I believe I'm going to go with a Diamond Custom Seat. If that doesn't work, the comfort controls will be next. The only problem is telling my wife that I just spent a boatload of money on this trike, now I'm spending more on a seat. That's gonna be a fun discussion. Oh well, she'll get over it eventually.

 

[SEABILL]

Thanks for the advise Rich. I believe I'm going to go with a Diamond Custom Seat. If that doesn't work, the comfort controls will be next. The only problem is telling my wife that I just spent a boatload of money on this trike, now I'm spending more on a seat. That's gonna be a fun discussion. Oh well, she'll get over it eventually.

A box of chocolates might help!

 

[bohomus]

That would have to be some really outstanding chocolates.

 

[SMSgt]

Roses will help, at least they always do for me. But then again you might want to wait on the roses until you spring the Comfort Controls on her. That might even take a movie. Or a new car. :laugh::laugh:

 

[rmrc51]

Thanks for the advise Rich. I believe I'm going to go with a Diamond Custom Seat. If that doesn't work, the comfort controls will be next. The only problem is telling my wife that I just spent a boatload of money on this trike, now I'm spending more on a seat. That's gonna be a fun discussion. Oh well, she'll get over it eventually.

Lol,,,. Tell me about it! I had told my wife when I first bought my current trike home, that this one already had everything I needed already on it. :Angel:

Not more then one week later, packages from WingStuff and other places started arriving at the door. :busted:

These trikes are worse then a drug habit, lol. :AGGHH:

 

[bohomus]

All the candy, movies and what not doesn't make up for my inability to answer the question - Why did you spend that much money on a vehicle that isn't comfortable to ride?

 

[rmrc51]

All the candy, movies and what not doesn't make up for my inability to answer the question - Why did you spend that much money on a vehicle that isn't comfortable to ride?

I've often wondered that myself! :Shrug:

If I ever did get another trike, it wouldn't be a Goldwing mainly for the poor leg/foot position. Even with the Comfort Controls and the custom seat, I would still like to have my legs in a position as the curisers such as the Harleys "and" even better, the new Indians, lol.

 

[rwbetour]

I have a long inseam as well. What worked for me was to remove the stock pegs and ride with my feet on the running boards. Then I simply lift my feet to operate the break and shift lever.

 

[icedad]

I'm with you Rmrc51. If i get another trike, it will not be not be a Goldwing, even tho it's the best out there. The leg room, and long trips stink.

 

[2006gold]

We have a GW with the Motor Trike conversion. With the stock seat my knees were in the dash. Purchased the Ultimate King seat which sets me back about two inches and gives me a lot of knee room without crowing the wife. About $700 unless you can catch them on sale.

 

[rmrc51]

I also posted this in the thread I had started regarding 'Maximizing Leg Comfort'. I though it might also be of benefit in this thread as well.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Update:

I removed my floorboards today, got rid of that annoying heel/toe shifter and now have full access to the Wing Boards which also increased the amount of room I have to further stretch my legs.

As others have mentioned, it looks like I'll have no problem comfortably accessing the shifter peg with my toe. I have plenty of room to place my foot under the peg and it's quite easy to locate to up or down shift, I'm happy to say! I feel this was also aided by having Roadsmith's Comfort Controls which moved the shifter 3" forward and 1 inch down placing the shifter peg in a perfect location for the Wing Boards! This in itself will be the biggest plus! If you've followed past threads of mine, the heel/toe shifter always caused a sharp hip spasm (old injury) when shifting with my heel.

What I did notice is that placing my full weight on the flat portion of the Wing Board, directly in front of where the mid brace is located isn't advisable as the surface seems to give/flex under my weight. Placing my weight either directly over the mid brace location or on the curved edge of the Wing Board when mounting or dismounting offers complete support without any obvious flexing.

All in all this will hopefully be a great improvement not only in the added leg space but will finally address all of the hip pain I've had when shifting. Thanks for all of the support and suggestions! ThumbUp

 

[bohomus]

I just order a Diamond Custom Seat from a guy named mark. It'll be a couple of inches back and a inch up. I hope this does the trick. I'll keep you all posted when I get it in a couple of weeks or so. Oh and by the way, I got my Mississippi motorcycle endorsement yesterday. I'm legal.

 

[SEABILL]

I also posted this in the thread I had started regarding 'Maximizing Leg Comfort'. I though it might also be of benefit in this thread as well.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Update:

I removed my floorboards today, got rid of that annoying heel/toe shifter and now have full access to the Wing Boards which also increased the amount of room I have to further stretch my legs.

As others have mentioned, it looks like I'll have no problem comfortably accessing the shifter peg with my toe. I have plenty of room to place my foot under the peg and it's quite easy to locate to up or down shift, I'm happy to say! I feel this was also aided by having Roadsmith's Comfort Controls which moved the shifter 3" forward and 1 inch down placing the shifter peg in a perfect location for the Wing Boards! This in itself will be the biggest plus! If you've followed past threads of mine, the heel/toe shifter always caused a sharp hip spasm (old injury) when shifting with my heel.

What I did notice is that placing my full weight on the flat portion of the Wing Board, directly in front of where the mid brace is located isn't advisable as the surface seems to give/flex under my weight. Placing my weight either directly over the mid brace location or on the curved edge of the Wing Board when mounting or dismounting offers complete support without any obvious flexing.

All in all this will hopefully be a great improvement not only in the added leg space but will finally address all of the hip pain I've had when shifting. Thanks for all of the support and suggestions! ThumbUp

Glad to hear that this is going to work for you. I am also working on using the running boards and the Comfort Controls. Any problems accessing the foot brake?

 

[bohomus]

Thanks for all the responses.

 

[bohomus]

I got my Diamond Custom Seat put on today. It was made to move me back 2 inches and up 1. Much better riding position for me. I would still like a couple of more inches back but the handle bar position is perfect now. More inches might make that a bit uncomfortable. It's good for now. Maybe down the road if I start riding long distances, I'll consider forking out the $ for the comfort controls. But for now I'm happy.

I tried to post a picture but I can't get it to work.

 

[rmrc51]

I got my Diamond Custom Seat put on today. It was made to move me back 2 inches and up 1. Much better riding position for me. I would still like a couple of more inches back but the handle bar position is perfect now. More inches might make that a bit uncomfortable. It's good for now. Maybe down the road if I start riding long distances, I'll consider forking out the $ for the comfort controls. But for now I'm happy.

I tried to post a picture but I can't get it to work.

Glad your Diamond seat worked out for you. I also have the sister seat to the Diamond. The Hartco Pro-Tour and it also helped not only in the seating position, but increased comfort as well over that horrible stock seat.

Glad to hear that this is going to work for you. I am also working on using the running boards and the Comfort Controls. Any problems accessing the foot brake?

Hiya Bill. I didn't see your question regarding the foot brake until this morning. And no, I have no problems access the foot brake. You have to remember that I have the Comfort controls so the foot brake is also 3 inches forward and 1 inch down.

 

[MDGeorge]

There are a couple of things that have made mine more comfortable. My inseam is only 31". but still cramped. These have been enough for me.

1. Handlebar risers. They make me sit up more.
2. Airhawk "R" seat cushion. lifted my body 1.5" plus makes the ride better.
3. 2" fork extensions. Lifted the front of the trike, which makes me sit back some.

With these, I have not needed any adjustment to the pegs.
Worked for me, anyway.

 

[Rowdy]

I am 6'2" and had the same problem when I bought my present trike. It had floorboards with heel/toe shifter and that was the first thing I removed. I still was not happy so I ordered these
They lower your foot position and move it forward. They do take a little getting used to because you need to turn your toe in slightly to shift but that becomes natural after a little time. These and a custom seat made my ride much more comfortable.

 

[2006gold]

I was having the same problem. Solved mine with a Ultimate King seat - $695 unless you can catch them on sale. Moved me back about an inch and a half in relation to the stock seat which made a lot of difference. Don't have my knees in the dash anymore, plus it's simply more comfortable.