Different Harley Sportster models and riding posture?

Question

I haven't ridden a sportster yet. I've sat on a few though. I've sat on an XL, a Low, a Nightster, and a Custom. I fell in love with the Custom because of the forward controls, and I like the bars that aren't bent as much. I'm 5'9", and I'm long-legged. The custom felt wonderful to me.

While the custom felt good to sit on for 2 minutes, I wonder if the forward controls might affect my posture and make my back hurt (my back does tend to hurt sometimes). Do you think I might be better off going for a sportster with the pegs sitting straighter down? My legs would be bent more, but maybe I'd tend to sit up straighter.

Answer 1

Yes the forward controls put more pressure on your lower back, you should get the mid controls and you can add a set of highway pegs up front that will allow you to stretch your legs out when you need to.

Answer 2

You can always get  a set of longer (aka buckhorn) bars (you might need new control cables if the dealer doesn't do it for you).  I never had that many issues, it's a matter of what riding position fits you/your back.  DynaWideGlide sits you back real nice if you can spend the extra $.  But you can pretty much get the same feel with some changes to a Sportster (don't know what the new "Sporty's" offer for accesories).  Otherwise go w/fwd controls & longer bars (maybe a cushier seat) if you need em.

Answer 3

5'9'' is probably the limit for a sporty.

You might want to pursue this before you fork out the cash for one.