This year Harley has a XL 1200 low model with a seat height of 28.0 inches. Last year they gave us the 883 low model with a seat height of 26.0 inches. In 2004, the XL 883 Custom had a seat height of 26.3 inches. Finally we had a 2003 Hugger with a seat height of 27.1 inches.

If you are a short rider, several components factor into getting comfortable on your Sportster. First of all, when I sat on the '03 Hugger and compared it to the 2004 883C, I found that I could actually reach the ground better on the Hugger. The Hugger has a higher seat height but with the narrow Hugger seat, my legs were stretched less outward. I was unable to get the same seat for my '04 883C.

To bring my '04 883C down to my level, I had the stock seat cut down and a gel pad inserted. Then the front of the seat was shaved down to make it narrower. This helped bring me down and forward. I also had a rear lowering kit put on which brought the bike down two inches. I had the front lowered, I can't remember now if I went 1 or 2 inches there. I also have my shocks set on the lowest setting to gain some ground there. My last addition was a set of pull back bars. Now, with my boots on I can get flat footed on the ground. If I wear anything with a regular sole on it, my heels don't touch the ground. I still don't have much clearance but I'm only 5 foot tall so I'm asking for a lot here.

So with the lowering kit and modification my seat height is less than 24 inches. I do have to be cautious over rough roads because my bike does ride low and my shocks have less give to them. Its a balance of comfort and safety.

Obviously if you are taller than I am you won't need all of the modifications I needed. Harley is trying to meet the needs of women riders and giving us equal consideration as the men.