09 compared to 07 seat difference...

[E Jones]

I just picked up my 09 Road King today. I've ridden an 07 for the past 2 years. The first thing I noticed is the height of the seat it seems to sit an inch or two higher on the tank. When I rode it I immediately noticed a difference in the seat air bladder. The seat was rocking what felt like back and forth every time I accelerated. In fact at times I felt like I was going to fall off the back. I checked the tank pressure and it was at 35 psi. Which is right around where I ride with the 07. The thing is the 07 didn't have that constant adjusting floating feeling. I'm just wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience? Not sure if the seat is designed to have a more active feel or if maybe the bladder on mine is defective?

[TLMitchell]

Originally Posted by E Jones

I just picked up my 09 Road King today. I've ridden an 07 for the past 2 years. The first thing I noticed is the height of the seat it seems to sit an inch or two higher on the tank. When I rode it I immediately noticed a difference in the seat air bladder. The seat was rocking what felt like back and forth every time I accelerated. In fact at times I felt like I was going to fall off the back. I checked the tank pressure and it was at 35 psi. Which is right around where I ride with the 07. The thing is the 07 didn't have that constant adjusting floating feeling. I'm just wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience? Not sure if the seat is designed to have a more active feel or if maybe the bladder on mine is defective?

Whatcha got, a Road Zeppelin? Dunno how to explain that.

Everyone I know swore the '09 frame was higher. Measured the seats and compared to my '07 side by side. Same height. The OEM '09 seats are wider at the front spreading your legs apart. I figure that's what creates the impression of a higher frame when it feels like your legs are further to the ground.

Is the inflatable seat '09 specific? Maybe they reshaped those as well. I figure it may be another way to get your legs away from the thigh-broasting heat.

TL

[Maxum96]

Originally Posted by TLMitchell

Whatcha got, a Road Zeppelin? Dunno how to explain that.

He's talking about the police solo saddle that has an air bladder underneath it on the rear. There is an air tank on top of the rear fender with a gauge that allows you to adjust the air pressure in the bladder.

The seats are different between the 07 and 09 models. I'm 5'9" with a 29" inseam and I can't flat foot it on the 09's. Also the 07 seats you could pull the pin out that's on top of the bladder and flip the seat up which is nice if it starts raining. The 09 still has the pin, but because of where the seat is hinged you can't flip it up. And I too have felt like I was going to slip off the back of the seat at times.

[Neil]

I think things changed in 08 when they went to the larger 6 gallon tank. The mounting point for the seat used to be right at the nose of the seat allowing the seat to be flipped up as mentioned before. Because of the larger tank the mounting point was moved about 2 inches under the seat. This also moved the seat height up just under an inch or so! The 09's are even a bit higher because of the frame change. I find that on my departments 08 I need to run about 45 - 50 lbs to be comfortable without feeling like I am falling of the back and I weigh around 220, maybe a bit more when you factor in duty belt, vest, etc... I think alot of it has to do with the mounting point and how the seat pivots on the mounting bolt. I wish HD would re-design the mounting point with the larger tank to make it like to older design.

Neil

[rockenrobert]

I run 50lbs or more on a 09 and that seems to be better than 35lbs
I started with. Air bladder leaks a bit!
rockenrobert
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