My Observation on seats : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

retrocool · 08-25-2009, 06:31 PM

Like everyone else, I've been on a quest for the perfect handlebars and seat combo

I ended up with 09 Heritage 10 inch apes for the bars, and have tried every seat under the bum

I've tried the sundowners, corbin solo, mustang solo, pillow, and wide vintage, the police air ride solo etc.
What I found last month was very interesting.
I took a short road trip from California to Oregon, Washington, Idaho and back on my roadking classic, with the STOCK seat on it!
I put my T-bag on the seat, and strapped a square block of foam (pelican box foam) to the bag. This is what I was resting on.
I gotta tell ya. I did a 900 mile day in total comfort

There were several gas stops that I didn't even get off the bike.
What does this prove, you ask?
I don't think it is as much of a seat issue as we all think.
I think it has more to do with a riders backrest, and not slumping over when you ride.
I just picked up a riders backrest at lunch and will go home and install it tonight.
I think having something to lean against is 100 times more important than the seat.
At no time did my butt get sore, numb, hot, or hurt during this trip.
However, when I took my ghetto foam block off, I could only do about 100 miles before I wanted to get off again.
Anyone else find the backrest more usefull than the seat?
Just askin'

baggins · 08-25-2009, 06:43 PM

Hello Retro,

I have been riding the police air-ride with a mustang seat for the rider.

I have recently switched back to the Corbin dual tour seat.

Leather is much better.

Shape of the seat more comfortable all round.

I have a passenger backrest which i was going to use for a t-bag kind of thing with extra padding as you describe.

Glad to hear that you have found a way to keep riding.

Lance (Ramona nr San Diego)

TriLs · 08-25-2009, 09:03 PM

I'll catch myself slumping and then push back into the "pocket" on the stock seat, set my vision just over the top of the windshield and comfort is restored. There will be an HD adjustable backrest on it in a few weeks. That should help to keep the slumping from creeping on...