[mnv-rod]

I'm offering up a quick review of the Sundowner seat that I added to my bike about three weeks ago. I was looking at just replacing the passenger pillion but I had the opportunity to speak with a rep on the V-Rod project and he reccomended I wait for the Sundowner announcement. He had one in his pre-release '03 V-Rod that he and his wife raved about. Here are my thoughts.

For the driver the Sundowner is the most comfortable seat I have tried on any bike. The seat is wider than stock and more accurately contoured to the shape of a human being than the sleek-looking stock seat. I used to look forward to refueling stops to get off of the bike for awhile, but now I wish I had another gallon or so capacity in the tank so I could keep going.

For the passenger it is infinitely more comfortable than the stock seat. Passengers I have had have commented on how comfortable it is. I am using the Touring Passenger Pillion in conjunction with the seat. The pillion mounts on the low sissy-bar and snugs tightly up against the seat. Where the backrest and seat come together the fabrics are a little bit different, but generally unnoticed.

The seat and backrest nicely balance the look of the HD leather saddlebags.

 

[bermuda]

mnv-rod,

Do you like the look of the seat in general? Does it look much larger than the stock seat?

Thanks,

 

[mnv-rod]

Yes, I do like the look. There is a classy V-Rod stitched into the seat so it looks good. I did have the seat on without the sissy-bar, then with, then with the sissy-bar and backrest. With the sissy bar and backrest looks the best since the back of the seat doesn't taper into the fender like the original.

I've always had the saddlebags on it so it blends nicely. I can't say what the lines would be like without them, but I don't think it would be too disruptive.

I wouldn't really compare the look to the stock seat since my opinion is that the stock one is more ornamental than functional. The stock seat is too narrow and soft. If the original appearance is what you want check out the Badlander or something like that.You don't sink into the Sundowner like you do on the stock version when get heavy with the throttle.

Here's a photo:

 

[mnv-rod]

Compared to stock:

 

[mnv-rod]

Sorta closeup:

 

[mnv-rod]

Overall appearance:

 

[BillyD]

mnv-rod,

Do you like the look of the seat in general? Does it look much larger than the stock seat?

Thanks,

I have the seat also, I think it looks even better than stock. Like mnv-rod said it is a hell of a lot more comfortable than stock. The passengers seat is equally as good. It is well worth it in my opinion.

 

[larry1]

How dose it look with the stock passenger seat?
Never ride anyone. Hate to spend the money for nothing. But looks are an exception.
Thanks

 

[mnv-rod]

The passenger pillion would be a bit lower than the front where they come together.

 

[mgebbia]

Does this seat position you back further or move you up closer, or is it about the same as the stock seat ???

The reason I am asking is because I am 6'2" and I would like to find a seat that would allow me to move back just a little bit.

Thanks

Mike

 

[DJW]

How much?

MNV-Rod, can you tell me what the dealer charged you, all told for the seat, backrest, fender plate, and Labor? Also, how's the ride for a passenger?

 

[mnv-rod]

mgebbia, I can only speculate that it gives you a smidge more legroom. You'd think HD would post that kind of info...

DJW, I've addressed the passenger ride quality above. Its good.

There isn't any need to have the dealer install any of this for you since its so easy to do.

If you do add the plate make sure you put screws into the sissybar mounting holes once before you have it on the bike. The plate is steel, the screws aluminum and I had a head strip on one of them which was a pain. May not be a bad idea to use some WD-40 on the bolts.

I got 15% off retail on all of it and I apologize, but I don't recall the exact numbers.

 

[4nic8]

DJW you can go to Chicago Harley online and order the stuff on the web, they give a 20% discount on parts and you can see the prices right there, just grab the part numbers from the harley accessory book or online.

 

[SVROD]

mgebbia,

I have the same problem - also 6'2 and want to move back a bit to stretch my legs. I will chack around and let you know if I find a solution. Please do the same.

Best!

Joe

 

[sslivin]

My Sundowner seat

Weel I finally talked myself into getting the Sundowner seat. I put it on last night after the girl friend went to sleep.

I rode over 100 miles this morning and felt great afterwards! WHat a difference! This seat should be standard equipment.

As I am a big guy, 6'4" I will warn you that this seat does move the rider forward an inch or two. For most people this will be welcome. It put me more upright relative to the front pegs, although still comfortable.

The seat also looks a lot nicer than stock.

Kevin Brown
St. Peters, MO

 

[rss000f]

sundowner passagner vs. touring pillion

Has anyone compared the sundowner passanger pillion with the touring pillion? I know it's about 1/2 inch wider, but is there a difference?