I have on '08 FLHX with a Sundowner seat. Ride to work most days, so the bike sits in the sun a good bit. After 35K miles, I found a small tear in the seat. Repaired it. Developed another one in another place, then two more. Looks like the vinyl is tired from the heat. I have the new seat - but want to know before I put it on what others are doing to care for your seat. Vinyl treatment of some kind? Leather care products? Cover? I don't really want a full cover, but I've considered a seat cover of some kind.

If I have to replace the seat every 35K so I can enjoy riding every day, that's better than driving my Tahoe to work - but thought I get some ideas.

 

I suspect it's not so much the heat as it is the ultraviolet rays of the sun attacking the material. How about keeping it covered while in the sun? Just a thought...

 

Thinking the padding/foam breaks down some after that many miles.

I do use some armor-all type stuff to keep it looking good.

 

try the HD Oasis half bike cover. use some good leather polish

 

Nelson-Rigg makes a half cover like the HD Oasis for a lot less $$$. I use it for sun protection at work.

 

Sure it's not a bird or something doing it. I've left my bike with the Sundowner seat outside work for years uncovered and the seat is fine.

 

I use it when we stop for a meal and no shade to park the bike under. It keeps your butt from burning when time to climb back in the saddle.

 

Use saddle dressing and throw a black garbage bag over the seat when it sits in the sun.

 

I would just drape a towel over it while it sits at work. Will protect the seat from sun and rays and also keep it a bit cooler when you go to sit on the seat.

DC

 

I would get the Half cover. It will not only protect your Seat from the damage of the sun, it will also protect your electronics. Worth the money!!!