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Looks like it's been a while since I posted here, but I've been on an unplanned and unwanted break from the Sport Glide (knee problems). Since the last post it's warmed up so the Hand Guards and Soft Lowers are off the bike until late Fall. The knee problems are currently managed so I'm back on the bike!
This weekend the local HD dealer had a sale, and I spotted an FLSB seat. Outside of the HD Touring seats I've always had to order seats and wait for them to ship before I can actually see how they work on the bike, but here I had the chance to try before I buy. So, I tried it on the bike and it seemed to be just the riding position I've been looking for, and I bought it. It's a Saddlemen Pro Series SDC Performance Gripper.
Side profile after adding Saddlemen Pro Series SDC Performance Gripper Seat
I like how the lines of the Seat work with the stock hard Saddlebags, especially with the mini-backrest (it's adjustable / removable).
The seat fits well, and has a nice pad included to protect the rear fender mount point (sorry: I didn't take a picture of this).
Sitting proud on the tank
You can see here that the seat sits a bit proud of the tank, but I've triple-checked the installation, and this appears to just be how it's designed. I think this was really designed for the Low Rider ST and just happens to fit the Sport Glide as well. I don't know if that makes any difference to where the nose rides, but I wouldn't mind dropping it a smidge.
So, having put in a little over 100 miles on the new seat so far, coming from the Mustang Touring Solo with backrest, what do I think?
For reference I'm 5'9", with a longer torso and shorter legs (29" inseam). Stock with pegs the Sport Glide puts me in a V position, with my knees stretched and almost locked
I've already added the 4" risers and some Kuryakin mini-floorboards to help me sit in more of a C position and I've been pretty happy with that. I love being able to move my feet around
The Saddlement puts me up and forward of where the Mustang did, and I really like it. It's like sitting in an office chair. No stress on my neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, or knees! I do still need to stretch my legs a bit to shift/use the rear brake
The backrest and lumbar support are spot on, and the seat cradles my backside perfectly. I can see how adjusting the backrest to a forward position could help someone with even shorter legs get a better reach to the foot controls
The side seams do cut into my lower thighs above where the Mustang does (no surprise, just pointing it out), and I basically have zero room to shift around, other than to roll my hips to one side or the other (so one side can breath/recirculate blood)
The surface materials feel a bit weird to the (finger) touch, but grip my riding jeans well and aren't at all uncomfortable. We'll see how they hold up over time against the elements (the bike is garaged, so not too worried)
The seat foam/gel/pan combination is rather firm, but not rock-solid, so it conforms without collapsing, which is a quality I really like in a seat
I think the Mustang is still the seat for rides longer than a few hours, but most of my rides are less than two hours, and I think the Saddlemen may be just the ticket for that
It's probably stupid, but at some point I may spring for the Saddlemen Explorer and try it for longer rides
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