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2018 Heritage Seat Problems

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Old Feb 11, 2018 | 08:22 PM
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Default 2018 Heritage Seat Problems

The seat looks so nice, I like the matching long metal studs but it hurts my tailbone so bad that I am fidgeting and moving about after 45 minutes. I miss the Ultimate seat I had on my Fat Boy but I don't think they have one yet for the new Softails.

Is cutting a channel out of the foam a good idea? Is it something I could do myself or does it have to go to a seatmaker? Even that is an expensive option if I have to ship it somewhere. I'm not even sure that it would work, the seat also seems to put me in the wrong position, I want to sit more forward but I end up sitting in the lowest part which hurts my tailbone, but sitting forward puts me too close to the tank.

After an hour or so getting off is agony while I wait for the blood to get back in my tushie. I'm fine again after a 5 minute break but then half an hour later it's hurting.

Anybody changed their seat yet?
 
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Old Feb 11, 2018 | 08:31 PM
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Harley makes the Hammock and the Sundowner for the new Heritage.
 
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Old Feb 11, 2018 | 08:31 PM
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Speak to a local auto upholstery shop and ask them for suggestions. That would probably be the last expensive option other than doing it yourself.
 
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Old Feb 11, 2018 | 08:43 PM
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Originally Posted by jeg1
Harley makes the Hammock and the Sundowner for the new Heritage.

yes but without the matching studs
 
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Old Feb 11, 2018 | 08:47 PM
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Ultimate is estimating availability for new models in may if that helps.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2018 | 05:46 PM
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Default Hey Lauren and Co

Well, kinda hate to admit it, but yes. Found the stock seat same as you. Bought the sundowner a week later. Much better, but still I worry after an hour in the saddle that I'm doing nerve damage. The tingly sensation in the vertebrae near the bum that doesn't go away unless I don't ride for a week. The new Heritage is by far the best suspension I've been on to eliminate this, however, the riding position, even with ideal posture, lends itself to damaging thoes precious lower disc cushions.

I've seen Harley has released the spring seat kits for the 18 street bob,
https://mstore.harley-davidson.com/store/spring-saddle-installation-kit

so I'm just waiting on the confirmation that I can use my 1960s Deluxe style solo spring seat with this set up. I've used this setup on a few bikes over the years. Super Comfy and no nerve damage.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2018 | 06:07 PM
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Sorry to hear you're having problems with the seat Lauren. I've spent 9 hours at a time except (rode to Ft Meyers) for gas stops on mine with no issues at all. Hopefully you will find a solution that is not too expensive.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2018 | 06:10 PM
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Lauren Once you ride with an Ultimate it is hard to ride with anything else.
 
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Old Feb 13, 2018 | 06:45 PM
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Had/felt the same problem. I immediately bought the Tallboy seat. The Tallboy sits you back further so that you tend less to push back on your tail bone. The Tallboy is much better but I've yet to take it on a long trip. I have a feeling that I will try other seats at some point but we will see once the weather improves and i can start riding again
 

Last edited by kenny55; Feb 13, 2018 at 06:48 PM.
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Old Feb 13, 2018 | 09:20 PM
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Cutting some foam out of a stock Harley seat is very easy, but very easy to screw up. I have had good luck using an electric slicing knife. Start with an idea of how much you want to remove, and slice off about 1/2 of that. Use a staple gun to put the cover back on, it helps to have a friend staple while you pull it tight. After a few rides you'll know if you want to repeat the process to take off more. Spray adhesive on top of the foam is a nice touch when you have got it cut down as much as you want. Don't use a lot, just a bit to keep the cover from moving.
 
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