Ok, so this is my first Springer. Ride an 05 springer softail FXSTS. I'm having terrible luck getting aftermarket parts that will fit this bike...specifically seats. It is a softail, but presumably the frame is a smaller FX frame (based on model designation, obviously) because softail seats are too wide. So should I be looking for seats that came off Dynas or sportys? Would seats from a dyna or sporty fit my bike even with the difference in shock mounts? This is my 3rd harley, so I'm certainly no expert, but apparently ordering softail parts for my softail isn't as easy as it appears. I constantly hear "any softail will work", but things just aren't fitting on my bike.

 

There's the smaller FX front end, and then there are the larger FL front ends. Only example i know of is a FL Springer front end
On the heritage softail springer.

 

Have you tried any other seats? I'm not familiar with springers but I've had a few softails an generally the rear fender size an gas tank shape/length determine seat fitment. I thought seats interchanged except for the deuce model. You could also send your current seat to mean city cycles an have it redone with new padding, a custom cover, memory foam..what ever you want. If some members on here are close by they might meet up an try their seat on your frame just to get an idea of what fits.

 

Not sure why you can't find a seat but I also ride an 05 Springer FXSTS and I didn't have any issues finding a new seat for it. Matter of fact, my bike has a Gunfighter seat from Corbin and it fits perfect.

 

checking JP cycles looks like a standard seat fits. https://www.jpcycles.com/2005-harley...-and-backrests

 

it sounds like you're my guy, springer lol. I will admit that most of the seats I've gotten have been off ebay, so that may have been an issue. I got a seat from a softail, re-covered it, then placed it on the bike to discover that the mounts were about an inch wider than my bike on either side.

I'm not a harley expert at all, but I was under the impression that the FL seats have an up-scoop in the front. The softail seat I got had the hanger in the front and the bolts on the outside to mount to the frame solo style. It appeared that it would work, but was too wide. Who knows. For all I know, this seat could have come from a metric bike and the seller advertised it as a softail seat. I'm glad to hear that you haven't had that experience. Tough to find folks that ride the standard springer softail. Not too many of our bikes on the road.

Thanks again

 

My problem, springer, is that I need a real short seat. I'm 5'8 and I can barely touch my heels to the ground with this stock seat. Tough to maneuver it around when I'm on my tip toes. With bad hips from the service days, I'd love to sit a little lower so I can better command my scoot. I usually just get a stock pan, put a yoga mat on it, cover it and call it done. I guess they call those "potato chip" seats. That's why I'm looking for a stock seat to do myself and not a $400-500 seat that I may hate.

 

I'm 5'8 an I've never had a problem with a softail seat height. My street glide is another matter. i always get my seats used off ebay, craigslist or on here. cuts the price about in half.

 

I’m 5’6”:and have an 05 FXSTSI and both my feet are planted with the stock seat. Seems odd you can’t flat foot.

 

I own a fxsti not a springer! but if you are looking for a seat that will give you minimal seat height I run this Lepera bare bones on my softail standard it really gets you closer to the ground but doesn't have allot of padding but you stated you were ok with that.