Seat Replacement Question

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Jan 18, 2025 | 03:14 PM

Heymon123

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Jul 2015

Posts: 14

Likes: 4

From: BC

Seat Replacement Question

I have a 2022 Fat Boy. Bought it in Nov and have only rode it home from the dealership. I hear that the stock seat isn't very comfortable for long rides. Actually 30 minutes and it get uncomfortable. I figure the best thing to do would be wait until the spring when I start riding it and see how bad the seat is. I am looking at replacing it with the HD Sundowner seat. I have read this seat sits you higher up and closer to the bike. I am 6'1" and have lower back issues. What I am thinking is should I just replace the seat now with the Sundowner ? That way I wouldn't even notice the ride height change. All I'll know is it is a comfortable seat. Hopefully what I am saying makes sense.

Jan 18, 2025 | 03:18 PM

YZR

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2019

Posts: 3,623

Likes: 2,883

From: Mostly Florida, some Michigan

No, ride it first. Your dealership should have loaner seats that you can try for free before spending hundreds on a new seat that you may or may not like.
Good luck in your search!

Jan 19, 2025 | 05:47 PM

Kenelz

Tourer

Joined: Nov 2021

Posts: 479

Likes: 319

From: FL winter, northern MI summer

I put a Mustang Solo Touring seat on my FB. The stock passenger pillon works with it. I can't say its the most comfortable seat, but I can take about 3 hrs max in it, which is all I want to do in a stretch anyways.

A while back I put the OEM seat back on, it looks good, I couldn't believe it could be that bad. Well, it was, I campare it to sitting on a bowling ball, I just couldn't get comfortable. After 15 minutes I was hoping for a red light so I could stand up. I would rate it as a 30 minute seat.

What works for me might not work for you. I've heard some say they like the OEM. You might check the classified ads for a used aftermarket, that way you won't have a bunch of money wrapped up if you don't like it. And, many dealers have loaner seats to try.

Jan 19, 2025 | 06:28 PM

stixvrad

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2016

Posts: 7,699

Likes: 13,944

From: Northern New Jersey

I put a Sundowner on my bike in 2018. I went with it for two reasons. Wide (13 inch) passenger pillion for my wife and very comfortable wide seat pocket for me to sit in.. The Hammock wasnt really a choice. It sat me higher and did kind of "float" due to the web "suspension " it has. I dont regret the choice. Maybe a high end aftermarket is better but this suits me fine . I'm 5' 7" with a 30 inch inseam and almost 200 pounds FWIW.

Jan 19, 2025 | 06:45 PM

ksol5

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2019

Posts: 893

Likes: 537

From: Central NY

I would get some seat time on it and see if the stock seat will work for you or not. I did put a Sundowner on my softail slim when I had it and it was very comfortable. I'm 6'-2" and it worked well for me. I eventually ended up with a Corbin seat on that bike because I wanted one.

Jan 20, 2025 | 10:51 AM

mpaquette

Road Master

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 954

Likes: 56

From: Ypsilanti, MI

Definitely test ride some seats that your local dealer(s) offer. Remember to bring some felt or other soft material to protect your rear fender with the 2-up seat on. If you ride with a solo seat, you will notice the 2-up seat makes marks in the paint, at least that was my experience.

Jan 20, 2025 | 12:06 PM

JY Kelly

Supporter

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 1,685

Likes: 37

From: Hoboken, NJ

I have two Harley’s- a ‘10 SG and an ‘07 Night Train. I’ve had a variety of saddles on them and unfortunately, seats are very, very subjective and changing, depending on the rider’s health, age, posture, injuries, etc. What’s comfortable now for you may not be in two years. I have an Ultra two-up for when my wife and I are On the SG, and while it’s more comfortable than the solo low profile HD seat I run normally, I simply cannot abide by how it looks- I call it “The Barcolounger”. The solo seat is good for… 3 hours or so, but then again, like a lot of other folks, I suffer from back issues. Now, the Train seat is a Danny Grey (that has a back rest port in it) and is REALLY comfortable. Then again, it has to be because the ride on the lowered Train is BRUTAL.

Good luck with your search!