My 2004 883C has a sundowner, but the seams are starting to show their age.
What are the differences between the Sundowner and the Mustang?
(They look pretty much the same).
I did find a shop that is willing to re-upholster my old one for $100.00, but might as well buy a new one and start over.
New seats cost a bit more than $100! Full price for a new Sundownder dual seat is over $300.
The Mustang is even less.
reupholstered would mean using the same 14 year old foam and framework (Not necessarily that there is anything wrong with reusing old foam)
Many people recommend going with the Mustang seat and I was wondering what the difference would be other than preference (Better ride, quality, foam, stitching, thicker exterior material), The sundowner is comfortable and I have made quite a few 350 mile trips on it.
Saving money is also important, so I will take off the seat and let them do their handy work.
Thank you for your response,
Last edited by 1HD4CJM1X4K; 08-12-2018 at 03:05 PM.
My 2004 883C has a sundowner, but the seams are starting to show their age.
What are the differences between the Sundowner and the Mustang?
(They look pretty much the same).
I did find a shop that is willing to re-upholster my old one for $100.00, but might as well buy a new one and start over.
You don't say what you are looking for. Solo seat or combination. Personally prefer the solo with option for passenger pillion. The (current) Sundowner solo appears to be a rather large seat (15" width). That would compare to the Mustang Vintage Wide Touring Solo (14.5" width). Both appear to be large seats - and the more surface area to distribute the load the more likely it's going to be comfortable. You could also go with the Mustang Vintage Solo (12.5" wide), for a smaller seat (that may be more visually appealing).
Both the MVWTS and the MVS (have one and can attest to it's comfort) have great reputations for comfort, with the MVWTS having an edge in this regard. Can't speak to the comfort of the Sundowner - never tried one and haven't read much about them.
In the looks depart, I'd say it's inversely proportional to size. MVS, followed by MVWTS, and then the Sundowner.
Ive got the sundowner 2up - looking to move to something thats more comfortable for longer riders (for my wife, that means more than 30 minutes before her bottom because an issue and we need to stop).
Ive been looking at the Mustangs, but the Sundowner rear section (on mine for an 08 4.5gal) is ~10" wide. I only see one seat from mustang with a similar or larger size rear seat, preferably removeable. I guess the 4.5 Gal sporty seat selection is more limited.
Anything /anyone else out there? I can usually go 2-3 hrs before Im getting sore, and thats on a self modified sundowner.
Most major seat brands make seats for both the stock Sporty tanks. We are also allowed to have as many seats as it takes! SO you could have solo and duo, short hop and also long trip seats, or whatever takes your fancy. The Mustang wide touring can be had as a one-piece dual seat, ot separate rider and passenger seats. Always start with the manufacturer's website, before looking at dealers or elsewhere, to see what their model range is.
The sundowner is comfortable enough for long rides and Kathy has never complained, but still considering the Mustang.. It is nearing the end of the summer. The bike sits outside with a Canvas cover during the day, so perhaps the smart money would be to reupholster.. In Florida it is never too cold to ride, but it is uncomfortable and inevitably, avoidable.
But what about this?
Would have to protect it better, but it does look comfortable.
Last edited by 1HD4CJM1X4K; 08-13-2018 at 09:56 PM.
Used the Mustang Wide Vintage solo with backrest and the Mustang Wide Tripper solo with backrest. Of course MWVS is much more comfortable but the MWTS is more aesthetically pleasing. Both have passenger pillons but I only had one for the MWTS. Here are a few picks. I have never used the Sundowner so unable to comment on the seat.
Mustang seats with backrest are not cheap...retail about $450. Sold the MWVS with the bike but still have the MWTS
I am not sure where some of you are getting measurements from for the Sundowner seat.
I recently purchased 51739-07 Sundowner for 4.5 gallon tank and it is 14.5" wide for rider and 12" wide for passenger.
I looked at the Mustang seats but could not find an option with those measurements plus the price was nearly double that of the Sundowner here in the UK.
08-12-2018, 01:02 AM
Sundowner vs Mustang
