XL1200L Seating Position Issue

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Aug 27, 2011 | 12:09 AM

#11

Nubz

Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 1,820

Likes: 4

From: Somewhere In NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by parabellum_9x19

ONE change at a time.

Good advice

also like others said I would change the seat first then go from there

Nov 3, 2011 | 01:21 AM

#12

Huckster

Advanced

Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 85

Likes: 0

From: South Eastern Wisconsin

Best seat

Quote:

Originally Posted by John08XL

New to forums and riding...I'll try to keep it short. Bought 2008 XL1200L a few weeks ago as my first bike. It's been great so far living out a long awaited dream, but after the first 700 miles (including two longer trips of 150 and 250 miles per day) I started developing pain inside my hip flexors from the squeezed in position between my feet on the pegs and my @$$ on the seat.

I have mid controls and the stock 1200L 2up seat. I'm about 5'8" and don't have an issue touching the ground on my current config.

I knew I'd be looking for a more comfortable seat (I can feel the frame through the seat) for longer trips and some highway pegs. I've also heard fwd controls aren't possible on the 08 1200L, true?

I've read a few different forums and several threads on seats, controls, suspension, etc. I think I'm leaning toward a mustang daytripper (2up) or fastback so I can keep the same clean line with the fender and tank. I'm almost ready to pull the trigger, but hesitating to open a can-o-worms with seat, controls, pegs, suspension, and handlebar changes to no end. I think I need to be positioned up and back an inch or two...or move controls fwd slightly?

What is the best approach for the first mod so I can start trying 300-400 mile trips and haul a passenger without worrying about pain/fidgeting to get comfy? Most of riding time is daily commuting right now so highway pegs won't solve too much.

Okay, sorry...not too short. Please help w/suggestions. I think there's an attached pic for perspective on fit.

2008 XL1200L (pretty stock)
Screaming Eagle Intake, Stage I
Vance and Hines shorty drag pipes

I just sold my 2008 XL1200L because of reason you can read in my posts. I found the most comfortable seat was a 2007 XL1200C seat I bought on ebay. When you look at it it looks a little flatter and thicker. The Low seat is more scooped out and lower: I found this was NOT the seat for me also. I bought a new "Sundowner" seat which I resold on Craig's list. Didn't like the Fat look on passenger part. I"m 5' 7" tall and the choice for me was from a Custom XL1200 bike. As long as the seat has the "post" latch part. I think you can use 2004 to current seats.
I bought a new 2012 XL1200C now and has that same seat from factory.

Nov 3, 2011 | 03:19 AM

#13

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

Likes: 2,898

From: Bedford UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by John08XL

Great advice folks! Thank you. Plenty of options to consider.

Did another long-ish ride (100+) today, just to be sure i couldn't adjust myself on the seat and pegs. That stock seat is getting to me, so I think I'm going down that road first. Then pegs. Appreciate all the suggestions and options! Doors are open...heck don't even have 'em at this point!

Have a great weekend!

John,

You are allowed to have two or more seats! You can have one for style and short rides, and a second plush one for those longer trips when you want to be comfortable. It is unlikely you will find one seat that will be stylish and also seeing you through a 200 mile day. Much quicker and simpler to have two seats.