How can I be more comfortable on my sportster?
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4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Lake Forest, CA
How can I be more comfortable on my sportster?
Hey guys,
I'm having problems with riding for long periods of time. I ride a 2007 nightster. I'm hoping to get some ideas on how to make the long rides more enjoyable. I start to feel like crap after riding on one tank of gas non stop(3.3 gallon). I know i have a stock seat and stock shocks. I just got some 13inch rear shocks to hopefully make the longer rides better and I was wondering what's the best looking and comfiest seat. For example, a sundowner seat is probably really comfortable but I think it looks terrible on the nightster. Any thoughts?
I'm having problems with riding for long periods of time. I ride a 2007 nightster. I'm hoping to get some ideas on how to make the long rides more enjoyable. I start to feel like crap after riding on one tank of gas non stop(3.3 gallon). I know i have a stock seat and stock shocks. I just got some 13inch rear shocks to hopefully make the longer rides better and I was wondering what's the best looking and comfiest seat. For example, a sundowner seat is probably really comfortable but I think it looks terrible on the nightster. Any thoughts?
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 471
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
I had the same problem on the Sporty I rented last weekend. From what I read (and felt), the stock seats on the Sportsters are horrible. If you dont like sundowner, check out Mustang seats. Also, if you cant find a seat you like but still like the looks of the stock seat, you can always send the seat out to get re-padded with more comfortable material.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Mooresville,NC
I switched my stock seat to a 48 seat. I know alot of people say its equally uncomfortable but its better to me. I also put progressive fork springs in and made a world of difference in the front end of my bike. I plan on getting a set of RK or progressive rear shocks and a lowering block to keep the same height in the rear but with a better ride
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
Looks are always subjective. That said, getting the most comfortable seat may not be the best looking. I have the Mustang Wide Touring seat. It's really comfortable. Look. At 12.5" Progressive 412 shocks.
On my sorty I have a mustang, what ever you choose, cant be wrong. Iam currntly on my way ro Mazatlan about a 7 hour trip car wise, I will make it it 5 and change! I need to stop for gas a lot!! but I am comfy !!!!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
There's my Mustang Wide Touring seat. They also make it without studs. You'll see there's a gap between the front of the seat and the gas tank. My seat is meant for the 4.5gal tank. I personally like the gap but I do give up about 1.5" of seat room. Still, it's really comfortable.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
I should add, mine is a one piece seat. They also make a solo version that a passenger pad can be added. This way it give you some options. I don't mind the two up look so I'm fine with mine.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 253
From: Northern Los Angeles area.
I just did the same: I replaced my stock 1200L shocks with 13" roadster shocks. With the preload set to the middle setting, it made the ride much better for me. But that will depend on your weight, I am 145lbs.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,882
Likes: 83
Sundowner seat then highway pegs. The factory mount highway pegs eliminated any tailbone pain as well as hip cramping i got with mids alone .. I'm 6 feet 1 at 205 with stock shocks set to firmest ride. I have to refuel at 125 miles with a 3.3 tank and i have no comfort issues at all.