When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
The problem with seats - all motorcycle seats - is they are 1) designed to be built inexpensively as OEM and 2) designed to be soft so they feel good in the showroom and that 15 minute test ride. Doesn't matter what brand the bike is, either. So here's what you want to do:
Take a look at how the seat is made that you are considering to use as the replacement. Plastic-flexi-pan or metal? Metal is stiffer - and you want stiffer. How is the seat cover attached? Staples or Riveted on? Rivets are better. Most HD seats, even their "upgraded" ones, use that plastic pan and staples. How soft is the seat? You really want a very supportive seat, which is going to translate as firm when you try it out. You might think too firm, however as you put down miles that firmness is what is going to keep you from squirming around. Give the new seat some time for you to get used to it. When you look at a seat, especially if it has an incorporated backrest to go with it, push down hard around that insert for the backrest and see if you feel any edges or resistance. If you do - pass on that seat, because that will create a hot spot when you are riding (Mustang seats are notorious for this).
I ride with Corbins on my Harleys - Sargent seats on my BMW's. For me, they flat out work and do the job. Neither is inexpensive.
I have a Harley Sundowner seat with a large backrest. Not the most comfortable seat I have every owned, but does the job for 500+ mile days. I have owned Mustang seats, which are very good. My favorite is the Ultimate Seat. It isn't the best looking seat in the world, but it is like sitting in your easy chair. Most Harley shops have a few after-market seats that they will let you try out. Either that or find a buddy with a seat you are interested in. There are lots of good options out there.
I've tried several seats, including some of the ones mentioned above. The Corbin beats all, hands down, for me. Too, you can call or use their site to customize materials, colors, etc.
I had my stock seat modified by Mean City Cycles, then went to a Mustang. This spring I did what I should have to start with, bought a Corbin. My wife and I both love it.
Consider a Police Seat. I am 6'4" and just put one on my 09 RKC. Rode 400 over a two day span and felt great. Sits up higher than the corbin solo that came with it and for me it was just as comfortable. I skipped the air suspension and used a kong dog toy for the suspension, works great (youTube it). It puts me up and back about 1.5 inches. My only issue now is I need to get taller bars, still have stock on mine.
However because what works for some might not be best for you. Try local dealers used stock to see if they have other styles of seat you can try. My bike came used with the corbin. Good luck with your search.
I Stepped up to the plate and custom ordered a Corbin, It's truly a ride all day cross country seat. Fist seat out of many over the years that is comfortable all day long.
So a question for you corbin guys. Don't you find the 16.5" drivers bucket to be a bit on the narrow side?. I am not over weight I am just a bigger guy at 6-1 250#. I run mustangs currently but I need a new seat for one of them as the one drivers seat is only a 15" solo which I find too narrow.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
