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...It feels like a board with about 2" of firm foam under my butt...rigid...and much firmer than any other seat I've tried. It's enough to worry me about keeping a $700 'maybe' seat...
I know what you mean – will definitely take a few-hundred (or more) miles to break-in. (e.g. Mean City Cycles recommends 1,000 miles before their seats are broken-in).
I've had squishy-soft seats that feel plush as soon as you jump on 'em only to feel as if you're sitting on the pan a few miles in. Not guaranteeing you'll love this seat (you're butt is the only true evaluator), but don't fret too much about it at this point.
I was at my local dealer today, and they sent me home with a H-D Tall Boy seat to try. THAT was an instant ‘no’ for me. The foam feels decently comfortable but two things killed it. The first was the slope at my sacral area, which offers basically no support or feeling of solid location. The second was the available passenger space which is definitely less than either the stock seat or the LP RT66 provide. My wife hopped aboard and was quick to announce she had obviously less space and disliked that. No Tall Boy and that’s that.
I did spend some time aboard the RT66 and tried to understand the firmness better....meaning whether I was misjudging it and if it would actually feel better on the highway. I’m cautious about getting too attached to it....by that I mean that it simply looks perfectly awesome on the custom RGL. It makes the stock seat look like a puffy Naugahyde cushion.
Perfect timing! I am currently looking at their Monterey seat. Had a call with their rep to find out more info. I went back and forth between LePera and C&C but I just keep coming back to LePera. Their seats just scream quality. I know they are little firmer than others and that’s ok. I will also go with the gel. I am still trying to decide what options I want but right now, I am thinking Monterey in black leather with single diamond stitching in black. I want to keep it kind of simple and I feel like double diamond will be too much.
Just a little tidbit on gel inserts. I've been told by 3 people in the seat industry that gel will not improve the general feel or sitting comfort of a seat. One guy told me his customers typically think a gel-equipped seat feels at least as firm as non-gel, and they are surprised by it. Having said that, he pointed out gel is about impact reduction (to the buttocks) and can help reduce impact discomfort. It's not like the rider is floating on a layer of nice gel.
I'm obviously parroting what I've been told in my research, as I've not tried a gel-equipped seat. You shouldn't think I slept at a Holiday Inn last night, either.
@Dillbilly Bone , I hear exactly what you are saying. I never had any other seat but stock. For past few months, I been reading and reading about different seats. My head is spinning. I figured, most people think that gel is some magic that will make the seat very comfortable, which is not the case. Like you said, and from what I read is that gel is very good for long trips because it eliminates vibrations and spreads the pressure.
I wish LePera had more picture examples of their seats. I am trying to decide if I should go with a dark gray stitching or black. It's so hard to find certain pictures. That's why I liked C&C website because they gave you tons of examples. By the way, the reason why I decided to go back to LePera instead of C&C is because it looks like LePera leather quality and craftsmanship is one of the best. Everything I read, the quality reviews are excellent. I emailed with C&C and the answer I received was not what I expected. I was told they won't do any adjustments because they are "down a person". Well, I am not going to spend over a grand on a seat that won't fit me how I want it then. Oh well.
So, does anyone have any pictures of Monterey seat with gray single diamond stitching? lol
I don't have the exact seat you're wanting to see, but here's my 6-year old Monterey solo. It has the red stitching. I suggest getting the backrest if you're going to do some long rides. I ride this seat from NC to FL a few times a year, as well as my C&C. Here's a link
Just a little tidbit on gel inserts. I've been told by 3 people in the seat industry that gel will not improve the general feel or sitting comfort of a seat. One guy told me his customers typically think a gel-equipped seat feels at least as firm as non-gel, and they are surprised by it. Having said that, he pointed out gel is about impact reduction (to the buttocks) and can help reduce impact discomfort. It's not like the rider is floating on a layer of nice gel.
I'm obviously parroting what I've been told in my research, as I've not tried a gel-equipped seat. You shouldn't think I slept at a Holiday Inn last night, either.
Gel will also amplify ambient temperature.... meaning if it's cold outside, the gel will hold the cold... If it's hot outside, and you leave your seat uncovered in a hot sun, it will really hold the heat.. Many high quality seat makers will not use gel... they prefer to use a proper mixture/shape of foam(s)...
IMHO, the seat is about comfort and position, the suspension is about absorbing road impurities or impacts... I dial in my suspension, and then deal with the seat...
FWIW... I know people with baggers, that have premium suspensions (many with Ohlins), that also have, and swear by, the firmer seat types... maybe something to a combo of a premium suspension & firm seat...?
A soft cushy seat is great for short rides but the foam compresses and you will soon be sitting on the seat pan. A firm seat means denser foam that wont compress completely, keeping you suspended above the pan. I have a Danny Gray weekday seat that is thin and hard. Ive put about 50K on that seat, many 600 mile days. For me it has worked almost as well as others Ive tested. I also have a Corbin that Ive used for a couple long runs. I definitely prefer a firm seat for long hauls and a good suspension.
I know this isn't a RT66 seat, but I really wanted to share the leather Outcast that Lepera built for me, it just arrived!. It was quite the journey, at least a few months, but I am very happy with the results, it's not too dark and doesn't appear too light or tan either. Pretty much exactly as I imagined it. And yes, I got the matching backrest too..
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