The Official Touring Seat Thread
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 3
From: Texas City, TX
The most frequently stated issue with the Russell that I've heard is that some folks don't like the way it looks. The tractor seat syndrome. :-) I hear this a lot more on the BMW forums than the HD forum, I think the Day Long seat pan "fits" the HD much better. Cover designs are offered with small squares, large rectangles, half moons, an diamonds. You should be able to find one you like, they have a lot of pics on their gallery page. I attached a picture of my latest Day Long on my Ultra.
The other issue is downtime. If you can do a ride in to Shasta Dam, California, not an issue, you can wait while the build your seat. It was about 8A - 4:30P for mine both times I have had one done. If you do it in the mail you will be down shipping time both ways plus the time they need, not sure what that amounts to. They have a back log of a couple of months in the summer typically.
To answer the OP's original question, I bought my first Russell conversion back in 1988. In all that time, I've only met one person who said they were not satisfied with the seat and wound up returning it. That's not a bad track record as far as I'm concerned!
Good luck & Ride Safe,
Steve R.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 411
Likes: 6
From: Portland, OR metro area
[quote=krussell;5203359]I didn't see how close you are. You're welcome to come take a look at mine if you like.
Thanks again! I'd like to take you up on that. I'll drop you a PM to see if we can coordinate.
Thanks again! I'd like to take you up on that. I'll drop you a PM to see if we can coordinate.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 45
From: Michigan
ya know you guys all talk about seas and my *** hurts after 100 miles but i just figured its because im one of those guys with no ***? I spend the better share of the day pulling my damned pants up ? maybe some thing to look for down the road when i get a job and get some extra money again though.. i look back at all the miles i did on my kawasaki voyager vii and i never put a single accessory on the thing? Of course i was lucky to have enuff to make the payment at the time ... Just seemed the seat worked ?
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 937
Likes: 5
From: Southwestern Illinois
HAd a Sundowner on the Road King for four years and loved it. Put about 4000 miles on the stock Ultra seat and it was just okay. Put a new Sundowner on the Ultra, did about 800 miles this weekend, and all is good again. IMO you can't go wrong with the Sundowner. Fits my rear good and the wife didn't even know I changed seats!
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 377
Likes: 3
From: Canada
Another vote of confidence for the Russell. I had my order form all filled out, pics taken, and ready to submit, when I happened on one for sale on another forum. The seller's seat's specs matched mine (and my wife's) just about perfectly. I grabbed his and saved a pile of cash.
Far and away the best seat I've ever ridden on. My bike's a 2000 FLHT w/tour pak. Stock saddle was worn out by 10,000 miles. Replaced it with a Mustang Ultra Touring saddle - it wasn't comfortable for me or my wife.
The Russell is awesome. Can ride all day, day after day, in comfort - finally! I do need a handlebar with a bit more pullback though, but my seat troubles are over. Any touring bike I get from now on will have a leather RDL.
Far and away the best seat I've ever ridden on. My bike's a 2000 FLHT w/tour pak. Stock saddle was worn out by 10,000 miles. Replaced it with a Mustang Ultra Touring saddle - it wasn't comfortable for me or my wife.
The Russell is awesome. Can ride all day, day after day, in comfort - finally! I do need a handlebar with a bit more pullback though, but my seat troubles are over. Any touring bike I get from now on will have a leather RDL.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 411
Likes: 6
From: Portland, OR metro area
I'm booked w/ Russell
Well guys, if I had any reservations, you've removed them all. Thanks for the invaluable insight. I called Russell Day-Long this morning and booked their 'next-available' Friday ride-in appointment (I need Friday appointment so I can work to pay for it ;-). Unfortunately, 'next-avilable' Friday is October 9...Looks like I'll be getting a lamb's wool pad inthe interim! I'll post some pics (in about 4 months)...
Thanks,
Thanks,
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 138
Likes: 1
From: Tigard, OR
Ask them to put you on the cancellation list. I was out in September and got a call week before last when someone had cancelled. I lucked out, you might too.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 411
Likes: 6
From: Portland, OR metro area
I'll do that -- good suggestion. Thanks.
Novice
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Parker, CO
Same here with my `08 UC stock seat. Just added the HD adjustable backrest today. Only 10 miles home, but even more comfy. I've done 500 in a day in the past, about to do it again in a few weeks. Not a problem.....just woke up with a stiff neck before the ride and had to deal with that all day, but nothing to do with the ride.