The Official Touring Seat Thread
Cruiser
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: FL
'06 RG
Got rid of stock, tried Sundowner with HD backrest. Did not last long.
Was happy with Corbin dual tourer, but on longer rides had some discomfort.
Have tried airhawk and freedom air from star cushion. Have tried sheepskin and wooden beads.
Got recommendations from Iron Butt guys about Russell Day Long Saddle. So far, so good. It is not a "nice looking seat" but, I am happy with the way it feels.
The Corbin is firm in comparison and does not have "the wings" like the Day Long. The Corbin looks good and is great for normal days - say under 500 miles.
So, will go with Day Long and use wooden beads if needed on longer rides. Am more concerned with comfort vs. looks.
Think the air cushions are very good for shorter days but on longer days encountered problem with of lack of airflow to skin in "contact" with cushion.
Sheepskin got me back to CA from SD last summer, so it is not out of running as supplemental cover.
Note on gel pads - Tried one in SD last summer and was not impressed. It lasted on bike from Sturgis to Custer = 70 miles. Nice weight distribution but it felt very hot/retained heat. Last thing wanted during summer riding.
Also tried solo seat from HD and moved tourpak up as backrest. Liked idea of tourpak being closer with regards to weight distribution, etc...but, did not like lifting leg up to get over seat as opposed to "swinging leg" over seat similar to getting on a horse.
Really only ride one-up so, no comment from passenger aspect.
Got rid of stock, tried Sundowner with HD backrest. Did not last long.
Was happy with Corbin dual tourer, but on longer rides had some discomfort.
Have tried airhawk and freedom air from star cushion. Have tried sheepskin and wooden beads.
Got recommendations from Iron Butt guys about Russell Day Long Saddle. So far, so good. It is not a "nice looking seat" but, I am happy with the way it feels.
The Corbin is firm in comparison and does not have "the wings" like the Day Long. The Corbin looks good and is great for normal days - say under 500 miles.
So, will go with Day Long and use wooden beads if needed on longer rides. Am more concerned with comfort vs. looks.
Think the air cushions are very good for shorter days but on longer days encountered problem with of lack of airflow to skin in "contact" with cushion.
Sheepskin got me back to CA from SD last summer, so it is not out of running as supplemental cover.
Note on gel pads - Tried one in SD last summer and was not impressed. It lasted on bike from Sturgis to Custer = 70 miles. Nice weight distribution but it felt very hot/retained heat. Last thing wanted during summer riding.
Also tried solo seat from HD and moved tourpak up as backrest. Liked idea of tourpak being closer with regards to weight distribution, etc...but, did not like lifting leg up to get over seat as opposed to "swinging leg" over seat similar to getting on a horse.
Really only ride one-up so, no comment from passenger aspect.
Last edited by 16X9 Shooter; May 23, 2009 at 12:30 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
So far believe it or not, at 12k on my '09 RK I've found the stock seat to be plenty comfortable.
On my previous bike - an '05 EGC I had a Corbin Dual Touring and really liked it - could go 800 miles a day on it no problem.
On my previous bike - an '05 EGC I had a Corbin Dual Touring and really liked it - could go 800 miles a day on it no problem.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 584
Likes: 2
From: Woodstock, GA
I'm not what most here would consider a hard core tourer but I got rid of the stock seat on my 08 Street Glide before I even had 100 miles on it. Looks great, not so comfortable after an hour or so. I've had the HD Sundowner since then and I'm very happy with it. If I was going to do anything else seat wise - I've heard nothing but great things about the Mean City conversions.
Also curious - anyone tried the new HD Hammock seat yet? It's advertised in the latest HD propoganda mag that just came in the mail and, man, is it pricey!!
Also curious - anyone tried the new HD Hammock seat yet? It's advertised in the latest HD propoganda mag that just came in the mail and, man, is it pricey!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 7
From: Rochester N.Y.
I had a Mustang 75449 Ultra Tour seat on my 06 FLHT , it was very comfortable.
The Mustang seat was a bit taller than stock due to the foam being more firm than stock.
The nose was narrower than stock which was nice also.
My wife noticed no real difference between the two seats.
I'm wanting to change the seat on my 09 FLHTCU , and the Mustang and Harley Sundowner are my two picks for a replacement.
The stock seat is too soft (like the 06 was) and I think it is what is bothering my butt so much on a longer ride.
The Mustang was perfect (after break in) for firmness.
The reason I'm looking at the sundowner is that some people say it sits lower than stock.
Even with my 32" inseam , this sucker is pretty tall , I couldn't go higher at all and feel right at a stoplight.
Mick
The Mustang seat was a bit taller than stock due to the foam being more firm than stock.
The nose was narrower than stock which was nice also.
My wife noticed no real difference between the two seats.
I'm wanting to change the seat on my 09 FLHTCU , and the Mustang and Harley Sundowner are my two picks for a replacement.
The stock seat is too soft (like the 06 was) and I think it is what is bothering my butt so much on a longer ride.
The Mustang was perfect (after break in) for firmness.
The reason I'm looking at the sundowner is that some people say it sits lower than stock.
Even with my 32" inseam , this sucker is pretty tall , I couldn't go higher at all and feel right at a stoplight.
Mick
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 702
Likes: 1
From: U.S.S.A.
Had a custom made Corbin that was downright painful. I swear they use cement for padding.
It would help to know what problems people are trying to solve (position, tailbone, money-butt) as problems vary. What works for one problem doesn't help another.
It would help to know what problems people are trying to solve (position, tailbone, money-butt) as problems vary. What works for one problem doesn't help another.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,913
Likes: 87
From:
Corbin Dual Tour on a softail for about 40-50K miles. Could ride in it all day, day after day. Now have a Corbin Classic Solo on a Road King Custom. Have not taken a long trip on it yet, not more than one 400+ miles day. I don't think it is quite as comfortable as the Dual Tour but I still like it fine. No problems with the seat being too firm. It is firmer than most but the design and support make it a world famous touring saddle. I was pleased with the customer service. I would recommend a Corbin to anyone but you cannot judge it or any seat by just sitting on it. Those soft cushy seats will be a pain in the butt at the end of the day if they are not designed for your rear.