Hello all,

I am considering a Corbin Dual saddle and a Russell touring saddle. My question is which one is the most confortable for long distance riding?

Thanks for any help!

2009 Ultra

 

The Russell is the most comfortable without a doubt. I've had both and some others, and nothing compares to a Russell. I just had my stock 09 seat modified by Mean City. Wish I'd had just ponied up for another Mustang. The guys at Mean City did a nice job, and the seat is better then it was, but Russell seats are unbelievable.

 

I can only address the Corbin from direct personal experience. I put about 50k miles on a Dual Tourer and I never wanted a different seat. Excellent support for all day riding, day after day. Some think they are too firm but I doubt if they have done much more than sit on one. When you first sit on one it does seem firm and not cushy like a sofa or easy chair but this seat is made for riding and you will not really appreciate it by just sitting on it in a showroom.

I now have a Corbin Classic solo on my RK. I chose it over a Dual Tourer strictly for style. I don't think the new solo is quite as firm as my old DT, nor quite as comfortable, but I am not complaining. My wife loved the DT also. Corbin makes quality products.

I have no experience with the Russell.

 

I've had the Corbin and did not like it for any distance riding. While it was fine for short hauls, LD riding did not work for me.

I've since had two other Russell saddles on two different bikes. Both the Russells were custom-fit. Neither were the best looking but they did allow me to stay on the bike far longer. I had to send them my measurements, pictures, and seat pan. If I lived closer to the west coast, I would have gone directly to the factory for fitting and quicker turn around.

As a side note, I ordered the all-vinyl for the first saddle and all-leather for the second one. I would choose the leather over vinyl if I were order another from them. Both saddles had the built-in driver's backrest...a real nice option.

Good luck!

 

I looked at both of these options as well, and ended up ordering a Corbin. I'm very happy with the seat. I can ride all day on it, and if I'm touring I throw on a sheepskin cover for extra comfort.
One thing about the Russell is that you have to send them your old seat to rework. So you have to time it when you can be without it for 10 days or so, plus you don't have the option of selling your old seat to recoup some of the money. But everything I've heard about them has been great.

 

I've had the Russell on my '05 Ultra since it was about 4 months old. I have 40K on the bike now and about 1/2 the trips on the bike are all-day rides. The seat is great. And I agree with the prior post -- get all leather. Sure, the Corbin looks better, but who sees it when your butt is in the seat and you are riding? If you want a show bike, get the Corbin. If you want a bike that you can stay planted in, and is fit for YOU, then get the Russell. Besides, you'll have some $$ left in your pocket, and you can use the stock backrests......

 

Corbin is the best!!

 

Thanks for all the good information! I do appreciate your views and will take them into consideration. It appears that the views are even...3 to 3.

Once again, thanks to all for your help!

Sam

 

As for me, I've never owned a Corbin. On the other hand, I've had a Russell Day-Long Saddle on the past three bikes I've owed. An 83 BMW R80RT, a 93 Goldwing, and the bike that was replaced by my Ultra, a 98 ST1100. Personally, I wouldn't consider anything else. I'll have one on my Ultra by the end of summer, for sure!! As has been pointed out, the Russell isn't necessarily the best looking saddle around but as far as I'm concerned, beauty is as beauty does in this case. I also don't think the Russell looks all that bad either, especially at the end of a 600 to 700 mile day!

One thing you'll probably note with both seats if you've not had either before, both will probably feel a bit to the hard side at first. It takes a little time for them to settle in to "you" so be patient with that. Russell, and I'm pretty sure, Corbin both mention that in the paperwork that comes with the seat. Best of luck with your decision!

Ride Safe,
Steve R.

 

Hi Pine Tree,

I'm curious, do you mind saying what it is about the leather that you prefer it to the vinyl? On the bikes I mentioned above, I did leather on the BMW and ST1100, velour on the Golding. I definitely won't do the velour again. It looked Ok and wear and tear were very good but it tends to hang onto my pants and I had more issues with bunching in the crotch area. Ultimately, it just wasn't as comfortable for me but your mileage may vary.

As I also said, I'll be putting a Russell seat on my Ultra Classic in the not too distant future. I was strongly considering the vinyl just from a cost standpoint. I'm not worried about how well it will hold up in the long run but your statement makes me wonder about any long term comfort issues. Your opinions would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Steve R.