Co-rider Comfort

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Mar 31, 2012 | 11:12 AM

Oilcan

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Cruiser

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 134

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From: North Texas

Co-rider Comfort

A bit of background. From 1994 until 2001, we put in close to 100,000 miles on a Honda GL1500, about the last 50k with a Corbin saddle and could ride all day with no problems. In 2001 we went to a 2001 Ultra Classic. The first long trip we took we both commented after a 600 mile day that the stock seat was unbelievably comfortable ... it was the old stock pillow style. Very nice. In 2007 we went to a 2007 Ultra Classic and still enjoyed a comfortable seat both for myself and my wife, although not the "pillow" style, it was nice for long days with no discomfort. Enter 2011 and my failure to walk away from the Ultra Limited with the 103 engine, ABS, 6 gal tank, etc. and all of a sudden I've got other problems. I'm not sure if it is because the new frame and rear end is wider; if the 6 gallon tank has moved the rider back into the co-riders space more, or what. But what I do know is that my wife is very uncomfortable after a decent ride. We did a couple of hundred miles last weekend, just on local backroads and twisties and when we got home she was complaining about how much her legs hurt, especially her inner-thighs. Seems she is forced to spread her legs more then normal (leave it alone guys). I have the adjustible passenger pegs so she can change her foot position quite a bit but still giving her a hard time. Some options I'm thinking about are 1) adding the kit to move the tour pack back further so she will have more room; 2) get a drivers back rest so that I won't be back against her as much as I am now; 3) a new seat that will perhaps not be as wide on the pinion. There are possible more options but that's enough to start with.

So, my question is ... has anyone else had this problem and if so, did you solve it. And if you did, how?

TIA

Mar 31, 2012 | 11:53 AM

kc classic

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2011

Posts: 136

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From: Central New York

do a search for: made a tour pak relocator. This made a big difference in my wife's comfort. Very easy to make and install.

Mar 31, 2012 | 12:07 PM

jeffreydsilver

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 6,508

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From: WPB, FL

If I'm not mistaken the OE seat on the Ultra is wider than the Sundowner. A narrower seat with a drivers backrest and the tourpak moved an inch or so back would give her a lot more space. I put the Sundowner with drivers adjustable backrest and a tourpak with a wrap around backrest for the wife onto the bike (09 Road King) and the wife LOVES her throne!

Of course, rolling back the calander would be an idea also! As time rolls on, my (our) duration between stops seems to decline. I'm just as happy taking my time to get wherever in as much as to go the distance!

Mar 31, 2012 | 12:11 PM

mkguitar

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 14,744

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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins

Yes, forum member Dawg has a tutorial on a "3rd" tourpak position with $5 of hardware and a drill.

do look at your tour pak, they are shipped in the forward position and supposed to be moved back to the 2nd position at set-up. a few riders have found this step missed

some passengers ( "co-rider" ?) have trouble with the rear crash bars digging into the back of the leg- the "comfort profile bars" may make this better, although some of the bar mounted bags will not fit anymore.

also, we are aging. I know that I am not a sturdy as i was in 1994 to 2001. or 2007

stretches and exercises- ? I do now, because I have to ( at 53).

and she is also where she is not controlling the bike and should be able to move around a little more to get comfy.

I have an 09,same frame as you and the stock ultra seat- sometimes I can hear the snoring behind me.

mike

Last edited by mkguitar; Mar 31, 2012 at 12:13 PM.

Mar 31, 2012 | 10:59 PM

Oilcan

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 134

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From: North Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffreydsilver

Of course, rolling back the calander would be an idea also! As time rolls on, my (our) duration between stops seems to decline. I'm just as happy taking my time to get wherever in as much as to go the distance!

I think that has a lot to do with it too Jeff, but I wasn't going to mention that. We used to do 700 mile days, day after day sometimes. 200, 300 miles pretty much every weekend ... 15k a year wasn't uncommon. I'm embarrassed to say that my 2011 Ultra Limited was a year old last month and I've got just under 6,500 miles on it. So I guess at 65, almost 66, I just do what I can ........

Apr 1, 2012 | 02:19 AM

cdemarse

Tourer

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 479

Likes: 2

From: IL

My old lady had the same issues with my 12 ultra. Put on the kuryakyn tour pack relocation kit and it made it a lot better. She's fairly short so I added the reduced reach passenger floor boards and now she's happy as ever.

Apr 1, 2012 | 07:13 AM

wjl24

Road Captain

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 743

Likes: 4

From: Ohio

For what it's worth, I have to remove my riders backrest when my wife rides. It's too wide and hurts her inner thighs. I don't know if they make a narrow one or not. I still would recommend the backrest for solo riding. I love mine.