The original seat on my 2012 FLHR feels fine to me but I haven't sat on any others. I'm always looking for improvements. I hear good things about the Sundowner seat. What could I expect if I went to a Sundowner seat in terms of driver position on a 2012 FLHR? Would I be closer to the ground and closer to the controls, for example? Is it more comfortable for the passenger vs the stock seat? Any thoughts on what benefit a Sundowner would bring vs my stock seat would be greatly appreciated.

 

Sundowner is a great value, front is very similar to the stock seat, rear is much bigger and more comfy for the passenger. Any dealer can show you a side by side comparison. I like mine.

 

I understand Harley is introducing a seat exchange program where you can try a seat out before you buy it. You might want to check into that, hell I would try em all out!

 

I put the sundowner on my 06 RKC. passenger seat much more comfortable. rider seat way more comfortable. mine does sit lower than stock, but not much.

 

A lot of HD dealers are participating in the 'try before you buy' seat program. MoCo mandate? Not sure, but I do know you can try several HD 'demo' seats at a lot of dealers now.

 

I had a Sundowner on my last King so naturally, I put one on my new King. It takes a few hundred miles for it to get "formed" to your butt, once it does, you'll love it. I couldn't hardly ride 250 miles a day with the stock seat on either scoot, with my Sundowner, I can ride all day.
Hope this helps.

 

The improvement in comfort, especially for the passenger, depends on the difference between the stock seat and the Sundowner. I had the Road King Classic and the passenger portion was quite narrow. My wife said that it didn't take long for it to feel like she was sitting on the narrow side of a 2X4. The Sundowner was a big improvement for her, almost no change for me. In contrast, the standard Road King seat looks a bit wider for the passenger and the Road Glide Ultra factory seat looks like a Sundowner with a fancier cover.

With the basic Sundowner in the vicinity of $300, I must ask how miserable either one of you is now? If there is definite room for improvement, have at it, but I am not one to lighten my wallet by that much if it isn't really necessary.

 

Thank you everyone for the fine suggestions and for giving me food for thought.

 

I decided to go with a Sundowner. After 200 miles, I'm liking it and so is my wife. It's comfortable and no butt burn so far. Thanks again for your helpful suggestions.

 

I have the Sundowner on my 08 Ultra Classic and love it. Had one on a Dyna I had. Put it this way, I've done the Iron Butt Saddle sore 1000 and the Bun Burner 1500 and didn't use a cushion. I've put on about 45000 miles on the Sundowner. It lowers you a little and maybe puts you a hair closer to the controls.