It's interesting the OP on this thread hasn't participated on this forum since 11/08, What a deal!
Turn a Classic into a classic
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 710
Likes: 7
From: Colorado
Corbin Classic Solo (reach) maybe?
http://www.corbin.com/harley/king/hdrk9se.shtml
http://www.corbin.com/harley/king/hdrk9se.shtml
I've narrowed my solo seat selection down to the Mustang Vintage Solo, Danny Gray BigSeat and the C&C "Forward" Solo. The BigSeat seems to satisfy my requirements most closely. However, I'm being swayed by the vast number of Mustang seat owners who feel the comfort is superior. I'm also attracted by the narrow nose of the Mustang Vintage Solo. I think it will fit my physique better. It's not leather, but it looks like I'll have to compromise.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,750
Likes: 2
From: Bucks County PA
Well for what it's worth. I went through two seats, one an HD, another a Corbin (horrible service as already noted); and finally settled on a custom seat w my choice of leather and trim. Very pleased, and it's on since 09!
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 513
Likes: 17
From: Parrish, Fl
Ok, so I haven't done much yet as I've only had it a couple months and for some reason the dealership but on straight black tires when it was traded in but here is my 04 classic. I am posting as the paint color seems to be pretty rare, haven't seen another one on here yet.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 470
Likes: 2
Im having a really difficult time selecting a solo seat for my 2011 Road King Classic. These are the characteristics Im searching for:
o Keeps me in the same forward-backward riding position as the stock 2011 RKC seat (slightly forward would be preferred to slightly back)
o Moves me down maybe ˝1, but no higher than stock
o Leather seating surface
o Prefer a bucket-style seat with some lumbar support similar to the stock RKC or Ultra seat
It seems that any replacement seat moves the riders position either closer or farther away from the handlebars. I could actually benefit from a seat that is maybe ˝ to 1 lower, but I dont want to move any further back or forward on the bike and I definitely dont want to sit any higher.
Ive looked into the Danny Gray BigSeat, but Ive heard conflicting information about rider positioning. Ive seen online comments that it keeps you in the same position as stock, but Danny Gray sales claims it moves you back 11˝ (though they sound quite clueless when I talk with them). Ive also considered the C&C solo which can be ordered to move the rider forward from their standard solo seat, but this does require a substantial customization charge.
Are there other solo seats that fit my criteria I should consider?
Its a shame that the stock RKC seat isnt a two-piece seat like the Heritage seat since the fit is just about perfect [at least for me]. Are there aftermarket two-piece seats that I should consider?
o Keeps me in the same forward-backward riding position as the stock 2011 RKC seat (slightly forward would be preferred to slightly back)
o Moves me down maybe ˝1, but no higher than stock
o Leather seating surface
o Prefer a bucket-style seat with some lumbar support similar to the stock RKC or Ultra seat
It seems that any replacement seat moves the riders position either closer or farther away from the handlebars. I could actually benefit from a seat that is maybe ˝ to 1 lower, but I dont want to move any further back or forward on the bike and I definitely dont want to sit any higher.
Ive looked into the Danny Gray BigSeat, but Ive heard conflicting information about rider positioning. Ive seen online comments that it keeps you in the same position as stock, but Danny Gray sales claims it moves you back 11˝ (though they sound quite clueless when I talk with them). Ive also considered the C&C solo which can be ordered to move the rider forward from their standard solo seat, but this does require a substantial customization charge.
Are there other solo seats that fit my criteria I should consider?
Its a shame that the stock RKC seat isnt a two-piece seat like the Heritage seat since the fit is just about perfect [at least for me]. Are there aftermarket two-piece seats that I should consider?
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 710
Likes: 7
From: Colorado
I just got the C&C "Forward" seat and it's the same price as the regular solo seat. Position wise it's the same forward/backward position as stock. It didn't lower me very much, not that I noticed anyway. There isn't much lumbar support but I got the backrest which I love. Not much padding but it works well. With the backrest you do get pushed forward a bit but with my short inseam it actually works out. Without the backrest I can stretch out more.
I'm faced with a considerable restocking fee with the reseller I bought my seat from, so I've been toying with having Mean City completely redo the Mustang seat to work for me. Maybe that's just throwing good money after bad and I should just cut my losses and order the C&C Forward Solo instead. The fact that you are able to compare it directly to the stock seat on your 2012 RKC really helps.
I've been hesitent to get a backrest. I find them to be a bit of a nuisance when throwing a leg over the bike and they seem to double the price of the seat. That's one more reason I was interested in the Mustang seat since it has a more prominent lumbar seat bolster.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 212
Likes: 1
I'm faced with a considerable restocking fee with the reseller I bought my seat from, so I've been toying with having Mean City completely redo the Mustang seat to work for me. Maybe that's just throwing good money after bad and I should just cut my losses and order the C&C Forward Solo instead. The fact that you are able to compare it directly to the stock seat on your 2012 RKC really helps.
I've been hesitent to get a backrest. I find them to be a bit of a nuisance when throwing a leg over the bike and they seem to double the price of the seat. That's one more reason I was interested in the Mustang seat since it has a more prominent lumbar seat bolster.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 470
Likes: 2
Jon, I should have moved forward with my plan to look into the C&C Forward Solo. Instead, I was swayed by so many who have Mustang Vintage Solo seats and ordered one for my 2011 RKC. The Mustang seat places me 1" higher and about 1" to 1-1/2" further back compared to my 2011 stock seat (I'm 5-9" with a 30" inseam). My 2011 RKC stock seat is actually perfect for me. I thought I read somewhere that HD lowered the touring seats by 1" in 2011. For me, that's been throwing off the fitment information that I've been gathering from manufacturers and from online seat feedback that I've read.
I'm faced with a considerable restocking fee with the reseller I bought my seat from, so I've been toying with having Mean City completely redo the Mustang seat to work for me. Maybe that's just throwing good money after bad and I should just cut my losses and order the C&C Forward Solo instead. The fact that you are able to compare it directly to the stock seat on your 2012 RKC really helps.
I've been hesitent to get a backrest. I find them to be a bit of a nuisance when throwing a leg over the bike and they seem to double the price of the seat. That's one more reason I was interested in the Mustang seat since it has a more prominent lumbar seat bolster.
I'm faced with a considerable restocking fee with the reseller I bought my seat from, so I've been toying with having Mean City completely redo the Mustang seat to work for me. Maybe that's just throwing good money after bad and I should just cut my losses and order the C&C Forward Solo instead. The fact that you are able to compare it directly to the stock seat on your 2012 RKC really helps.
I've been hesitent to get a backrest. I find them to be a bit of a nuisance when throwing a leg over the bike and they seem to double the price of the seat. That's one more reason I was interested in the Mustang seat since it has a more prominent lumbar seat bolster.
It's a tough place you are in. Especially with not knowing how the C&C would fit you. I'm 5'8" with a 28-29" inseam. They say the nose is narrower than stock but I haven't noticed a difference. Plus the C&C seat is much more stiffer than stock so I can't "reach" for the ground like I used to. It's pretty stiff even with the gell insert but it has been surprisingly comfortable. I've only been on a 200 mile ride on it and I ride to work most days which is 70 miles round trip and I haven't had any butt or back issues like I did with the stock seat. When I first got it I didn't think I was going to like it but I'm slowly getting used to it. I would maybe go with your mustang seat for little while. See if you start to adjust to it and if not then sell it and try something else out.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 710
Likes: 7
From: Colorado
If you want the C&C you may as well try to find a used one to try. That's how I found out the Corbin wasn't going to work for me. At 6'3 I actually wanted up and back, so the Mustang worked perfectly. They are popular enough on this board, you should have no problem selling you'rs. The Mustangs backrest is handy because it folds down to let your leg swing over it. That said, mine sits in the garage because it gives me a back-ache.
It's a tough place you are in. Especially with not knowing how the C&C would fit you. I'm 5'8" with a 28-29" inseam. They say the nose is narrower than stock but I haven't noticed a difference. Plus the C&C seat is much more stiffer than stock so I can't "reach" for the ground like I used to. It's pretty stiff even with the gell insert but it has been surprisingly comfortable. I've only been on a 200 mile ride on it and I ride to work most days which is 70 miles round trip and I haven't had any butt or back issues like I did with the stock seat. When I first got it I didn't think I was going to like it but I'm slowly getting used to it. I would maybe go with your mustang seat for little while. See if you start to adjust to it and if not then sell it and try something else out.
I'm tempted to to just return the Mustang and get the C&C Forward Solo. It's a crap shoot though.
It sure would have been easier if HD made the RKC a "Deluxe" built on their touring chassis. Why would they make a 2-up seat standard?