Tallboy - Who knew?
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 889
Likes: 116
From: Massachusetts
Tallboy - Who knew?
Ok, I'm sure a lot of you knew. But I'm just learning. After 3 different saddle changes to try and get more comfortable on my Ultra Limited I was getting close to giving up on finding a comfortable seat that pushed me back away from the gas tank.
For some reason I always thought the Tallboy would push me back too far as I only have a 32" inseam. Well, as a last attempt I installed the Tallboy earlier this week and went on a ride today for a hundred miles. Damn if I wasn't nice an comfortable as well as a few inches back from the gas tank. I should have done this seat first. Would have saved me a ton of wasted time and money. Granted I got most of my money back selling those saddle on this forum, but still.....
Oh and I'll be posting up a HD Hammock up for sale shortly!
For some reason I always thought the Tallboy would push me back too far as I only have a 32" inseam. Well, as a last attempt I installed the Tallboy earlier this week and went on a ride today for a hundred miles. Damn if I wasn't nice an comfortable as well as a few inches back from the gas tank. I should have done this seat first. Would have saved me a ton of wasted time and money. Granted I got most of my money back selling those saddle on this forum, but still.....
Oh and I'll be posting up a HD Hammock up for sale shortly!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 52
From: South Jersey
I'm about the same height as you. Tried the tallboy and felt like I was sliding all over the place. I just bought a Mustang Super touring seat that moves you back 1 3/4 inches. Nice seat but I feel like I'm now leaning forward and reaching for the handlebars. Now my back is feeling achy! LOL
I may try a back rest. Maybe I got too used to being cramped with the stock seat!
I may try a back rest. Maybe I got too used to being cramped with the stock seat!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
What did you find "wrong" with the HD Hammock seat? I've been on a trip for a week in CO and NM and after about 50 miles my butt needs a rest! It feels like I'm sitting on a 2x6 with no padding! My seat is stock. At 6'2" I feel like I'm humping the tank also. I know I need to find a good seat/bars combo for ultimate comfort, just not sure what that combo may be. I've lived with since the bike was new......procrastination is my strong suit! 
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
I've got longer legs than you, but I love my Tallboy. I have more than 30,000 miles on it. A couple caveats about it though: First, the 2 inches it gives you, it takes away from your passenger (the seat attachment point is fixed). My wife is petite so it doesn't matter in my case, but if your passenger needs more space, this can be an issue.
Second, you'll probably end up buying bars. After riding my Tallboy for a couple thousand miles, I confirmed that I needed more pullback than I could get on the stockers to be in the ideal riding position. With a bar change, I am now comfortable on long days on tour.
Second, you'll probably end up buying bars. After riding my Tallboy for a couple thousand miles, I confirmed that I needed more pullback than I could get on the stockers to be in the ideal riding position. With a bar change, I am now comfortable on long days on tour.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,197
From: Oxford, Nc
As far back as my '98 Ultra, I had purchased one of the original Road Zepplins air seats, and when it was recalled (compressor overheating,) the Dealer loaned me a Tall Boy seat to use while they figured out the repair. I was so impressed with it (34" inseam,) they agreed to let me keep it permanently.
Now I realize that there's been a frame change since then, but the principal still applies apparently. Glad you're enjoying it.
Now I realize that there's been a frame change since then, but the principal still applies apparently. Glad you're enjoying it.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 889
Likes: 116
From: Massachusetts
What did you find "wrong" with the HD Hammock seat? I've been on a trip for a week in CO and NM and after about 50 miles my butt needs a rest! It feels like I'm sitting on a 2x6 with no padding! My seat is stock. At 6'2" I feel like I'm humping the tank also. I know I need to find a good seat/bars combo for ultimate comfort, just not sure what that combo may be. I've lived with since the bike was new......procrastination is my strong suit!
Way ahead of you on this one. Have an order in for a set of Helibars and will be getting them installed at the end of the month. I like the idea they are easily adjustable and have 2" to 4" pullback adjustability. I think it will be a good addition to the Tallboy.
Last edited by Rockrivr1; Aug 9, 2014 at 03:49 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
I've got a Tallboy seat for my bike....at least that is what he said it was when I bought it, and it does sit me back further. But even though the non adjustable back rest is supposed to work with the Tallboy seat for my bike, it won't fit with this seat, so it is no use to me without a backrest. I like the position, but after about 20 miles I miss the back rest. I think I can trim the plastic seat pan and make it work, but I haven't attempted that yet.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
I don't think there was anything wrong with it per say, but it still kept me right up against the tank, which cramped my legs tight on the floorboards. Instead of easily hitting the rear brake, I had to lift my foot and then hit the break. If I didn't do that I noticed that the front of my boot was under the brake pedal. Also because I was up against the tank I kept trying to skooch back, which rubbed my back side. On a short ride it's OK, but on long rides it really started to bug me.
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 889
Likes: 116
From: Massachusetts
I've got a Tallboy seat for my bike....at least that is what he said it was when I bought it, and it does sit me back further. But even though the non adjustable back rest is supposed to work with the Tallboy seat for my bike, it won't fit with this seat, so it is no use to me without a backrest. I like the position, but after about 20 miles I miss the back rest. I think I can trim the plastic seat pan and make it work, but I haven't attempted that yet.
Unfortunately not. There are many seats at the stock distance away from the tank or closer. Only one though, the Tallboy, that actually pushes you back away from the tank. If that doesn't work you have to move to a Mustang or other aftermarket seat. I was looking at the Mustang option, but it's almost $700. Ouch....
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 35
I have the Tallboy on both my 03 Road King and my 07 Road King. Best seat I've found for my bikes. I went from stock seat to a Sundowner, then a Mustang wide touring before finding the Tallboy. I also could not get the rider backrest to work properly with my Tallboy seat.