Need a Comfortable Seat II

[ShapeShifter]

Glad you found one to test ride. Let us know what you think.

I decided to post a separate thread on how well I fit the Harley Tallboy (52000252) Dealer Demo Seat. This is the one the parts personnel selected as being compatible for Tri Glide's and Touring Models with Tour-Pak and Passenger Grab Rails.

There are actually two model numbers of the Tallboy Seat. Model # 52099-09A for 2016 only shows compatible with Road King, Street Glide and Road Glide. Says it's not applicable to 14- later models with Tour-Pak and Grab Rails. Most unfortunate for me, because this model sets the rider back 2".

They installed Model # 52000252 early Saturday afternoon, and it also fit with my Mustang Backrest Mount and Backrest. So with backrest installed, I immediately set out on a 151 mile ride that included some interstate miles, but mostly state and rural back roads. This Model only gave me a 1.5" set back, which was definitely better than the stock seat. The rear of seat was quite firm, and after an hour in the saddle I began to feel a bit uncomfortable in the tailbone area. There was ample room to move side to side, but this would not alleviate the issue.

For Sunday's ride, I decided to remove the backrest to see what effect this might have. The same lack of comfort in tailbone region returned, just a bit later in the ride. Plus, I sorely missed the support of the backrest in the lumbar region. This day I did a total of 90 miles on the demo seat.

Monday, I decided to soldier on, so I put the backrest back on and went out to ride an additional 131 miles. Same results as previous days.

Tuesday afternoon I made the 42 mile ride back to the dealership to return the demo seat. All totaled I put 400+ miles on this model Tallboy seat.

I so much wanted to like this seat completely, it looks great on the trike and it gave me 1.5" set back. However, my narrow butt was just not a good match to this model's firmness in the rear of the seat. I'm pretty certain that after the miles I put on it and those from previous demo rides before me, if it were going to show signs of breaking in, it would have revealed itself.

On the plus side, I found out my dealership is also an authorized Mustang Seat Dealer. I asked about Tri Glide Demo Seats for Harley's Hammock and Mustang's Vintage Super Touring Seat's. They said they have them but they were out. Had my name placed on the list to be called when they're available.

So basically my search continues for a seat that moves me back and is very comfortable for my particular a$$.

 

[Tucci]

Favorite seat

Choice of seats are very subjective. I have put mustang on my 70 flh, 03 RK, and now my 15 fw. They are firm and this one lowered me and set me back further. The problem is the firmness. Since i reruptured a disc i have been (unhappily) using a airhawk inflatable seat pad. I used it this past summer on a 7day 2500 mile trip and it worked great. Unhappily because it set me up higher, not much though. The mustang drivers back is straight up and down, not slanted like the hd.

 

[ShapeShifter]

Thanks for that info. I hope when it's all said and done, that I don't have to choose between the lesser of the less uncomfortable. It's a bit of a relief that I don't plan to buy until next spring. So for now I just plan to ride on some of the Dealers compatible Harley Touring and Mustang Touring Demo Seats. I've limited my demo selections to only the ones that give me a decent rider setback.

 

[ctdair]

After searching for solutions to a better seat I finally ordered a Russel Daylong. It arrived Friday and I was able to take a short test ride Sunday. I keep giving it the sit test in the garage as well. It feels great , of course only a long day in the seat will tell for sure. I tried the Harley Hammock as well as having the seat modified by a local vendor. I tried the Airhawk pad with all of the seat combos listed. Pics in garage didn't come out so well will try and get some outdoor ones posted.

 

[Tucci]

The right seat

I hope you find the perfect seat. For me, at least, I enjoy customizing the trike, But it's all about distance in comfort. I've seen "cool" bikes where the rider gets off hobbling.

 

[GARYD]

I'll say it again. The H-D Road Zepplin air seat was a god send. I would not have a bike without it. It has an infinite number of positions and can be adjusted while on the go. The older seat (with 3 bladders) was the best for my sciatica because of the center bladder. Unfortunately all new H-D bikes don't accept that model seat and now have to use the new seat with 2 bladders(no center). It's still a great seat if you do a lot of long rides. The only problem I see is for riders that like to sit farther away from the bars(long legs). The air seat is bigger and wider and sits you a little closer to the front.

A couple years ago I did the SS1000 on the way back from a 7 day Route 66 trip and didn't have a problem. Just for added comfort, I included a beaded seat pad - just in case. All went well.

Short of a padded farm tractor type seat, I don't think any static seat is great for long rides. JMHO

The secret is changing pressure points.

 

[ctdair]

A unseasonably nice day for Ohio today. Got in a 50 mile ride on my new Russell Daylong.

I’m going to like this seat. They advise that there is some breakin required, I can already feel it settling in. I think it’s firmness is a great improvement over stock as well the feeling of overall better support across my whole backside.

 

[ShapeShifter]

After searching for solutions to a better seat I finally ordered a Russel Daylong. It arrived Friday and I was able to take a short test ride Sunday. I keep giving it the sit test in the garage as well. It feels great , of course only a long day in the seat will tell for sure. I tried the Harley Hammock as well as having the seat modified by a local vendor. I tried the Airhawk pad with all of the seat combos listed. Pics in garage didn't come out so well will try and get some outdoor ones posted.

I hope your Day Long seat provides the level of comfort you need, especially for that extended time in the saddle. Looking forward to photos of the RDL seat. Do you recall if the Hammock you had provided a setback for the rider? Also, HD's fitment info says for 14- later TRI Glides, the grab rail must be removed? You have a 2016 too, so did you encounter any fitment issues to your trike?

I hope you find the perfect seat. For me, at least, I enjoy customizing the trike, But it's all about distance in comfort. I've seen "cool" bikes where the rider gets off hobbling.

Yea, nice to have those added custom touches that make our trikes an expression of us. But like you say, it's all about the comfort over the long haul. I'm patient, so under no pressure to rush out and buy. I certainly don't want to get another seat, and still end up getting off and having to do the "Pinguin Walk" to the men's room.

 

[ShapeShifter]

I'll say it again. The H-D Road Zepplin air seat was a god send. I would not have a bike without it. It has an infinite number of positions and can be adjusted while on the go. The older seat (with 3 bladders) was the best for my sciatica because of the center bladder. Unfortunately all new H-D bikes don't accept that model seat and now have to use the new seat with 2 bladders(no center). It's still a great seat if you do a lot of long rides. The only problem I see is for riders that like to sit farther away from the bars(long legs). The air seat is bigger and wider and sits you a little closer to the front.

A couple years ago I did the SS1000 on the way back from a 7 day Route 66 trip and didn't have a problem. Just for added comfort, I included a beaded seat pad - just in case. All went well.

Short of a padded farm tractor type seat, I don't think any static seat is great for long rides. JMHO

The secret is changing pressure points.

This is my issue...need great comfort in a seat, but also need to setback.

 

[ShapeShifter]

A unseasonably nice day for Ohio today. Got in a 50 mile ride on my new Russell Daylong.

I’m going to like this seat. They advise that there is some breakin required, I can already feel it settling in. I think it’s firmness is a great improvement over stock as well the feeling of overall better support across my whole backside.

Congrats!......Sound like you're feeling a winner!

 

[chairdr]

If you flip any stock Harley seat over and look very closely on the underside, somewhere on the black plastic you will find "Motel 6" printed or etched in small letters. That is because you have never seen a Motel 6 with a Ball Room either!

 

[ISP-FL]

I had the Tallboy seat on my 16 TG for over a year. For me it was about the same comfort level as the stock seat but since it let me sit back a little further my legs seems more relaxed on longer rides. Problem was the DW complained the passenger pad was smaller than the stock seat. Once she got back on a stock seat (19) I thought she would be thrilled. But after adding the driver's backrest storage pouch for her phone and sunglasses she thought she needed another inch or so. Adjusted my backrest up and forward so she could have that little bit of extra room. She was thrilled but then my boys were smashed on the saddle horn.....not fun even on shorter rides. So the tour relocation kit is being delivered today so everything can then be adjusted back where it belongs.

My point is sometimes changing to a different seat leads to other modifications and/or expenses.

 

[ShapeShifter]

Yea, also on my winter/spring list is the tour-pak relocation kit, as well as replacing the stock bars. If all goes well, then suspension upgrades buy summer.

 

[graygoat]

The DK relocation kit is great. I moved it back 2" and my wife likes it there.

 

[midiwiz]

So it goes like this - my 2 wheelers I use Sundowner...not the best but better than stock.

TriGlides - my 2016 I went with Mustang the whole package with driver backrest etc. On that trike it set me back almost 3 inches, wife was comfortable and never had to move the tour pack, ergo the grab bar stayed. Bring that forward....

my 2018 anniversary - kept my Mustang seat and put it on the 2018. now I'm only 2 inches back and wife needs more room so I get the dk relo kit and move that tour pack back. out comes the useless grab bar, useful on 2 wheel cruisers...no idea why it's on a trike. either rate I'll get off my soapbox for that.

as for the ride, yes Mustang is pretty firm and on a 3+ hour ride it does get a bit much, a few old guys I met at a dealership said to buy a kidney belt saying that will keep the back real comfortable and should increase riding time. There are also seat guys at most bike events, that stiffness can get broken down a touch also.

Since I didn't like the Kuryakyn flap extension at all, I had the guy at Biketoberfest make me a longer duplicate of the Harley stock one (cost $100). It's actually much nicer than the HD one and easily covers the gap created by moving the tour pack back. Ok I'm running on.... I said my 2 cents.

go ride!

 

[GARYD]

So it goes like this - my 2 wheelers I use Sundowner...not the best but better than stock. a few old guys I met at a dealership said to buy a kidney belt saying that will keep the back real comfortable and should increase riding time. There are also seat guys at most bike events, that stiffness can get broken down a touch also.

!

I would agree 1000% with that. I've been wearing a back brace (kidney belt) for the last 15 to 20 years....for loooong trips. Wouldn't leave home without it. After about 600 miles after I reached my destination, I take off the brace and I feel like a new man and ready for another 600 miles.

Also ear plugs help a lot