Topic: Another seat issue... (Read 11224 times)

CruisinEagle · « **on:** May 15, 2010, 07:21:17 PM »

I have just 500 miles on my bike and today after a long ride I discovered that the stock seat had been rubbing against the inner corner of both saddlebags. I can`t understand why the seat has not held up (I`m weighing 195 lbs.). As you can see from the pictures the seat touches the saddlebag even if I`m not sitting on it.
When I took delivery of the bike three weeks ago I asked if there were bumpers installed and the dealer said no. He believed it was the new seat. I have not had any seat/tank panel gap issue yet.

Anyone else experienced this or have any idea what`s wrong?

CruisinEagle · « **Reply #1 on:** May 15, 2010, 07:22:27 PM »

Another pic.

Racerdj · « **Reply #2 on:** May 15, 2010, 08:09:27 PM »

Mine has bumpers and I was told that I have the re-designed seat. We'll see. I don't think I have the new seat.

BUBBLEHEAD · « **Reply #3 on:** May 15, 2010, 08:12:57 PM »

That's the Harley Davidson Quality Control that came FREE with your purchase.

grc · « **Reply #4 on:** May 16, 2010, 10:14:15 AM »

Time to have your dealer get you a new seat, check the edges of the lids for paint damage, then verify the bag supports are properly positioned. When they can't figure it out (typical dealership response to most things), call the MoCo and raise hell, then start researching a good seat from someone other than H-D. I do remember someone else posting about a problem with his seat rubbing the bags, but I can't remember exactly who it was. If that damage is the result of only 3 weeks of ownership, I'd say there is a major malfunction either in the build or basic design of the seat. You did say both sides, correct?

Jerry

CruisinEagle · « **Reply #5 on:** May 16, 2010, 02:07:27 PM »

Quote from: grc on May 16, 2010, 10:14:15 AM

Time to have your dealer get you a new seat, check the edges of the lids for paint damage, then verify the bag supports are properly positioned. When they can't figure it out (typical dealership response to most things), call the MoCo and raise hell, then start researching a good seat from someone other than H-D. I do remember someone else posting about a problem with his seat rubbing the bags, but I can't remember exactly who it was. If that damage is the result of only 3 weeks of ownership, I'd say there is a major malfunction either in the build or basic design of the seat. You did say both sides, correct?

Jerry

Thanks Jerry. The seat is rubbing the corner of the saddlebag on both sides. I just checked the positioning of the bag supports, even unscrewed them and tried to push them as far downwards as possible before I fastened them again. Didn`t help. The seat is so soft on the sides that it easily make firm contact with saddlebag lid-corners and the top of the sidepanels (outside the protective film) when some weight is applied to it. This of course results in paint damage. I wonder if I`ve got the redesigned seat (see next picture). There is no bumper fix installed.

This pic shows the rubbing on top of the side panels.

CruisinEagle · « **Reply #6 on:** May 16, 2010, 02:08:59 PM »

Stock seat - the redesigned one??

redbeard719 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 16, 2010, 05:23:09 PM »

I have the same issue on mine.

My dealer was unaware of any seat issues, which I expected. I handed him a copy of the service bulletin, and he said he was going to order the new seat.

I don't expect that it will resolve the issue. When I ride now, I scooch forward and make sure the seat isn't touching the bags.

Hopefully, my seats from C and C seats will ship by the end of this week. Custom seats, that are going to be more comfortable, and look better.

Good luck.

Hawg · « **Reply #8 on:** May 16, 2010, 06:28:54 PM »

Try this with your seat, push down on the seat in the middle of the bowl, and slightly pull up on the front does your seat come off the tab in the front as easily as mine, there has to some sort of safety issue there?

CruisinEagle · « **Reply #9 on:** May 16, 2010, 07:17:51 PM »

Quote from: Hawg on May 16, 2010, 06:28:54 PM

Try this with your seat, push down on the seat in the middle of the bowl, and slightly pull up on the front does your seat come off the tab in the front as easily as mine, there has to some sort of safety issue there?

No, it doesn`t come off. This might be an indication that what I`ve got is the re-designed seat? $:-\$ Obviously, if it would come off it`s a safety issue.

Wheelsnkeels · « **Reply #10 on:** May 16, 2010, 08:24:03 PM »

I doubt you have the redesigned seat they have barely shipped any the part number has an A appendixed to it? I could not enlarge your photo to read the number.

Old 51995-10 and the New 51995-10A seat

Sea Biscuit · « **Reply #11 on:** May 16, 2010, 11:01:39 PM »

Does anyone have a copy of the service bulletin for the seat that they can post?

Thanks!

CruisinEagle · « **Reply #12 on:** May 17, 2010, 07:39:47 AM »

Quote from: Wheelsnkeels on May 16, 2010, 08:24:03 PM

I doubt you have the redesigned seat they have barely shipped any the part number has an A appendixed to it? I could not enlarge your photo to read the number.

Old 51995-10 and the New 51995-10A seat

I can`t find the part number on the seat. The number beside the Bar&Shield logo is RDW92/61-0067.

grc · « **Reply #13 on:** May 17, 2010, 08:29:34 AM »

Quote from: Sea Biscuit on May 16, 2010, 11:01:39 PM

Does anyone have a copy of the service bulletin for the seat that they can post?

Thanks!

Yup.

Jerry

Sea Biscuit · « **Reply #14 on:** May 17, 2010, 09:51:45 AM »

Quote from: grc on May 17, 2010, 08:29:34 AM

Yup.

Jerry

Thank you!

Hawg · « **Reply #15 on:** May 17, 2010, 07:39:38 PM »

Quote from: CruisinEagle on May 15, 2010, 07:22:27 PM

Another pic.

I looked at my seat and it is nowhere near the saddlebag,1/4 - 1/2 inch space.

mrdinny · « **Reply #16 on:** May 17, 2010, 08:19:20 PM »

just looked at mine and there must be close to two inches of gap

mrdinny · « **Reply #17 on:** May 17, 2010, 08:34:33 PM »

sorry, I didn't mean to lie to ya earlier. I took a closer look. It is still not close to touching but theres only about a 1/2 to 3/4

CruisinEagle · « **Reply #18 on:** May 18, 2010, 09:27:22 AM »

mrdinny and Hawg; do you have the re-designed/updated seat?

dustingaunder · « **Reply #19 on:** May 18, 2010, 09:43:36 AM »

I've got plenty of room on mine too. I don't have the new seat, but I do have the bumpers.

trwtow · « **Reply #20 on:** May 18, 2010, 05:08:52 PM »

just went out and checked mine no bumpers has half inch gap on each side 800 miles with my 250# you def hav a warranty claim

CruisinEagle · « **Reply #21 on:** May 20, 2010, 02:51:34 AM »

Even if I don`t have the seat/tank gap problem (yet) I do have the seat/lid bag (and side cover) rubbing problem. I just informed my dealer about this and he accepted to order the new updated seat for my bike under warranty. I really hope this will solve the problem as I haven`t heard of anyone having the rubbing issue with the new seat.

Wheelsnkeels · « **Reply #22 on:** May 20, 2010, 06:09:36 AM »

Quote from: CruisinEagle on May 20, 2010, 02:51:34 AM

Even if I don`t have the seat/tank gap problem (yet) I do have the seat/lid bag (and side cover) rubbing problem. I just informed my dealer about this and he accepted to order the new updated seat for my bike under warranty. I really hope this will solve the problem as I haven`t heard of anyone having the rubbing issue with the new seat.

I dont use the seat due to the gap issues but on my Sundowner there is over an inch of space at the closest point.

The dealer likely has one in stock you could have him install as a comparison. If that seat has the appropriate gap it would (should) be obvious they need to replace it for you?

CruisinEagle · « **Reply #23 on:** May 20, 2010, 06:29:58 AM »

Quote from: Wheelsnkeels on May 20, 2010, 06:09:36 AM

I dont use the seat due to the gap issues but on my Sundowner there is over an inch of space at the closest point.

The dealer likely has one in stock you could have him install as a comparison. If that seat has the appropriate gap it would (should) be obvious they need to replace it for you?

The dealer has accepted to replace the seat. I just hope this will result in the gap needed to avoid rubbing. If not I would probably have to space out the saddlebag mount or get a totally different seat. Are you happy with the Sundowner? Does it look alright on the bike?

Wheelsnkeels · « **Reply #24 on:** May 20, 2010, 12:45:32 PM »

We ride mostly 2 up with 3,000 miles on the seat and we are happy with it.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder so here is a photo? just

Still considering a Corbin Solo for myself? Really like JCZ's with the flame stitching!
Still haggling with the MOCO over the seat just because I paid for it to fit!

Wheelsnkeels · « **Reply #25 on:** May 20, 2010, 12:48:45 PM »

Quote from: Wheelsnkeels on May 20, 2010, 12:45:32 PM

We ride mostly 2 up with 3,000 miles on the seat and we are happy with it.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder so here is a photo? just

Still considering a Corbin Solo for myself? Really like JCZ's with the flame stitching!
Still haggling with the MOCO over the seat just because I paid for it to fit!

another view

NiteOwl · « **Reply #26 on:** May 20, 2010, 06:40:55 PM »

When I do an online search for this seat "Part" No 51995-10A I find nothing from any supplier. Would this seat be unavailable now due to an upgrade? or ?? It supprises me as I can find all other parts I have searched for in the past.

-=Bob=-

Hawg · « **Reply #27 on:** May 20, 2010, 11:02:15 PM »

Quote from: CruisinEagle on May 18, 2010, 09:27:22 AM

mrdinny and Hawg; do you have the re-designed/updated seat?

Mine is the not the re-designed seat, from what I am reading even the re-designed seat hasn't corrected the problems fully, therefore Corbin will be my saddle in the near future.

Wheelsnkeels · « **Reply #28 on:** May 21, 2010, 12:06:34 PM »

Quote from: NiteOwl on May 20, 2010, 06:40:55 PM

When I do an online search for this seat "Part" No 51995-10A I find nothing from any supplier. Would this seat be unavailable now due to an upgrade? or ?? It supprises me as I can find all other parts I have searched for in the past.

-=Bob=-

I believe that the redesigned seat is not available for sale, it may be at some point in the future? They however have thousands of them to replace on the 2009 SERG and 2010 SESG before they probably offer it as sale item?

CruisinEagle · « **Reply #29 on:** May 21, 2010, 03:55:09 PM »

Quote from: Wheelsnkeels on May 20, 2010, 12:45:32 PM

We ride mostly 2 up with 3,000 miles on the seat and we are happy with it.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder so here is a photo? just
Still considering a Corbin Solo for myself? Really like JCZ's with the flame stitching!
Still haggling with the MOCO over the seat just because I paid for it to fit!

Your seat looks very comfy for the passenger. I`ll see how the redesigned seat works out before I consider a different seat. I have already ordered a standard height sissy bar, larger backrest pad and passenger footboards with adjustable mounts. Hope wife will be pleased with this configuration....

Wheelsnkeels · « **Reply #30 on:** May 21, 2010, 05:25:55 PM »

My dealer just called the new seat is in. Will probably go to get it tomorrow weather permitting it's 117 miles each way. So I should know b the time I get home if it's a real fix or not?

Wheelsnkeels · « **Reply #31 on:** May 22, 2010, 05:12:11 PM »

Well went to the dealer (first50 miles in the rain) and received the "New revised seat" and a bike wash

Improved over the original kind of

Now there is no gap at the console although it still does not overlap the chrome. So you can still see the rubber trim sticking out. If I remove the console and cut back the rubber trim a little that will fix that. sitting on the seat 130 miles coming home no visible gap "yeah"! Thats the good news.

While they focused on the nose they neglected the sides I'm only 175 and when I sit on the seat it contacts the left saddlebag lid

WTF over?

The original had about a 1/2" gap so get some lose some?
Pretty fed up at this point!

Guess I'll sell the seat and buy the Corbin Solo for myself and use the Sundowner 2 up.

The Bride says the new seat is better in theback than the original but all in all not near as comfortable to her as the Sundowner. So to eliminate the squeak in the back seat its the Sundowner 2 up.

Perhaps the Corbin dual heated touring???

Hawg · « **Reply #32 on:** May 22, 2010, 07:22:50 PM »

I would keep the original you never know

grc · « **Reply #33 on:** May 22, 2010, 07:54:53 PM »

Maybe I missed it, but has anyone actually called H-D and asked about this little problem of the saddlebag lids rubbing a hole in the seat? I realize it's a PITA dealing with the MoCo on most things, but I can't believe anyone is going to just accept this. Whether you know it or not, you paid extra for that "special" CVO seat, and so far it hasn't proved to be anywhere near as good as the stock FLHX seat. Even if you wind up hanging the seat on the garage wall and replacing it with something from the aftermarket, you deserve to have a properly built seat as a wall ornament, not a POS that doesn't fit the bike properly.

BTW, selling the seat to some other unsuspecting soul who won't have any recourse with the MoCo isn't a legitimate answer. Now it's not only OK for H-D to screw us, but we get to use the screwing from H-D to justify screwing each other as well? Come on.

Jerry

CruisinEagle · « **Reply #34 on:** May 22, 2010, 07:59:13 PM »

Quote from: Wheelsnkeels on May 22, 2010, 05:12:11 PM

Well went to the dealer (first50 miles in the rain) and received the "New revised seat" and a bike wash

Improved over the original kind of

Now there is no gap at the console although it still does not overlap the chrome. So you can still see the rubber trim sticking out. If I remove the console and cut back the rubber trim a little that will fix that. sitting on the seat 130 miles coming home no visible gap "yeah"! Thats the good news.

While they focused on the nose they neglected the sides I'm only 175 and when I sit on the seat it contacts the left saddlebag lid WTF over?

The original had about a 1/2" gap so get some lose some?
Pretty fed up at this point!

Guess I'll sell the seat and buy the Corbin Solo for myself and use the Sundowner 2 up.

The Bride says the new seat is better in theback than the original but all in all not near as comfortable to her as the Sundowner. So to eliminate the squeak in the back seat its the Sundowner 2 up.

Perhaps the Corbin dual heated touring???

Now..., this was not the news I was hoping for. I`m getting quite confused.

I have not been able to establish whether my bike was delivered with the old or redesigned seat. I`ve got the same problem as you have with the new seat making contact with the saddlebag lid (and the side covers), but I have no gap between the seat and the tank panel. Dealer has ordered the redesigned seat for me, but with your recent experience this will probably not fix the problems.

Hawg · « **Reply #35 on:** May 23, 2010, 08:33:22 AM »

I too am starting to experience the gap issue, showed it to my dealer yesterday along with the front of the seat popping out of the front bracket. The latter of coarse a safety issue. I also noticed at the same time the seat rubbing the saddle bag. They tried to adjust the seat to stay in the front bracket, however were unsuccessful , therefore I have a the new replacement seat [-10a] ordered.

JCZ · « **Reply #36 on:** May 23, 2010, 01:32:56 PM »

Quote from: CruisinEagle on May 22, 2010, 07:59:13 PM

Now..., this was not the news I was hoping for. I`m getting quite confused. I have not been able to establish whether my bike was delivered with the old or redesigned seat. I`ve got the same problem as you have with the new seat making contact with the saddlebag lid (and the side covers), but I have no gap between the seat and the tank panel. Dealer has ordered the redesigned seat for me, but with your recent experience this will probably not fix the problems.

It doesn't matter. New or old.....if the seat is rubbing your saddle bag at all then it's not functioning as designed and is a warranty issue. Go take it to them.

Mr. Wizard · « **Reply #37 on:** May 24, 2010, 08:53:27 AM »

Old Seat had the gap. There was no rub on the saddle bags and didn't notice rub on the side covers. Had a good 1" gap to the saddle bag lids but would touch opening the bags.

Asked for the new seat. HD said bumpers first, they sent the bumpers (9 week wait). Dealer installed them and the gap was still there.

Dealer ordered the new seat. HD sent the new seat (5 week wait). Dealer installed it on top of the bumpers, gap is gone.

New seat with bumpers rides a little stiffer on the outside edges. Gap to saddle bags still had a good 1" gap to the seat.

Removed bumpers and took 180 mile ride in mid 90 heat, seat very comfortable but is now hitting the saddle bag lid when I'm on it (195 lbs). Has 1/2" gap with no weight on it.

Seat now rests on the side covers in the front enough to pop out both front retainers yesterday. Seat does sit on the protective guard for the side covers.

Will put the bumpers back on to raise the seat back up to original position and away from the lids and covers.

Will report later when I get my work ducks in a row.

dkflhxse · « **Reply #38 on:** May 24, 2010, 11:29:35 AM »

My bike was delivered with bumpers and re-designed seat. From an appearance standpoint the seat leather was not properly stretched and dealer replaced on warranty. Dealer stated I still needed the bumpers even with the new seat which did look good from an appearance standpoint. No gap with bumpers and decided to remove bumpers with new seat. Within 50 miles a 1/4" gap appeared. When I got home, I re-installed the bumpers and all is good again. Moral to the story...stock seat requires bumpers or you will have issues. I'll remove them when I use my two-up touring Mustang seat. Oh yeah, I weigh 180 lbs. so I don't think that's an issue.

jacksglide · « **Reply #39 on:** May 24, 2010, 04:10:06 PM »

DKFLHXSE, what Mustang seat do you have? and do you and you're wife like it for 2 up riding??

dkflhxse · « **Reply #40 on:** May 24, 2010, 06:08:46 PM »

Quote from: jacksglide on May 24, 2010, 04:10:06 PM

DKFLHXSE, what Mustang seat do you have? and do you and you're wife like it for 2 up riding??

I have Mustang's "One-Piece Smooth Touring Seat - 2008-2010 (76033)".

We haven't had much time on it yet but my wife's intial impresion is that it's a bit firmer than the Ultra stock seat we had on our Anniversay 2008. Seems quite confortable to me but time will tell.

CruisinEagle · « **Reply #41 on:** May 24, 2010, 07:44:57 PM »

Quote from: dkflhxse on May 24, 2010, 11:29:35 AM

My bike was delivered with bumpers and re-designed seat. From an appearance standpoint the seat leather was not properly stretched and dealer replaced on warranty. Dealer stated I still needed the bumpers even with the new seat which did look good from an appearance standpoint. No gap with bumpers and decided to remove bumpers with new seat. Within 50 miles a 1/4" gap appeared. When I got home, I re-installed the bumpers and all is good again. Moral to the story...stock seat requires bumpers or you will have issues. I'll remove them when I use my two-up touring Mustang seat. Oh yeah, I weigh 180 lbs. so I don't think that's an issue.

With the re-designed seat and the bumpers, can you then install saddlebag guards?

DABB · « **Reply #42 on:** May 24, 2010, 10:47:15 PM »

No, at least not on my bike.

dkflhxse · « **Reply #43 on:** May 24, 2010, 11:39:06 PM »

Quote from: CruisinEagle on May 24, 2010, 07:44:57 PM

With the re-designed seat and the bumpers, can you then install saddlebag guards?

Somone on the site said their dealer filed a slot in the bumpers to accommodate the guards. Don't see why that wouldn't work.

Mr. Wizard · « **Reply #44 on:** May 25, 2010, 08:42:58 PM »

Quote from: Mr. Wizard on May 24, 2010, 08:53:27 AM

Old Seat had the gap. There was no rub on the saddle bags and didn't notice rub on the side covers. Had a good 1" gap to the saddle bag lids but would touch opening the bags.

Asked for the new seat. HD said bumpers first, they sent the bumpers (9 week wait). Dealer installed them and the gap was still there.

Dealer ordered the new seat. HD sent the new seat (5 week wait). Dealer installed it on top of the bumpers, gap is gone.

New seat with bumpers rides a little stiffer on the outside edges. Gap to saddle bags still had a good 1" gap to the seat.

Removed bumpers and took 180 mile ride in mid 90 heat, seat very comfortable but is now hitting the saddle bag lid when I'm on it (195 lbs). Has 1/2" gap with no weight on it.

Seat now rests on the side covers in the front enough to pop out both front retainers yesterday. Seat does sit on the protective guard for the side covers.

Will put the bumpers back on to raise the seat back up to original position and away from the lids and covers.

Will report later when I get my work ducks in a row.

Sorry this took so long to get back...

Removed the seat and reinstalled the bumpers. I'll tell you guys right now... no way this seat is coming off the front tongue. Darn near had to bend the seat in half to get the seat back on with the bumpers.

The seat raised up about 1/2 inch and off of the side covers. The seat still hits the very front of the side covers a bit but not enough to force the covers open as it did the other day.

The gap to the saddle bags is still there. It's a good 1/2" or better. Sitting on the seat the right bag lid still has 1/4" of clearance but the left bag lid is rubbing.

I did take pictures and will post if anyone wants to see but since most all of us, with the factory seat, have the same issue... well, ya know.

Widows Son · « **Reply #45 on:** May 27, 2010, 12:51:23 AM »

Had the seat rub problem also and posted the similar pics of it. Decided to go with a custom C&C seat which is narrower.

Wheelsnkeels · « **Reply #46 on:** May 27, 2010, 04:11:54 PM »

Quote from: Widows Son on May 27, 2010, 12:51:23 AM

Had the seat rub problem also and posted the similar pics of it. Decided to go with a custom C&C seat which is narrower.

That is one very cool looking seat

steve-o · « **Reply #47 on:** May 27, 2010, 10:23:33 PM »

Quote from: CruisinEagle on May 24, 2010, 07:44:57 PM

With the re-designed seat and the bumpers, can you then install saddlebag guards?
[YES! after the bumpers are modified with a grinder!!!!/quote]

NiteOwl · « **Reply #48 on:** May 31, 2010, 01:19:44 PM »

Quote from: Wheelsnkeels on May 21, 2010, 12:06:34 PM

I believe that the redesigned seat is not available for sale, it may be at some point in the future? They however have thousands of them to replace on the 2009 SERG and 2010 SESG before they probably offer it as sale item?

OK, thanks very much for that, I will keep my eyes open.

Author Topic: Another seat issue... (Read 11224 times)