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[Majorrocky]

I have an '08 SERK but am considering one of the new "Hammock" seats from Harley that come stock on the CVO Ultras (53051-09) but I've read on some other forums that after a while the weave material that creates the hammock portion starts to stretch and break down -- basically taking the effectiveness of the design out of the seat. 

So... I thought I would check with some of you Ultra owners to get your opinion on the seat.  How's it holding up, is it as comfortable on long rides as advertised, etc?  I've sat on it during demo rides but nothing more than about 10 miles at a time.  I'm looking for an opinion of it for both rider and passenger on long rides.

As an alternative I'm considering getting my stock seat re-done by Mean City Cycles (http://www.meancitycycles.com/index.php) so if anyone has had experience with both options that would certainly help too.

Thanks in advance for any input... 

[Cerdo]

I find that my seat is no better than any other stock seat after three or four hours in the saddle. In my opinion (and what I plan on do in the off season) I have taken my last two seats in and had a gel pad added to them. After adding the GEL pad I can ride all day and no fatigue. I would suggest that you find someone in you area that modifies the seats and talk to them before you spend the big bucks on the factory seat.

[muddypaws]

Where can I get the gel pad added? does the heated part still work?

[Cerdo]

I have found the Gel Pads at all of the big shows. Look for someone who sews on the patches for you HOG chapter. The company does all of the seats for us. They have to take the seat apart ans lift the heated pad off of the foam, cut the foam away and insert the Gel Pad into the foam. Reinstall the heater and cover. I did this to my last two bikes for both my wife and I and it works great.

[bunt]

I used Mean City Cycles, was happy with the way it came out, they moved me back an inch and added different type of foam. They do the gel inserts but they felt the memory foam works just as well. I only had seat a short time, longest ride in one day 400 miles and I was comfortable. Just got an 09 with the hammock seat, must say it is the best stock HD I've ever had but am thinking of sending it in to have cut the back out a bit to give me a little more room again.
http://www.meancitycycles.com/

[jerdawg]

just got back from a 3 day 1500 mile trip around lake michigan, this is the best riding seat i have had.never had a minutes problem,passenger side just as good,got up every day and didn't mind getting back on the bike. Seat is still new as my bike only have 4k on it but so far so good.

[Dirtman09]

I love my new Hammock seat and better then that my wife loves it to.We went to OK. city made the trip their in two days 920 mi one way.Also came home in two days. That was the longest trip for my wife.She loved it so much we are leaving Friday and going to Patton Pa to visit family.

[Majorrocky]

Excellent!     Keep the input coming... I'm liking the sound of that hammock seat more and more... although, I have to admit that the Mean City Cycles option sounds good too...  maybe I'll do both... !!!   Having the hammock seat in hand would give me something to sit on other than the frame and fender while the stock seat is at Mean City... 

[Mr D]

I enjoyed the CVO hammock seat on my CUSE4, that I went looking for one for my Tri Glide, and with the help of "Fatboy", a fellow member found one on eBay and bought it for my Tri Glide, wasn"t cheap, but IT IS GREAT!!

[09S/E roadglide]

I bought one for my RG and I like it alot !! the wife does too 

[hdctss]

I have found that the hammock seat is the best stock seat so far.  I liked the gel pad for really long days in the saddle 750+ miles in 10-12 hours.  My Corbin seat was also very good and better than any stock H-D seat.  It is kind of tough to say if this one is better than the Corbin, so far I will say it is about equal.

[Majorrocky]

Ok you guys have convinced me...

Just placed the order with Chicago Harley for $416.71 including shipping... seemed about as reasonable as any other avenue I could find.

I have a feeling it's going to look gawdy on the SERK without the passenger backrest or tourpak because of the thickness (I like to leave only the rider backrest on when I'm the only one on the bike) but that's the whole point... to have it on there for the long haul...  I'll probably put the stock back on for short rides...

I'll try to post some pix when it comes in and give a "ride" report first chance I get...

Thanks to all for the input...

[1abastarsmda]

I have 14,000 miles on mine and the only problem I have had was the day I left the heat on high in 90 degree weather.  I've ridden up to 700 miles in a day with no problems and many 300 to 500 mile days, however I could not do it without my rider backrest.  The seat is very comfortable, but doesn't provide much in lower back support without the backrest.

My new passenger had only ridden 3 times previously for a total of about 60 miles.  I threw her to the wolves and took her for a 300 mile ride last Sunday.  She loved it and she told me she was completely comfortable for the entire ride.

I did buy a sheepskin covered gel pad to put on the seat.  After using it a few times, I don't think I'll ever use it again.  I initially thought it was a great addition, but on a longer ride I found that I had to take it off and sit directly on the seat again to avoid fatigue.  If I don't use it at all, I don't get the fatigue in the first place.

So, I for one, am quite happy with the stock seat for the first time ever.

[Majorrocky]

The seat came in Saturday about 45 minutes before I had to leave for a 150 mile ride on Saturday.     
So I threw it on and took off... Early reviews:

1.  The hammock seat doesn't fit quite as well on the 'ol SERK as I would like.  It works, but I had to put a little more pressure on it on the back (BSR area) to get the bolt tightened down.  However, once on it didn't go anywhere.
2.  It definitely raises me up I'd say a good 2 to 3 inches.  Took a few miles to get used to that.  Same for BSR.
3.  VERY comfortable, both rider and BSR.  At the end of the 150 neither of us felt any discomfort.  We'll see what happens with more mileage.   
4.  It does look a little awkward on the SERK...not so much with the tour pack installed, but by itself or with the back rest it's a little thick.
5.  Forget about using the stock back rest with it.     Fortunately I have one of the tall ones so it works out.
6.  If your rider back rest hits you mid-back with the stock seat, it'll hit you just above your belt line with this seat.

I'll post some pics with the new look.  I'll use this seat religiously when doing long rides but for around town I'll probably put the stock seat back on.  All in all, I think it's worth the money (if it holds up to wear & tear).  Attaching pic 1.

[Majorrocky]

Pic 2