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[cvTony]

Got about 175 miles on my '06 crimson SEUC. The backrest is worthless. In a seating position that places my hands comfortably on the grips with a slight bend in my arms I am about 1-2" away from the backrest. So, what is the solution? I had the dealer adjust the bars, but we could only get them back about 3/4", any more seemed like the bars were too low. Then we had to rotate the controls around to compensate. The clutch side is limited by the hydraulic line which contacts the bar as is is rotated forward. Other ideas: Have a custom seat built? Kinda short on $$ now. I'd hoped a $32K bike would fit better. Gator arms were not considered in the design of the seat/grip relationship. A buddy suggested having the backrest modified with extra padding. You can't adjust if forward (tried) because it then will not fit in the seat slot properly. So, I am going to look into having padding added. Any more than 1 to 1-1/2" would look ridiculous though. This issue has probably been discussed in another thread. If someone could point me there, or describe what they have done to resolve this I'd like to know. Extended bars are available, but the catolog says not for hydraulic clutched bike, and there is the matter of internal wiring.

[SEULTRA]

Got about 175 miles on my '06 crimson SEUC. The backrest is worthless. In a seating position that places my hands comfortably on the grips with a slight bend in my arms I am about 1-2" away from the backrest. So, what is the solution? I had the dealer adjust the bars, but we could only get them back about 3/4", any more seemed like the bars were too low. Then we had to rotate the controls around to compensate. The clutch side is limited by the hydraulic line which contacts the bar as is is rotated forward. Other ideas: Have a custom seat built? Kinda short on $$ now. I'd hoped a $32K bike would fit better. Gator arms were not considered in the design of the seat/grip relationship. A buddy suggested having the backrest modified with extra padding. You can't adjust if forward (tried) because it then will not fit in the seat slot properly. So, I am going to look into having padding added. Any more than 1 to 1-1/2" would look ridiculous though. This issue has probably been discussed in another thread. If someone could point me there, or describe what they have done to resolve this I'd like to know. [highlight]Extended bars are available, but the catolog says not for hydraulic clutched bike, and there is the matter of internal wiring. [/highlight]

I have the same issue with the riding position/comfort issue. The solution for me will be Chubbys (internal wiring and has a dimple on the left side to accomodate the clutch resevoir) go to this link for a recommendation http://flhrsei.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?num=1145041469/9#9

[FR8TRN]

Perhaps you need to try the HD Reach seat, it moves the rider forward about what you need, then the backrest (or new backrest to match the new seat) could be moved appropriately.

Yeah you paid $32K for a bike, but it wasn't custom fit to you, there are riders of other sizes out there that paid that much also, like me, the fit of the bike is fine, I'm sure someone bigger than both of us would feel it's cramped, can't make everyone happy.  If you'd like something custom fit to you I'm sure you'll need to spend a bit more, like for the seat.  I bought a different seat for mine, not cause I couldn't reach the controls, but because the stock one hurt my ass....ya gotta make these things fit you.

[BobD]

Got about 175 miles on my '06 crimson SEUC. [highlight]The backrest is worthless. In a seating position that places my hands comfortably on the grips with a slight bend in my arms I am about 1-2" away from the backrest.[/highlight] So, what is the solution? I had the dealer adjust the bars, but we could only get them back about 3/4", any more seemed like the bars were too low. Then we had to rotate the controls around to compensate. The clutch side is limited by the hydraulic line which contacts the bar as is is rotated forward. Other ideas: Have a custom seat built? Kinda short on $$ now. I'd hoped a $32K bike would fit better. Gator arms were not considered in the design of the seat/grip relationship. A buddy suggested having the backrest modified with extra padding. You can't adjust if forward (tried) because it then will not fit in the seat slot properly. So, I am going to look into having padding added. Any more than 1 to 1-1/2" would look ridiculous though. This issue has probably been discussed in another thread. If someone could point me there, or describe what they have done to resolve this I'd like to know. Extended bars are available, but the catolog says not for hydraulic clutched bike, and there is the matter of internal wiring.

Have you tried adjusting your backrest? Take the seat off and you'll find several adjustment positions that will position your backrest either forward or reward. JUst move the bracket in the direction you are looking for.

[Midnight Rider]

CvTony...I'm concerned about that too, but don't know yet because I haven't taken delivery.  I'm 5'8" with a 32" sleeve length, so will probably have an issue with the backrest.  Have you considered trying to find, or having one made....a leather cover that fits on the backrest much like a tour bag would fit over it, just make it smaller and put it on there "reversed" with the pad side towards your back and the strap to go over the existing backrest on the back...might need a little snap strap to go underneath (or velcro) to hold it down.  If you know a good leather shop, I'm sure they could make you one that would look good. Somebody has probably already thought of this, so check some of the aftermarket accessorie web sites.  This way, you could take it off when you're not really needing it, and the backrest wouldn't look weird all the time. It would probably take all of two minutes to put it on, if that long.

I've got a picture in my mind, but might not be describing it in an understandable way.  I'm like you, I would not want to make it permanent...it would look like a knot on a dog's d@#k, and if the seat is comfortable for you, this would be a cheaper fix than a new seat.  Of course, I'm sure Cobin or somebody could make a custom that would match perfectly...seat, backrest...the whole thing...for a price!!   [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

[ultrafxr]

Have you tried adjusting your backrest? Take the seat off and you'll find several adjustment positions that will position your backrest either forward or reward. JUst move the bracket in the direction you are looking for.

Had to do this on mine.  Moved the bracket one position forward and backrest is fine now.  Try this and let us know how it works for you. [smiley=banana.gif]

[cvTony]

I tried moving the bracket forward one position EZRider4, but then I had to stretch the seat slot so much it was gaping open behind the rest (I told my wife that it was a hand warmer slot) and it looks terrible. I'm 5'9" and wear a 32 sleeve also TCnBham, so you may have the same problem. I'm leaning towards adding padding to the backrest, but I'll check out the Chubby bars also. A combination of both may be needed to get me in the zone. The actual seat comfort is good, which was also a concern as I have read complaints about that. My point of reference is my 1990 FLHTC which had a backrest and was very comfortable. Because of continious redesigns the relationship between the seat and grips has changed and I know some of my larger friends were cramped on my '90. Thanks for the input.

[Coolbreeze]

I you live in the Seattle area, Rich's Custom Seats can alter your stock seat for a reasonable figure and move you in to where you want to be, while still maintaining the stock appearance of the seat.  Thier number is 206-524-2274.  they did good work for me and my brother-in-law.   It takes most of a day for a custom fitting, but they do damn fine work.  

[cvTony]

I have the same issue with the riding position/comfort issue. The solution for me will be Chubbys (internal wiring and has a dimple on the left side to accomodate the clutch resevoir) go to this link for a recommendation http://flhrsei.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?num=1145041469/9#9

I am liking this idea better than seat mods. And the fat bar would be a cool look. Please keep me posted with your progress on this mod and what is involved. I am going to check with the local dealers to see who may have the best qualified wrench to perform this, there are 5 dealers within 1/2 hour of my home. I knew I would get a great idea here.

[Wakko]

I'd like to point out that simply moving a seat forward or back an inch, or the handlebars up or down an inch, could make a huge difference in riding comfort. It's the easiest, cheapest, and the first thing that should be tried to make for a better ride.

[SEULTRA]

I'd like to point out that simply moving a seat forward or back an inch, or the handlebars up or down an inch, could make a huge difference in riding comfort. [highlight]It's the easiest, cheapest, and the first thing that should be tried to make for a better ride.[/highlight]

Agreed! It would be the 1st thing I would do before going out & spending $$ to solve the issue (assuming I was happy with the look in the 1st place)  [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

[cvTony]

The seat does not adjust. The backrest has adjustment provisions, but if you try moving it forward from the factory set position you'd see that it is not practical. I got the bars back 3/4" and that helped some. But, I've got some ideas and I'm patient - I'll try one thing at a time from the cheapest on up until I'm happy. If I figure something out it'll be posted here.