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[Framemaker]

Had an 03 Ultra and was very happy with the seat.  On my new 06 Ultra, the seat is harder and I find myself squirming after 60 or 70 miles.  I'm concerned about the heating elements and having the seat padded.  Anyone done this, or know if it can be done??

Thanks, Framemaker

[GC_Super]

I agree.  I think our seats are more for looks than comfort.  I considered changing out seats, but when you consider the heating elements, the backrest, matching the tourpack, etc. it became too expensive and troublesome.  My soution for about $125, was to buy one of HD's sheepskin covers to use on trips and long day rides. It supposedly only fits stock E-glide seats, but the fit on my CUSE is perfect.  The sheepskin is only on top and the sides are leather.  Many people have asked me how I fitted the sheepsking to the top of my seat not realizing it's all one piece. Also, although the side portion covers the heater switch, you can still feel it and it's no problem to use, but you don't feel the heat as much.

[Framemaker]

Does the sheepskin cover the whole seat or just the Drivers. Like I said, the little lady is happy with her side.  Do you happen to remember the part number?
Thanks, Framemaker

[RJ749]

Common complaint.  Many of us have rebuilt our seats or bought new replacements.

You can put a gel pad in the stock seat without impacting the heated portion.

Here's a Corbin thread with solution  http://flhrsei.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?num=1162586742/0

And another for the "Best replacement Seat"  http://flhrsei.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?num=1145844250/0

While this pic is of my seat after rebuild and shows it prior to riding which eliminated the ripples.  You can see I am farther back (2") and lower as well.

[Framemaker]

Can't be further back, I padded the backrest to be pushed forward.  I assume that a redo can be done to fit you.

[RJ749]

Can't be further back, I padded the backrest to be pushed forward.

[VaEagle]

Hi Framemaker,

If you want a custom seat built to your size and weight look at this site,

http://www.day-long.com/index.htm


If you just want a pad on top take a look at www.thepropad.com

[Midnight Rider]

I don't think the problem with the stock seat is that it's too hard...it's too soft!  After a few hours in it, the foam collapses and you are virtually sitting on the seat pan.  The passenger portion does not have this problem.  The driver's portion looks and feels all cushy, but in reality there's only a couple of inches of relatively soft foam separating your tail bone from plastic.  The only solution is to have it rebuilt, get a Corbin, or insert a denser material.  I had mine reinforced by an auto upholstery shop...it helped, but still no cigar.  I replaced the POS.

[Screamin_Beagle]

Ongoing problem,
    The MoCo in their infinite wisdom have decided that the looks and ridability (for SHORT riders) is more important than providing a product suited for the intended purpose....long rides.  These bikes are TOURING bikes.  They have always had the saddle that allows for long rides,  but "they" have decided that by cutting the seats 1.5" on each side,  and removing some foam,  they can create a seat that allows short riders to touch while sitting flat on the seat.  IMHO,  let the short guys buy a new seat (fact is that most of the big bike riders) are tall enough to touch with the old '99 Ultra seat (my opinion,  best stock touring seat ever).  But the factory wants to put their stock chit on the floor,  and tell everyone about the new foam technology and let the short legged folks feel good about themselves.  I can't tell you how many seats I've been through.......the stock one sucks....and from what I've heard,  no one else likes them either.

Bottom line is the once again,  the factory shoves their non rider engineered bullchit down our throat,  and we still buy it.  BTW,  I invested in HD a while ago,  what other company in the workd can continue to SCREW their customers on a regular basis.......and we keep going back.   GREAT business to be in........where else in the world,  can you go in and spend $30 for a chrome bolt,  and be happy they have it in stock (forget what it costs).  IMO,  they have a niche market today,  but there are other bike companies coming hard,  and they better step up........there is a new generation coming (us old farts won't last for ever).  Why do you think they stepped it up this year (best upgrades for one model year to date,   but the competition will do the same next year).  And the competition can do the same in less than a year.  I predicted the same for Home Depot and Lowes 2 years ago,  and am glad I put some $$ in the later.........

I'm off  [smiley=soapbox.gif] now....

_Beagle

[nixobilly]

Amen Brother!

6' 3" 240lbs (ding!)

Gonna hafta get a new seat b4 Nelson now that I got my Oil temp gauge to work...  

Mark

[CVOMOE!!]

If you think your seat is uncomfortable you should try riding on the 2005 for a day.  Absolutely the worst seat I have ridden on.  Looks cool but has to go.  Sure would like an electric one like the 06 and 07's have to keep my buns warm on those cold days.

Cheers, Moe

[greglyon]

I have had 3 Road glides.  The first thing I do after taking delivery is to remove the stock seat and replace it with the Mustang I have taken off the old bike.  The stock seat goes in the Mustang box until the day it is sold.  Anyone aware of a company that will put heating elements in a Mustang seat?

[Screamin_Beagle]

Mark,
   Same here,  6'3" and 225 (36 inch inseam).  I've never had to worry about being able to touch.  It really pisses me off that they feed us chicken sh$t and tell you it's chicken salad.....do they think that we're that stupid?
   Most of the guy's on this site, know more about Harley's and riding than the engineers that design this stuff.  I think the MoCo should try something new and ASK the people what they want or what people like or dislike.

OK.......I'm off my  [smiley=soapbox.gif] again (sorry folks,  this topic really put's a knot in my knickers).

_Beagle

[Screamin_Beagle]

Moe,
   I agree,  I've got an '05 SEEG and as you said, the stock seat looks GREAT (no doubt in anyones mind),  but you do more than 60 miles on the thing,  and it feels like Willie G is trying to shove the seat pan up your a$$.  All in all,  great looker,  doesn't work for crap.


_Beagle

[Midnight Rider]

Let me remind everyone that statisitcally the average male height in the US is still 5'10"

It's not MY fault that they build the sidewalks too close to my ass...

The problem with the seats is not how thick or thin the material, but what the material IS in the first place.  You don't have to have a mattress on top of the seat pan to have comfort while riding.  If you put an 8 inch thick piece of cheap chit foam rubber on top of the seat pan, and after you sit on it for an hour it ends up being a 2 inch piece of compressed foam and is comfortable to you...why not just start out with the denser stuff to begin with?  Basically, that's what "custom" seat makers do.  Corbin has been enormously sucessful doing this with their materials, and I'm sure there are others I have no personal knowledge of who do same/similar things. By the same token, you don't need to start out sitting on a 2 inch piece of compressed wood shaped like a seat either.

Based on average male height/weight in the US, I would guess that HD builds bikes/seats/install controls/handlebars so that MEN between 5'9" and 6'1" would find everything fits fairly well.  If you're outside those build parameters (see ME) then you've got to add/replace chit on the bike...i.e.; Legend Shocks; Corbin Seats; Wild 1 Chubby bars...total thus far to make the bike fit me more comfortably...almost 3 Thousand Dollars, not counting my time/labor.