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[JoeVibe]

Two more cents about the Airhawk Cruiser R: It fits like it was literally made for the hammock seat, front or rear. Two, there is no need to strap it to the bike, as it has a "sticky rubber" bottom on the cover that will not slide around once seated. This allows you to just throw it in the saddlebag or TP when you are not on the bike.

Once the bladder is adjusted properly, there is rarely a need to make further adjustments. The trick is to blow it up, sit on the bike, then slowly bleed air out of the valve until you are just slightly off the stock seat support.  Because of the interconnected bladder, it should feel like you are sitting on Jello...when you shift your butt, it feels "squishy" as the air moves around in the bladder. The top of the cover is a very breathable material that allows some air flow.  And yes, you can still feel the heated seat when needed, though of course there is some insulation factor due to the air in the bladder.

Thanks! 

[BakedInMN]

The GF picked up the Zeppelin a couple of weeks ago and tried it out last weekend on a short (200 Mile) trip.

Believe it or not, she can actually ride longer on the stock seat than she can with the Zeppelin or the other seat pad she has. The Zeppelin was attached to the seat using the seat strap (nice feature). The zeppelin also has two small protrusions at the front of it that stuck into one of my butt cheeks. Got a bit uncomfortable (for me) after about a half hour. That would be a deal breaker for me, but I had her sew the protrusions into the cover so they wouldn't stick out anymore.

She said she liked the pad, but she can't ride comfortably as long as she can without it.

 

[danner55]

I run with very little air in mine but it did leak down a time or 2. The problem is the relief valve riding against the seat. I checked it in water and it didn't leak. It is easy to adjust the valve away from the seat. My wife really likes her zeppelin air pad! I too think it's worth it. It gets my butt off the seat just enough from sweating on those hot days. We put on a lot of 500+ mile days. We won't leave on a trip without them.

Surdyke offers 20% off. Makes it a better deal!

[FlaHeatWave]

To me, the biggest thing about long distance riding comfort is getting your body acclimated to the hours in the saddle. In Florida, our riding season is mostly 'year around. Even then, when we get ready for a long trip, I try to get a couple of 200+mi. days in a week or 2 before we leave on a long trip. You folks in areas of limited riding seasons should work into it during the spring thaw. (Like my older sister is fond of reminding me; "We ain't 23 anymore.") When traveling, every 150 or so mi. we stop for gas, stretch, and drink plenty of water, nothing else, except a little Gatoraide once in awhile, no sodas, tea, alcohol, or anything of the like. We eat light, sometimes having salads for breakfast (hydration is a wonderful thing! 'Helps resist cramping.)
'Just mentioning this to give the seat(s) that you try a fair chance...

Y'all might think I'm wacko with this; On our last big trip (3 months on the bike) we had the Cardo comm gear, having easy conversation (and especially enjoying the Bluetooth music in comfortable helmets!), really increased our total comfort level  !!!
We'll never leave home without it!!!

That being said; "The Ball & Chain" and I really like the Corbin DualTour!

Doesn't H-D have a "Test ride a seat program" where you can try a demo seat for a few days?
 

[Midnight Rider]

One more thing...I would never waste money on a new HD seat, regardless of type.  There are just simply better alternatives for a whole seat. I found the Hammock seat on the '11 SERGU to be fine, but the wife needed the Airhawk, which I ended up using as well.  But, it was never as comfortable as my Corbin.

On my '06 SEUC, I had a Corbin Dual Tour with heat and their backrest and LOVED it. Corbin's feel too firm, but once "broken in" a bit, it was the most comfortable seat I've ever owned. I had the nose job on it (I have a 29" inseam) which made a big difference in getting my legs closer together when stopped for a better foothold. I could do 5-600 mile days in that seat without an issue, though I typically don't try riding over about 300 in a typical travel day. I have also known people who swear by the Mustang seats, but if I were replacing a seat on any bike, it would be a Corbin.

Jim (hd-dude), who owns Metal Dragon in CA and is a member here would be the person I'd order the Corbin through....he lives in the area and knows exactly what to tell them to do for the CVO bikes, plus he's a great guy.

[FlaHeatWave]

One more thing...I would never waste money on a new HD seat, regardless of type.  There are just simply better alternatives for a whole seat. I found the Hammock seat on the '11 SERGU to be fine, but the wife needed the Airhawk, which I ended up using as well.  But, it was never as comfortable as my Corbin.

On my '06 SEUC, I had a Corbin Dual Tour with heat and their backrest and LOVED it. Corbin's feel too firm, but once "broken in" a bit, it was the most comfortable seat I've ever owned. I had the nose job on it (I have a 29" inseam) which made a big difference in getting my legs closer together when stopped for a better foothold. I could do 5-600 mile days in that seat without an issue, though I typically don't try riding over about 300 in a typical travel day. I have also known people who swear by the Mustang seats, but if I were replacing a seat on any bike, it would be a Corbin.

Jim (hd-dude), who owns Metal Dragon in CA and is a member here would be the person I'd order the Corbin through....he lives in the area and knows exactly what to tell them to do for the CVO bikes, plus he's a great guy.

Yea, what he said... Except living in FL, we decided not to get heat.
Jim used to give a 10% off of Corbin list! ('don't know if he still does?)

[JoeVibe]

Doesn't H-D have a "Test ride a seat program" where you can try a demo seat for a few days?
 

Do any of the aftermarket seat companies offer a trial ride period? I don't mind spending the money if the seat works but I'd hate to be starting a new seat collection.

[FlaHeatWave]

Do any of the aftermarket seat companies offer a trial ride period? I don't mind spending the money if the seat works but I'd hate to be starting a new seat collection.

Joe,
'Reading your OP again, it seems that you are good with your stock seat, your wife, not so much...
There are several companies http://www.meancitycycles.com/ is one, that will modify your seat, front, back, or both. That might be an option for you to modify the rear. Being that MCC is in NC, maybe y'all can ride over there and have your seat mods fitted?

While we were out West, we did a "ride-in" fitting with Corbin (Through Metal Dragon), went on 6-7 test drives and ended up going back to Corbin's stock configuration with minor mods to the front for me.

Short answer is; I don't know if any after market companies have a trial program like H-D? Corbin has some kind of "re-do" but unless you do the "ride-in" it will take quite some time...

Also, there are several seat companies that run the rally circuit and will mod while you wait.   

[JoeVibe]

Yeah, I've been happy with the stock Hammock, and Janet's OK on it for a while. I'd just like to get her comfortable for longer rides. I've been told the guys that do seats around here won't mess with the Hammock for some reason. I don't know if it's true, just what I've been told.

I wouldn't mind buying an aftermarket seat and getting a little more comfortable as long as it's better for Janet. We tried a couple of H-D seats, didn't find anything she liked better. I think I'm going to try an air cushion for her next and see how that works.

Thanks for the info.

[Billy]

Mustang Will let you try the seat for 10 days. Billy

[JoeVibe]

Mustang Will let you try the seat for 10 days. Billy

Good to know! Thanks Billy! 

[charles05663]

LaPera has one too.  They will build you a seat to your specification but they don't cover the seat with leather.  They will ship it out to you on your dime for 30 days (if I recall correctly) so you can test it out.

If you want it, they will finish the seat for you.

At least you can get a feel for the seat and while I did not buy it, I would expect the seat not to change much after it was covered.

 

[Yellow09SERG]

Joe I believe Billy is correct on the 10 day return on the Mustangs. I will say the FlaHeat makes a very good recommendation also on the remaking of your seat. We sent a factory ultra seat like you have to Mean City Cycles two years ago and Allen done his magic on it. We have several seats laying around but when we get out for any length of time the Mean City seat is the one that the wife wants on the bike.

[JoeVibe]

Joe I believe Billy is correct on the 10 day return on the Mustangs. I will say the FlaHeat makes a very good recommendation also on the remaking of your seat. We sent a factory ultra seat like you have to Mean City Cycles two years ago and Allen done his magic on it. We have several seats laying around but when we get out for any length of time the Mean City seat is the one that the wife wants on the bike.

I checked out Mean City Cycle's website after FlaHeatWave mentioned it....very interesting. I like the idea that they can customize the seat to best suit us both. I'll give them a call and see what they have to say. Thanks!

Joe

[Yellow09SERG]

Talk with Allen. We have been very pleased with their work.