drivers seat

[Bob F]

Hello all!
First time posting, but loving reading all the entries on the board.  I'll pre-apologize for the long post.  When the Honda Valkyrie first came out I thought it was one of the coolest bikes I'd ever seen.  I could not afford two bikes at the time and currently had a 1991 Goldwing.  In fact my son was around 10 at the time and I bought him a nice model of the bumble bee colored Valk.  So for quite a few years I would see that model and think someday it would be fun to have one.  Well that day came recently and now I'm the proud owner of a 1998 gl1500c in black and loving it.  It did not fit me well to begin with because being 6' tall and 275 lbs. I was quite a bit bigger than the previous owner both in height and weight.   The previous owner had a corbin seat that set me way to low to the ground.  My hips would cramp up when I pulled my legs back to get my feet on the pegs.  I put the original seat back on and it is much better for height.  I'm hoping I can get this girl set up just right so I can have many happy pain-free miles of riding both solo and 2up.  btw, I have a new set of progressive 412 13" that will arrive next week.  Now down to my question.  I've read on here the later stock seats on the Valkyrie are better than the '97 and '98.  Can any of the newer years front seat come right over and hook up perfectly with my '98 frame? Or is there modification that needs done?  Also, guys my size, how do you have your bikes set up in this regard.  Thanks for all replies.

[JimC]

It did not fit me well to begin with because being 6' tall and 275 lbs.

First off, welcome,
In these circles I would say your size is more the norm rather than the exception. (myself included) I think our size is what draws a lot of us to the Valkyrie.
 
Keep a look out for an Ultimate "big boy" seat. They are made for the large person, and are great seats.

You can find them used, or buy it new (pricey) but either way, worth the money.

Jim

[Bone]

This is the replacement Honda used to sell don't know if it's still available. It's mounted on my 98 Tourer

[sssportsmfg]

Hello all!
First time posting, but loving reading all the entries on the board.  I'll pre-apologize for the long post.  When the Honda Valkyrie first came out I thought it was one of the coolest bikes I'd ever seen.  I could not afford two bikes at the time and currently had a 1991 Goldwing.  In fact my son was around 10 at the time and I bought him a nice model of the bumble bee colored Valk.  So for quite a few years I would see that model and think someday it would be fun to have one.  Well that day came recently and now I'm the proud owner of a 1998 gl1500c in black and loving it.  It did not fit me well to begin with because being 6' tall and 275 lbs. I was quite a bit bigger than the previous owner both in height and weight.   The previous owner had a corbin seat that set me way to low to the ground.  My hips would cramp up when I pulled my legs back to get my feet on the pegs.  I put the original seat back on and it is much better for height.  I'm hoping I can get this girl set up just right so I can have many happy pain-free miles of riding both solo and 2up.  btw, I have a new set of progressive 412 13" that will arrive next week.  Now down to my question.  I've read on here the later stock seats on the Valkyrie are better than the '97 and '98.  Can any of the newer years front seat come right over and hook up perfectly with my '98 frame? Or is there modification that needs done?  Also, guys my size, how do you have your bikes set up in this regard.  Thanks for all replies.

Bob, I'm a tad bit shorter than you...but I like BIG bikes, I don't like small bikes even though I am only 5'9".   However I DO like to have both feet flat on the ground when I am at a stop.    I have a Suzuki M109R LE which is also a big bike.  And of course a Valk.   I have a Corbin on the M109R and love it.   Would you consider selling the Corbin to a shortie such as myself????   lol.   If so how much, and can you send my pictures and details and price of it if you do want to sell it?    My phone is **314**825**0121   you can text me the pics if you want to sell it.  And thanks.

Marty

[gordonv]

The previous owner had a corbin seat that set me way to low to the ground.  My hips would cramp up when I pulled my legs back to get my feet on the pegs.

Hello and welcome.

Search is a good feature. I think you need to look up peg relocation, or is it forward controls. This will move your pegs further away.

Don't rush for a seat, I've tried most of them for comfort and still doesn't work for me. I bought the AirHawk, lite on the air, and it makes it the best for me. You could make yours firm and thereby raise you up. How about sitting on the passenger seat? I do that sometimes (without the passenger) so I can change my seating for a change.

Don't forget about posting a picture. online hosting site for their storage, postimage.org , and you can drop them into your posts. If you don't know about it, I always recommend a folder labeled "Forums" where I place my pictures that are going to be posted in a forum so I don't delete them.

Handle bar risers too, to bring them back to you, but I suspect reaching is not a problem either.

[vanagon40]

. . . . I've read on here the later stock seats on the Valkyrie are better than the '97 and '98.  Can any of the newer years front seat come right over and hook up perfectly with my '98 frame? Or is there modification that needs done? . . . .

Welcome to the forum. The general consensus is that the newer seats were an improvement. No modifications are nexessay to change to a newer model seat.

I'm about the same size as you and really like my Hartco/Diamond seat (Hartco and Diamond are the same company in Florida). You won't hear much about that seat on this forum, but it seems to be a popular Goldwing seat. Although they are custom made, I bought two used ones and both fit me well.

Also, I wish I had not spent money for Kuryakyn hiway pegs and simply saved up for Mick-O-Pegs (I also purchased used).

Good luck.

[Bob F]

thanks for the words of wisdom fellas.  I appreciate it.

[bigdanIA]

i'm a bit taller than you at 6'5'' and scale at 280 lbs but i can attest to the big boy seat   yeah it's spendy but with the optional backrest it was a game changer for me.  i also put a horse apple ranch peg lowering kit on it and between the two my hips and knees are much happier!

sell the corbin to offset the cost of the ultimate seat...

[h13man]

This is the replacement Honda used to sell don't know if it's still available. It's mounted on my 98 Tourer

Just installed mine Tuesday evening. $107.51 tax and shipping. The new one weighs 1 1/4 lb. more.


https://www.partzilla.com/product/honda/77200-MZ0-A80?ref=de83f756499dc2886f3f840110625928c26b9db0

[cookiedough]

the stock 1999 seat and up are fine for most people as long as shorter under 100 miles trips which is 99% of my use.  I also bought for around 100 bucks a sheepskin (shaved thin cut vs. longer nap/woolier/fuzzier) to put on my stock I/S seat and helps a little in comfort.  I also bought used a like new airhawk seat cushion but with me being only 5'10" and 280lbs.,  I only put just enough air in it to not be flat so I can still be near flat footed.

The 98 VAlk has an old, hard corbin seat and although fits me well,  is pretty hard and lower seat than stock seat for sure.  Some love them,  but they look nice, but prefer the stock seat to the corbin.  Am sure the best seat is russell day long seat then probably ultimate big boy seats, but both are pretty darn pricey.  I will settle for longer rides spending around 50 bucks thru craigslist on a used air hawk seat cushion barely inflated. 

[MarkT]

Hi Bob, welcome to the community and congrats on getting your Valk.

I'm your size - 290, 6ft - or was I've lost some weight due to an accident and I'm working on keeping it going.

I went ahead and pulled the pin on the best seat after messing around trying several others.  It's a Russell, made for my stature, inseam, weight and posture.  Cost plenty but I spent extra to get it the way I want with my embroidery art and have them use a Mustang pass. back pad as it's angled to make her sit upright not on her tailbone.  The best seat for me by far.  I can ride an Iron Butt - and have, repeatedly - and been ready to continue even after 1150 miles nonstop except for gas.  Likely the best mod ever for me, for long distance riding - and I have several nontrivial mods - eg. belly tank, forward controls, electric cruise control, trailer towing and of course a great sound system and navigation.  Here's a shot of it.  Sorry for others who have seen this repeatedly.