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BigTex
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« on: May 23, 2012, 09:07:57 AM » |
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Are most riders that are riding long distance doing so on something other than a stock seat?
I have only had my Valk for two weeks now and have ridden about 900 miles, so far it has been a little tough on the butt to ride more than about 60-80 miles, before taking a break.
Just curious if after riding for a few months, if my backside will get used to the sitting. I know on bicycles it takes a while to get used to it.
I know some have changed out their seats for Mustangs, or the Ultimates. 1000.00 bucks for a set of seats seems excessive.
What is your experience, thoughts or suggestions?
BigTexLarry
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Serk
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« Reply #1 on: May 23, 2012, 09:20:05 AM » |
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I could only last maybe 30 miles with the stock seat. (There are two variations of the stock seat, btw... pre 2000 and 2000 and on... The 2000 and on stock seat was a SLIGHT improvement, I could make it maybe 40 miles before the pain became unbearable.) You'll prolly find one person out there somewhere, but from my experiences the VAST majority of the people out there replace the seats with something else. The stock seats were designed to feel nice in a showroom, which isn't the same as feeling nice for hours on the road. I went with a HartCo custom. It's ugly, but I love it. You call him up and tell him how tall you are, how fat you are and how wide your ass is, and he custom makes the seat for you. http://www.hartcoseats.com/HONDA/170/Valkyrie-family/Honda-Valkyrie-/2161.htmlBut there are numerous other options out there that work well for different people... |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...  IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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WDAN
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« Reply #2 on: May 23, 2012, 10:40:09 AM » |
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Some upholstery shops who re-cover motorcycle seats may, possibly, be able to modify your stock seat to, hopefully, make it much more rider friendly. This would be your cheapest alternative.
I recently had my Corbin Stinger seat modified (and re-covered) for $200. The modification helped my comfort level a lot and my seat looks great with new cover.
Most Valk owners go with the Ultimate, Mustang, Corbin, or Russell Day Long. As you mentioned, they are all expensive.
Wouldn't hurt to ride over to Irving and have Paul Norris look at your seat with you on it and see what he says.. Call him at 214-500-7427.
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WDAN
Irving, TX
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Red Diamond
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« Reply #3 on: May 23, 2012, 10:59:21 AM » |
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I have switched the seat on my '99 I/S to a seat from a 2003 Standard. The seat is a bit more comfortable than the stock I/S seat. This seat is the same as my 2K tourer seat. You can spend extra money if you like, but after riding for as many as 10 hrs in a day, your but is ready for relief. I also have an 08 Goldwing, which is said to have one of the more comfortable stock seats available, ride it all day and see what happens to your butt. After a few hundred miles, it feel like any other seat. IMHO, your butt will hurt when ride a motorcycle for a long period of time, you have to learn to excercise your back and butt while riding to get relief.
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 If you are riding and it is a must that you keep your eyes on the road, you are riding too fast. |
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hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16776
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #4 on: May 23, 2012, 11:02:46 AM » |
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I have a 97, they made better seats later, after 2000 I think...
When I got my Valkyrie, it was the same time I was building a barn.
We were having a drought then, and the South Carolina red clay was like concrete. The
8-N auger just spun, it wouldn't drill post holes. I had to dig them manually with a digging
bar and clamshell.
My first long ride, to Britman's Memorial Day Ride, just about killed me. No highway pegs,
and a stock 97 seat. I still remember being more sore and beat than If I had been
standing in the sun digging post holes.
I think the much better OEM 2000+ seats are only around $100...
My buddy Dan got a nice set of used Mustang seats for a real good deal at the
second Johnson City InZane...
There are alternatives to breaking the bank that will work...
-Mike
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Big Ed
Member
Posts: 333
2001 Standard - 1998 Project Bike
Dallas - Fort Worth, TX
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« Reply #5 on: May 23, 2012, 12:35:14 PM » |
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I have a 2001 stock seat.
Usually need a break around 100 miles, which coincides with gas breaks..!!
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WDAN
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« Reply #6 on: May 23, 2012, 12:43:31 PM » |
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Ed's correct. I have had some great seats on other bikes but can't imagine wanting to ride over 100 - 120 miles without a break on any bike or seat.
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WDAN
Irving, TX
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Serk
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« Reply #8 on: May 23, 2012, 01:41:42 PM » |
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Glad I could help. Do check out all options before pulling the trigger, there are multiple options out there, and I'll admit the Hartco is a niche option, just one I've been very happy with. One other word about the Hartco - Ya' need to give it some time. The first 100-500 miles I was about ready to take the thing off and fling it into the lake. It takes about 500-1000 mile to break the seat in. Now, 100,000+ miles and 10+ years later, I'm still loving it. |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Sparky51
Member
Posts: 321
Houston, TX
Houston, TX
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« Reply #9 on: May 23, 2012, 01:44:36 PM » |
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I got the Mustang with the back rest. I think I love the back rest the most for my comfort in driving! The seat is an improvement, but it gets really personal opinions after that.
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Red Diamond
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« Reply #10 on: May 23, 2012, 01:50:23 PM » |
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Are most riders that are riding long distance doing so on something other than a stock seat?
I have only had my Valk for two weeks now and have ridden about 900 miles, so far it has been a little tough on the butt to ride more than about 60-80 miles, before taking a break.
Just curious if after riding for a few months, if my backside will get used to the sitting. I know on bicycles it takes a while to get used to it.
I know some have changed out their seats for Mustangs, or the Ultimates. 1000.00 bucks for a set of seats seems excessive.
What is your experience, thoughts or suggestions?
BigTexLarry
I have an extra set of the post 2K seats,, with passenger back rest pad if you are interested, just give me a PM and we can talk about it. |
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If you are riding and it is a must that you keep your eyes on the road, you are riding too fast. |
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Dougger
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« Reply #11 on: May 23, 2012, 03:01:05 PM » |
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I have had a Diamond Custom Seat and an Ultimate on my Valkyries. And 3 Diamonds on Gold Wings. Diamond Seats are less expensive than Ultimate and are more comfortable. Diamond and Hartco are the same company. I have have had both the Vinyl and Velour. Both are great rides. Mark is a great person to work with. You will enjoy the ride.
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Houdini
Member
Posts: 1975
VRCC #28458 - VRCCDS#144
Allen, TX
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« Reply #12 on: May 23, 2012, 07:27:52 PM » |
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What is your experience, thoughts or suggestions? Hey BTL, I have a Mustang three-piece I'll sell ya for $350.  |
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"A Camera And A Bike....What More Do I Need?  |
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SideCar
Member
Posts: 1493
Bikers don't need shrinks!
Colleyville, TX
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« Reply #13 on: May 24, 2012, 06:07:11 AM » |
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If you're going custom, I recommend Russel day-long.
I've had mustang, 2 versions of ultimate and the stock one on my 2000. Most comfortable was the new style ultimate, but I have gone back to stock for the sidecar. Have done iron butt on the stock seat, but wouldn't want to do it often.
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RainMaker
Member
Posts: 6626
VRCC#24130 - VRCCDS#0117 - IBA#48473
Arlington, TX
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« Reply #14 on: May 24, 2012, 08:08:50 AM » |
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I have an ultimate, a sheepskin and an airhawk and it still isn't like riding in my car, but you just shift around and enjoy the scenery. The stock seat will kill you on 100+ mile rides. Or it did me.
RainMaker
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 2005 BMW R1200 GS 2000 Valkyrie Interstate 1998 Valkyrie Tourer 1981 GL1100I GoldWing 1972 CB500K1 |
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Doc809
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« Reply #15 on: May 24, 2012, 08:57:47 AM » |
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I have Corbins on mine and can ride long distances on it. But I think you either have a Corbin butt or you don't.
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How much fun can I have before I have to go to hell?
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Disco
Member
Posts: 4897
Armed Man=Citizen; Unarmed Man=Subject
Republic of Texas
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« Reply #16 on: May 24, 2012, 03:11:28 PM » |
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I guess I'm one of the lucky few. I have over 50K miles (many days over 500, several over 600, one over 700, and one over 1100) on my stock 2000 seat and it fits me just fine. Did a few hundred on an Ultimate LowRider, and for me, it was awful. Test rode a BigBoy and didn't like or need the additional height.
When I need to mix it up a bit, I use any combination of shifting from cheek to cheek, using one and then the other highway peg, and using both highway pegs simultaneously. When that isn't enough, I pull the Butt Buffer out of the saddlebag and start over.
Based on my personal experience, I strongly urge you to test ride as many seats as you can before spending any money.
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« Last Edit: May 24, 2012, 03:13:43 PM by Disco »
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2000 Bumblebee "Tourer", 98 Yellow & Cream Tourer, 97 Rescue blower bike 22 CRF450RL, 19 BMW R1250RT 78 CB550K 71 Suzuki MT50 Trailhopper .jpg) VRCC 27,916 IBA 44,783 |
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Gear Jammer
Member
Posts: 3074
Yeah,,,,,It's a HEMI
Magnolia, Texas
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« Reply #17 on: May 24, 2012, 06:56:54 PM » |
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Based on my personal experience, I strongly urge you to test ride as many seats as you can before spending any money.
Good advice from Disco,,, it would have saved me a lot of time and $$ before settling on my Russell Day Long  |
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 "The problems we face today exist because the people who work for a living are outnumbered by those who vote for a living. |
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Daniel Meyer
Moderator
Member
Posts: 5492
Author. Adventurer. Electrician.
The State of confusion.
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« Reply #18 on: May 25, 2012, 06:24:14 AM » |
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160,000 on the stock (2001) seat.
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CUAgain, Daniel Meyer  |
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HayHauler
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« Reply #19 on: May 25, 2012, 06:37:23 AM » |
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88,000 on stock 1999 Interstate seat. On long trips, I sometimes wish I had a sheep skin or something else to give a little air flow. Hay  Jimmyt |
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B
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« Reply #20 on: May 25, 2012, 07:37:07 AM » |
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I would AT LEAST add a backrest and sheepskin, IMHO the two additions that give the most band for the buck ... For around $200 you could be road-ready.
I ride a Mustang and love it. Seats are like shoes... no one size or brand fits all.
Good Luck
B
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"if I ride the morning winds to the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me." TLB-Ps.139:9-10
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BeeSharp
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« Reply #21 on: May 25, 2012, 07:41:20 AM » |
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I have Corbins on mine and can ride long distances on it. But I think you either have a Corbin butt or you don't.
 Yeah, I hear ya - the Corbin is a pretty hard saddle and I haven't heard many people that do like them, but I really like mine! I find anything soft feels comfy at first, but then really annoying in a couple hours. |
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98 Valkyrie - The Black Pearl, a fine ship-n-crew, arrr matey!
77 GL1000 The Mach5
83 GL1100 Top Gun Project
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WDAN
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« Reply #22 on: May 25, 2012, 09:22:56 AM » |
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88,000 on stock 1999 Interstate seat. On long trips, I sometimes wish I had a sheep skin or something else to give a little air flow. Hay Jimmyt I don't like to go across town without my Alaskan sheepskin. |
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WDAN
Irving, TX
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godfire
Member
Posts: 1321
Republic of Texas
Living the dream in Sharonville, OH - with Sharon!
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« Reply #23 on: May 25, 2012, 02:34:15 PM » |
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I have a 98 and the stock seat gave out at 15k. Tried a mustang and the picked up and "improved" 2001 stock seat for $99.00 and it works for me.
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Ride Safe
Ride Often
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BigTex
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« Reply #24 on: May 25, 2012, 07:10:20 PM » |
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Thanks for all the ideas, keep them coming...
I taked to Mark at hartco and he definetely is confidant in his seat manufacturing process and products.
I also took a look at the Alaskan sheepskin product,,, interesting, I might try on of those covers at the price, as mentioned above.
FYI my bike is a Std 2003, so if it has the improved seat, ouch on the old one...lol but maybe i just have a tender butt.
Ok, enjoy your weekend!
Thanks again!
BigTexLarry
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keepinon
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« Reply #25 on: May 25, 2012, 07:54:32 PM » |
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My butt must be different than most.  I rode easier on the pre-2000 seat, with a sheepskin, than I did on the post-2000 seat. The newer style seat seemed to lower me & push me a couple inches more forward. Not good on the legs & hips. I have since gone to the Ultimate King, and greatly enjoy it. The trike had a Corbin set, but I definitely don't have a Corbin butt.  |
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1998 GL1500 CT Trike
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john
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« Reply #26 on: May 25, 2012, 08:31:56 PM » |
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you have a great saddle to start with they all feel like a picket fence at first  if you are a big man you will like the ultimate king boy two inches back with a one inch rise ... and w i d e |
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vrcc # 19002
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Disco
Member
Posts: 4897
Armed Man=Citizen; Unarmed Man=Subject
Republic of Texas
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« Reply #27 on: May 26, 2012, 06:57:31 AM » |
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Regardless which motorcycle seat you wind up with: I have only had my Valk for two weeks now and have ridden about 900 miles, so far it has been a little tough on the butt... I believe you will find that both seats need their own break-in period...  ...so far it has been a little tough on the butt to ride more than about 60-80 miles, before taking a break. This will increase with practice. |
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2000 Bumblebee "Tourer", 98 Yellow & Cream Tourer, 97 Rescue blower bike 22 CRF450RL, 19 BMW R1250RT 78 CB550K 71 Suzuki MT50 Trailhopper VRCC 27,916 IBA 44,783 |
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Pete the Greek
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« Reply #28 on: May 26, 2012, 08:39:47 AM » |
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i had the stock seat redone with "memory foam and it's ok but i failed to tell them how to shape it, so i'll have it redone, i do use the "Alaska leathers sheepkin cover and love it, google them! i rode my friends strat with an "Ultimate seat and it was the most comfortable seat i ever rode on!
The "Russell seat" may be the best but i don't like the bulky looks of it but after 1000 miles , what's looks have to do with it! i'm gonna have my seat redone to the shape of the "Ultimate Big Boy seat for $200 vs buying one for $750?
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