Replacement saddle

[Mike M in ohio]

As mentioned about 10 days ago...I am the proud owner of a new/(to me)/used 2000 Interstate. I am thrilled by the questions and comments this beast draws when out amonst the common man. Today, I sold one of my other rigs (the Valk seems to scream that I'll be on IT most the time) and I plan to do a bit of tweeking and upgrading.
     The bike arrived with a studded Corbin seat with driver's backrest. Overall in good shape, EXCEPT, the panel of leather on the frontend of the driver's portion is completely dry and cracking miserably. The rest of the saddle is in contrastingly good shape. The other bike sale allows me several options: I can try to find a competant upholsterer, who could take apart the old seat,replace the panel and HOPEFULLY return it to original state. I could buy a new Corbin saddle...but will I have the same problem in a few years? I could also buy a different typeof saddle. (I have had great luck with Mustang on other touring rigs. Or, I could buy an "Ultimate saddle" though I never had one, or know of anyone who has.
     I would appreciate any comments on rear-end experiences with varied saddles. I plan to ride alot, with the Mrs aboard about half the time, so comfort is priority one. Though style is a close second. Thanks, in advance, for all your help, and sorry if this is a repeat subject.              Mike in New York, where the snow arrives tomorrow!!!

[Pete]

Currently riding the Hondaline studded saddle on a 1997 standard, works great, and it is not leather. In the interest of full disclosure, I usually always ride the as delivered saddle without complaint. This one was on it when I got it, it is just a studded version of the standard saddle. good luck Pete.

[sandy]

Mike: I've had 2 Valks. One with an Ultimate Big Boy on an I/S. My tourer has a Corbin on it. It's got over 85K on the seat and there's no cracking. It could be yours was left outside and/or not treated periodically with a leather conditioner. I can't tell you what to buy. Corbins are controvertial. They are hard and you either love them or hate them. I'd try treating the leather and ride it for a few months. If you like it then recover it. Corbin will do it if you ship it to them. I do have an Alaskan Leather sheepskin on mine. It's not cushier, but it's more comfy. Good luck. Sandy

[bigdog99]

we use the Ultimate also, the only issue is that the passenger seat could have been a little wider. i went with it back when they were $900. 2 back surgeries, this seat keeps me riding. I still pause for the cause for the Mrs.

[PAVALKER]

I have Ultimates on my I/S and also on my VTX.  My I/S initially had Mustang, and they were Ok, but I was really spoiled with the Ultimates.  They are very comfy for rider and passenger (she has only experienced Ultimates).  My brother's wife did try out my Ultimate Passenger seat over my brothers Mustang (on the VTX's) and she did prefer the Ultimates in comfort.  However, brother didn't want to spend the $$ for them so he still has Mustangs.

[Airetime]

As mentioned about 10 days ago...I am the proud owner of a new/(to me)/used 2000 Interstate. I am thrilled by the questions and comments this beast draws when out amonst the common man. Today, I sold one of my other rigs (the Valk seems to scream that I'll be on IT most the time) and I plan to do a bit of tweeking and upgrading.
     The bike arrived with a studded Corbin seat with driver's backrest. Overall in good shape, EXCEPT, the panel of leather on the frontend of the driver's portion is completely dry and cracking miserably. The rest of the saddle is in contrastingly good shape. The other bike sale allows me several options: I can try to find a competant upholsterer, who could take apart the old seat,replace the panel and HOPEFULLY return it to original state. I could buy a new Corbin saddle...but will I have the same problem in a few years? I could also buy a different typeof saddle. (I have had great luck with Mustang on other touring rigs. Or, I could buy an "Ultimate saddle" though I never had one, or know of anyone who has.
     I would appreciate any comments on rear-end experiences with varied saddles. I plan to ride alot, with the Mrs aboard about half the time, so comfort is priority one. Though style is a close second. Thanks, in advance, for all your help, and sorry if this is a repeat subject.              Mike in New York, where the snow arrives tomorrow!!!

Mike it is always best to have leather but you have to use some good leather conditioner on leather at least once a year for it to not dry out and crack after awhile when exposed to the elements or just the hot sun. If you like the Corbin my suggestion is get a quote from Corbin and go from there. I have had mine on for 10 years and lather it up every spring. BTW the Corbin puts you down and up and inch whcich is important if you are under 6 foot like me.

[sheets]

Have had a Corbin for nearly ten years.  I rub it down with a liberal dose of Mink oil or Neatsfoot oil three or four times a year.  Showing some hair line cracks, but nothing significant.  Can't speak for the other seats.  Like somebody said, Corbin; love it or hate it.  I'm okay with it.  The wife unit hates it.  Yrmv,