Question on Stock Seats

[WDAN]

I think I read somewhere that the 2000 and 2001 stock Valkyrie seats were preferred over the other years?
Am I off base here or did I read this or something similar?
If this is true, why?

[Bone]

Well I changed mine 2 years ago. Took a couple of pictures to mail a couple of friends.
Stock seat off a 98 Tourer and the new one.
$93.75 from Directline.

[vanagon40]

You are correct.  The seats were a slightly different design starting in 2000 (or 2001) and continuing through the last models.



The front seat is the newer model, while the rear seat is a modified older model (because the rear seat is modified, it is hard to compare the two using only this photo).

The easiest way to tell the difference is by how far forward the seam extends before going under the seat.  The seam extends much further on the older model seats.  The newer seats seem to be more "scooped out" than the older seats.

[Flat6Valk]

The newer seats are way more comfortable. 

[mark masterman]

I have a "97 valk and in opinion, it is the most uncomfortable seat I have ever had on a bike. I am even considering putting on a Goldwing seat on the Valk. Any opinions on that?

[GOOSE]

Mark...to do a gold wing seat on the Valkyrie would be a pain in the butt.  THe gold wing seat in the front has a plastic extension that slips into a channel on the bike.  the Valk has a nipple that goes in a hole, and then locks.  You would spend a great deal of time, and effort trying to convert it over....NOT WORTH IT.

[mark masterman]

Thanks for the input on a Goldwing seat on the Valk. I have a machine shop at my disposal, so fabrication isn't an issue. I guess the only hangup is how bad is it going to look. I talked to an upolsterer and his take (he has done many bike seats in the past) is to shave done the seat width slightly so the height would feel lower (more comfortable for my 5 '9'' frame). He also would re pad the seat. He says he has gotten away from the gel seat thing. His expierence is gel is for bumps and hard tail designs. He has had more success with memory foam. I do already have a drivers back rest (I am in my late 50's. It sucks getting old). Bottom line is I am not going to spend $500.00 on an after market seat and not get a better ride. I live in the Buffalo, NY area so I guess I have some time to sort this out. My wife has a 750 Virago and I keep telling her I am going to swap out seats. It really is a comfortable seat...

[Doc809]

WDan, perhaps this post belongs in the classifieds but I have a "new" aftermarket seat that I took off my 99 std when I replaced it with Corbins.  I say it is "new", it has probably 200 miles on it.  The back seat is Honda OEM with the riders back rest.  I have the sissy bar pad still in the plastic wrapper.  All four pieces are just in my garage collecting dust.  Since a fellow Valker did me right on the Corbins, I will pay it forward.  If you are interested, PM me and I'll send pics and details. Larry

[Patrick]

Its my understanding the 97-99 seats are the same and were replaced with the 2000 seat which was used to the end..

[john]

I think I read somewhere that the 2000 and 2001 stock Valkyrie seats were preferred over the other years?           

true  true  true
find one ... a hundred buck and under         
you will be  glad glad glad             

[crazydago]

   I replaced the stocker on my 98 with later one . Its like day and night  between the two. Save yourself some money , find a later one rather than an aftermarket seat. It will save your back and your butt. 

[vanagon40]

Definitely spend no more than $100 for a new or used 2000+ seat.

HDL has them new for $86.25 plus "handling."  I'm not suggesting this is the best price, but it provides a starting reference.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

I know I'm in the minority here but I tried the newer OEM seat and preferred and reinstalled the older version. Did many a 500-600 mile day on the 97 OEM seat.

As well as I liked the OEM though, the Ultimate seat was a huge improvement in comfort. In particular if using the drivers backrest. But, if I was going to remove the Ultimate for some reason, I'd go back to the 97.

[Bone]

Frye I've done several 500 mile days on the 98 OEM seat in the picture I posted. I haven't been on any long rides since I bought the newer version. I'm wondering what a long ride will be like it feels different.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

Frye I've done several 500 mile days on the 98 OEM seat in the picture I posted. I haven't been on any long rides since I bought the newer version. I'm wondering what a long ride will be like it feels different.

Hope you like it better and you probably will. I think I'm the only here who prefers the earlier model seats.

[macdoesit]

I have a 99 I/S and a 2000 I/S both have stock seats and are identical and very comfortable to me, well once my ass got trained to it.

[blastedbugler]

I have a 2001 Interstate & found the seat uncomfortable even after modification, as I felt it was trying to push me forward.
I converted to a solo and used a seat off a Suzuki C50.
I had a C50 for a few years & found it to be one of the most comfortable.
The front attachment is a tang & is attached to the bike by the rear fuel tank bolt.
The back tang also fits into the Valkyrie connecting point with a bit of modification.
The side rails even matched the supports on the seat.
I use a sheepskin cover & a backrest.
Don

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

I have a 2001 Interstate & found the seat uncomfortable even after modification, as I felt it was trying to push me forward.
I converted to a solo and used a seat off a Suzuki C50.
I had a C50 for a few years & found it to be one of the most comfortable.
The front attachment is a tang & is attached to the bike by the rear fuel tank bolt.
The back tang also fits into the Valkyrie connecting point with a bit of modification.
The side rails even matched the supports on the seat.
I use a sheepskin cover & a backrest.
Don

Sounds like a neat rig. On a hot day a sheep skin really makes a seat more comfortable.

[mark masterman]

Thanks Blastedbugler for saying that you don't need to stay with a traditional Valk seat or an after market made for a Valk. I am going to try the Goldwing seat with the minor mods needed. I'll send in Pics if it looks OK and functions well for the longer trips.

[98valk]

'98 seat with www.buttbuffer.com
 insert installed, been comfortable ever since.

http://buttbuffer.com/testimonials.asp

[WDAN]

After reading posts and talking to a few riders, it appears that there is not a consensus of opinion on one seat brand that, comfort wise, is above the rest. (reminds me of oil discussions)

I am currently using my Corbin Stinger with a back rest. Love the look for a solo which I intend to stay with but it slides me forward and is not the best choice for distance of any length. It is fine around town and for half day lunch rides.

I have my stock 2001 seat in new condition but don't want to use it. I want a back rest. I just wanted to see what others thought of the 2001 stock.
Maybe the King Big Boy is my best choice but it's a lot of money to spend without even trying it first.

[wdvalk]

I have a 97 with stock seat and love it,it allows me to move around ,did not like the ultimates.

[Farther]

I have my stock 2001 seat in new condition but don't want to use it. I want a back rest. I just wanted to see what others thought of the 2001 stock.

I am using a 2003 stock seat with a Utopia backrest and it is working out very well for me.