Ultimate seats and rain?

[2qmedic]

I'm thinking about purchasing some Ultimate seats but wonder:

Why in the world would you have to have a rain cap for the seats?  ??? It seems as if they could put a water proof/ breathable liner under the seat. After all how many jackets are made that way...

Just curious, for those of you that have these seats, how do you all deal with the rain issue? Stop and put on the rain cap when ever there is a cloud in the sky?

How much better is the back support with these seats?

Thanks in advance for the views and opinions expressed on this topic.

[DFragn]

If I recall, Ultimate specifically states not to ride with rain covers in place [for safety]. I've ridden in torrential downpours, sans cover, and the inner seat remained relatively dry and what moisture did get beyond my bum quickly dried out over the next few days. I only use the covers when parked overnight away from home to keep them dry from dew & rain.

If your referencing the rider backrest. It would be foolish not to add it to your order.

[Willow]

Why in the world would you have to have a rain cap for the seats?  ??? It seems as if they could put a water proof/ breathable liner under the seat. After all how many jackets are made that way...

The stitching tends to seep when there's enough water that it pools on the seat.  It's not really a huge problem.  If it bothers you a lot you can rub some mink oil on it to almost eliminate the issue completely. 

I've not worried about it while riding, but then I've been known to walk around with a wet spot where my jeans meet the saddle.

[Blackduck KS]

I don`t know if it is good or bad,
but I use mink oil on my seats,
and have not had any problems,
I ride in the rain all the time.


Blackduck

[MAD6Gun]

Ultimate does not put a liner inside between the pad and material because they say it would not "breath". So your butt would sweat. As far as riding with the rain cover in place. I do it all the time. Even though you are covering the seat when you are sitting on it you still have to get off at some point possible getting the seat wet. Because the seat does not have a liner inside if it gets wet it could take awhile to completely dry. The cover is also nice to have on the overly dewy nights.
I have a Ultimate with a riders back rest. Real nice seat. The back rest is a MUST if you dont ride behind a windshield.

[Puffs Daddy]

Have had an Ultimate for seven years here in the rainy northwest. Never used the rain cover. Just treat the leather well. The seat stands up very well.

[Jess from VA]

The ultimates are advertised as 'not waterproof' to avoid claims.  Most of us that have them have ridden in the rain with no issue, and had the bike out in the rain (for a while) without them soaking up like a sponge.  I think riding in the rain is a non-issue.  I have never left my bike out in an all day rain; I carry a half cover for such occasions.  If you're going to be in a situation where your bike will sit out in the rain often, then I would get the seat covers or a bike cover, but I wouldn't worry about riding in the rain.  Course, I never take a passenger..... but I've never noticed a soggy rear seat either.

[Trynt]

According to their website the covers ARE designed for riding in the rain.  It is my understanding that if the foam repeatedly gets rain soaked it will deteriorate.

[hubcapsc]

I try to put my cover on at work when it might rain, but more often it is raining before I notice...

Riding in the rain doesn't seem to be a problem...

  rainOn81

I was coming down the elevator with my seat cover in hand at Blue/Gray ground zero
but it was pouring when I got to the lobby...

Anyhow, I got the covers and put them on when I get the chance, but it seems to be no
big deal when you don't put them on...

-Mike "vinyl"

[Bob E.]

I have the vinyl ultimate seats and never cover them and never really worried about the rain.  I figure while I'm riding, my butt is a pretty good waterproof cover.  And while sitting on the side-stand, it leans enough that the water doesn't pool on the seat and actually runs off pretty quickly.  I do occasionally get a damp ass for a day or so though if it has been alot of rain.

[Chrisj CMA]

answers seem consistent.  I have had Ultimate vinyl seats for like 4 years now.  The only time I use the seat covers is when theres a chance the bike might have to sit in the rain for awhile.  I have rode through some torrential downpours without the seat covers on and never thought two seconds about the seats, and they didnt soak up any water from riding in rain.  I will tell you this, they are the most comfortable seats we have ever placed our hind parts on....even for a 12hour day like to get to Johnson City for IZ ya, the butts faired great

[2qmedic]

I would assume that the mink oil is only refering to a leather seat.  I don't think that it would do anything for a vinyl seat?

But to address the same for the Vinyl cover, then what would be good to treat the seams with to just help out with the water seepage via the stitching?

What do you guys use to clean/protect the seats? be it the stock or the Ultimate seats?

Thanks

[X Ring]

I've been known to walk around with a wet spot where my jeans meet the saddle. [/i]

[fudgie]

I've been known to walk around with a wet spot where my jeans meet the saddle. [/i]

+2 

[fudgie]

I would assume that the mink oil is only refering to a leather seat.  I don't think that it would do anything for a vinyl seat?

But to address the same for the Vinyl cover, then what would be good to treat the seams with to just help out with the water seepage via the stitching?

What do you guys use to clean/protect the seats? be it the stock or the Ultimate seats?

Thanks

You could rub it in the sticthing.

[fudgie]

Where is the pricing for the Ultimates seats? I been on the site but couldn't find it. Not sure if i'm ready to give up my 'stang, but anything is possible

[six2go #152]

Where is the pricing for the Ultimates seats? I been on the site but couldn't find it. Not sure if i'm ready to give up my 'stang, but anything is possible

Hey Brian, wanna borrow my glasses?LOL! When ya get on the site, click on "Valk Seats", then click on "Standard & Tourer Seats", then scroll down. Presto! Pictures, descriptions, and PRICES. See ya Bud.

[fudgie]

Where is the pricing for the Ultimates seats? I been on the site but couldn't find it. Not sure if i'm ready to give up my 'stang, but anything is possible

Hey Brian, wanna borrow my glasses?LOL! When ya get on the site, click on "Valk Seats", then click on "Standard & Tourer Seats", then scroll down. Presto! Pictures, descriptions, and PRICES. See ya Bud.

Huh... musta over looked it! thx! 

[Wizzard]

I love my ultimate seats. Would never have any other seat. I can go 12 hours and not get a sore butt. As for rain , when I am sitting in the seat no rain gets to it. But if I leave it overnight with a chance of dew or rain I put the covers on. Best seat ever made in my opinion.

[2qmedic]

Thanks for the reply s folks, it does make the decision easier.
Now I just have to convince the better half that I need it for Christmas

[PAVALKER]

Thanks for the reply s folks, it does make the decision easier.
Now I just have to convince the better half that I need it for Christmas

Hmmmm, "needs"  vs  "wants"      I think you should convince your better half that she not only needs it but wants it, and you would like it as well.

[kidcatfish]

My riding partner was the reson I got my Ultimates. Tell her it will be much more comfortable to her, which it will. I got the back rest for both of us. Only way to go and was the difference in night and day from the stock seat.

[Black Dog]

That should be easy...  Like 'Safety Chrome', an Ultimate is a 'Safety' item too...

You will concentrate on the road, and other drivers better, if your not squirming around in your seat, thinking about your sore butt 

Black Dog