2001 Standard OEM Seat Fact or Fiction

[Red Dog]

I have been told that if you tough it out for about 10K miles, a brand new OEM seat will break in to fit the rider. Has anybody confirmed that process?
Also, has anybody tried one of the major after market seats and went back to the OEM seat?

[fudgie]

I was happy with the stock seat but the ex wasnt so I bought a Mustang. I was 24 tho. Now the 'stang did take awhile to break in.

[Willow]

I have been told that if you tough it out for about 10K miles, a brand new OEM seat will break in to fit the rider. Has anybody confirmed that process?
Also, has anybody tried one of the major after market seats and went back to the OEM seat?

Pure fiction.  There's nothing in the OEM seat that will form to your shape.  However, the 2001 Standard saddle is not an uncomfortable seat even compared to much higher priced after market saddles.

Perhaps if you tough it out for ten thousand or more miles your backside will break in to whatever seat you choose.   

[Oss]

I wouldnt give you 10 cents for a stock interstate seat unless it was to use
as a seat pan for a Russell Day Long

That stock seat, by the time  I got to Indianapolis from NY I was in agony, bought a lumbar support and tied it to the seat

Y ass may vary

[Rams]

Hmm,
Well, I can't say I ever had an issue with the stock seat on my 02 but, the minute I settled into that Ultimate Low Boy, I knew I'd found a home for my butt.  Wasn't anything wrong with the stocker, I just felt better on the Ultimate.  Won't say it's better for anyone else, as you well know, butts vary.  Having said that, sit on some others and find what suits you best.  You may end up keeping that stock seat.  Sure would save money in the long run.

[vanagon40]

I have been told that if you tough it out for about 10K miles, a brand new OEM seat will break in to fit the rider. Has anybody confirmed that process?
Also, has anybody tried one of the major after market seats and went back to the OEM seat?

I think maybe it is all a matter of degree and not only does the seat break in to fit the rider, but the rider breaks in to fit the seat.

My butt used to get sore with the OEM seat for my 2001 standard.  I switched to a Diamond/Hartco and found I could ride almost all day with no problem.

Then I bought a 1982 Silverwing and rode it home about 300 miles.  My butt was sore for weeks.

I swapped the Silverwing seat for an OEM pre-2000 standard Valkyrie seat, and found I could ride for four hours plus with no problems (more than when I originally bought my 2001 standard).

So think seat comfort must be a matter of degree and individual tastes.  The more you ride, and the more you adjust to a seat you like, the longer you can set in the seat.

[alph]

'99 I/S, stock seat.  i think, is just fine and dandy, just as long as your sitting on something to separate you from the vinyl!!  i've sat on my T-shirt once just to give me some separation, that helped out a lot!  just got an ultimate solo seat, planning on super valking my I/S, kinda wondering what that'll be like this summer.

[Valkahuna]

I have an '01 Interstate seat on my, wait for it,... 2001 Interstate. While I have ridden on worse seats, it left a lot to be desired. I sent it to Seats by Spencer in Florida, for what they call their "Supracore" LD modification.

Here is a link to a post I did on the modification:

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,24320.0.html

It was a LOT better, and with an Alaska Fur sheepskin I liked it a lot. One shortcoming was that you are not supposed to cut a slot in through the Supracore, so a Utopia Backrest was out. When on a trip I would put a bag on the passenger seat behind me and all was good in Valkyrie land!

Well, I recently got a very good deal on an Ultimate BigBoy set.    Wow, it is a fantastic seat, and I would say for my butt, the best seat I have used in 50 years of riding! That's a big statement, but for me anyways, it is true.

After the Spencer seat mod, one of the things that does occur is that the Supracore (a space aged, honeycomb material developed for the astronauts), it does take time to break in and match to your body. The Spencer mod does get specifically tailored to the rider. See the above post. I know it's not strictly a "Stock" IS seat then anymore, but for a $100 for both rider and passenger, the Spencer "LD" (for Long Distance) Mod was the best money I've ever spent, and a worthwhile alternative.

BTW_ I have nothing to do with Spencer, etc., etc., etc. ...

[Patrick]

The original early seats were kinda rough on the old back side. The 2000 seat was somewhat of an improvement. I'm not aware of any later changes.

[flatsixrider]

I have been told that if you tough it out for about 10K miles, a brand new OEM seat will break in to fit the rider. Has anybody confirmed that process?
Also, has anybody tried one of the major after market seats and went back to the OEM seat?

Pure fiction.  There's nothing in the OEM seat that will form to your shape.  However, the 2001 Standard saddle is not an uncomfortable seat even compared to much higher priced after market saddles.

Perhaps if you tough it out for ten thousand or more miles your backside will break in to whatever seat you choose.   

Could not agree more.  I have 35k on my stock 2000 seat and it is exactly the same as new, no softer, no more contoured, no more broken into my back side.  I find it perfectly comfortable for most any ride including 3 iron butt rides ( with a sheep skin pad)

[old2soon]

99 I/S stock seat Utopia backrest and a sheepskin. I have done 300-375 miles after church and felt fine. 2011 i went to my brothers place in Il. and did 622 miles that day. The day i rode to my brothers lacasa i DID NOT have the sheepskin. I had it i believe the 2nd day at my brothers. I M H O the sheepskin is worth it's weight in something expensive.  And my I/S fits ME just fine. RIDE SAFE.

[salty1]

Changed out the 98 OEM std seat for a 2001, which was some improvement. Recently purchased an Ultimate Big Boy and think its wonderful.

[Tailgate Tommy]

Rode my new to me 2001 Interstate about 8 hours to Inzane last year and the stock seat Utopia back rest put things to sleep that are better left awake. Just about killed me. Des and Misfit set me up with an Ultimate big boy and it was just great on the way home.  YMMV as always.
My 2003 Valkyrie has the stock seat with a Utopia back rest and it is fine for all day.