Opinions on Ultimate low rider seat

[whit]

Just picked up a 2000 valkyrie standard with 7300 miles. Got a great deal on a bike I plan on keeping forever or at least until the wife needs the garage.  I'm 5'8 210, 31 inch inseam and the bike now has a standard seat but I am on the balls of my feet. When I slide up farther towards the tank I am completely flat footed but I'd prefer to be flat footed while sitting back into the seat. I'm considering the ultimate low rider because they drop you an inch and the back rest would be perfect for my back. Problem is the cost - $580 is a lot for a seat but for safety and comfort its worth it. Second is I read all these opinions on different blogs and I see 50/50 negative complaints to positive comments.  I don't think I want the big boy or king because it raises me and i would feel like i am sitting on the bike.  Any opinions on the low rider specifically?  There doesn't appear to be a lot of opinion on the low rider as most comment on the big boy  which i have no interest in.

[Willow]

Saddle experiences are unique to each rider.  What one rider loves another hates.

That said, I am 195 pounds and 68 inches tall.  I am very comfortable on my Ultimate Low Rider on my standard.  I have about 190,000 on that bike.  I rode on a Standard 2001 seat for a few years, but I've put a lot of miles on that Low Rider.

[Jess from VA]

I'm 5'9" with a 29" inseam, and stuck a lowrider (4-pc) on my first Interstate in '05 and I like it just fine... better than fine.  I put a Big Boy on my 2d valk and I like it better, especially for travel/distance, as it is definitely softer (I have no trouble getting my feet down, and I think after you have ridden yours for awhile, you won't either.)  

One major gripe about all the Ultimates is the raised nose, which some say hurts their balls.  I love the solid riding pocket these seats provide, and my balls are just fine.  If you think this would be a problem, you can't go wrong with a Mustang Wide Vintage seat, which is flat (and Mustang does not make different seats for interstate vs std/tourer, as does Ultimate and most other seat makers).  But the Mustang may be closer to stock height (though note, most stock seats are old now and no longer as tall as they were when new, so a new Mustang may feel a bit taller than what you have).

They are not cheap, but note Ultimate (unlike any others) allows a short window (week?) where you can return your seat for any reason for a refund.  Really, the ideal solution is to hook up with some other valk riders and ask to swap seats for an hour or so to try them out.  As you know, taking the seats off is a key turn away, and easy peasy.  Also, keep your eyes open for used seats; if they are not too old or worn, they can be just fine, and save you some money) (check our classified section).


 

[Jersey mike]

I'm 5'10" 160# 51 yrs old. I've been riding on a low boy for about a year now and I love it. From the first time out it was a much different feel of the bike for me. I could feel the ass end much better and you do actually sit in the seat not on it. At you height and weight you may have a different experience using a low boy because it does fit snug. The "boys" are more confined on the low boy with feet on the foot pegs but on the highway foot rest with leg or legs extended its not an issue.

Ultimate has a questionnaire to recommend which seat fits your height,weight and inseam

[Rams]

Besides being a "little impatient, a pain in the ass, an Indian Giver and  a prick, I'm 6' even with a 31" inseam.   I use an Ultimate Low Rider and am very pleased with it.   I've put 412 miles on my Valkyrie before in one trip and my feet never touched the ground.   Yeah, I really needed to pee but, my but was in decent shape.     I highly recommend the Ultimate Low Rider.    

But, as others have indicated, you need to ride one a few hundred miles and make up your own mind.   Height corrected to help meathead with a visual. 

[mike72903]

As stated above try before you buy.  Took me about 10 minutes to know it wasn't the seat for me.  Problem was as stated above.  Just depends on some physical factor of the rider. 

[Bighead]

Damn Ron where did you find a 15 gal tank

[Rams]

Damn Ron where did you find a 15 gal tank

Think'n you need to check the battery on that calculator.

Just so you know, I was running on fumes when I finally rode into a gas station, reserve was just about gone.   Now, you do the math and let me know what you came up with.  

Oh yeah, the mpg was 41.2 or 3.   Honestly, it was too close to call.  Running between 50 and 60 mph the entire route.

Got it yet?   

[MP]

Besides being a "little impatient, a pain in the ass, an Indian Giver and  a prick, I'm 6" even with a 31" inseam.   I use an Ultimate Low Rider and am very pleased with it.   I've put 412 miles on my Valkyrie before in one trip and my feet never touched the ground.   Yeah, I really needed to pee but, my but was in decent shape.     I highly recommend the Ultimate Low Rider.    

But, as others have indicated, you need to ride one a few hundred miles and make up your own mind.

My standard had a low rider when I picked it up in SC, and rode it home to ND. I was almost crippled by then!  I have 32" inseam.  I think it is a good seat, but NOT for me!  I bought a USED Russell day long on the night before I took a one day, 792 mile trip! When I pulled in, I was even thinking about going the extra 208 miles, to get my 1000 in!  There was THAT much difference!

[The emperor has no clothes]

Besides being a "little impatient, a pain in the ass, an Indian Giver and  a prick, I'm 6" even with a 31" inseam.   I use an Ultimate Low Rider and am very pleased with it.   I've put 412 miles on my Valkyrie before in one trip and my feet never touched the ground.   Yeah, I really needed to pee but, my but was in decent shape.     I highly recommend the Ultimate Low Rider.    

But, as others have indicated, you need to ride one a few hundred miles and make up your own mind.

6" even ? Rams there is some info we just don't need to know. 

[Rams]

Besides being a "little impatient, a pain in the ass, an Indian Giver and  a prick, I'm 6" even with a 31" inseam.   I use an Ultimate Low Rider and am very pleased with it.   I've put 412 miles on my Valkyrie before in one trip and my feet never touched the ground.   Yeah, I really needed to pee but, my but was in decent shape.     I highly recommend the Ultimate Low Rider.    

But, as others have indicated, you need to ride one a few hundred miles and make up your own mind.

6" even ? Rams there is some info we just don't need to know. 

Sorry bout that, but, it is ironic that a guy that goes by meat head picked up on it. 

[Gavin_Sons]

I have a big boy and really want to love it but my ass just cant. I'll be ordering a russel day long this winter.  Ultimate seats look really good but justdont fit some.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Besides being a "little impatient, a pain in the ass, an Indian Giver and  a prick, I'm 6" even with a 31" inseam.   I use an Ultimate Low Rider and am very pleased with it.   I've put 412 miles on my Valkyrie before in one trip and my feet never touched the ground.   Yeah, I really needed to pee but, my but was in decent shape.     I highly recommend the Ultimate Low Rider.    

But, as others have indicated, you need to ride one a few hundred miles and make up your own mind.

6" even ? Rams there is some info we just don't need to know. 

Sorry bout that, but, it is ironic that a guy that goes by meat head picked up on it. 

I have heard the saying "It's the little things in life that matter". But some things are better kept to ourselves.  (just messing with you  ) I saw the inch symbol and I thought what is he talking about ?

[Bighead]

Damn Ron where did you find a 15 gal tank

Think'n you need to check the battery on that calculator.

Just so you know, I was running on fumes when I finally rode into a gas station, reserve was just about gone.   Now, you do the math and let me know what you came up with.  

Oh yeah, the mpg was 41.2 or 3.   Honestly, it was too close to call.  Running between 50 and 60 mph the entire route.

Got it yet?   

Yeah well on my IS 6.9 gal tank the furthest I have ever been was about 230 and my but was chewing a hole in the seat hoping I would find gas. If you traveled 412 averaging 41.2 as you stated that would still be a ten gallon tank.  I think you should gold plate that bike and just sit back and look at it. And if you got almost 60 miles a gallon you better check your calcutalor battery.

[Firefighter]

My 2000 IS had ultimate seats when I bought it. I think it is a low boy, not sure. I'm 5, 9 or close and 200 lbs. I can sit flat footed. I also have a airhawk seat cushion which I use all the time and a back rest.

I usually ride distance with no trouble, with hiway pegs there are many different leg configurations, and with the backrest I can raise up off the saddle and reposition the airhawk while riding. I never had the "balls" problem but when I have fat thighs which comes and goes over the years, sometimes the seat can put pressure on the thighs, I usually reposition me or the cushion and am fine. What I have found to be the most uncomfortable is when my bottom sweats, now on distance rides I wear Andiamo padded skins "underwear" from Sound Rider, and have been comfortable all day.

If I knew another seat would be much better I would buy it, but I don't want to spend money to find out.

[PAVALKER]

Just picked up a 2000 valkyrie standard with 7300 miles. Got a great deal on a bike I plan on keeping forever or at least until the wife needs the garage.  I'm 5'8 210, 31 inch inseam and the bike now has a standard seat but I am on the balls of my feet. When I slide up farther towards the tank I am completely flat footed but I'd prefer to be flat footed while sitting back into the seat. I'm considering the ultimate low rider because they drop you an inch and the back rest would be perfect for my back. Problem is the cost - $580 is a lot for a seat but for safety and comfort its worth it. Second is I read all these opinions on different blogs and I see 50/50 negative complaints to positive comments.  I don't think I want the big boy or king because it raises me and i would feel like i am sitting on the bike.  Any opinions on the low rider specifically?  There doesn't appear to be a lot of opinion on the low rider as most comment on the big boy  which i have no interest in.

Based on your weight, I don't think you would like the Low Rider.  I had one for a few years and initially enjoyed it.  Ahhh, but I quit smoking, put on some lbs  getting over the 200lb mark and probably wore it down some and pushed it to its limits regarding weight, ass size and such.  My twins got to be pushed up on the tank a few times.  I sold the seat after I picked up a 2k stock/oem standard/tourer seat.  It gave me the room I was craving so I could move around and the twins are much happier now as well.   I am like you in that I can not flat foot unless scooted up on the seat, but I don't mind using just the balls of the foot.....or just one foot when I come to a stop.  I usually just have the left foot down, occasionally the right depending on the road crown or ruts, but its all good.   

[Rams]

bighead,
I'm also running a belly tank with that interstate tank.  That and riding very conservatively and no jack rabbit starts with favorable winds.   Yes, it happened.

http://rmworksinc.com/Information.html


Regardless, I don't wish for this thread or the OP question to get dismissed so, my response to him is to try and borrow several different seats and try them each for several miles.   If you're coming to INZANE, you can borrow my Ultimate Low Boy for a day and see what you think.   It may be the seat for you, it may not.   Only you and your butt will know for sure.

[Pappy!]

I have a big boy and really want to love it but my ass just cant. .

Boy this thread is going downhill quick!! 

[Gavin_Sons]

I have a big boy and really want to love it but my ass just cant. .

Boy this thread is going downhill quick!! 

Pappy my point was ultimate seats are not for everyone. I have tried a low rider several times and cant love it either. Russel is the last and final push to get a comfortable seat I can ride 100's of miles on.

[Flrider]

I have a big boy and really want to love it but my ass just cant. .

Boy this thread is going downhill quick!! 

 

[Chrisj CMA]

68" 31" inseam, 170#.  I have had a Lowrider for eight years or so.  I like it very much.  I can flatfoot easily and no hot spots even after a ten hour riding day.  600 miles in a day is my limit.  It's just not safe or fun for me after that.

Never had to stop for a break because of a saddle issue

[Flrider]

I have a big boy and really want to love it but my ass just cant. .

Boy this thread is going downhill quick!! 

Pappy my point was ultimate seats are not for everyone. I have tried a low rider several times and cant love it either. Russel is the last and final push to get a comfortable seat I can ride 100's of miles on.

We know what you meant, it is just that Pappy's sense of humor is a unique one  

[Willow]

One more passing comment.

My observation has been that the more infrequent the rider the more the chance that a particular saddle will be found uncomfortable.  In other words a soft ass needs extra care.  The best way to get comfortable in the saddle is to ride often and much.

That said my observation, not necessarily my personal experience, is that the Russell Day Long is by far the most comfortable saddle but is also very expensive.  The Ultimates appear to be next in line but differ between the three models based upon height and weight. 

I ride on an Ultimate on one bike and a 2000+ Honda on the other.  The Ultimate, in my opinion, is the best looking and the Russell would likely be the most comfortable but not at all pretty.  I'm a little too cheap to go for the Russell but I am on the lookout for another Ultimate.   

[Chrisj CMA]

One more passing comment.

My observation has been that the more infrequent the rider the more the chance that a particular saddle will be found uncomfortable.  In other words a soft ass needs extra care.  The best way to get comfortable in the saddle is to ride often and much.

That said my observation, not necessarily my personal experience, is that the Russell Day Long is by far the most comfortable saddle but is also very expensive.  The Ultimates appear to be next in line but differ between the three models based upon height and weight. 

I ride on an Ultimate on one bike and a 2000+ Honda on the other.  The Ultimate, in my opinion, is the best looking and the Russell would likely be the most comfortable but not at all pretty.  I'm a little too cheap to go for the Russell but I am on the lookout for another Ultimate.   

Carl, are you saying you are a hard ass? ???

[The emperor has no clothes]

One more passing comment.

My observation has been that the more infrequent the rider the more the chance that a particular saddle will be found uncomfortable.  In other words a soft ass needs extra care.  The best way to get comfortable in the saddle is to ride often and much.

That said my observation, not necessarily my personal experience, is that the Russell Day Long is by far the most comfortable saddle but is also very expensive.  The Ultimates appear to be next in line but differ between the three models based upon height and weight. 

I ride on an Ultimate on one bike and a 2000+ Honda on the other.  The Ultimate, in my opinion, is the best looking and the Russell would likely be the most comfortable but not at all pretty.  I'm a little too cheap to go for the Russell but I am on the lookout for another Ultimate.   

I also was too cheap. But I'm very thankful I finally bit the bullet. 

[Atl-Jerry]

I rode my stock seat on my Y2K IS for about 10 years and thought it was fine.  About 5 years ago I bought my second IS that had a 4 piece Ultimate setup on it, drivers seat was a King Big Boy.  Didn't like it becasue I got lost in it.  Traded it for a Big Boy and REALLY liked that one.  Had a chance to pick up a low rider for my original IS and did not like it since it was just too small and I traded it for a Big Boy also.  Now all is well in my kingdom.  I did feel a little "presidential" having fixed a problem that I never knew existed.  Achy balls was never a problem either since my wife keeps mine in a little felt bag in her purse, but she does give them to me when she thinks I need them.

I dunno where you're located but if you find yourself in Gods country you're welcome to give mine a spin, but I'll have to find another little felt bag to hold some collateral.

[Willow]

Carl, are you saying you are a hard ass? ???

Likely so, Jeff.  My father did all he could to prepare me for that.   

[Chrisj CMA]

Carl, are you saying you are a hard ass? ???

Likely so, Jeff.  My father did all he could to prepare me for that.  

Lol Carl...me too.  You probably don't want to know, but here's the story anyway.

I was the oldest of three brothers.  Probably not 100% accurate but my memory is that no matter who messed up it turned out to be my fault.  I got WAY more whipins than the other two brothers, but they did more bad stuff than I did (I promise)

The whipins stopped when I got my driver's license.  I broke the first one just having it in my wallet so after having to get a new one I cut out a piece of sheet metal the same size as the card and put it in my wallet.  The license never broke again, but the next time my mother whacked me in the ass she broke some blood vessels in her hand.

I think my parents got a hold of some tainted koolaid and became liberals before my two brothers were old enough to get the whipins I got.

They (my parents) are still very liberal and so are my two younger brothers.  I was the only one in the family that went into the military and didn't vote for the mess we have currently in the White House.

Hmmmmm.  Spare the rod and you make them into liberals.

So Carl hard ass and hard head, maybe that's why we butt heads every once in a while.


Peace

[Gavin_Sons]

Carl, are you saying you are a hard ass? ???

Likely so, Jeff.  My father did all he could to prepare me for that.  

Lol Carl...me too.  You probably don't want to know, but here's the story anyway.

I was the oldest of three brothers.  Probably not 100% accurate but my memory is that no matter who messed up it turned out to be my fault.  I got WAY more whipins than the other two brothers, but they did more bad stuff than I did (I promise)

The whipins stopped when I got my driver's license.  I broke the first one just having it in my wallet so after having to get a new one I cut out a piece of sheet metal the same size as the card and put it in my wallet.  The license never broke again, but the next time my mother whacked me in the ass she broke some blood vessels in her hand.

I think my parents got a hold of some tainted koolaid and became liberals before my two brothers were old enough to get the whipins I got.

They (my parents) are still very liberal and so are my two younger brothers.  I was the only one in the family that went into the military and didn't vote for the mess we have currently in the White House.

Hmmmmm.  Spare the rod and you make them into liberals.

So Carl hard ass and hard head, maybe that's why we butt heads every once in a while.


Peace

Sounds like those whoopins knocked some sense in you. 

[baldo]

I have a big boy and really want to love it but my ass just cant. .

Boy this thread is going downhill quick!! 

Pappy my point was ultimate seats are not for everyone. I have tried a low rider several times and cant love it either. Russel is the last and final push to get a comfortable seat I can ride 100's of miles on.

I have a Russell seat on my GW and I love it. Having said that, I'm not sure I like the looks of the seat they make for the Valk. Do they have any options? I've looked on their website, but haven't spoken to them yet. How long have you had yours?

Of course, it's the butt that counts, not the eyes....

[cookiedough]

 What are your rear shocks set at?  If 4 or 5,   try 2 or 3 setting to lower the rear some so can go flat footed or close to it.

Higher boots/shoes with taller heels on bottom would help some as well.

I'd hate to see you spend 500 plus on a new low boy then decide you dislike it or need a big boy.  Try someone else's seat out near you am sure anyone of us if nearby would let you trade seats for 1 week or so first before spending the dough on a new seat. 

I'm 5'10" 30" inseam rear shocks set at 4 with my stock I/S and although not flat footed,  close enough not on my tip toes either, but I am 285 so that helps at least.  With wife on back,  I can go flat footed no issues.  Maybe add a misses to the rear seat, problem solved?   

[Gavin_Sons]

I have a big boy and really want to love it but my ass just cant. .

Boy this thread is going downhill quick!! 

Pappy my point was ultimate seats are not for everyone. I have tried a low rider several times and cant love it either. Russel is the last and final push to get a comfortable seat I can ride 100's of miles on.

I have a Russell seat on my GW and I love it. Having said that, I'm not sure I like the looks of the seat they make for the Valk. Do they have any options? I've looked on their website, but haven't spoken to them yet. How long have you had yours?

Of course, it's the butt that counts, not the eyes....

I don't have a russell yet. I have had my ultimate for 5 years and still dislike it. I have rode up to 600 miles in a day on it and am almost crippled for the next week. I agree with Willow about riding often and longer and you will eventually get use to the seat but it has not helped with me. I don't get to ride as often or as long as I would like due to 2 little boys that need their dad around to teach them man stuff. The bike riding has been put on the back burner buti do try to get it out onve a week for a good ride even if it is just to work and back home. I do have a 1 piece corbin im going to put back on and try again.

[Wizzard]

I have around 40k miles plus in an ultimate and love it. I have been known to ride 12 hours and do not get uncomfortable at all.
I would buy another one in a moment.

[Bighead]

bighead,
I'm also running a belly tank with that interstate tank.  That and riding very conservatively and no jack rabbit starts with favorable winds.   Yes, it happened.

http://rmworksinc.com/Information.html


Regardless, I don't wish for this thread or the OP question to get dismissed so, my response to him is to try and borrow several different seats and try them each for several miles.   If you're coming to INZANE, you can borrow my Ultimate Low Boy for a day and see what you think.   It may be the seat for you, it may not.   Only you and your butt will know for sure.

Ya see here in lies the problem you didn't tell me you were runnin a extry 3 gallons of fuel. I can believe that but was about to pull th BS card

[Rams]

Ya see here in lies the problem you didn't tell me you were runnin a extry 3 gallons of fuel. I can believe that but was about to pull th BS card

I don't tell a lot of folks about my belly tank, especially the HD guys that always want to talk about how far they can go on a tank of fuel.   They (normally) get better fuel mileage than our fat ladies.

I just tell them to go till they think they need gas, I'll get it there or at the next stop.    Regardless, to make 40 mpg, one has to have a light wrist and decent conditions.    Only tried it the one time and was sweating bullets knowing I was going to end up pushing the Valkyrie but, I made it, on fumes but, I made it. 

[MP]

I really wish I could put a belly tank on my IS with the sidecar.  Really sucks fuel.  But, the hack mounts go right thru where the belly tank is located. So,  I just need to stop a lot!

[Rams]

I really wish I could put a belly tank on my IS with the sidecar.  Really sucks fuel.  But, the hack mounts go right thru where the belly tank is located. So,  I just need to stop a lot!

Well, I feel your pain....

I have a friend in Arkansas that rides a Goldwing, he has a add on tank that resembles a pony keg, he mounts it where the trunk should be if I remember correctly.   Might be an option for you.   I thought about going that path but, I prefer the belly tank due to the differences in what happens to the bikes CG.   I like the lower position of the belly tank.   I don't think it makes a huge difference but, I haven't ridden his wing either.  

Have another friend with a side car mounted to his Valkyrie who developed his own tank that fits inside of his right side saddle bag, has it's own fuel pump in there some where.   Works for him......