SEAT ? What 's the best for long ride ? MUSTANG ? ULTIMATE ?

[IOWABOB]

Gonna go aftermarket seatwise on my 1800 RETRO . Have read some tests . There seems to be no consensus on seats . Leaning toward the Mustang wide touring seat . Any advice or comments ? Thanks BOB

[Smack]

I own an Ultimate now - but also have a Mustang on my other bike.

So far I would be leaning toward a Mustang - but Ultimate has the better price. I like my Mustang so far better than my ultimate - but I have not had the Ultimate as long. Both are good seats.

[danX]

I have the Ultimate Low-Rider with backrest, and it's a great seat. I rode 500 miles to Denver, with three stops for gas, over eight hours, and I felt like I could have gone another 500 miles. The backrest is a great feature.

[VTXDDS]

I've sat on the mustang and ultimate before purchasing. My ultimate should be here in less than 2 weeks.

[Desert X]

I just finished a 6,098 mile ride from Arizona to Maine (and back) on my 1800-C. I bought the Ultimate Big Boy seat several months ago, and can tell you I have no "Iron Butt", and I'm a big, old guy, (5'11" 225#, age 52).

The stock seat busted my A** for three days after a 450 mile run from Phoenix to Albuquerque. For the $200 I paid, the Untimate seat has been by far, the best money spent on the bike. I cannot, however, comment about other after-market seats. Hope this helps. Good Luck!

[Double Jack]

ULTIMATE. I've had mine on for over 6,000 miles so far and a 500 mile day is no problem.

[VTProf]

Neither! Save your money and put a ROHO Airhawk air cushion on your stock seat for $150. http://www.derbycycles.com/

I just finished a 3K ride over 5 days (yes, about 600 miles per day) and never had any saddle soreness. The Airhawk is adjustable; even while you're riding you can shift your weight and change where the air suspension works for you.

I also added a backrest from http://www.cruisencomfort.com/products.shtml for $140. It's a very well made little backrest, looks nice on the bike, and feels good on long rides.

Jim

[Hotsauces]

Had both, the only seat for the VTX is the Ultimate Big boy!!!. The only thing you think about on those 8hr days cruising down the road is "damm wish I had cruise control now" I've got the back rests on mine and is the ultimate in comfort! I am 6"1" and 230lbs, I paid $850 for all driver/pass w/ rests and logos.

Mustangs were ok, leaps and bounds over stock, but after sittin on a friends ultimate (2hr ride) immediately got home and ordered them, sold the mustangs...

One thing to consider is your size as the Big Boy site says if your 200lbs or less and some certain height they recommend the Ultimate Low riders or something if I recall. I have read reviews on that style where there was complaints of pushing them forward a little to much or something to that effect. So do consider you size etc. Good luck :D

[TexasVTX1300S]

Mustang most definitely!!!!!!!

[TTT]

Bob I had great sucess in shaving my stock seat to fit my hindside. You can even add a gelpack for additional comfort...witha little time and effort you can save a few bucks...buy some more goodies(chrome) and have a really comfortable seat... run a search on the tech and general mc boards to get some more info....just ran a search using keywords shave foam got some really good hits on the tech and mc boards...JMO ....MIKE(TTT)

[Klattu]

Was ready to order a Mustang based on looks,
Until I set on one at Sonic, a little tough.
Went with the Ulitimate Lowrider... she likes passenger seat too!

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/3702DSCF0015.JPG

[guido69]

No question, Ultimate. I spent $300 to have gel pads putin both rider and pillion shortly after I got the Retro. After about 2k miles. No difference than stock. Bought the Ultimate nad have no regrets what so ever after it. Like sitting a lush pillow.

[INOKEA]

I've sat on the mustang and ultimate before purchasing. My ultimate should be here in less than 2 weeks.

Anyone have a link to Ultimate site.

[INOKEA]

I've sat on the mustang and ultimate before purchasing. My ultimate should be here in less than 2 weeks.

Anyone have link to Ultimate seat web page?

[danX]

Here it is:

http://www.ultimateseats.ca/index.html

I have the Ultimate Low Rider with Backrest; it is a great seat!

[INOKEA]

Here it is:

http://www.ultimateseats.ca/index.html

I have the Ultimate Low Rider with Backrest; it is a great seat!

Mahalo...

[IOWABOB]

After sitting on and pricing both I opted for the MUSTANG wide sport touring seat . Got a great deal from Eric at Great Mills Cycle . Thanks for all the info . BOB

OK, BOB.

Any feedback on how you like it after a few days?

[supra1]

I had the Mustang on my previous X and the Ultimate Lowrider on my current X - I vote for the Mustang.

[debelt]

Caught the Mustang wide touring with the passenger seat or pillion, no rider's backrest, on sale for $340. Later added a Mustang passenger backrest for $80 I believe. All toll, that's nearly half the price they want for an Ultimate with the same setup. Have toured with the Mustang (last trip 2612 mi.) and have no complaints. Don't be fooled by the initial hardness of the Mustang, it needs to break in.

[IOWABOB]

Went on a couple of 300 mile rides , the Mustang seat is great but it did push me back a bit . Now I'm going to put some "C" risers on to bring the bars back. My RETRO is a great bike ! I ride with my two brothers , one rides a ROADKING , the other an ULTRA CLASSIC . My , but those HARLEYS are OVERPRICED.

[okiejack]

After reading these posts, I ordered an Ultimate Lowrider w/ rider backrest. Ordered Tuesday and received and installed them in Oklahoma City today (Thursday). Leaving tomorrow morning on a 500 mile trip and, after a very short ride this afternoon, think they will do very well.

They make me feel like I am sitting higher although I'm about one inch lower. I know they sit lower because I made a mistake in installing a windshield which was about an inch too short. Sitting on the Lowrider make the windshield height just right.

Another surprise was that lowering the center of gravity just a hair seems to have improved cornering.

I will try to remember to post my obervations after this weekend's ride.

[okiejack]

Completed the Talimena drive from Talihina, OK to Mena AR, a bit over 500 miles round trip from Oklahoma City (three days) on the new Ultimate Lowrider w/ rider backrest.

The good news ........ my lower back never was tired and I was very pleased.

[VTX1800_AL]

We ordered our X and the Mustang wide at the same time (cause it is great on my 750 Spirit). 200 miles on the stock seats == tingling butts. Put the Mustang on and was very dissapointed. Could do 350-400 miles before sore butt, but the wife complained after 250 miles, which amazed me cause she is used to doing 600 mile days on her 600VLX. Bought the Ultimate low rider + passenger+passenger backrest. Did 780 on the first day and the only complaint we had was about the heat. I'm 175/5'11 she is 144/5'6. We would have sold the X if not for the Ultimate seats.
I still have the Mustang (which is cut down an inch in the center front for testicle room) if your interested in it.

[David]

-Stock on the '03 VTX18C was a killer - I've got no ass, a boney butt, and a #300 frame :evil:
-Extra padding in the stock '03 VTX18C was still a killer - only sat me higher on the bike due to the extra padding
-Mustang 2-piece (would order the drivers backrest next time) was a life saver for my boney butt! But moved me forward and put my boys on the metal tank and my thighs rubbing the paint off the sides of the tank.
-Ultimate Bigboy gave me the leg room I was looking for, but the foam was too soft. Tried it for a while and sold it. It's a good seat for most, I'm too heavy and no padding in my butt. 15 minutes on the Ultimate seat and I was riding in the flattened out foam on the seat pan. Same thing with my Ultimate Big Boy for the Wing, same thing for the Ultimate on my Rune. (I've spend some $$ on Ultimate seats - none of them work for me)
- Corbin Rumble seat on the Rune is good - if it ever breaks in!!!
Savior on all of the above was the Travelcade gel and Butt Buffers gel pads I have.
- Last month I tried an Airhawk. I now own one I keep on the Corbin, and am ordering one for the Wing.

- Airhawk for people who have seat / butt problems!

[WS11MB]

I was leaning towards the Ultimate except that their websight seems to feel it needs a rain cover due to the stiching. The rain will get into the padding.
I live in S FL and ride yr round. Not that it matters since this yr I was in Laconia and all it did was rain. The rain was easier to deal with then the way the bikers were treated in Wears Beach.
My question is has anybody with the Ultimate have any problems with the seat absorbing water.

[FletchRides]

All seats will absorb water. I have the Ultimates and love em. Never been in the rain though.

[doc_cj]

It took awhile, but I've come to the conclusion that no seat is perfect. Maybe my butt is just too particular, or maybe I have believed too much of the hype about the seast, but at this moment I can't say any of the seats are perfect.

I tried the Mustang first, but not on my bike. I test drove a bike in Vegas that had one on it, and I liked the feel overall. The only problem is that it seemed to move me forward, as others have noted, and I just don't need that.

So, I ended up ordering the Ultimate from HDL, and I was sooooo looking forward to it. I had read so many people on this site (and others) proclaiming the Ultimate as the ... well ... ultimate. Sad to say, when it came in it just didn't do it for me. Like the Mustang, the Ultimate moved me to a position I just didn't care for.

The Ultimate Big Boy put me at least an inch higher (which put me over the windshield with wind in my face) and more forward than I'm used to sitting. As others have noted, this means that certain parts of your anatomy are resting on the tank (not something you really want on a long run) and your legs rub that big ol' tank on these VTXs.

So I sent the Ultimate back (no problem with refund, HDL is GREAT to work with) and so I'm pretty much back to square one.

I'm not posting this to say that Mustang is best, nor that Ultimate is best, nor any of the other options. I'm posting this to simply say that not every seat will fit everyone's needs, and for that reason you should do LOTS of research before you decide. Try to find someone with a bike like your own who also has the seat you are interested in already mounted. If nothing else just sit on it and it would be even better if you could ride it for 100 or more miles.

As for me, I'm gonna keep looking and trying different things, but for now I know that at least both the Ultimate and Mustang moved me in directions I didn't want to go.

[KSBulldog]

I have the Day Long Seat by Russell and so far I like it. Haven't gone on a long ride yet, but the stock seat use to kill my rear after about 100 miles. I have ridden 200 miles with total comfort with the Day Long. It is custom made to fit you and you can sit as far forward or back as you want. Check out the web site at www.day-long.com (http://www.day-long.com). It has a one year full refund warranty and a two year adjustment warranty.

[Sgt Rock]

My money's on the Ultimate Bigboy with the backrest , I wouldn't trade it for TRUCKLOAD of Mustang seats. It's not cheap, but you get what you pay for.
The stock VTX seat is pure junk, I was amazed after the change, went for a short ride and got home 344 miles and about 8 hours later.

[Tombstone]

I rode the stock VTX seat for the first 2,000 miles I owned the bike. I was convinced that if I gave the seat a chance, it would "break-in" and be okay. WRONG. Even after 2,000 miles, forty-five minutes to an hour on the stock seat and my tail bone felt broken -- it hurt to cough, it hurt to sneeze, it hurt to breathe deeply, never mind be able to put my foot down pain free at stops. For me, the stock seat was the same POS after 2,000 miles that it was the day I rode the bike home from the stealer. After MUCH agonizing over market research and sitting on assorted bikes outfitted with various aftermarket seats, I decided on the Ultimate Big Boy (UBB). Fast forward an additional 1,000+ miles -- I'm still in love with this seat. I don't know if it's my imagination or not, but I feel like I'm sitting a bit higher and a bit further back on the UBB than I did on the OEM. My thighs no longer contact the squared-off gas tank and "the boys" are sitting on nothing but UBB padding. The seat is as firm and supportive after 1,000+ miles as it was on the maiden voyage and I couldn't be happier.

SIDEBAR: While the UBB was the best choice for me, it might not fit everyone as well. Recommend parking your butt on as many different styles of seats as possible BEFORE parting with your hard-earned green -- these suckers ARE NOT cheap and it is definitely in your best interest to do your homework before hand.

[netdoug]

I was leaning towards the Ultimate except that their websight seems to feel it needs a rain cover due to the stiching. The rain will get into the padding.
I live in S FL and ride yr round. Not that it matters since this yr I was in Laconia and all it did was rain. The rain was easier to deal with then the way the bikers were treated in Wears Beach.
My question is has anybody with the Ultimate have any problems with the seat absorbing water.

I bought the Frog-Tog rain covers for my Ultimate seat combo. They do a great job and you can ride with the covers on when those frog-drowning downpours hit.

Like you, I ride 24/7 and have had the OEM and Ultimate seats get drenched. After riding home with a wet ass, I bought the covers. I've not ridden with leather seats so I have no experience as to their staying drier than vinyl. The other plus I've found is that the covers keep the seat in better condition by keeping the sun and grime off the vinly.

Doug

[BillF]

I was leaning towards the Ultimate except that their websight seems to feel it needs a rain cover due to the stiching. The rain will get into the padding.
I live in S FL and ride yr round. Not that it matters since this yr I was in Laconia and all it did was rain. The rain was easier to deal with then the way the bikers were treated in Wears Beach.
My question is has anybody with the Ultimate have any problems with the seat absorbing water.

I bought the Frog-Tog rain covers for my Ultimate seat combo. They do a great job and you can ride with the covers on when those frog-drowning downpours hit.

Like you, I ride 24/7 and have had the OEM and Ultimate seats get drenched. After riding home with a wet ass, I bought the covers. I've not ridden with leather seats so I have no experience as to their staying drier than vinyl. The other plus I've found is that the covers keep the seat in better condition by keeping the sun and grime off the vinly.

Doug

Doug, where do you get Frog-Togg rain covers for your seat?

[monster]

Hey David, it would be cheaper for you just to buy a butt!
Ultimate Big-Boy works great for me!
I have to add the rider backrest for the long trips.

[Tombstone]

I was leaning towards the Ultimate except that their websight seems to feel it needs a rain cover due to the stiching. The rain will get into the padding.
I live in S FL and ride yr round. Not that it matters since this yr I was in Laconia and all it did was rain. The rain was easier to deal with then the way the bikers were treated in Wears Beach.
My question is has anybody with the Ultimate have any problems with the seat absorbing water.

I bought the Frog-Tog rain covers for my Ultimate seat combo. They do a great job and you can ride with the covers on when those frog-drowning downpours hit.

Like you, I ride 24/7 and have had the OEM and Ultimate seats get drenched. After riding home with a wet ass, I bought the covers. I've not ridden with leather seats so I have no experience as to their staying drier than vinyl. The other plus I've found is that the covers keep the seat in better condition by keeping the sun and grime off the vinly.

Doug

Doug, where do you get Frog-Togg rain covers for your seat?

The Frog-Togg seat covers are sold right there on the Ultimate Seat web page. I think it's like $90.00 for the driver seat, passenger seat, passenger backrest covers. Not sure how much more if you add the driver's backrest cover as well. But check the website; it's there. 8)

[hilf]

My next significant purchase will be a seat system. Not because I need one but to make the ride comfortable for my wife. She started riding with me last summer and decided that she enjoyed riding. WOW!

My friends swear (do they ever) that Mustang makes a really comfortable seat.

Last spring I tore apart a stock rider's seat and modified its innards. I replaced a substantial amount of the original foam with a layer of memory foam from a mattress topper, making the seat most comfortable for the major long haul to Alaska. The hardest part was stapling the cover back on and that was not all that hard. It worked and was pretty cheap.

[sacred_dog]

yes, I have the ultimate big boy (5';10", 235, 31 inch inseam)

the seat is REMARKABLE. took my first 200 mile ride. very comfortable.

I DO have to make some sort of adjustments however. I find my inner thighs press against the back corners of the tank now. Slightly uncomfortable.

I would not even consider buying a new seat without the backrest. (removeable).

I put on 11 inch springs, the seat lowers me too, also added 6" risers on the 2002 VTX 1800 C. Incredible set up. Planning a multi thousand mile trip soon.

I also put highway pegs on my bike and set them for the furthest position. They are too far. have to pull them back one hole.

but the seat is remarkable. I never disliked the stock seat either though. I have an iron butt. I could ride on the frame with no discomfort.

Tim

[ironmorph]

neither seat you mentioned, I use the stocker with an air hawker! allows one to ride 1000 plus mile days in the saddle without a wimper 8)

Take the 200 dollars you save and go for a memorable weekend ride. It will last longer than your seat. 8)

[tnretro]

The stock seat busted my A** for three days after a 450 mile run from Phoenix to Albuquerque. For the $200 I paid, the Untimate seat has been by far, the best money spent on the bike. I cannot, however, comment about other after-market seats. Hope this helps. Good Luck![/quote]

Where the h*** did you find an Ultimate for $200? All I'm finding are around $350

[ironmorph]

The stock seat busted my A** for three days after a 450 mile run from Phoenix to Albuquerque. For the $200 I paid, the Untimate seat has been by far, the best money spent on the bike. I cannot, however, comment about other after-market seats. Hope this helps. Good Luck!

Where the h*** did you find an Ultimate for $200? All I'm finding are around $350[/quote]

roughly speaking 150.00 for the air hawk, versus 350.00 for the Ultimate, leaves you 200.00 to play and spend on some good times. The air hawk is the best seat alternative out there. They use air hawk technology on spinal chord injured patients. These pressure tests prove that air under your butt, is by far the best way to eliminate pressure induced saddle sore. 8)

[tnretro]

Sorry, I misunderstood the post. I'll have to look into the Air Hawk.

[ArkyX]

Ive had my Mustang seat, without the backrest, for 3 years now with 65,000 miles on it and will not have any other seat... I do have a sheepskin cover for it at it keeps the rear from sweating off in the summer.... The longest ride was 650 miles in 14 hours.... including gas and food stops... I was a little tired but this was in the middle of the Summer lat year.... went to Sturgis SD.... my opinion is to try out any of the seats if you can and know that with a new one there is a break in period.... enjoy Bud..

:mcrider:

[Maverick1]

My wife and I just finished riding over 3000 miles in 5 days on our 1800 C with the ultimate 4pc seat and the seat was OUSTANDING.. :D :D

[JerryH]

I also have the Russell Day-Long seat. We ride 200 to 300 miles a day and as much as 500 one day. My wife (and I) have no problem and could easily ride further if needed.

They are a little higher than buying a seat off the shelf but it's hard to beat a custom made seat that is built for your size and weight.

The rain cover is a nice accessory. I use it on the seat while I'm at work and when I come out at midnight I don't have to wipe the dew of the seat.

[x rated]

Id vote the ultimate big boy, Im 6'3" 290lbs and have rode 3 650mile days in a row and the day i got home was ready to go agian. Hands down the best mod Ive done on my bike. Ive riden from seatle to the northern california coast twice with it and a full day of rain both trip and had no problem with rain. never thought twice about it.

[x rated]

ultimate big boy!!!!

[hilf]

Last week I mounted the Mustang set (sport touring), no driver back rest). I am so used to my modified stock seat that it'll take a little while to adjust. I do like the feel of the back of the seat and the sitting angle in spite of moving me a little farther back. Still, nothing beats memory foam. The ride to Americade will give me a better test of the seat.

[doc_cj]

For those that missed it ... my new friend from the Netherlands ...

http://carlf.home.bresnan.net/zion07.JPG

My photo skills don't do nearly enough for what nature gave us in these parks. Anyone who gets a chance to ride Zion, Bryce, and the rest of the parks in the west should take it.

http://carlf.home.bresnan.net/zion13.JPG

[Hamayar]

Neither! Save your money and put a ROHO Airhawk air cushion on your stock seat for $150. http://www.derbycycles.com/

I just finished a 3K ride over 5 days (yes, about 600 miles per day) and never had any saddle soreness. The Airhawk is adjustable; even while you're riding you can shift your weight and change where the air suspension works for you.

I also added a backrest from http://www.cruisencomfort.com/products.shtml for $140. It's a very well made little backrest, looks nice on the bike, and feels good on long rides.

Jim



Save even more money, keep the stock seat and spend $6 on a beaded seat cover(get the wife to custom fit it for ya.)

http://www.gigabikes.com/forums/uploads/post-8-1157461166.jpg
I just finished a 3500 mile run to Utah and back from Memphis, two day run to get there near 900 miles a day and no sore but on a 1300C stock seat 8)

http://www.gigabikes.com/forums/uploads/post-13-1158167190.jpg

Im no kid either I was 52 last Birthday :wink:

[jagular]

I'm 5'7" and 185, opting for the Ultimate Lowrider. Very comfortable. I ride over 150 miles daily to work and back and the difference between the crappy stock seat and the Ultimate is worlds apart.

[Filo]

Mustang most definitely!!!!!!! Just finished a SS1000 3 weeks ago and no issues. Also have rides from Florida to Tennessee 1 day each way and never felt sore.

[Bankshot]

The Ultimate, Corbin, Mustang seats are all good but each has a different feel. Try to sit on each and see which one "fits" you best. All will change your ridin position slightly from that with the stock seat.

I have the Mustang with the backrest (wouldn't get any without the backrest). I added a AirHawk cushion too.

Between the Mustang and the Airhawk, my butt can ride much longer than I can. My last trip was 16.5 hours with only fuel stops. I alternate legs with the Airhawk and never have any pressure point pain.

[venarius]

Corbin +1

[roadslave]

I got the Muatang just before putting 10,346.3 miles on my o3' 1300x. GREAT ride and the comfort was exelant. I also went to Stergis this last summer and it again was GREAT. lOVE MY MUSTANG. yOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR W/mustang

[gstanfield]

My wife and I both are in love with our new Mustang on my 1300C. Before I was good for about 350miles straight, and she was only good for about 50 max. Now our longest trip two up was a 450mile day and she was fine, and I was just getting started. I'm certain I could easily use my VTX now for a SS, before I had to use my ST1300 (sold it though :cry: )

George

[Cool Pop]

I n April I rode from Jupiter Fl to Palm Springs, CA and back on my Mustang seat and was comfortable all the way. 61 yrs young, 215 and 5'7". The trip to Palm Springs was with a friend who lives there and the trip back waqs solo. 2 days of 750 miles on the way back. My old bones were pretty comfortable on this trip. Planning a but burner 1000 mile in 24 hrs in January. I hear thar the Ultimate is also excelleent. I think it is a toss up depending on your budget and bony as* configuration. Ridce safe. Cool Pop