After 1200 miles, I see the need for something more comfortable. I've read every post I could find in this forum on seats. I've paid attention to all the mods. Some are a hit, some a miss; but none seem to "nail it" (with the possible exception of the sprung solo). In the end , it seems even with a "great" mod, everyone keeps wishing for a more comfortable seat.

In reading on seats in other forums and articles on motorcyle seats, one common thread that keeps turning up is that cruiser seats are uncomfortable by design. Critics (largely European) point out that its the pan design that forces your butt into one position, and holds it there, that is the source of the discomfort. The standard "bench" type seat by contrast is held up to be the more comfortable ride, and my own experience on other bikes would seem to bear this out.

So my question, has anyone ever gone there? The posts I've read all seem to involve moding the pan, padding the pan, replacing the pan - with another pan (Harley seat). Has anyone eliminated the pan and gone with a straight, bench type seat? Could the current seat be added to and recovered in such a way as to eliminate the pan? I think the flare at the butt might be of some use, but keep the hieght of the seat unifrom.

On my post carb mod run the other night, I put in some of my longest single miles on the bike. Approching the 100 mile mark, my backside was begging for relief. I was riding the pillion at one point, and thinking "this isn't too bad". Now, given the comfort and construction of the pillion seat, that should tell you something about the level of my discomfort. I did like it though. The hieght was right. It got me to thinking about a traditional motorcycle seat. Higher up, able to slide back and forth. Better/more riding positions. Not feeling as cramped in the saddle. It might even eliminate the desire for forward controls in some cases.

So how 'bout it Savages? What do you think. Worthy idea, or did my ride the other night crush the thinking part of my brain?
Ride safe,
Jay

skrapiron,

Thanks for the reply. Wise words. I think I'll heed them, and save my self some money and heartache. I may add a gel pad, but that'll be about it. I ever get up to Pa, the first rounds on me!
Ride safe,
Jay

During the schoolyear, I ride about 45 minutes each way.  Now I know that our tanks hold about 100 miles worth of fuel.  I am wondering if the "designers" realized that with the seat as stock, 100 miles was all our butts could take.  After my morning ride, I'm just starting to get a little uncomfortable.  Add another hour and I'll be hurting a bit.

just my  2 Lincoln-heads

T

Check out Chicago-rider's seat  modification - getting close to your train  of thought?

Sandy,
That is pretty close to what I was talking about. Don't know how much difference it will make but my vintage Savage is a 2008 with a one piece seat. Still, I think what you've done could be adapted to mine. Could I see more pics please? Thanks.
Ride safe,
Jay

FreeSpirit,

That's what I'm talkin' 'bout! Tighten that baby up a little. Put a littel finese on the finish, and that would be sumthin'.
Thanks.
Ride safe,
Jay