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