How to improve a Sportster?

[lightngsvt]

I just bought an 04 Sportster 1200 Roadster. Nice bike, has Screamin Eagle Stage 1 kit (jets, pipes and air cleaner) and a few minor chrome bits otherwise its original with only 2300 miles.

I took it out for a ride yesterday and after 30 minutes my butt started to hurt, after 45 minutes I wanted off! The seat is like a rock and the suspension seems very stiff. Are the rear shocks adjustable at all? What can I do for a comfortable seat that still has the sleek look? I had 2 metric bikes in the past (one a C-Rocket) and neither had near the vibration or butt-punishing ride of the Sporty.

[CB750F]

Only thing I can say is check out some the aftermarket seats. Mustang and Corbin makes some nice ones. See if your Harley dealer has any aftermarket seats for a Sporty,I'm positive they do. You can buy a gel type pad that straps over your seat but I think personally they look strange.

I'm sure that the shocks are adjustable for at least preload.It should have some sort of adjuster you can turn that lets some pressure off the spring. Sporties aren't really known for a soft ride.

[loki03xlh]

I bought a mustang seat for my '05 1200C and it made a world of difference. I can now ride 300+ miles a day.

[BH121869]

I just bought an 04 Sportster 1200 Roadster. Nice bike, has Screamin Eagle Stage 1 kit (jets, pipes and air cleaner) and a few minor chrome bits otherwise its original with only 2300 miles.

I took it out for a ride yesterday and after 30 minutes my butt started to hurt, after 45 minutes I wanted off! The seat is like a rock and the suspension seems very stiff. Are the rear shocks adjustable at all? What can I do for a comfortable seat that still has the sleek look? I had 2 metric bikes in the past (one a C-Rocket) and neither had near the vibration or butt-punishing ride of the Sporty.
My 2001 came with a custom seat on it and I saw some at the Harley shop that looked like it. It is the best seat I've ever had on anything other than the ones on a full dresser. As for vibration, the older ones do that for sure. Actually you get used to it. I know guys that rode their old models from Fla to Sturgis this year. You have to bite down on your teeth above 60MPH and it helps to grip the tank tightly with your knees too. Ever tried a kidney belt? After 1/2 hour the butt pain turns to numbness and you realize you are going to live and can make it another 30 miles. After 100 miles or so you need to stop and let the blood back in to places where it has left. Have a coffee and look cool and then it starts all over again. The tanks were made small due to their being made for racing way back when. Now instead of just using them to drag race stop light to stop light people use them as a road bike. It is just part of the Sporty mystique. My front and rear shocks are adjustable. I know three females that also ride the sporty, new ones, and they never complain about the seat or anything. Either their butts are made differently, and they are, or they are tougher than we are. The one lady says they are a girls bike. The reason is the way they vibrate, makes her smile. Don't know what she is getting at.

[COFats]

Weeks ago there was a similar thread regarding seat comfort. Guys were talking about seat alternatives.

One fellow said he paid $70.00 to have his seat padded for comfort.

I think Uesque had the best response to that guy. Uesque said that he only paid $8.99 a the buffet to accomplish the same!

Man I am still roaring over that one! Every time I think of that response I laugh so hard my eyes tear. Guess it really hit home with me.

Rdie safe & long,
Colorado FATS

[Sharky1948]

I got the Corbin Dual Touring seat for my '07 Custom. Expensive yes. But, very comfortable. I like the look of the Corbin over that of the Mustang. And, I've heard a few stories about quality issues at Mustang (seats that sit crooked, etc.) The Corbin is very firm; but, that's what you want. Soft (i.e., gel) is not good in the long run. I ride road bicycles a lot. The comfortable seats are the firm ones...not the old springy, big seats that look like they came off of an old RK.

[KevSumac]

Yeah, I'd go with a Corbin. Would have one myself on my sporty but I don't want to take out another loan just to get one :D