Motorcycle Seats - Harley-Davidson Touring
- Motorcycle Gear Reviews
- Sep 10, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 9, 2024
If you find yourself searching for the perfect motorcycle seat, you have come to the right place. There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the best seat. Finding a great seat is not a one size fits all situation. Someone that is taller might prefer a seat that sits them higher up and further back on the bike. A shorter rider might want something lower that sits then up closer on the tank, and would probably prefer a narrower profile seat to reduce reach. A more performance oriented rider may prefer a stiffer seat or one with more back support to keep them planted in the seat. If you like to hit the road for days, comfort is king when it comes to choosing a seat. It can be even more complex when you have a passenger and have to take their preferences into consideration. In this article, we are going to take a look at some of the top seats by category.
Performance Motorcycle Seat - Harley-Davidson
The Saddlemen Pro Series SDC Performance Gripper Seat For Harley Touring Models is a true performance oriented seat. The Pro Series from Saddlemen are developed in partnership with leading bike builders to create a cutting edge design and ensure the performance riders are looking for.
This seat has a step up design, which creates a low slung riding position for the rider with a lot of lumbar support to keep you planted in the seat. There is also an integrated back pad for the rider.
The Saddlemen Pro Series Gripper Seat utilizes Saddlemen's GelCore Technology. The gel in the seat reduces vibration and makes for a more comfortable ride over a standard foam seat. The seat has a lattice stitch design, which give the seat a very retro look on a very modern seat shape.
As you would expect with a performance seat, the Performance Gripper seat is firm. This is not the seat you want to take on a cross country ride. This seat is designed for the rider that likes to ride aggressively and feel connected to the motorcycle.
Comfort Touring Motorcycle Seat
If you live for long trips on the open road, the Saddlemen Roadsofa, could be the seat for you! Every element of construction and design of the RoadSofa is to improve the comfort of the rider and the passenger.
The RodaSofa uses Saddlemen's Progressive Density Foam and unique GelCore technology. The Progressive Density Foam is encapsulated in the foam by an element-resistant skin that seals the foam from water. This ensures the seat's durability and comfort. The GelCore technology does a great job of isolating the rider from engine vibrations and bumps in the road. It also reduces tailbone pressure and improves circulation. All of this technology makes it possible to ride all day and still be comfortable.
The RoadSofa is a one piece two up seat, but with a split design. The split cushion design means the cushioning is separate for the rider and the passenger. This means that when riding two up, the weight of the passenger will not interfere with the lumbar support of the rider.
The saddle area of the seat is nice and wide, providing the comfort you are looking for in a long distance seat. The nose of the seat, on the other hand, is quite narrow. This allows a wider and more comfortable seat that does not compromise reach. This narrow nose also reduces pressure on the backs of your legs. If you've ever done a 500 + mile day on a stock seat, you know the dread and pain that comes from the pressure on the back of your legs when you have to put your feet down. The saddle area in the rear is very wide as well. the comfort of your passenger is just as important, if not more important, than that of the rider. When we are talking about width of the seat, especially for the passenger area, style always comes up. Most people would say low profile seats with little regard to comfort look the best on the bike. What we search for, often, is a happy medium. I believe the RoadSofa fits that bill. It does not look awkward or out of place with the width of the passenger seat, but provides enough that the passenger will be happy with the comfort and the ride.
There are lots of available options on the Saddlemen RoadSofa. The RoadSofa is available in a Lattice Stitch (LS), Carbon Fiber Weave (CF), or Pillow Top (PT). This variation allows you to select the seat that fits your unique style. There is also an optional rider's backrest. For a long distance haul, a riders backrest makes a big difference. It provides back support and gives you something to lean back against. They aren't for everyone, but if I was heading across country, I would certainly want one. The nice thing with the Saddlemen seat is that it does not require additional hardware mounted under the seat. The mount is integrated into the seat itself. You also have an option for a heated seat. There are separate controls for the rider and passenger. The heated seat is great for cold weather riding. I find the biggest benefit when riding through areas with temperature changes or when I've been riding all day and it gets cooler at night. Finally, there is an extended reach option for taller riders. This option will sit you about two inches back on the bike.
| Saddlemen RoadSofa Carbon Fiber Weave (CF) |
 | Saddlemen RoadSofa Pillow Top (PT) |
 | Saddlemen RoadSofa Lattice Stitch (LS) |
Casual Riding Motorcycle Seat
The Le Pera Outcast GT 2-Up Seat is designed with style in mind. Based on rider feedback, this seat is designed primarily with the rider in mind. It is a great looking seat that sits about the same height as the stock seat, but with a narrower profile. The rider's seating area is deeply contoured to hold the rider in place. It gives you a very connected to the bike feeling. The narrow profile of the seat makes it easier to grip the tank with your legs and improves reach when you come to a stop.
This is a great everyday seat. If you are looking for the happy medium in a seat between performance and comfort, this is it. It is perfect for someone looking for a custom look, that might do short day trips or commuting. I love the combination of the powder coated steel pan and the molded marathon foam. The rigid pan gives you the connected; performance feeling, while the foam provides the comfort.
The Outcast GT is covered with premium grade vinyl. Riders often shy away from the word vinyl, because they think of it as a cheap alternative to leather. Now, don't get me wrong, I love leather, but a quality vinyl has it's place. It is very durable and is weather proof. Most importantly, it does not require the upkeep of a leather seat. That is why most every seat maker on the market opts for some variation of a synthetic material for their seat covers.
The Outcast GT is has a custom seat look and feel. There are several finish options available to fit your personal style and taste. You can choose between a smooth finish, carbon fiber weave inlay, a perforated inlay, or a white diamond stitch inlay. You can also choose if you want a detachable rider's backrest. The backrest makes for a more comfortable ride, but removing it gives you a more custom look.
 | Le Peral Outcast GT - Smooth |
 | Le Peral Outcast GT - Carbon Fiber |
 | Le Peral Outcast GT - White Diamond Stitch w/Rider's Backrest |
