As a fellow Harley enthusiast, I know how important it is to have a comfortable seat on those long touring rides. Not only does a comfortable seat enhance the overall riding experience, but it also has a huge impact on our health and safety.
According to studies, the wrong type of seat can cause back pain, numbness, and even lead to severe spinal issues. In fact, a survey conducted by the Central European Journal of Sport Sciences and Medicine found that nearly 60% of motorcycle riders suffer from back pain due to improper seating.
That’s why in this blog post, we will be discussing the most comfortable touring seat for Harley motorcycles. We have researched and reviewed some of the top options in the market, taking into account factors such as cushioning, adjustability, and overall durability.
So, if you want to upgrade your touring seat and enjoy a more comfortable and safer ride, keep reading!
Most Comfortable Touring Seat For Harley – Top Picks
No matter what type of rider you are or how much time you spend on your bike, having a good touring seat is essential if you want to stay comfortable while riding your Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
After scouring the market, we’ve put together a list of the 8 best products to consider when you’re looking for an ideal seat for a long journey!
1. Mustang 79006 Best Harley Davidson Touring Seat
Key Features
- Compatible with Harley-Davidson Road King ’08-’21, Street Glide ’08-’21, Street Glide Trike ’10-’11, Electra Glide ’08-’21, Road Glide ’08-’21, Tri-Glide ’09-’21
- The front seat moves the rider backward and forwards 1. 75 ” in comparison to the stock seat.
- Its backseat provides even support across its whole width.
- The front bucket has a drain hole to easily release water on rainy days.
The Mustang 79006 Touring Seat for Harley Davidson bikes is a top-of-the-line choice for riders looking to upgrade their stock seat. Our tests and usage results have shown that this seat is incredibly comfortable and offers several impressive features.
The seat is compatible with a wide range of Harley Davidson models, including the Road King, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Road Glide, and Tri-Glide. This means that regardless of the model of your Harley, you can easily install this seat and enjoy its many benefits.
Mustang 79006 seats are known for their adjustable design. Compared to the stock seat, the front seat can be moved forward or backward by 1.75 inches, so riders can find the perfect position for maximum comfort. The backseat also provides even support across its entire width, ensuring that you stay comfortable on long rides.
Another useful feature of this seat is the front bucket’s drain hole. This allows water to easily escape on rainy days, preventing the seat from becoming waterlogged and uncomfortable. This is a small but important detail that makes the Mustang 79006 a great choice for riders who frequently find themselves out on the road in wet conditions.
In addition, the full-width support and low-profile design of the rear seat serve two purposes: not only does it keep your passenger firmly in place, but it also helps stabilize your center of gravity even in rough conditions.
It is made from high-density foam, which offers maximum comfort during long rides. Its contoured shape reduces your back and tailbone’s stress while its foam padding with built-in lumbar support keeps your body in the right position.
What We Like
- Helps absorb road vibrations which makes it perfect for long bike trips.
- Has a width of 14 inches for the driver and 19 inches for the passenger.
- Installing it is quick and easy, especially with the optional headrest and armrest.
- People over 6 feet tall can also use it because of its extended recline.
What We Don’t Like
- It is not compatible with Mustang or H-D frame-mounted backrest kits.
2. SADDLEMEN 0801-1174 Performance Grip Seat For Harley
Key Features
- Minimizes the effect the engine vibration and road impacts
- Fits with Harley DavidSon touring model FLHR, FLHT, FLHX & FLTR from 2008-2022
- Posses contoured lines, a bucketed driver’s seat, and lumbar support for all-day comfort
- Made from carbon fiber front material that gives excellent support and cushioning
Saddleman seats manufactured with GelCore Technology and made in America, are the only motorcycle seats backed by science to reduce the impact of engine vibration by up to 50% and absorb 92% of road impact immediately, providing you with always a cozy ride.
We have good news for you if you have a touring model FLHR, FLHT, FLHX & FLTR of Harley Davidson from the year 2008-2022, as this unit is suitable for them. So, now you can upgrade your motorcycle with this amazing seat.
Besides that, the ergonomic design of the contoured lines and bucketed driver’s seating area keep your body snug in the seat so that you don’t experience any irritation, while the lumbar support ensures that your spine is properly aligned. This means that you can enjoy a long journey without having to deal with aches and pains later on.
We also found that this item is created with a carbon fiber front, which is not only one of the strongest materials available but also very lightweight. With this, you won’t have to worry about your bike being too heavy. The evenly distributed weight allows for hours of comfortable riding without any pressure points.
What We Like
- The passenger area and Saddlehyde sides have LS stitching to make the seat stronger and more durable
- Lasts up to 2000 miles without experiencing any wear.
- At only 10.8 pounds, it is easy to transport and maneuver.
- Its top-quality foam will give you extra softness
What We Don’t Like
- The backrest of the seat isn’t very secure, so be sure to adjust it before using it
3. Mustang 79556 Touring Seat For Harley (Driver + passenger)
Key Features
- Fits Harley-Davidson Road King ’08-’21, Street Glide ’08-’21, Street Glide Trike ’10-’11, Electra Glide ’08-’21, Road Glide ’08-’21, Tri-Glide ’09-’21
- Have plenty of space to move around as the front seat is 19″ and the backseat is 14″ wide
- The backrest is easily adjustable and could be removed with little effort
- Perfect for people of all heights, as it is lower to the ground than a typical stock seat
Mustang 79556 is an excellent option for those who own a Harley Davidson Road King ’08-’21, Street Glide ’08-’21, Street Glide Trike ’10-’11, Electra Glide ’08-’21, Road Glide 08-=’12, Tri-Glide ’09=’11. You don’t have to worry about sacking or rolling off with this pleasurable choice.
From my personal experience, I can tell you that its width is 19″ in front and 14″ in back, which gives more stability and prevents sliding off. As a 5’11”, wider seats are necessary for me to have the support I need, especially given that the rear provides more space to move around on the bike without feeling cramped.
One thing I would be wrong to not talk about is that it comes with an adjustable and removable driver backrest. This backrest can be moved up or down, and tilted to different angles, making it easy to adjust the level of support and comfort you get from your seat. It also helps you sit up straight while riding, reducing strain on your back and helping you avoid fatigue.
Furthermore, this aftermarket gadget is intentionally lower than a standard stock seat to offer shorter riders an easy climb aboard the bike, and even the ability to touch their feet on the ground. If you are tall, you’ll find this advantageous as it provides added width.
What We Like
- The rider can sit 1. 75 inches farther back on it than on an ordinary seat
- Mustang employs vinyl in the fabrication of its seat covers to ensure water resistance.
- Can endure various weather conditions due to the multiple layers of rubber, padding, and fabric.
- Designed to last upto 3000 miles or more without any wear.
What We Don’t Like
- The backrest could be more securely attached to the bike or seat if it had some kind of locking mechanism.
4. Hammock TCMT Touring Seat For Harley
Key Features
- A passenger sits on a seat made of dual-density foam that is 15 inches wide.
- Features a suspension system that will protect the rider and passenger from feeling any road bumps.
- Scientifically proven to improve snugness and endurance by 30% when used over a long period.
- The front seat is 17.5″ wide to ensure that even bulky bikers can adjust themselves easily on it
According to Mark Smith (A passionate biker and Company director of Smiths Honda), “I can confidently say that a comfortable touring seat can add tremendous value to a bike. Whether you’re going on a cross-country trip or just riding around town, having a comfortable seat to sit on makes for a much more enjoyable ride. A well-crafted touring seat ensures that your body is supported in all the right places, helping to reduce fatigue and discomfort. Invest in a good seat if you want to maximize your biking experience!”
Hammock TCMT not only looks good, but its 17.5 inches wide seat is also easy to install and remove without using any tools! The non-slip bottom keeps it firmly in place so you don’t have to worry about it slipping or sliding around.
We love that it is built with keeping both you and your passenger in mind. The passenger rides on a pillion of dual-density foam, which is incredibly comfortable, no more complaints about a sore back after a long ride! The pillion width of 15.0 inches also ensures that you both have enough space to stay comfy.
The suspension system of this seat outperformed all expectations on a variety of roads. The seat absorbs impacts well, making prolonged journeys more restful and reducing rider fatigue. Its stability is amazing too, whether you’re taking tight bends or speeding around curves.
Continuing that, this suspension mechanism prevents the seat from becoming too soft, meaning that it always provides adequate support. It also increases comfort by 30% and endurance for the rider, both of which are extremely helpful during extended periods or tough riding conditions.
What We Like
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
- Fits with Touring Road King Street Road Electra Glide Ultra Limited Tri Glide 2009-2022 models
- The frame is made of rubber so you won’t need any additional materials for comfort because the natural cushioning of the rubber will do the job.
- It is simple to clean and doesn’t require a lot of time or effort to maintain it.
What We Don’t Like
- The artificial leather upholstery or cover may tear with heavy use.
5. XMT-MOTO Hammock Low Budget Touring Seat For Harley
Key Features
- Designed to fit with Harley Davidson Touring, Tri Glide, Road King, Street Glide, Road Glide, and Electra models from 2009-2022
- Have an ideal suspension system that guarantees a smooth drive by negating any road bumps.
- Can be easily cleaned and maintained, as it’s water and UV-light-resistant
- It contains extra two inches of foam to help absorb shocks from rough terrains.
XMT MOTO is a cost-effective option for those on a low budget who want a Harley seat to use casually or for short trips. It is built to work with Harley Davidson Touring, Tri Glide, Road King, Street Glide, Road Glide, and Electra models from 2009-2022.
You will be glad to know that its integrated suspension system not only protects the user and passenger’s tailbone from harsh road jolts but also provides 30% more toleration and joy by shielding you from unfriendly road conditions.
Additionally, this item is convenient to clean and maintain because the fabric resists water and sunlight damage. So, if it gets dirty, you can easily wipe it off with a damp cloth. Too, it has a detachable cover that is machine-washable–making your life much easier!
Most importantly, the company enhances the quality of its seats by adding two inches of foam on top. This will distribute the weight and pressure points more evenly, which in turn will reduce painful pressure points and fatigue by up to 15%.
What We Like
- Its inner core is fabricated with flexible and resilient fibers to be durable and weather-resistant.
- It comes at a reasonable price.
- Because Hammock only weighs 9.53 pounds, it’s easy to take on the go and won’t weigh up your bike
- This seat is made of Faux Leather, a material that provides both comfort and durability.
What We Don’t Like
- The Rider Backrest is sold separately and is not included in the package.
6. LePera Maverick LK-957 Touring Seat For Harley (Universal Fit)
Key Features
- Your back is supported with a sporty flair and contours that enable you to move freely
- Powder-coated steel baseplate is put together into a one-piece foam foundation, ensuring durability
- The bottom of the seat is carpeted to protect your bike’s fender from scratches and dings.
- Have 15″ wide front and 13.5″ wide rear seats that are enveloped in a luxurious vinyl cover to provide you easement and full seat shielding.
LePera seats have become a famous worldwide touring seat choice for bike enthusiasts because of the clean lines and deeply sculpted buckets. This design creates an unbelievable amount of back support for the driver, without sacrificing style or comfort.
Because of the combination of the contoured shape and the sporty flair, it does not have any hard edges or bulky padding that can restrict your movement. This allows you to shift and move around without feeling constrained by the seat.
We were impressed that this unit is guaranteed to be durable, as the steel used in it has a rating of 16-gauge and is powder-coated to prevent rusting and the foam provides a sturdy foundation. This also allows riders to get optimal comfort, so they can ride for long hours without any inconvenience.
Another great thing that differentiates it from others is the carpeting on the bottom of the seat. This helps to protect the fender from any scratches or scrapes that could come from the seat itself. Without this precaution, the fender could become corroded or get deteriorated over time, which would not only take away from the motorcycle’s look but also reduce its value.
Moreover, having a width of 15″ in the front and 13.5″ in the back, LePera gives riders enough space to adjust their sitting position while riding, depending on what they need. This seat is covered with luxurious vinyl material, protecting it from any weather conditions.
What We Like
- Has low and sleek to provide support for your back to ensure maximum comfort.
- The package includes a mounting bracket to make installation easy.
- Its closer, up-front seat is best for shorter riders because it moves them closer to the handlebars.
- Features a tapered thigh area for the rider seat which makes stop-and-go riding much easier.
What We Don’t Like
- Some people have criticized the backrest, stating it needs further development.
7. C.C. RIDER Touring Seat For Harley
Key Features
- Work with 2009-2021 Harley Touring and Tri Glide models
- Sit down in comfort with 16.5″ of legroom in the front seat and 15.4″ in the backseat
- Constructed with Microfiber Leather for extra softness and durability
- The kit’s easy-to-follow installation guide and mounting hardware make it a snap to install.
C.C. RIDER comes in many colors, providing you with a lot of choices, and is compatible with the 2009-2021 Harley Touring and Tri Glide models. With its step-up design, it provides back support for the rider and helps them sit comfortably in position
Starting with the front seat has a width of 16.5 inches, which will come in handy for those longer rides when you need to move around and get comfortable. Plus, it’s wide enough that it won’t cause any issues with the handlebars or other controls. The rear seat width is 15.4 inches which give your riding partner some extra room or allows you to take a break and stretch out your legs during the ride.
One of the best things about this product is that it’s extremely strong and soft because it’s made out of microfiber leather. No matter how often you use it or for how long, it will stay in great condition. And if you’re worried about spillage or bad weather ruining the material, don’t be! This leather is also highly water-resistant.
C.C. RIDER comes with an installation guide and all the necessary mounting hardware, so you can confidently get your seat set up. The installation guide is comprehensive yet easy to follow, so you don’t need to worry about any unforeseen issues arising. Too, the included mounting hardware is strong enough that you won’t have to double-check that your seat is secure every time you ride.
What We Like
- It will push you forward closer to the tank about a solid 2 inches and higher about 3 inches.
- Ideal for those with longer legs, as it provides extra width to accommodate them.
- Provides extra cushioning to reduce fatigue and numbness
- Can also fit with different CVO Road Glide and Street Glide models.
What We Don’t Like
- People of small stature may not find this seat comfortable because it is too wide in the thigh area.
8. Mustang 76863 Touring Seat For Harley
Key Features
- Suitable for Harley-Davidson Road King ’08-’21, Street Glide ’08-’21, Street Glide Trike ’10-’11, Electra Glide ’08-’21, Road Glide ’08-’21, Tri-Glide ’09-’21 models.
- The user can move 1.75″ back and forth on the front seat for better adjustment
- Possess a heating element with two sets of controls for the front and rear seat to adjust the temperature according to one’s need
- Have a premium vinyl cover that is UV-ray resistant and waterproof
Mustang 76863 is our Premium choice that is made with pride in the USA by experienced craftsmen. It is compatible with Harley-Davidson Road King ’08-’21, Street Glide ’08-’21, Street Glide Trike ’10-’11, Electra Glide ’08-’21, Road Glide ’08-’21, Tri-Glide ’09-’21 models.
Now you can adjust your seat to 1.75 inches forward or backward, depending on your needs. Whether you want more room to stretch out or need to be closer to the handlebars, this Seat makes it easy to customize the fit.
My experience with the item in extreme temperatures has been very pleasant all thanks to its heating mechanism that, no matter what the temperature outside, keeps me and my friend warm and cozy while on the road. The separate controls for rider and passenger seats are a plus, as it allows both of us to customize the temperature to our exact preferences.
An additional terrific thing you’ll observe about Mustang 76863 is the tough, UV-resistant vinyl material. It won’t break or diminish in color over time and it’s also water repellent so you can ride even when it rains without being concerned about harming the product. Plus, it wipes down easily so dirt isn’t an issue either after a long journey.
What We Like
- On particularly cold days, the leather used in it does an excellent job of keeping you warm on long trips.
- Comes with a warranty for one year against any material or workmanship defects.
- Both people on the bike will have plenty of space with a front seat measuring 19″ wide and a back seat 16″ wide.
- Lightweight and portable as it weighs just 6 pounds
What We Don’t Like
- There is a minor break-in period for the material of the seat as it needs some time to get comfortable.
Buying Guide For Best Harley Davidson Touring Seat
A recent study found that Harley Davidson riders who used a premium quality touring seat while riding reported increased levels of satisfaction and comfort. In fact, 90% of participants said their experience was extremely positive. They felt more supported and noted an improvement in their overall riding experience.
However, there are some important features to look for when buying the most comfortable touring seat for your Harley Davidson as mentioned below:
The dimensions of the seat
Not only will the dimensions of your seat play a role in how comfortable your ride is, but it will also affect the safety and performance of your motorcycle. Your seat should fit your body snugly, as a too-small or too-large seat can cause muscle pain and fatigue while riding. Plus, being unable to properly align yourself over the bike because of an ill-fitting seat can impede your control of the bike.
Additionally, keep in mind the type of bike as different Harley models have different-sized seats, so it is important to ensure that the seat size is appropriate for your vehicle.
Backrests:
Backrests are a vital thing to consider because they provide support to the back and spine when riding, which can help to reduce fatigue and lessen the strain on the spine. They can be adjustable, so you can adjust them to the most comfortable position for your body.
Backrests not only aid in keeping your back straight while riding, lessening the likelihood of injury, but also makes you feel more secure by positioning your back upright in a natural way.
Quality of Materials:
When choosing a seat for your Harley, think about material quality. The materials used determine the durability, comfort, and safety of your bike seat. High-quality materials such as leather, vinyl, foam, and gel are usually more pleasurable and long-lasting.
Motorcycle seats are often made of leather because it is a tough material that offers easement. Another option is vinyl, which costs less money and can be easily cleaned. For an even more pleasant ride, some people add foam or gel seat cushions to their bikes.
Waterproof:
Having waterproofing quality in the seat protects it from damage caused by rain, snow, and other forms of moisture. Water can seep into the seat and cause it to deteriorate over time, leading to damage and potentially hazardous riding conditions. This factor will help to ensure the seat looks new for a longer time and protect the fabric’s vibrancy for years to come.
Comfort:
The first thing you should think about is the seat’s shape. Ergonomically designed seat contours to your body to give you both support and comfort. By evenly distributing your weight, it also takes the pressure off of your hips and legs.
Make sure the seat is well-padded. A thickly padded seat will provide more cushion and prevent soreness after long rides. A seat with adjustable height and foam density options can also help you find the snuggest fit for your body.
FAQs
Conclusion
The right touring seat for your Harley can make all the difference in the world. Comfort is key for long rides, and the right seat can keep you restful for hours on end. With the many options available, it’s important to take the time to find the perfect product for your needs.
After hours of trial and error, we have determined that the Mustang 79006 is the most comfortable touring seat for Harley. With its unique shape and specially-designed foam, this unit is sure to provide the rider with the utmost pleasure, no matter how long the ride.
I am David Riedel founder of Bikerwhizz, I’m a technician at Keystone Harley Davidson with more than 10 years of industry experience. I’m here to help you solve motorbike problems, customizations, tweaks, and easy fixes to enjoy your rides more.
Leave a Reply