seat suggestions,please...

[f6ryder]

I got rid of my '02 wing just to try something different,my wife rides a '02 silverado so I bought a '06 RSTD.I could ride 800 miles on my wing with no problems,it had the stock seat with a Utopia back rest.I ride 10 miles on the RSTD and when I get off my tailbone hurts,I mean HURTS.After 800 miles in 6 weeks I had to take 3 weeks off of riding 'cause my back hurt so bad.Yes,I dont have the best back in the world,but I could ride my wing forever and I was OK.I'm 6'3 weigh 235,will a Utopia or other seat help,or am I wasting my time and should I go back to a Wing?I'm trying to like this thing,but I feel like I got out of a 2006 caddy and got into a 1965 VW beetle.Advice is appreciated,would a Road Star be more comfortable? Thanks...

[TIM01]

Try Adding A Sheepskin Cover It Ads Air & Gives A Little More Cush

[star4772]

Trade for the pillow top seats much softer and cushier. I myself like the harder ones like you got. You might have to check if ones from RSV will fit.

Joe :) :)

[Wrongway]

Bill (wpredock) adapted an RSV Road Sofa seat to his RSTD. I think the mounting points are different. PM him as he can help and guide you through it if you need. Seats are certainly a personal choice. I had Corbin on my V star and loved it, then changed to a different Corbin and hated it. A backrest may help to allow you to change your position and pressure spots.

[Tom]

Bill (wpredock) adapted an RSV Road Sofa seat to his RSTD. I think the mounting points are different. PM him as he can help and guide you through it if you need. Seats are certainly a personal choice. I had Corbin on my V star and loved it, then changed to a different Corbin and hated it. A backrest may help to allow you to change your position and pressure spots.
I have a friend that has a RSTD and he took my stock RSV seat, And Pillon Seat, and modified it to fit his RSTD and he added a backrest...He is very happy now,The stock seat on the RSTD is REALLY bad. Tom

[Snarley Bill]

Bill (wpredock) adapted an RSV Road Sofa seat to his RSTD. I think the mounting points are different. PM him as he can help and guide you through it if you need. Seats are certainly a personal choice. I had Corbin on my V star and loved it, then changed to a different Corbin and hated it. A backrest may help to allow you to change your position and pressure spots. as allan said i adapted the road sofa to my rstd.rode straight through from vogel to st.louis 600 mi with no pain.previous limit was about 200 miles.i think they make one to fit an rstd now.i have a ruptured lower disc and pinched siatic nerve and it hardly bothers me when riding now.bill :2133:

[Leland]

I also have an '06 RSTD with the stock seat. Thirty-some years ago, I thought I was Evel Knievel and broke my tailbone. I found a great amount of relief with the Diamond-R driver's backrest. Plus, it takes miles to break-in any new seat. Leland

[Deerjunky]

I got rid of my '02 wing just to try something different,my wife rides a '02 silverado so I bought a '06 RSTD.I could ride 800 miles on my wing with no problems,it had the stock seat with a Utopia back rest.I ride 10 miles on the RSTD and when I get off my tailbone hurts,I mean HURTS.After 800 miles in 6 weeks I had to take 3 weeks off of riding 'cause my back hurt so bad.Yes,I dont have the best back in the world,but I could ride my wing forever and I was OK.I'm 6'3 weigh 235,will a Utopia or other seat help,or am I wasting my time and should I go back to a Wing?I'm trying to like this thing,but I feel like I got out of a 2006 caddy and got into a 1965 VW beetle.Advice is appreciated,would a Road Star be more comfortable? Thanks...

F6ryder, People have responded to your seat question, but not to your concern about your choice of the RSTD.

The Goldwing, in my opinion, is the ultimate ride in comfort. I have ridden the Wing and they cannot be equaled in smoothness and seat comfort. I do not think that you have to consider the RSTD as a 65 beetle if you find the right seat, set the air shocks at a poundage right for you, and keep your tire pressure correct. I would say you went from a Rolls Royce to a Caddy if you correct the seat. Mustang makes a great seat with a backrest. Corbin also makes one for your model. Some people say you have to break in a seat. The reps at Mustang Seats told me several years ago that they do not believe this is the case. I do not know. I just know that my stock seat will have to go next year because it was uncomfortable at 100 miles, and is still bad at 4,000. Hope you find the solution. Jim

[timk]

Air Hawk seat cushions.

[brewser23]

I have the ultimate seat set from www.ultimateseats.ca (http://www.ultimateseats.ca) on my 05 RStd. I like them very much. Did a trip to Myrtle Beach,then went over and rode the Dragon again before heading back home. Total of about 4500 kms. Never had an issue with back pain or numb butt. Des makes a very nice seat and I would recommend them. Might want to give them a look.

[geresti]

Ihad exactly the same problem am the same height and weight and after 20 min my tailbone hurt and one day I came home with a hurting tailbone and hoped right onto my vulcan classic with the Mustang seat and no pain at all so I purchased the Mustang seat with the backrest but the seat itself was a great improvement. Can't beat the mustang seat. I got mine on ebay. I called yamaha about this problem and they said I could BUY their other seat for $800. NO WAY. The mustang seat came with the removable backrest and the passenger seat. Also I feel the seat set too close to the tank or the tank is too wide at the crotch. I like the ride and am keeping the factory pipes since quiet is nice.
Good luck,
Bob

[Snarley Bill]

it's unbelievable that as long as they've been making motorcycles.and the high tech stuff on them,they can't make a seat thats comfortable.i have never had to buy an aftermarket seat for a car.bill :sign29: :2133:

[Royal05Steve]

I got rid of my '02 wing just to try something different,my wife rides a '02 silverado so I bought a '06 RSTD.I could ride 800 miles on my wing with no problems,it had the stock seat with a Utopia back rest.I ride 10 miles on the RSTD and when I get off my tailbone hurts,I mean HURTS.After 800 miles in 6 weeks I had to take 3 weeks off of riding 'cause my back hurt so bad.Yes,I dont have the best back in the world,but I could ride my wing forever and I was OK.I'm 6'3 weigh 235,will a Utopia or other seat help,or am I wasting my time and should I go back to a Wing?I'm trying to like this thing,but I feel like I got out of a 2006 caddy and got into a 1965 VW beetle.Advice is appreciated,would a Road Star be more comfortable? Thanks...

Yes the stock seat sucks on the RSTD!!
I did a 5k trip on it and I tried everything, sheep skin, car pad from Wally World to no avail. When I got home I ordered a Corbin/w the drivers backrest and I can go tank to tank without having to stop in between. I went to Daytona 430 + miles just doing tank to tank stopping and never felt i needed to get off at any time.
Yea it is as hard a board, but it works!! It will take about 500 - 1k miles to fully break in and conform to your ( | ), but it is soooo much better then stock all the time you are breaking it in.

I had a Corbin on my 98 Royal with the same results.

[Daveinnh]

Hi-
Like you I bought a new 06 RSTD for a different ride,and just about quit after 10 Miles with tail bone aches.
We bought a new Hartco seat made especially for my tall height and weight. The seat is larger and sits lower than the original. My wife's seat is also MUCH wider. Both are very firm but we can ride them all day. The 02 Goldwing trike hardly gets used now. Diamond is nearly the same and is made in the same building. Daveinnh:322:

[wizard]

I just went to the Hartco site and did not see anything for the Yamaha...

[Lone Eagle]

Hi-
Like you I bought a new 06 RSTD for a different ride,and just about quit after 10 Miles with tail bone aches.
We bought a new Hartco seat made especially for my tall height and weight. The seat is larger and sits lower than the original. My wife's seat is also MUCH wider. Both are very firm but we can ride them all day. The 02 Goldwing trike hardly gets used now. Diamond is nearly the same and is made in the same building. Daveinnh:322:

Are Hartco and Diamond the same??????

[Dawg]

You can check out ultimate seats, they are a little expensive

:mo money: :mo money: :mo money:

But I have a couple of friends that have them, one is on a 03 Vstar V1100 Silverado, and the other is on an 05 Road Star. They took both bikes up to North Dakota from Dallas, Texas and they both raved on how comfortable they were. :whistling:

[Dawg]

:doh: :doh: Sorry forgot to give you the link for ultimate seats....so here it be.

http://www.ultimateseats.ca/yamaharoadstar.html

[Servicedog]

I have an RSV so unfortunately, the Ultimate seat is not available nor is a Mustang. I would recommend either of those seats for the RSTD. I put a Mustang on my Volusia and it was like a different "class" of ride.

[geresti]

They are the same. Just bought one and finally it works great. Now I need to sell the mustang seat and factory seat. They work for some people

[Lone Eagle]

Hey, Bob - what seat did you end up buying?

[bobbyduck]

Hey, Bob - what seat did you end up buying?

HeeHee - I think I'm the wrong Bob but I'll answer anyhow. I bought the Ultimate seat with both passenger and rider matching backrests, right before we took a 3000 km, 7 day trip through B.C and MOntana last year.

It was immediately a lot better than the stock seat. I especially like the infinite adjustability of the rider backrest. My wife also liked it better right away. When it actually got the most comfortable was late in the trip, coincidentally after a thorough drenching that soaked into the seat through the stitching. It is definitely superior to the stock seat.

That being said, we still had to get off after about an hour or maybe 75 minutes, even by the end of the trip which is usually when you can sit the longest. My wife feels it more than I but we both do.

Then two weeks ago we rented a Harley Ultra with stock seat and did 800 miles in Arizona. One stretch, we were caught in a backup and were on the bike over two hours. Neither one of us was hurting even a little, and we had not even been on a bike since early October!

So I am debating between the Diamond and Russell Day-Long, and when I am done will sell the Ultimate, I think.

My concern with the Day-Long is a reported issue with in-seam challenge, which is also a minor issue with the Ultimate for me. (5'6", 29 inch inseam, beer belly...). Also, as comfortable as I am sure the Russell seats are while cruising, they are a bit ungainly looking in my opinion.

So I am leaning towards the Diamond while I vacillate :confused24: and think about it....

Bob LeDuc
Calgary

[hig4s]

Rick Mayer custom seats are great, but he is a bit slow.. On my Kaw sport-touring bike I bought a spare seat from e-bay and sent it to him so I was not without a seat while I waited.

Stock Kaw seat was only good for 150 to 200 miles a day solo with the Mayer I can do 400 miles or better solo.

www.homestead.com/prosites-rmcycle/index.html (http://www.homestead.com/prosites-rmcycle/index.html)

[geresti]

Hey Vic, this is the Bob from Woodstock,GA. I got the seat from Hartco which is Mike Hart with diamond finish vinyl(last longer). I haven't riddien longer than an hour or so but can tell that it's perfect. They take your measurements and build it from there. Didn't take too long but I had my Vulcan to ride in the meantime so I didn't miss riding. Passenger seat is bigger as well as the driver seat. I had a passenger this weekend and she loved it especially with the mustang backrest that came with the tourpak. I'll take a px and send it to you. I also got the driver backrest which they put a pouch on the back of it for the passenger which is nice.

[Lone Eagle]

Hey, Hig - and others, if you look on Rick Mayer's web site, click on V-Star, that is my bike with the DiamondR backrest- Rick labeled it wrong. I have to say that his seats are 200% better than stock, and the wife loves her seat. I did a ride in service so I didn't have to wait - seems like all these guys you have to wait a month before getting the seat back. I put about 6,000 miles on his seat, and though I like it, I am always thinking there is something better out there, :rotf:. The only gripe I might have is that it is heck to put the seat back on - that lip under the pan just doesn't want to go into the slot where it is supposed to.

I contacted Russell Day Long - someone in a Star club here locally has one and I want to sit on it first before going that route. I agree - it looks weird but people I have spoken with LOVE them. I have seen Diamond, but don't know anyone with one to sit on and try first, but I like their idea of being able to "customize" the fabrics.:mo money:

[hig4s]

Just as info,
The Day Long seat was designed by Bill Mayer Sr. and Russel bought the rights to the design,, After that Bill Mayer Saddles was founded on a newer disign by Bill Mayer Sr. After his death Bill (Rocky) Mayer jr. took over the business. Rick Mayer, Rocky's younger brother, took offense because he had worked in the factory and Rocky had not, so he started his own company..

So three of the top rated custom seat manufacturers,, Rick Mayer cycles, Bill Mayer saddles, and Russel seats all use the designs of Bill Mayer Sr...

[RSTD-MN]

Just bought an 05 RSTD with 400 miles on it, hoping my butt does not get sore too fast, but after reading all this I have a feeling it will.

When I was at the dealer I opted for the utopia rider backrest and paid full price for it as well.

Anyways I am thinking of maybe trying this and hoping some one has had or knows someone who has one of these. I am a sucker for things are too good to be true, this time I am hoping to actually find someone who can tell me it is worth the money.

Link and watch the video, shows the vibration between foam and gel.

http://geltecproducts.com/detail.aspx?ID=23

David

[concours]

I got rid of my '02 wing just to try something different,my wife rides a '02 silverado so I bought a '06 RSTD.I could ride 800 miles on my wing with no problems,it had the stock seat with a Utopia back rest.I ride 10 miles on the RSTD and when I get off my tailbone hurts,I mean HURTS.After 800 miles in 6 weeks I had to take 3 weeks off of riding 'cause my back hurt so bad.Yes,I dont have the best back in the world,but I could ride my wing forever and I was OK.I'm 6'3 weigh 235,will a Utopia or other seat help,or am I wasting my time and should I go back to a Wing?I'm trying to like this thing,but I feel like I got out of a 2006 caddy and got into a 1965 VW beetle.Advice is appreciated,would a Road Star be more comfortable? Thanks...


I have the EXACT SAME problem... tailbone pain on the RSTD. Most people don't know what I'm talking about so obviously their anatomy is slightly different. The RS frame/seat design has the radius on the back of the seating area, where a clearance pocket is a better seat design. (automotive seating included)
I just switched to a Mustang with a backrest and it appears better (no miles yet) but still I find the RSTD forces me forward, legs touching the tank. Damn the "must have a low saddle height like Jesse James" styling/marketing ideas anyway. My Victory TC was chosen for ergonomics and at that it excelled. Too bad the vibes/gearing/windshield all sucked.

[concours]

Hi-
Like you I bought a new 06 RSTD for a different ride,and just about quit after 10 Miles with tail bone aches.
We bought a new Hartco seat made especially for my tall height and weight. The seat is larger and sits lower than the original. My wife's seat is also MUCH wider. Both are very firm but we can ride them all day. The 02 Goldwing trike hardly gets used now. Diamond is nearly the same and is made in the same building. Daveinnh:322:
Got a web link Dave?

[foundryratjim]

I just installed a Mustang seat combo with drivers backrest. Have put 200 plus miles and can tell the difference. I made my own backrest support that is taller and sets the backrest back further to keep me back from the tank.

[Red Raider]

I also have a bad back. I installed a Utopia backrest on my '05 RSTD last year and after about 5000 miles with it, I don't travel without it... I still have the factory saddle and I think I could do better, but that backrest makes a lot of difference for me.

[WilCruise]

I also have a bad back. I installed a Utopia backrest on my '05 RSTD last year and after about 5000 miles with it, I don't travel without it... I still have the factory saddle and I think I could do better, but that backrest makes a lot of difference for me.
Had the same problem on the 03 Royal Star Venture. It has the pillow seat which is supposed to be pretty comfortable, but I still got sore after 100-150 miles. Utopia backrest did the trick and I can go for hours now!

[Leland]

Anybody tried So. Cal. Cycle Seats? socalcycleseat.com
These guys will add gel inserts into your stock seat for $200.00 (rider & passanger), plus frt.

[concours]

I just installed a Mustang seat combo with drivers backrest. Have put 200 plus miles and can tell the difference. I made my own backrest support that is taller and sets the backrest back further to keep me back from the tank.


Hey Jim, can you take an image of the backrest bracket for us?

[Diggs]

Rode to Daytona from Cincinnati on my '05 RSTD using an ultimate seat. Zero butt numbness. And that was after 7 days and 3000 total miles. One of the other posts has the web site.

:322:

[Freebird]

Anybody tried So. Cal. Cycle Seats? socalcycleseat.com
These guys will add gel inserts into your stock seat for $200.00 (rider & passanger), plus frt.

I've never tried them. I did try putting gel inserts in a stock seat one time and just wasn't impressed with it.

[foundryratjim]

Hey Jim, can you take an image of the backrest bracket for us?

Yes, i will try to have it up by the end of the weekend.

[RedRider]

There is an earlier post that proclaims the Airhawk seat cushion as a good solution. I wholeheartedly agree!!!

www.shapefitting.com (http://www.shapefitting.com)

These cushions are made by Roho - a medical devices company. Their principle product are medical pads - for wheelchairs, beds, etc. that keep people from getting bedsores.

You inflate them (just blow it up) and sit on it. While sitting, release a little air until you sink into the cushion down to about 1/2 inch from bottoming. It will take a little experimentation to get the exact setup. However, once you have it set up, you will no longer have any difficulty with sore buns.

I bought one 2 year ago before riding to Las Vegas and back. I travelled 4200 miles in 6 days. To be honest, the last couple of hundred miles I was ready to get off the bike. But I think sitting on a cloud for that long would get uncomfortable. However, I rode the next day and felt great.

They are a little expensive (about $200), but they can go between bikes. Also, very high quality. Have a 2 year warranty. I have put many miles on mine without any trouble.

In case you haven't noticed, I like this product - it works as advertised. Good luck with whatever you find.

[foundryratjim]

Here they are. As you can see the part i made is a lot longer. It was made using heat and a vise.




Yes, i will try to have it up by the end of the weekend.

[concours]

Thanks Jim, I'm all over it.. :cool10: