Looking to replace stock seat on my 2005 RSV

[Bruce Daub]

I am considering purchasing a new Mustang seat with a backrest. Does anyone have one of these? I'm looking for any feedback concerning a new seat for my RSV. I absolutely hate the stock seat which happens to be in perfect condition.

[DaNetFlunky]

I have a mustang with a backrest on my 2005 tour Deluxe and used to have an ultimate seat. I found both to be very good but preferred the ultimate. I have an 08 RSV too but i prefer the stock seats.

There's my 2¢![emoji6]

 

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[Condor]

I have Corbins on my RSV's... (3x)... Here's my thinking. The Corbins are a hard saddle, and when moving around they allow the pants to slide across the seat. With the OEM's they are nice and comfy but when shifting around the Levi's stick to the seat and the movement is between the pants and the skin of the ass. Makes for raw tail bones and butt blisters... Around town the OEM is fine but when riding 300-500 miles in a day they take their toll. Don't ask how I know this.

[RedRider]

I'm pretty sure Mustang does not make a seat for the Venture - only the TD.

 

As to what is the best seat? Depends on what kind of riding you intend to do.

 

Saturday poker runs where you might run a half tank of gas? Stock seat will be fine.

 

Commute 40 miles per day? Stock might be OK but might want to add a gel pad or sheepskin.

 

200-400 mile days? Corbin, Saddleman, Airhawk pad

 

500-700 mile days? Corbin, Saddleman, Russell Day Long

 

700-1000+ mile days? Russell Day Long is the only choice.

 

RR

[Bruce Daub]

Thanks for the feedback! I'm now looking into having a seat custom made by Diamond in Florida. The cost is around $700.00. Anybody have a Diamond seat on their RSV?

[videoarizona]

Have you thought about doing this yourself?

 

It's easy to take off, harder to get the covering off, but then reshaping with an electric knife and re-padding is easy. The hard to get the covering back on....but it is doable to anyone with some patience.

 

Before I spent $700...I would most certainly try it yourself...or look around your neighborhood. I bet there is someone around you who works with leather/vinyl stuff and would help.

 

I went across country 2 years ago on stock seat. I'm 5'10", 200lbs. My butt was fine for 8 hour days in the saddle. But I understand we are all different....that's why I suggest you try it yourself.

 

BTW, we used to have a gentleman on this site who rebuilt seats. His name: Rick Butler. Don't know if he's still doing that....but he rebuilt one of mine and did a fantastic job. Turned my pathetic VStar seat into an all day butt perch!

 

https://www.venturerider.org/forum/member.php?183-Rick-Butler

 

Good luck

[RedRider]

Forgot about the Butt-Butler. Takes a stock seat from 100 miles to 200-250 miles. Big improvement for very little money. Rick did/does nice work.

 

If you are going to spend $700, get a Russell Day Long (day-long.com). If you look through the parking lot of the Iron Butt Rally (1000+ miles/day for 11 days) you will see 80% RDLs. If you want all day comfort regardless of miles, there is no substitute. I have one on my Venture and have done 6000+ miles in 6 days and my butt was ready for more.

 

RR

 

Edit: Looked at the Diamond site and they do make a good looking saddle that appears would be significantly better than stock.

Edited June 24, 2020 by RedRider

[cowpuc]

I'm pretty sure Mustang does not make a seat for the Venture - only the TD.

 

As to what is the best seat? Depends on what kind of riding you intend to do.

 

Saturday poker runs where you might run a half tank of gas? Stock seat will be fine.

 

Commute 40 miles per day? Stock might be OK but might want to add a gel pad or sheepskin.

 

200-400 mile days? Corbin, Saddleman, Airhawk pad

 

500-700 mile days? Corbin, Saddleman, Russell Day Long

 

700-1000+ mile days? Russell Day Long is the only choice.

 

RR

 

and then:

 

+1000 mile days and up, two up or one up,, weeks on end,, drop the tent in the middle of the night - wake up with the sun and go right back at it CTFW till its time to drop the tent in the middle of the night again,,, living life large from the seat of the bike,,, wife or kid on back did not matter.. King of Kings best of the very best cross country touring seats IMHO = Yamaha MK1 Venture OEM stock seat right straight from Mom Yam... Combined with those 100% totally awesome fully adjustable OEM bars with extended grips that you can bend down and hold onto while you rest your hands on your knees like your riding a custom chopper,, WOWZY WOW WOW WOW what a machine!! I have been told that Mom Yam hired one of those Medical Doctor ergonomic specialist to design the seats for these old girls and guess what,, I am truly a believer...

Puc

[luvmy40]

Thanks for the feedback! I'm now looking into having a seat custom made by Diamond in Florida. The cost is around $700.00. Anybody have a Diamond seat on their RSV?

 

I have a Diamond Custom on my '86 Gen 1 and had that same seat on my '83 as well. I can attest to the quality of the seat and the look is fantastic. It is quite comfortable but a bit harder than the stock Gen 1 seat. Keep in mind, I am comparing it to 30+ year old seats that had many many miles on them.

 

The gen 1 Diamond saddle has a significantly higher lumbar rise for the driver and a larger pillion pad that slopes just slightly back into the passenger back rest. It's a well thought out design and, IMHO worth more than they charge.

 

The one thing I would warn about is being absolutely honest with your self about your measurements when you order. I based my statements on the way I sat on my "83 and did not take into account the fact that my suspension was sub par. I told the maker(I can't remember his name, but he is a super nice guy) that I could just barely flat foot my '83 from the saddle and he made my new seat based on that. With new progressive springs and the proper air pressure in the rear, the new seat is just a tad taller than I would like.

 

$0.02, YMMV

[VentureFar]

I have the Mike Butler mid on my 2007 race seat. I thought I wanted a back rest too but when I got in the saddle after Mike did his magic, I didn’t need a back rest. I am sitting IN the seat so deep that what is there acts like a back rest. Literally before the butler mod I would get a pain in my back and of course my butt. After the mod I did 2 iron butts And never squirmed in the seat or needed ibuprofen! Talking 17 and 21 hours Of saddle time.

My 2 cents

VentureFar...

 

 

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[MJ44]

After talking with motorcycle buddies, I found a local custom upholstery guy specializing in car, boat and motorcycles. He took my seat apart while I waited, added 3 different types of foam, had me sit on the seat, made some more adjustments and all for $150 I don't do long distance unless you count going to a Venture event, but for riding around all day it's comfortable. Add a sheepskin from Ikea for the hot days and I'm good.