When you’re touring and spending a lot of time on the bike, it’s the seat that’s the issue for comfort for most riders. For shorter rides the original Harley seats are comfortable enough and are fine when you’re just riding around the city.
However, when you’re spending a longer period of time on the saddle, this is when the seat starts to become uncomfortable and painful. Thankfully, there are some great aftermarket Harley seats that outperform the stock saddle and come with better features.
It’s easy to upgrade the seat on your Harley Davidson replacing it with a new one. Just like with other makes, all of the Harley models use the same stock bolt patterns for the seat configurations.
In this post, we’ll be looking at the best Harley touring seats that you can use as an upgrade on your bike. One of these is bound to improve your riding experience, especially if you’re spending a lot of time on the saddle.
We’ll also share some recommendations on Harley seats for tall riders and some great overall options as well. This helpful guide to make it easy for you to find the right seat for your bike so you’re comfortable and looking forward to your next touring adventure.
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Mustang Super Touring Deluxe Motorcycle Seat (Best Harley Touring Seat Overall)
The Mustang Super Touring Deluxe Motorcycle Seat is our recommendation as the best Harley touring seat for most riders. This is a great choice if you’re looking for something comfortable and easy to install that offers plenty of support for long-distance riding.
Compared to the stock seat, this one since you back 1-3/4 inches further, making it a great choice for tall people as well. It’s also lower than the stock seat, which is easier to climb on or get off the bike while being suitable for shorter riders.
The seat is 19-inches wide with the backside coming in at 14-inches wide. This makes it comfortable for both the rider and passenger, especially when you’re spending countless hours in the saddle.
Mustang is a well-known Harley seat manufacturer with this seat being made in the USA. The seat itself is made from water-resistant vinyl and comes with waterproof seams, making it suitable for riding in the rain or inclement weather.
Another unique feature is that it’s possible to buy a separately sold backrest for both the driver and the passenger. This can help with added comfort and can further improve your long-distance riding experience.
It’s also worth mentioning that the seat comes equipped with a convenient front bucket drain hole. This is just one more feature that makes it ideal for using in inclement weather that you’re bound to run into when you’re touring.
Overall, the Mustang Super Touring Deluxe Motorcycle Seat is our top recommendation as the best Harley touring seat for most riders. It’s comfortable, made from quality materials, easy to install, and perfect to use on your next touring adventure.
Mustang Standard Touring Regal Seat (Best Harley Seat for Tall Riders)
Another great option is the Mustang Standard Touring Regal Seat. This is a good choice for tall riders looking for some more comfort compared to the stock seat.
The Mustang Standard Touring Regal Seat is made using a high-quality vinyl that’s weather resistant and easy to maintain. On the top is a soft pillow comfort padding and hand tied vinyl covered buttons to give the seat a classic, luxurious look.
In the middle is an open baseplate where a Harley-Davidson or Mustang backrest can be easily installed. This is a great option to have, especially if you’re looking for added comfort on longer rides.
Thanks to the Harley design, this seat is easy to install once you have removed the old one. There is a series of bolts that need to be removed for installation and it’s easily done with the included instructions.
One complaint people have is that the seat isn’t wide enough. This would only be an issue for larger or heavyset riders, making this ideal for smaller and taller riders.
Overall, the Mustang Standard Touring Regal Seat is another great option from Mustang that makes a great Harley seat upgrade. Definitely take a look at this one if you’re looking for something more comfortable and you’re a slender, taller rider.
XFMT New Hammock Rider Seat (Best Cheap Harley Seat)
The XFMT New Hammock Rider Seat is our recommendation as one of the best cheap Harley seats on the market. It’s a great choice if you’re on a tight budget but you’re still looking for some additional comfort for touring.
The seat is made with a synthetic leather outer with a firm, comfortable foam interior. It features a bucket seat design with an integrated suspension system that protects riders from harsh road impacts.
It’s easy to install on most Harleys as long as you have the right tools. After removing the old seat, line this seat up with the bolts and tighten it down.
One complaint people have is that the staples underneath could potentially scratch the paint on the gas tank. It would be a good idea to cover them with tape to avoid having this issue.
For the price, it’s hard to go wrong with the XFMT New Hammock Rider Seat if you’re on a tight budget. It’s comfortable enough for longer rides, easy to install, and a great price if you’re looking for a bargain.
Mustang DayTripper One-Piece Seat
The Mustang DayTripper One-Piece Seat is another seat we’d recommend from Mustang. They really are one of the best Harley seat manufacturers and there’s a reason they’re so popular among riders.
The Mustang DayTripper One-Piece Seat is comfortable and looks great on the bike. Once installed, the rider will be slightly lower and further back than the position of the stock seat.
This makes for more room in the saddle and makes it easier to hold and operate the handlebars. There’s a front width of 12.5-inches and a passenger width of 8-inches for a sleek, sporty look.
One unique feature of the Mustang DayTripper One-Piece Seat is that it comes with detailed stitch work on the durable synthetic leather cover. This gives it a unique appearance and flows with the lines of your motorcycle.
It’s easy to install and switching out the stock seat shouldn’t take too long at all. It has a specific fit so make sure to check that it’s compatible with your bike.
Overall, the Mustang DayTripper One-Piece Seat is a great choice, especially for day trips and longer rides. It features a unique aesthetic so it’s comfortable to use while improving the overall appearance of your Harley.
Mustang Fastback One-Piece Seat
The Mustang Fastback One-Piece Seat is a great looking and comfortable Harley seat for touring. This seat features a simple yet attractive design and is an ideal choice for sportsters, dyna’s, and FXR’s.
The back of the seat has a high-rising wall that provides ample back support for those longer rides. There’s a tapered passenger section for carrying a passenger and to help with the streamlined look.
Installation is simple once you remove the old seat and requires basic tools for the installation process. This seat is compatible with a wide range of Harley bikes and it’s a good idea to check beforehand to make sure it fits.
While there isn’t a water channel for draining, the synthetic leather is weather-proof and water resistant. With this in mind, it would be a good idea to regularly clean the seat and avoid leaving it exposed to the sun for extended periods of time.
Overall, the Mustang Fastback One-Piece Seat is another great option if you’re looking for a durable, reliable, and comfortable Harley touring seat. The streamlined look gives it a unique, classy appearance and it’s a great choice for longer rides, day trips, and even multi-day tours.
Mustang Signature Series Fastback Seat
The Mustang Signature Series Fastback Seat is a unique seat that allows you to cruise in legendary style. It was designed by motorcycle customizer, Dave Perwitz, and features a unique and stylish appearance.
This seat was cut low that places the rider lower and further back than the stock seat. With this position the rider has more room for controlling the bike and a more comfortable position for longer rides.
There’s a tapered passenger section that’s comfortable enough for a passenger and gives the seat a streamlined look. The diamond pattern on the top also enhances the look while making the riding experience more comfortable for the rider.
Overall, the Mustang Signature Series Fastback Seat is a comfortable and sharp looking Harley seat for touring. It’s easy to install, comfortable for longer rides, and definitely helps to improve the overall appearance of any Harley bike.
Best Harley Davidson Seats Buyer’s Guide
When you’re shopping for the best Harley touring seat there are a number of factors that need to be considered. With so many options out there to choose from, it can be difficult to find the right one that meets your requirements and budget.
One problem you may encounter is that there are plenty of cheap seats made with poor quality materials. That’s why it’s a good idea to be vigilant when you’re looking for Harley touring seats and informed of the features before.
Keep in mind that it’s not always necessary to install a completely new seat. If you find that the stock seat is comfortable enough, you could just upgrade it with a new cover or additional padding.
It’s even possible to use a motorcycle seat cushion for added comfort if you don’t want to shell out for a completely new seat. Otherwise, let’s jump into the guide that will help you find the right seat for your Harley Davidson.
Features to Look For
Comfort
One of the most important things to consider is how comfortable a new seat would be. It would be a mistake to upgrade the seat only to find that it’s not as comfortable as the one you had before.
Thankfully, making comfortable Harley seats is the priority of the manufacturers so most of the aftermarket seats available are well rated for comfort. When you’re considering the comfort of a seat, look for materials such as gel or additional foam.
It’s also a good idea to look at reviews to see what other riders have to say about comfort. Overall, Mustang touring seats are well known for being comfortable and are a great place to start.
Material Quality
Another factor to consider is the quality of the materials being used. Cheap materials, typically found in Chinese made seats, won’t last as long and won’t be nearly as comfortable.
When it comes to materials, look for vinyl, polyurethane, polyester, or leather. Leather is a great choice for comfort and durability, though it does require some upkeep and maintenance.
Most of the best Harley touring seats are made from vinyl, which is durable and comfortable as well. This material resembles leather but it’s more affordable and easier to maintain.
It’s also a good idea to check if the Harley seat cover is waterproof and weather resistant. It’s likely that you’ll be exposed to some different harsh weather elements when you’re out riding, so you want something that won’t get damaged or become dangerous to use.
There are even seats that come with a front bucket drain. This is one of the many features to keep an eye out for when you’re browsing the different options.
Width Dimensions
One of the main reasons that stock seats are so uncomfortable is that they aren’t wide enough for most riders. Some riders may even have difficulty getting on and off the bike because of how high or wide the seat is.
If this is a problem you’re suffering from, look for seats that are lower than the stock seat. This will make it easier to get on and off and is likely to improve the riding experience overall.
Seats that also allow you to sit further back can also be more comfortable and are better suited for taller people. This gives you more room up front and makes it easier to control the bike in slow speed situations.
Back Rests and Arm Rests
One more feature worth mentioning are backrests and armrests. Typically, backrests are available for the rider and can help with posture.
This is also a great feature to have if you’re suffering from back pain or you’re spending a lot of time on the saddle and want to remain in a more upright position. Armrests are typically available for the passenger and can improve the touring experience if you’re riding with someone.
When it comes to backrests, look for seats where they can be easily folded, removed, or adjusted. These are the easiest to use and give you the most versatility when you’re out riding.
FAQ
What’s the most comfortable Harley seat?
The most comfortable Harley seat depends on the rider’s preferences and needs.
Some of the most popular and comfortable Harley seats are the Sundowner, the Hammock, and the Mustang Wide Tripper.
These seats offer great support and cushioning, reducing fatigue and pressure points during long rides.
How can I make my Harley touring seat more comfortable?
There are several ways to make your Harley touring seat more comfortable, such as adding a seat pad or cushion, installing a backrest, or adjusting the seat height and position.
Additionally, replacing the stock seat with a more comfortable aftermarket seat can significantly improve your riding experience.
It’s important to choose a seat that is compatible with your Harley model and designed for touring.
What is the most comfortable seat for Road King?
The most comfortable seat for Road King depends on the rider’s body type and riding style.
Some popular options for Road King include the Mustang Wide Tripper, the Harley Hammock, and the Corbin Classic Solo.
These seats offer great support and cushioning, reducing fatigue and pressure points during long rides.
Which Harley is good for touring?
Harley-Davidson offers several models that are suitable for touring, including the Road King, Street Glide, and Electra Glide.
These bikes feature comfortable seats, ample storage space, and powerful engines that are designed to handle long-distance riding.
Try to choose a bike that fits your riding style and needs, and ensure that it has the necessary features and accessories for touring, such as windshields, cruise control, and saddlebags.
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