Softail bikes boast of stylish look and top-notch performance. However, their seat has, over the years, called for further improvement. Softail seats fail when it comes to comfort and convenience. Upgrading the seat with an aftermarket one will boost the riding experience. The article introduces the best Softail seats to make riding your Harley funnier and comfortable.
Best Overall (Softails 2018+) – Saddlemen or Mustang
Best Solo (Softails 2006-17) – Mustang 79738
Best Solo (Softails 1997-07) – Le Pera Bare Bones
Best Full (Softails 2006-17) – Mustang 76390
Best Full (Softails 1984-06) – Mustang 75112 or Mustang 75110
Best for Softail Slim (<2017) – Mustang 76762 or Mustang 79745
Best for Heritage Softail Classic (<2017) – Mustang 79821 or Mustang 75073
Best for Harley Fatboy (<2017) – Mustang 79738 or Mustang Duke
Best for Softail Deuce – Le Pera B. Bones or Mustang 76390
Best for Softail Deluxe (<2017) – Mustang Tripper or Bare Bones
Best Budget – TCMT Pillion Full or Eagle Skull Solo or TCMT
Why Did We Choose the Above Seats for Softail Models?
Many prefer the above seats considering their comfort and performance. They include cushions that distribute a rider’s weight evenly on the surface. Since the seats have extra padding, you get enough comfort while riding on bumpy roads. Quick-release buckles are included on the seats for easier detaching.
Overall, the above seats score high when it comes to comfort. Affordable pricing and super comfort make them the ultimate choices for many people. Back support is crucial when riding, and the above seats come with features aiding them to support your back fully. Materials making up the seats are also tough and durable, making them worthy investments.
1. Saddlemen LS Step-Up 818-30-175 Seat
The Saddlemen relationship with these talented riders goes back to the Wheelie King era. Since then, the two companies have collaborated on purpose-built equipment for the rider. The Saddlemen LS Step-Up 8 18-30-175 seat is the latest example. It merges ergonomics and rider comfort to give the rider the ultimate level of bike control. It uses proprietary high impact UltraFOAM to provide the right balance of rider compliance and rigidity. Saddlemen’s lattice stitch design has been used to increase comfort. It is further equipped with SaddleHyde construction for a whisper-grain finish. And as an added bonus, the seat comes with all mounting hardware and instructions. It is designed specifically for Harley-Davidson Softail models.
Check Latest Price2. Mustang 75065 Tripper Fastback Seat
The new 75065 Tripper Fastback Seat is a high-quality upgrade for the passenger seating area of your Harley Softail, especially the Softail Slim. Designed for comfort and support, the Tripper Fastback features a low-cut 12″ wide driver bucket with a rising tail section. This seat features the double-helix stitch pattern, carbon fiber vinyl, and a classic streamlined profile. It seating offers reasonable comfort and support for two-up riding in back. The seat’s baseplate is designed for precision fitment.
Check Latest Price3. Mustang 79738 Wide Tripper Solo Seat
The Mustang 79738 Wide Tripper is an excellent addition to a Softail bike, adding comfort and style. The seat’s sculpted, custom-cut design offers all-day riding comfort. It doesn’t appear bulky and boasts diamond stitching and a classic brown cover. This seat will fit the Softail models from 2006 to 2017. This model features extra width for the driver’s hip area. This cut allows a rider to look cool and ride low. The stitch work on the seat is highly detailed. The seat can be purchased in Original or Diamond. The seat backrest is removable and fully adjustable. For additional comfort, a backrest is available for the driver. The seat also features a built-in cup holder. Mustang offers many different seat styles to accommodate every style of rider.
Check Latest Price4. Le Pera Bare Bones LX-007 Solo Seat
If you are in the market for a solo seat, the Le Pera Bare Bones Lx-007 is a great choice. The adjustable seat has an up-front style that moves the rider forward and away from the bike. The seat style is smooth and vinyl, but select styles are leather. The base plate is made from powder-coated steel and carpeted to protect the painted surfaces. This is the thinnest and lowest solo seat made by Le Pera. It’s made from carbon fiber, vinyl, or leather. Some styles have matching pillion pads, too. The seat can be easily installed on your Softail.
Check Latest PriceBest Softail Seats – Most Comfortable Units
Old Softails (<2017) vs. New Softails (2018>)
Both Softail 2017 and the new Softail 2018 models have equal trail figures and wheelbase length. Softail 2017 stands a bit lower when you load it with the seat staying at 24.5 inches. Softail 2018 is a bit higher compared to the 2017 model. The 2017 model includes one rear shock absorber located below the seat.
2018 models are powerful (yet again having cool running engines) compared to the counterpart. Their engines produce a super-sounding rumble adding to the excitement of the ride. While there is less difference between the two models, you will still get super comfort when riding on any of them.
Why is Fitment Essential for Softail Seats?
Fitment is a crucial aspect of long riding, and touring entails riding long distances. While original Softail seats are comfortable, an aftermarket seat has exceptional features and design. However, it’s useless installing an ill-fitting aftermarket seat.
Before buying any seat, always make sure it will perfectly fit your Softail. Otherwise, you will have wasted your money for nothing. No matter the features on the seat, it does not fit well; discomfort is a must.
Top Aftermarket Softail Seat Brands
In our opinion, the Mustang is the winner when it comes to comfort, performance and duration. A wider passenger seat makes the seat comfortable for long rides. Saddlemen is always close to Mustang, but in terms of Softail and Dyna, they have similar or sometimes better quality aftermarket seats. SLMOTO is also a great seat with a wider passenger seat with good shape and height. TCMT is an affordable option with great height for short riders.
Considerations – Choosing Harley Davidson Softail Seats
Fitment
Always check the fitment of the seat before buying to make sure it is compatible with your bike. Some products need you to input the bike’s year, make, and model. Once you do so, the system checks for compatibility; other seats need you to peruse over their fitment section and check your compatibility with the seat. Suppose the seats do not fit, you don’t no need to buy them.
Double or Softail Solo Seat
Choose either a double or solo seat, depending on your needs. If you like riding solo, a solo seat will please you. The double Softail seat is for those who love the company or need to carry luggage at the back.
Material
Check for the seat’s material quality. Make sure the material includes detailed stitching for durability. To get quality material, buy from renowned brands like Mustang or SLMOTO.
Height
Most riders prefer low height since it offers extra riding space. Moreover, you get short height and can reach the ground for better foot control. Short riders must consider a shorter height, while long riders can consider the hip region height.
Comfort
Everyone tries to buy an aftermarket seat in search of comfort, especially for long-distance riders. Your Softail seat needs to be comfortable, failure to which your legs and back will keep hurting.
Shape
Choose a seat with a wider shape for comfort. Tall riders should consider a seat with lean and long shapes to easily move back from the bike.
Durability
Choose a seat with a quality synthetic leather cover since it’s the most durable. Also, make sure the seat has detailed stitching and is durable to avoid falling apart fast.
Price Range of Softail Seats
Harley Davidson bikes are always on the upper side of the cost, and the Softail is not different. However, that does not mean they are not affordable. You can find a Softail from as low as $13,599, but some cost over $20,000. Harley Softail’s price depends on the features and specifications included. For a high-end bike, expect to pay more.
Installing a Seat on Your Softail – Steps & Tips
- Securing the bike- secure your bike and then remove the bike seat, ready to install another one.
- Seat positioning- think of where to position the seat depending on your comfort level.
- Measuring seat studs- measuring the seat studs helps you to get the ideal distance between spring mounts. Mark the center area between the mounts.
- Preset the mounts and then weld them
- Bolt the seat’s pivot to the seat; mark the location of the weld.
- Tack the seat in place, remove the bolt head and bolt the front mount
- Mount the seat on the pivot
- Pick fender washers and secure the springs making sure they remain at the same level as the seat.
- Hop on the bike to test the feel of the bike seat. Make sure the height is comfortable, and if not, make adjustments.
Can You Fit Old Dyna Seats to New Softails or Vice Versa?
Dyna seats are compatible with newer Softail. Even though they are performers, they are not compatible with touring bikes or older Softail. Softail will only fit on Softail but not Dynas or other touring bikes. You need to check for compatibility to make sure the seat you buy will fit your bike. However, Dynas can fit into a wide glide, and so you can check that one out.
Making an Existing Softail Seat More Comfortable
Softail seats are not the most comfortable ones. To add to their comfort, you can think of getting a seat pad. Instead of going through so much trouble, the best way to make the seat comfortable is to replace it.
Concluding Remarks
Riding should be fun on your Softail. However, that will only happen if you install most comfortable Softail seat. To make your journey fun and bearable, make good use of the above seats. All the seats are renowned for comfort and convenience.
Last update on 2022-06-20 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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