Let's Talk Back Sides As I Review My HD Super Reach Seat

Buying a bike is like buying a well make suit, you need to have it altered a little to really fit you well. When I purchased both of my bikes they fit me about 85% of what I really wanted and a little alteration was need to allow me to ride with confidence.

The biggest change for me was changing out the seat. Though changing out the Mustang seat for a Harley-Davidson Reach Seat made a difference on my Fat Boy, the bigger change was changing out the stock seat on my Road King for a Harley-Davidson Super Reach Seat. It was a complete game changer! I not only gained move leverage when stopped, it also shifted me into the correct riding position for the larger touring bike. This seat is over an inch lower and an inch narrower at the horn, it pushes me forward by more than 2 inches. This modified riding position allows me to flat foot my bike when at a stop and helps me sit with a neutral spine/pelvic alignment, more importantly it places me over the bike's center of gravity so that I am sitting in the best position for longer amounts of time on the road.

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is if the seat is comfortable. YES! I have yet to understand how they restructured the seat frame to keep the padding, but it works. And the shape of the seat creates a deep 'U', making a natural back rest. Another FAQ is how will it feel on a long trip. Well, last fall I rode 5,500 miles in this seat over 16 days on this seat. I never had lower back pain and I rarely had fatigue in my hip. And I am looking to do the same thing again this summer.

Like many things, there are some drawbacks to this seat. Because it is designed for smaller riders on larger machines, it is an item that is rarely in stock and is one of the more expensive seats offered by Harley-Davidson. Additionally, the fantastic 'U' shape that helps support the lower back also makes the saddle narrow front to back. This shape could be uncomfortable for a male build.

If your bike seat does not fit you, before you invest in an expensive suspension system, go to your local dealership and ask if they have demo seats you can try. Finding the right seat is like finding the right pair of shoes, sometimes you just have to try them on.

Now get out and ride, have fun, be safe, and catch you in the next post……