Compare Harley Sundowner to Stock Road King

The seat of a touring motorcycle is critical if you're planning a ride longer than the local grocery store. Riders are always looking at other riders seats, talking and investigating aftermarket seats hoping to find the magic throne for ache free riding. The seat I discuss is a Harley Davidson Sundowner Road King specific seat, Part number 51615-09A. The 09 suffix indicates years it fits (2008-2013). The two seats are put side by side so the difference is easy to see. I go into detail showing measurements and contours of the molded foam and point out what the critical fit areas are for me. The main fit area for me is the radius of the back lumbar support area being larger and a better fit for most adults. The stock seat lumbar goes narrow on the sides and you actually end up sitting on the side cushions rather than flat on the seat cushion. Even better, the passenger pillion seat is 5 inches wider than the stock seat. The base dimensions for the drivers seat are the same as stock, so unlike some after market seats, you don't have to worry about being moved up, down, back or forward. This is a critical point for some as hands or feet may no longer reach controls. My bike is a 2010 Harley Davidson Road King and I do use it for touring. While I haven't done a coast to coast ride I do burn a couple 100 miles off regularly- just long enough to appreciate a good seat. The factory seat would start to bite in about an hour. I do note that this is the first aftermarket seat I have owned and hope that riders who have experience with more brands will join the comments. As always- feel free to comment and offer criticism or appreciation. Happy Motoring!