seat question - roadster vs SS

no750 · Jun 28, 2017

hi,

i have got a 71 Roadster with a SS seat fitted. This is not comfortable at all for me. I sit on the strap, if the engine is pulling i am slipping backwards, doing 50 miles is pain.

Do you think its worth buying an original roadster seat? Is this really changing the misery? Is the sitting position equal?
i also thought about a corbin seat, but i would like to stay in a more original look.

any comments welcome.
thank you.

Mr. Rick · Jun 28, 2017

I don't know about the difference in position between the SS and roadster seats, but sitting on the strap sounds terrible.
I can say that I didn't realize how much I was slipping around until I put a new cover on my own seat. Much more secure.

Torontonian · Jun 28, 2017

Well forget about looks and authenticity I say. It's your ass that is important if you ride the bike. Trailering to show-offs is different scenario. Meet a local seatbuilder. Talk about your butt size. Starting point. Good luck. 8)

Bob Z. · Jun 28, 2017

As I remember, it was common back in the day to remove that useless strap.
Two 1/4" bolts on the bottom of the seat (probably fiberglass) pan will do the job.

Ron L · Jun 28, 2017

I believe the SS and Roadster seats are pretty much the same riding position. I don't think this would gain you much. I bought my Corbin seat for the same reason. It puts your butt further rearward. If you have a Roadster tank the Corbin fits well, but if you have an SS tank I don't know if the Corbin fits.

dave M · Jun 28, 2017

The Corbin fits with an SS or Hi-rider tank but it is not such a nice transition from the front edge of the seat to the rear edge of the tank as with a Roadster tank.

Danno · Jun 28, 2017

I don't think the SS had a dedicated seat. They only made them for a year and the numbers were small compared to Roadsters and Interstates.

dave M · Jun 28, 2017

The SS does have a dedicated seat, it is narrower and slightly more wedge shaped towards the front than the Roadster type, however a Roadster seat fits and looks fine.

Matt Spencer · Jun 28, 2017

A LATE MODEL Roadster seat might be a bit less cruel .

nortonmews · Jun 29, 2017

Hi,
Slightly off topic but my '72 Roadster ( a re-import from USA) has an SS seat fitted and I have seen a number of other re-imports with the same thing. Why, if the SS was such a rare model, are these seats so common?
Will a Roadster seat give a better fit / coverage to the side panels as the SS leaves a gap?

Mike B · Jun 29, 2017

dave M said:
The SS does have a dedicated seat, it is narrower and slightly more wedge shaped towards the front than the Roadster type, however a Roadster seat fits and looks fine.

It is also thinner, and notorious for it's pain inflicting attributes.
Mike B

no750 · Jun 30, 2017

nortonmews said:
Hi,
Slightly off topic but my '72 Roadster ( a re-import from USA) has an SS seat fitted and I have seen a number of other re-imports with the same thing. Why, if the SS was such a rare model, are these seats so common?
Will a Roadster seat give a better fit / coverage to the side panels as the SS leaves a gap?

my 71 roadster is also an import from USA, which came with this SS seat. i really like the look, but not the pain.

no750 · Jun 30, 2017

thanks a lot for your answers.
i guess i will talk to a seat builder or try to lend me a roadster seat for trial somewhere, because the corbin seats are somewhat expensive here with postage and toll and they are not exactly what i want, as well i am convinced they are best quality and comfort.

Torontonian · Jun 30, 2017

Good choice of procedure. If you want to retain the original look then there are options , re: denser foams building material or even gel pack inserts. Nobody will know the difference except your butt.

Personally I prefer dense , like my brain the wife says. The best seats for my scrawny butt seem to be quite firm . This after thinking soft would be more comfy. Go figure.

seat question - roadster vs SS

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