Am 5 foot 4 with a very short 27 inch inside leg. I ended up buying the low seat, for my Meteor. Think it’s the apparture of the width, yes very comfortable, but kinda spreads the leg wider, thus making it look higher than it actually is. I now have the touring seat. Which was sent off to Tom Hurley custom seats, who fettled the edges, and was able to reduce the height by 30mm. The original foam/3d net was replaced with medical gel/memory foam. But now feels both supportive and comfortable, and gives this short guy more feet on the ground, which aids your confidence also. I know the majority of riders don’t have this problem. Initial impressions are it’s a win win. So if I buy another Meteor, will take my seat with me. lol.😊
Good for you mate. At least you've found a perfect solution that works for you. It's horrible to buy a bike then find it's pretty unrideable due to the agony it puts you through. I've never heard of the seat upholsterer. But I have now. You never know. Thanks for sharing. Ride safe👍
I swapped my standard seat for the touring seat after a few hundred miles. Mainly, for two reasons - 1) I preferred the aesthetics and 2) on one of the FB forums, one of the members was wanting to swap his two touring seats for two standard seats for free (both of us covering postage). Comfort was secondary. After fitting and first ride, I was stunned by the difference. It was so comfortable! I didn’t mention anything to my partner, but her first ride, she commented straight away how much more comfortable her seat was. Now, many more hundreds of miles later, our experience and feelings remain the same. The touring seats are superb and have increased the enjoyment of an extremely good bike even more.
That's Brilliant, and quite a bargain by the sound of things. Great to know you are pleased with your seat. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Ride safe👍
I'm on my third Classic 350 and had the standard seat on each one and they're fine on a long run. I don't have much padding in the backside, I also have arthritis in the spine but the Classic is the most comfortable bike stock out of the showroom I've ridden. I also have the Meteor 350 and other than bar risers for my back issues that's comfortable with the standard seat, ridden the Meteor from Worcestershire to the Llyn peninsula in Wales there and back in a day and covered 275 miles, bike handled it fine and so did the rest of me.🙂👍
Thanks for sharing Jonathan, you're on your 3rd, already? Are you wearing them out? Good info though and I agree about the comfort although to be honest I haven't had a long day yet! Summers coming, that'll change. Ride safe 👍
Thanks for the vıdeo. I have that seat (Airhawk). It serves it's purpose. But the comfy bikes I ride nowadays like Enfield Classics, and maxi-scooters, I don't think I'll ever need to use that seat again. During my 25 year riding experience, and 20 or so bikes owned, the most I ever did in a single day was 450 miles. And I did either the same, or a little less on more than 1 occasion. Depending on the bike it wasn't bad at all. In fact, I'd say the chances of having an accident due to falling asleep is zero, whereas in a car, again on more than 1 occasion my eyes did close for a few seconds. So a bike, to me, is not as dangerous as portrayed.
Thanks for commenting. I like the Airhawk seat, I think generally it doubles your range. But I agree, the Classic standard seat is very good. Ride safe mate👍
Max miles in one day for me was 750. And that was years ago while on a cross country trip. 100 to 150 is typical riding now. Like you, I’ve had dozens of bikes and my Meteor and Classic 350 have by far been the most comfortable stock seats. I like that wide-at-the-rear dish shape. Good for my hips. The Himalayan was also very good but not as good as the other two. (That Interceptor seat looks atrocious! Can’t be any fun on that). Much of the total comfort equation for me is where my feet are. Mid controls (basically directly below my knees) are simply the best for my riding comfort. The Meteor pegs are just slightly forward but not enough to be a problem - for me that is. I like the looks of the touring seats with the little “backrest” bump, but I just haven’t felt compelled to buy it. And I don’t want it to raise my seat height any, either. Also, much like you over the years, I discovered just how good an air cushion can be and I now have quite an assortment of them in various shapes! Thankfully they are just gathering dust these days. Don’t really need ‘em any more! All the Best!
My 350 Classic has over 12,000 miles now and last year rode 1800 miles in 3 days. The stock seat is extremely comfortable for 300 mile days, i did 440 miles in a very long day and next day was fresh as a daisy!😁👍 never had a bike as comfortable as this before, Its once you do 4 or more 300+ miles in a day it starts to get a bit uncomfortable, but most folk will not do these miles, Its only for these miles i bought a touring seat, You sit higher but i am now warming to the posture now, this summer will see how good the touring seat is 😁👍 Cheers Bruce
Hi Bruce. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree, the stock seat is super. I have had a few comments saying that the touring seat breaks in after a while and at that point it really is unbeatable. Many people won't do that mileage, but I reckon you will so it'll be interesting to see an update on yours as you put more miles on. Ride safe bud👍
My biggest ever single day ride was 1500 kms. Did this back around 2004 on my 2000 Road King. The ride was from Trinity Beach to Binjour Range rest area in Queensland, Australia.
Biggest distance in a day? In 1978 I rode from the Eiffel Tower to Sheffield on a Yamaha RD 200 at the end of a 4 week trip. It's 465 miles today assuming you get all the roads right first time. I didn't have a map (my mate had our only map and we got separated in Lyon) so I probably did quite a few more miles. The ride up the A1 was at night in thick fog and drizzle all the way. I was being followed mile after mile by another biker so when I stopped at some services and so did he I went over to ask what he was doing. He said that he was heading for Doncaster and just wanted the company so we rode the rest of the way together before I turned off for Sheffield. We bikers are a breed apart.
Wonderful, quite a trip and you have never forgot it. If I remember rightly the Rd200 wasn't always the most reliable bike if my memory serves me right so you did well. Those were the days! Ride safe Mate👍
My longest trip at one day was 735 miles from Ft Stewart GA to my parents home in Ohio. I was in the army and rode an Yamaha SR500. It was in early June and I wore the army wet weather gear to help keep the chilly wind off. Took 2 days going back due to some serious fog and it slowed me down enough it took an extra day.
Both my longest have been from Cornwall back to home in Lancashire, around 395 miles each time. Bikes were a BMW R65LS and a Yamaha 600 Diversion. I'd had to fix the gear change linkage on the BMW with a tent-peg before I set off, which held out all the way back and for a week or so after until a mate at work made a new one up.
Thanks mate, appreciate it. I watched the train on yours the other day, I have to say that it was quite an impressive piece of kit. Detail and sound. Not cheap though l, I googled it! But a great model 👍
Ha, I'm always in trouble because I can't hide much now that we have a banking app which alerts us every time either of us spend something. I've begun buying stuff on my credit card then paying it off. She hasn't twigged that the credit card never seems to be paid off👍
Basel, Switzerland to Braintree, Essex 600 miles on a BMW RT1150. I also did Lands End to JOG on a Honda Goldwing GL1000 (876 miles), but we were two up and shared the riding time.
I wish I could a say that my longest ride was an adventure but it was a training day. I took an adventure bike off-road class. Six hours of training with a three hour back country mini tour. I didn’t keep track of my miles but I’m pretty sure it was 100-125 miles total. The three hours of gravel and dirt roads was the bulk of my mileage.
It may seem that one of the main reasons for changing the seat to the "touring" series is its attractive styling - the transverse stitching of the seat gives it a bit of exclusivity... You are right - I am convinced that a significant number of users changed the seat without having anything to compare it to. It's hard to deny this until someone states that the Tourist is more comfortable to use (in fact - it is higher), and not sitting on the factory-equipped one. Greetings from Poland, great talks!
A mate just bought a 350 Classic and he says the stock seat is good. I'm joining the RE clan as soon as I get shot of my Harleys. I'm sick of premium prices for an average product. I replaced the stock seat for €600 on one and tolerate the seat on the other because I refuse to pay any more Harley tax. I rode a Goldwing from Norwich to Malta over 4 days, so a couple of long distances but no issues with the seat. However, the screen buffeting and noise was horrendous. Added an edit to say that's four 500 mile or so days. I'd never do it again! Iron butt rides don't interest me. I did a 70 mile round trip last Saturday, that's plenty for me.
750 miles on my 2004 Honda VTX1800c. Stock seat, wasn't too bad, I haven't taken a long ride on my new Classic 350 reborn yet, still in the break in period. Seat seems to be very comfortable, better than many larger bikes I have ridden. Can't wait to try a longer ride.
In the 1980s I used to do a regular 260 mile round trip to London, on a Honda 90. Never gave it a second thought back then, wouldn't contemplate it now.
I bought a Triumph Tiger 800 XRX in Plymouth and drove it home 420miles home in the pouring rain to Durham, My brother has a Classic 350 with a touring seat and swears by it. I once drove down to the south of France on a GS1000 non stop over 700 miles
The furthest for me in one day was home to the Ace Cafe and down to Brighton and back on a BMW R1100RS. There were so many bikes on that run that I got separated from the group I went up with, was a bit cheesed off and returned home on my own. Just over 400 miles, I was wrecked !
I changed for the touring seat on my classic. The original seat is ok but for my back problems the touring seat is much better. I think it is different from person to person.
I’ve had my 650 Interceptor about 18 months. My only issue with it has been the original seat. I’d seen a number of reviews and owner comments complaining about it, but I decided I would just ride it for a while and make up my own mind. After a few months I decided to add a mesh cover to add some padding and cooling. It added cooling, but not enough padding. Last fall I broke down and bought the “deluxe” touring seat. I admit it is somewhat less uncomfortable, but I still feel like I’ve had a prostate exam after a 75-mile ride. I’m just gonna have to toughen up, I guess. I did a 986 mile ride several years ago on a Kawasaki Concours (ZZR 1400 in some countries). I live in the US, and long trip distances aren’t hard to come by. On this ride I was just trying to get home after a week away. On the big Kawasaki, long distances weren’t really that difficult. That was about 15 years ago when I was in my early 50’s. I have better sense now. That and less endurance for long rides. I keep telling myself I’m going to load up my VStrom and head out, and then I find some random excuse not to. I’ll eventually regret not going.
For me, the standard seat felt good at first but it ended up having too much give and I felt like I was riding on the seat frame after a while. The touring seat is a bit better with regards to comfort but I think it looks much better than the standard seat and is a fairly inexpensive upgrade. I agree the worst stock seat I've ever used was on a Harley Sportster. The best stock seat I've used was on a Suzuki V-Strom 650 and I rode many hundreds of miles in a day with no issues...of course I was also much lighter then!
A valid point about the weight. Interesting how my stock seat may get softer as it ages. I'm not sure why the Sportster was so bad, it got to my lower back in about 500 yards then just got worse! Thanks for your comments ride safe👍
Hi Keith,I have trouble with most seats and used an Air Hawk for years just like your pad. I used to take it in the pub because the seats are very hard there. Someone pinched it when I went for a pee. I rode a California (horrible thing)from Reggio Calabria to Rome and when I pulled up at the hotel in Rome I pulled out the key and all the internals of the switch came out with it. I can't ride far now without needing to stop for a pee. I don't thinkI will be bothering changing the seat on my 350,. I still have an 1150 GS which I no longer dare take off the centre stand for fear of dropping it on my car, it's been stood there for years. I had the stock seat, then a Wunderlich seat and them a reupholstered one with a gel pad insert, all crucified my bum. I still don't know why I bought that stupid great thing.I haven't ridden as far as that journey of yours. Edward
Hi Edward. Thanks for commenting. California? A horrible "thing" are you sure you're talking about the right bike? . Mine was a joy. Funny enough my first Airhawk came from a pub, I thought someone had left it behind. It must of been yours🤔😉Ride safe mate👍
Yes it was a California. It made three very determined attempts to throw me off on my first ride and as I recall I wasn't pushing it and the tyres were not new. If you are coming to the TT please leave my seat in the Raven at Ballaugh. Edward@@shottostravels
Back in the 80's I did ride from London to Germany and back for a job (was a dispatch rider at the time) and took about 1-2 days in total but my butt hurt for weeks (was riding a Suzuki GSX 400 F)
I’m happy with the original seat my old D1 1954 bantam was the most comfortable seat Ive had. If I could make the original Enfield seat sprung imho it would be super comfy . Most? around 300 miles which is not far but that was when I toured on a Honda 50 . Total around 2000 miles. Nowadays time is not a factor so an hour with no break suits me however I will just stop when i see something I want to look at so it could be after 30 minutes on the bike.
Thanks for your comments. I agree that it's great now to have the time and to potter about. Stopping when and where, the Enfield is super for the job. Ride safe👍
I love the look of the touring seat on Classic - but as far as my knowledge goes (from lend bikes and talks at the monthly RE meeting) the touring seat needs 500-1000km to break in! Then it is the most comfortable seat you can imagine
I purchased the touring seat for my Meteor mainly due to the looks. I'm not sure why they call it a "touring seat| as I find the original more comfortable. I can feel the seam in the back of the touring model. If I were to make a long trip I would change it back. Took my 1982 CX 500 Custom from New Brunswick CA to New York USA with my wife and camping gear. Took 2 days at aprox . 350 miles a day. That was also a great bike. (It's in my shed)
I changed the seat on my Classic to the lowrider seat, because I find it’s easier for me to flatfoot on the bike. The interesting thing I have found is that both seats are equally comfortable, the only difference being the seat height. I tried the touring seat on my Meteor as one came with it, but it gave me back aches within 50 miles, so I refitted the standard one, and it’s perfectly comfortable. Go figure! My average ride is 60 to 100 miles, depending on weather and how I’m feeling.
Thanks for commenting. I think the touring seat makes you sit a bit higher, so therefore makes you lean a bit more forward. So Im guessing to some that might just tip you/me? Into incomfort(?) due to the change of angle. Ride safe mate, 👍
@@shottostravels yes, you might be right there, as I’ve heard of others having the same problem on the Meteor, but curiously not on the Classic. I think there must be something different going on with the Classic. I have a 30 inch inseam so seat height is a critical factor for me, especially as I get older and given my mobility issues.
The furthest I ever rode in go was from st tropez to caen . We were detained in st tropez . We had to return early due to work commitments . Riding a Harley Davidson softail heritage. Slightly over 1100 kilometers. I have never known discomfort like it or will again,!. I could have quite happily cut both legs off such was the pain. It was a ridiculous thing to do. Maximum mileage I would ever consider again around 250 miles
Hi, that doesn't sound too good🤔 Thanks for commenting. If you need to do it again Have you considered an Airhawk seat cushion? I love mine. Just a thought, may help. Ride safe mate 👍
@@shottostravels hello, I changed my bike since then, I go a V7 now. i will find out how comfortable is that in the end of May. I'm going for a nice road trip 😄
I bought the touring seat because it was black and not the weird brown on the Halcyon Black. I have done 200 mile trips on both seats and can say the touring seat is an improvement, but not a huge one. Also, because it is higher I found it put more pressure on my wrists which isn't great with a touch of arthritis, so the standard seat is back on. I do have a set of the touring bars which put things relative to the touring seat back to 'normal' but haven't got round to fitting those yet. Longest ever trip was Denver to Sturgis at around 500 miles including a 60 mile diversion up some road not pointed in the right direction. That was on a BMW GS1200 and to be honest I was never uncomfortable. Similarly, 300 miles on a California was like riding a comfy chair in comparison to the Harley Sportster which was crippling after 200 miles and uncomfortable after 100.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Interesting to hear the touring seat isn't that much better than stock. As I said I think it's fine but I get the color thing. What were they thinking? I've got a touch of arthritis in my neck, mostly. My mate used to say " old age never comes alone!" Ride safe bud👍
I may disagree with you about the Sportster. Ride my 2004 1200 C regularly on longer trips on the German Autobahn (longest Dinslaken - Stuttgart - Dinslaken in one day … ca. 1000km) and have no problem with the standard seat. I only added a detachable windscreen (which looks horrible) for the long and fast rides (140-180km/h travel speed all day long) to stand the wind pressure.
@@SkysaxonDragonslayerI've never ridden a Sportster newer than 2000 so can't comment on the rubber mount type. Maybe the solid mounts are different - the 1994 and 2000 are definitely vibey above 4k revs but not as bad as the old iron heads.
When I was 18 I decided to ride from Birmingham to Fife. Only 320 miles, but on a Honda CG125 which could barely hold 50mph on the M6. About 12hrs in total. A week later I had to do the return journey.
Thanks for commenting. Not at all, that's a decent ride for me these days. I was mad to do that mileage in one day, I was just desperate to get home. Ride safe mate👍
2 reasons for my change to touring seat 1 to get black instead of brown on my Halcyon Green Classic. 2nd much better made and firmer than the standard seat, for me that makes it more comfortable than the softer standard seat. I did not change till I had covered 1500 miles and can say I much prefer the new touring seat and not a lot of money for both touring seats. 😊 I would also add replaced the foot pegs for comfort pegs, they only lasted 100 miles and back to the standard pegs, same as decat pipe , 100 miles and exhaust returned to standard. Only other thing replaced were the mirrors, I prefer the bar end mirrors as no vibration and clearer view but does not affect the ability to thread between cars at low speed. I will leave the rest of the bike standard so no dna filter or Kent cam as I am more than happy with how the Classic rides, for me the magic of this bike is its relaxed riding character. 😊 Ps the bike has now done over 3,000 miles
Thanks for commenting Peter. All good stuff. They do seem to fit the brown seat at times when black would surely be more appropriate. Interesting to hear about the footsteps as I think I'm going to buy some as I think the wider pegs may be good for my heel and toe changer. Ride safe maye👍
Hi Peter, I just think they'd be good with a heel and toe changer. I'm happy to buy them off you if you're not going to use them. Send me an email to the email address in the description and we will sort something out. Thanks👍
Obviously personal preference, found you sit on the bike rather than in it. To some that may be the way they like it but not me. Comfort wise I prefer the original, tried both on 300 mile trips and found the original more comfortable and easier on the wrists with for me a nicer riding position. You have to try to find out and that costs.
Interesting , I think we've all done silly mileages at one time or another. I've done 1000 mile days on a big VStrom [great bike] when I had to get somewhere by a certain time. It was fine , probably better than driving that far in a car ,as I can stay more alert on a bike . I've got a 1200 Tiger now and it's even better than the VStrom and I know it'll be easy to do a 1000 mile day. But why ? I'd rather take my time , see the sights , smell the roses 🌹 or the cow 💩. Comfort for me has more to do with the distance between footpegs and seat . Being an old codger , I like to have plenty of room. The Triumph is excellent in this respect . As far as padding is concerned, I have plenty of my own , but I always sit on a sheepskin and that makes most seats comfortable. I don't know how RE have the nerve to sell the Interceptor with that plank of wood on it . I tried a 900 Bonnie last year and it wasn't much better . Heated seats seem to be the latest " must have " , I can't fathom that . I have my own system of warming up seats . ( pull my finger 😮 ) 😂
Thanks for your thoughts. Interesting, I agree with you completely. My big ride was a one off, never to be repeated. I've looked at a bstrom a few times, never ridden one but always tempted. Probably too late now I wouldn't do it justice. Ride safe mate👍
I've got a similar airhawk type seat cushion, and it works very well over long distances, so the touring seat isn't a priority for my Signals 350. Furthest distance would likely be 3-400 miles on my old R1150GS. I reckon my Royal Enfield could do better 😂
As a reasonably big chap, I found the Enfield touring seat about 20% more comfortable- slightly higher helping with leg room and better padded helping fat bum.
Am 5 foot 4 with a very short 27 inch inside leg. I ended up buying the low seat, for my Meteor. Think it’s the apparture of the width, yes very comfortable, but kinda spreads the leg wider, thus making it look higher than it actually is.
I now have the touring seat. Which was sent off to Tom Hurley custom seats, who fettled the edges, and was able to reduce the height by 30mm.
The original foam/3d net was replaced with medical gel/memory foam.
But now feels both supportive and comfortable, and gives this short guy more feet on the ground, which aids your confidence also.
I know the majority of riders don’t have this problem.
Initial impressions are it’s a win win. So if I buy another Meteor, will take my seat with me. lol.😊
Good for you mate. At least you've found a perfect solution that works for you. It's horrible to buy a bike then find it's pretty unrideable due to the agony it puts you through. I've never heard of the seat upholsterer. But I have now. You never know. Thanks for sharing. Ride safe👍
I swapped my standard seat for the touring seat after a few hundred miles. Mainly, for two reasons - 1) I preferred the aesthetics and 2) on one of the FB forums, one of the members was wanting to swap his two touring seats for two standard seats for free (both of us covering postage). Comfort was secondary. After fitting and first ride, I was stunned by the difference. It was so comfortable! I didn’t mention anything to my partner, but her first ride, she commented straight away how much more comfortable her seat was. Now, many more hundreds of miles later, our experience and feelings remain the same. The touring seats are superb and have increased the enjoyment of an extremely good bike even more.
That's Brilliant, and quite a bargain by the sound of things. Great to know you are pleased with your seat. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Ride safe👍
I'm on my third Classic 350 and had the standard seat on each one and they're fine on a long run. I don't have much padding in the backside, I also have arthritis in the spine but the Classic is the most comfortable bike stock out of the showroom I've ridden. I also have the Meteor 350 and other than bar risers for my back issues that's comfortable with the standard seat, ridden the Meteor from Worcestershire to the Llyn peninsula in Wales there and back in a day and covered 275 miles, bike handled it fine and so did the rest of me.🙂👍
Thanks for sharing Jonathan, you're on your 3rd, already?
Are you wearing them out?
Good info though and I agree about the comfort although to be honest I haven't had a long day yet! Summers coming, that'll change. Ride safe 👍
Thanks for the vıdeo. I have that seat (Airhawk). It serves it's purpose. But the comfy bikes I ride nowadays like Enfield Classics, and maxi-scooters, I don't think I'll ever need to use that seat again. During my 25 year riding experience, and 20 or so bikes owned, the most I ever did in a single day was 450 miles. And I did either the same, or a little less on more than 1 occasion. Depending on the bike it wasn't bad at all. In fact, I'd say the chances of having an accident due to falling asleep is zero, whereas in a car, again on more than 1 occasion my eyes did close for a few seconds. So a bike, to me, is not as dangerous as portrayed.
Thanks for commenting. I like the Airhawk seat, I think generally it doubles your range. But I agree, the Classic standard seat is very good. Ride safe mate👍
@@shottostravels You top, ride safe mate
Max miles in one day for me was 750. And that was years ago while on a cross country trip. 100 to 150 is typical riding now. Like you, I’ve had dozens of bikes and my Meteor and Classic 350 have by far been the most comfortable stock seats. I like that wide-at-the-rear dish shape. Good for my hips. The Himalayan was also very good but not as good as the other two. (That Interceptor seat looks atrocious! Can’t be any fun on that).
Much of the total comfort equation for me is where my feet are. Mid controls (basically directly below my knees) are simply the best for my riding comfort. The Meteor pegs are just slightly forward but not enough to be a problem - for me that is. I like the looks of the touring seats with the little “backrest” bump, but I just haven’t felt compelled to buy it. And I don’t want it to raise my seat height any, either.
Also, much like you over the years, I discovered just how good an air cushion can be and I now have quite an assortment of them in various shapes! Thankfully they are just gathering dust these days. Don’t really need ‘em any more!
All the Best!
Thanks for your thoughts. I can't disagree with anything you've said. Ride safe bud👍
My 350 Classic has over 12,000 miles now and last year rode 1800 miles in 3 days. The stock seat is extremely comfortable for 300 mile days, i did 440 miles in a very long day and next day was fresh as a daisy!😁👍 never had a bike as comfortable as this before,
Its once you do 4 or more 300+ miles in a day it starts to get a bit uncomfortable, but most folk will not do these miles,
Its only for these miles i bought a touring seat,
You sit higher but i am now warming to the posture now, this summer will see how good the touring seat is 😁👍
Cheers Bruce
Hi Bruce. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree, the stock seat is super. I have had a few comments saying that the touring seat breaks in after a while and at that point it really is unbeatable. Many people won't do that mileage, but I reckon you will so it'll be interesting to see an update on yours as you put more miles on. Ride safe bud👍
My biggest ever single day ride was 1500 kms. Did this back around 2004 on my 2000 Road King. The ride was from Trinity Beach to Binjour Range rest area in Queensland, Australia.
A long way. You'll never forget it. Ride safe 👍
Biggest distance in a day? In 1978 I rode from the Eiffel Tower to Sheffield on a Yamaha RD 200 at the end of a 4 week trip. It's 465 miles today assuming you get all the roads right first time. I didn't have a map (my mate had our only map and we got separated in Lyon) so I probably did quite a few more miles. The ride up the A1 was at night in thick fog and drizzle all the way. I was being followed mile after mile by another biker so when I stopped at some services and so did he I went over to ask what he was doing. He said that he was heading for Doncaster and just wanted the company so we rode the rest of the way together before I turned off for Sheffield. We bikers are a breed apart.
Wonderful, quite a trip and you have never forgot it.
If I remember rightly the Rd200 wasn't always the most reliable bike if my memory serves me right so you did well.
Those were the days!
Ride safe Mate👍
My longest trip at one day was 735 miles from Ft Stewart GA to my parents home in Ohio. I was in the army and rode an Yamaha SR500. It was in early June and I wore the army wet weather gear to help keep the chilly wind off. Took 2 days going back due to some serious fog and it slowed me down enough it took an extra day.
That's a long way, I bet you wouldn't do it again. But a wonderful memory.
Thanks for commenting and ride safe👍
Both my longest have been from Cornwall back to home in Lancashire, around 395 miles each time. Bikes were a BMW R65LS and a Yamaha 600 Diversion. I'd had to fix the gear change linkage on the BMW with a tent-peg before I set off, which held out all the way back and for a week or so after until a mate at work made a new one up.
That's great, memories eh, you'll never forget that tent peg. Ride safe mate👍
Very enjoyable garage chat! I do them myself when the weather is horrid, so looking forward to you doing more! (Unless the weather improves!)
Thanks mate, appreciate it.
I watched the train on yours the other day, I have to say that it was quite an impressive piece of kit. Detail and sound. Not cheap though l, I googled it!
But a great model
👍
@@shottostravels Yes, not cheap, but worth it! (All my diesels are sound fitted.) But don’t tell my wife how much they cost! 😂
Ha, I'm always in trouble because I can't hide much now that we have a banking app which alerts us every time either of us spend something.
I've begun buying stuff on my credit card then paying it off.
She hasn't twigged that the credit card never seems to be paid off👍
@@shottostravels ah, the CC gambit! Works every time!😊
Basel, Switzerland to Braintree, Essex 600 miles on a BMW RT1150. I also did Lands End to JOG on a Honda Goldwing GL1000 (876 miles), but we were two up and shared the riding time.
I don't know about you but those distances are in the past for me. But you never forget them 👍 Ride safe👍
padded biking shorts are probably a better investment than a new seat
Thanks, not a bad idea.
Ride safe👍
I wish I could a say that my longest ride was an adventure but it was a training day. I took an adventure bike off-road class. Six hours of training with a three hour back country mini tour. I didn’t keep track of my miles but I’m pretty sure it was 100-125 miles total. The three hours of gravel and dirt roads was the bulk of my mileage.
Thanks for commenting, I bet you slept after that and probably had aches in places that you didn't realize could ache.
Ride safe mate👍
I did 450 miles in a day back in the late seventies on a then brand new R100RT, that was enough for me!
Absolutely, it's a long way. But I reckon you'll never forget it.
Ride safe mate👍
It may seem that one of the main reasons for changing the seat to the "touring" series is its attractive styling - the transverse stitching of the seat gives it a bit of exclusivity... You are right - I am convinced that a significant number of users changed the seat without having anything to compare it to. It's hard to deny this until someone states that the Tourist is more comfortable to use (in fact - it is higher), and not sitting on the factory-equipped one.
Greetings from Poland, great talks!
Hi Jacek, Dziekuje za komentarz.
I agree with your thoughts.
Ride safe mate👍
A mate just bought a 350 Classic and he says the stock seat is good.
I'm joining the RE clan as soon as I get shot of my Harleys. I'm sick of premium prices for an average product. I replaced the stock seat for €600 on one and tolerate the seat on the other because I refuse to pay any more Harley tax.
I rode a Goldwing from Norwich to Malta over 4 days, so a couple of long distances but no issues with the seat. However, the screen buffeting and noise was horrendous.
Added an edit to say that's four 500 mile or so days. I'd never do it again! Iron butt rides don't interest me. I did a 70 mile round trip last Saturday, that's plenty for me.
Thanks for commenting, I agree, stupid long rides are a thing of the past. Ride safe bud👍
750 miles on my 2004 Honda VTX1800c. Stock seat, wasn't too bad, I haven't taken a long ride on my new Classic 350 reborn yet, still in the break in period. Seat seems to be very comfortable, better than many larger bikes I have ridden. Can't wait to try a longer ride.
Thanks for commenting. I agree. Ride safe bud👍
In the 1980s I used to do a regular 260 mile round trip to London, on a Honda 90. Never gave it a second thought back then, wouldn't contemplate it now.
Fantastic, those were the days, I bet it seems like yesterday. Ride safe bud👍
I bought a Triumph Tiger 800 XRX in Plymouth and drove it home 420miles home in the pouring rain to Durham, My brother has a Classic 350 with a touring seat and swears by it. I once drove down to the south of France on a GS1000 non stop over 700 miles
Thanks for commenting, memories eh? Ride safe👍
The furthest for me in one day was home to the Ace Cafe and down to Brighton and back on a BMW R1100RS. There were so many bikes on that run that I got separated from the group I went up with, was a bit cheesed off and returned home on my own. Just over 400 miles, I was wrecked !
Thanks for commenting. Yes it's enough isn't it. Especially now with my ageing bones. Ride safe👍
I changed for the touring seat on my classic. The original seat is ok but for my back problems the touring seat is much better. I think it is different from person to person.
I agree, I also use an Airhawk type seat cushion, I have done many miles on this. It's another option. 👍
I’ve had my 650 Interceptor about 18 months. My only issue with it has been the original seat. I’d seen a number of reviews and owner comments complaining about it, but I decided I would just ride it for a while and make up my own mind. After a few months I decided to add a mesh cover to add some padding and cooling. It added cooling, but not enough padding. Last fall I broke down and bought the “deluxe” touring seat. I admit it is somewhat less uncomfortable, but I still feel like I’ve had a prostate exam after a 75-mile ride. I’m just gonna have to toughen up, I guess. I did a 986 mile ride several years ago on a Kawasaki Concours (ZZR 1400 in some countries). I live in the US, and long trip distances aren’t hard to come by. On this ride I was just trying to get home after a week away. On the big Kawasaki, long distances weren’t really that difficult. That was about 15 years ago when I was in my early 50’s. I have better sense now. That and less endurance for long rides. I keep telling myself I’m going to load up my VStrom and head out, and then I find some random excuse not to. I’ll eventually regret not going.
Thanks for commenting and I completely agree with everything you have said. Ride safe bud👍
For me, the standard seat felt good at first but it ended up having too much give and I felt like I was riding on the seat frame after a while. The touring seat is a bit better with regards to comfort but I think it looks much better than the standard seat and is a fairly inexpensive upgrade. I agree the worst stock seat I've ever used was on a Harley Sportster. The best stock seat I've used was on a Suzuki V-Strom 650 and I rode many hundreds of miles in a day with no issues...of course I was also much lighter then!
A valid point about the weight. Interesting how my stock seat may get softer as it ages. I'm not sure why the Sportster was so bad, it got to my lower back in about 500 yards then just got worse! Thanks for your comments ride safe👍
Had inflatable cushion on my old scooter and definitely helped. ADV350 is ok
I agree, lengthens the time you can ride for.ride safe👍
Hi Keith,I have trouble with most seats and used an Air Hawk for years just like your pad. I used to take it in the pub because the seats are very hard there. Someone pinched it when I went for a pee. I rode a California (horrible thing)from Reggio Calabria to Rome and when I pulled up at the hotel in Rome I pulled out the key and all the internals of the switch came out with it. I can't ride far now without needing to stop for a pee. I don't thinkI will be bothering changing the seat on my 350,. I still have an 1150 GS which I no longer dare take off the centre stand for fear of dropping it on my car, it's been stood there for years. I had the stock seat, then a Wunderlich seat and them a reupholstered one with a gel pad insert, all crucified my bum. I still don't know why I bought that stupid great thing.I haven't ridden as far as that journey of yours. Edward
Hi Edward. Thanks for commenting. California? A horrible "thing" are you sure you're talking about the right bike? . Mine was a joy.
Funny enough my first Airhawk came from a pub, I thought someone had left it behind. It must of been yours🤔😉Ride safe mate👍
Yes it was a California. It made three very determined attempts to throw me off on my first ride and as I recall I wasn't pushing it and the tyres were not new. If you are coming to the TT please leave my seat in the Raven at Ballaugh. Edward@@shottostravels
Back in the 80's I did ride from London to Germany and back for a job (was a dispatch rider at the time) and took about 1-2 days in total but my butt hurt for weeks (was riding a Suzuki GSX 400 F)
Wonderful ' memories,' I'm sure. Ride safe👍
I’m happy with the original seat my old D1 1954 bantam was the most comfortable seat Ive had.
If I could make the original Enfield seat sprung imho it would be super comfy .
Most? around 300 miles which is not far but that was when I toured on a Honda 50 .
Total around 2000 miles.
Nowadays time is not a factor so an hour with no break suits me however I will just stop when i see something I want to look at so it could be after 30 minutes on the bike.
Thanks for your comments. I agree that it's great now to have the time and to potter about. Stopping when and where, the Enfield is super for the job. Ride safe👍
I love the look of the touring seat on Classic - but as far as my knowledge goes (from lend bikes and talks at the monthly RE meeting) the touring seat needs 500-1000km to break in!
Then it is the most comfortable seat you can imagine
Interesting, it must be very good then 🤔 thanks for commenting, Ride Safe 👍
I purchased the touring seat for my Meteor mainly due to the looks. I'm not sure why they call it a "touring seat| as I find the original more comfortable. I can feel the seam in the back of the touring model. If I were to make a long trip I would change it back. Took my 1982 CX 500 Custom from New Brunswick CA to New York USA with my wife and camping gear. Took 2 days at aprox . 350 miles a day. That was also a great bike. (It's in my shed)
Those were the days, cx500, brings back memories. Interesting that you find the original seat more comfortable than the touring version. Ride safe👍
I changed the seat on my Classic to the lowrider seat, because I find it’s easier for me to flatfoot on the bike. The interesting thing I have found is that both seats are equally comfortable, the only difference being the seat height. I tried the touring seat on my Meteor as one came with it, but it gave me back aches within 50 miles, so I refitted the standard one, and it’s perfectly comfortable. Go figure! My average ride is 60 to 100 miles, depending on weather and how I’m feeling.
Thanks for commenting. I think the touring seat makes you sit a bit higher, so therefore makes you lean a bit more forward. So Im guessing to some that might just tip you/me? Into incomfort(?) due to the change of angle.
Ride safe mate, 👍
@@shottostravels yes, you might be right there, as I’ve heard of others having the same problem on the Meteor, but curiously not on the Classic. I think there must be something different going on with the Classic. I have a 30 inch inseam so seat height is a critical factor for me, especially as I get older and given my mobility issues.
i found the stock seat was good for about 2hrs, the touring seat is a little firmer, give maybe exta inch height, its good for about 4hrs before break
Thanks for sharing, ride safe bud👍
The furthest I ever rode in go was from st tropez to caen . We were detained in st tropez . We had to return early due to work commitments . Riding a Harley Davidson softail heritage. Slightly over 1100 kilometers. I have never known discomfort like it or will again,!. I could have quite happily cut both legs off such was the pain. It was a ridiculous thing to do. Maximum mileage I would ever consider again around 250 miles
Thanks for that, I think we can all relate to it. You'll never forget it though, happy days. Ride safe mate👍
Hello there, I have ridden my bike from South West London to Harrogate on my Meteor 350 with a touring seat and its was really tough 5 hours 😮
Hi, that doesn't sound too good🤔 Thanks for commenting.
If you need to do it again Have you considered an Airhawk seat cushion?
I love mine.
Just a thought, may help.
Ride safe mate 👍
@@shottostravels hello, I changed my bike since then, I go a V7 now. i will find out how comfortable is that in the end of May. I'm going for a nice road trip 😄
@RanMachlof Sounds great.
Ride safe mate👍
I bought the touring seat because it was black and not the weird brown on the Halcyon Black. I have done 200 mile trips on both seats and can say the touring seat is an improvement, but not a huge one. Also, because it is higher I found it put more pressure on my wrists which isn't great with a touch of arthritis, so the standard seat is back on. I do have a set of the touring bars which put things relative to the touring seat back to 'normal' but haven't got round to fitting those yet. Longest ever trip was Denver to Sturgis at around 500 miles including a 60 mile diversion up some road not pointed in the right direction. That was on a BMW GS1200 and to be honest I was never uncomfortable. Similarly, 300 miles on a California was like riding a comfy chair in comparison to the Harley Sportster which was crippling after 200 miles and uncomfortable after 100.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Interesting to hear the touring seat isn't that much better than stock. As I said I think it's fine but I get the color thing. What were they thinking?
I've got a touch of arthritis in my neck, mostly. My mate used to say " old age never comes alone!"
Ride safe bud👍
I may disagree with you about the Sportster.
Ride my 2004 1200 C regularly on longer trips on the German Autobahn (longest Dinslaken - Stuttgart - Dinslaken in one day … ca. 1000km)
and have no problem with the standard seat.
I only added a detachable windscreen (which looks horrible) for the long and fast rides (140-180km/h travel speed all day long) to stand the wind pressure.
@@SkysaxonDragonslayer That's fine, different people, (sizes, shapes) different, bikes / seats so many variables.
Ride safe👍
@@SkysaxonDragonslayerI've never ridden a Sportster newer than 2000 so can't comment on the rubber mount type. Maybe the solid mounts are different - the 1994 and 2000 are definitely vibey above 4k revs but not as bad as the old iron heads.
Thanks for sharing👍
When I was 18 I decided to ride from Birmingham to Fife. Only 320 miles, but on a Honda CG125 which could barely hold 50mph on the M6. About 12hrs in total. A week later I had to do the return journey.
Excellent. And some say the Enfield 350 is underpowered and you can't tour on it. You show that you can tour on anything. Ride safe bud👍
Cheers. 42 years later I now have a Meteor 350. Looking forward to some longer trips this year.
As are we all, send some sunshine soon! Ride safe mate👍
Longest ride is only 100 around the borders of North East and South Yorkshire - got a way to go to catch up!
Thanks for commenting. Not at all, that's a decent ride for me these days. I was mad to do that mileage in one day, I was just desperate to get home. Ride safe mate👍
2 reasons for my change to touring seat 1 to get black instead of brown on my Halcyon Green Classic. 2nd much better made and firmer than the standard seat, for me that makes it more comfortable than the softer standard seat. I did not change till I had covered 1500 miles and can say I much prefer the new touring seat and not a lot of money for both touring seats. 😊
I would also add replaced the foot pegs for comfort pegs, they only lasted 100 miles and back to the standard pegs, same as decat pipe , 100 miles and exhaust returned to standard. Only other thing replaced were the mirrors, I prefer the bar end mirrors as no vibration and clearer view but does not affect the ability to thread between cars at low speed. I will leave the rest of the bike standard so no dna filter or Kent cam as I am more than happy with how the Classic rides, for me the magic of this bike is its relaxed riding character. 😊
Ps the bike has now done over 3,000 miles
Thanks for commenting Peter. All good stuff. They do seem to fit the brown seat at times when black would surely be more appropriate. Interesting to hear about the footsteps as I think I'm going to buy some as I think the wider pegs may be good for my heel and toe changer.
Ride safe maye👍
@@shottostravels let me know if you want to fit them as I have a pair sat in my garage 😉
Hi Peter, I just think they'd be good with a heel and toe changer. I'm happy to buy them off you if you're not going to use them. Send me an email to the email address in the description and we will sort something out.
Thanks👍
@@shottostravels not sure where your email is but happy to send the comfort pegs to you if you can send me your details 😊
Obviously personal preference, found you sit on the bike rather than in it. To some that may be the way they like it but not me. Comfort wise I prefer the original, tried both on 300 mile trips and found the original more comfortable and easier on the wrists with for me a nicer riding position. You have to try to find out and that costs.
Thanks for commenting. Good points made. Ride safe 👍
I have a road king and first thing l did was change the seat
It's not so bad on Enfields, no Harley Tax to pay,🤔 Ride safe mate.👍
Interesting , I think we've all done silly mileages at one time or another. I've done 1000 mile days on a big VStrom [great bike] when I had to get somewhere by a certain time. It was fine , probably better than driving that far in a car ,as I can stay more alert on a bike . I've got a 1200 Tiger now and it's even better than the VStrom and I know it'll be easy to do a 1000 mile day.
But why ? I'd rather take my time , see the sights , smell the roses 🌹 or the cow 💩.
Comfort for me has more to do with the distance between footpegs and seat . Being an old codger , I like to have plenty of room. The Triumph is excellent in this respect .
As far as padding is concerned, I have plenty of my own , but I always sit on a sheepskin and that makes most seats comfortable.
I don't know how RE have the nerve to sell the Interceptor with that plank of wood on it . I tried a 900 Bonnie last year and it wasn't much better .
Heated seats seem to be the latest " must have " , I can't fathom that . I have my own system of warming up seats . ( pull my finger 😮 ) 😂
Thanks for your thoughts. Interesting, I agree with you completely. My big ride was a one off, never to be repeated.
I've looked at a bstrom a few times, never ridden one but always tempted. Probably too late now I wouldn't do it justice.
Ride safe mate👍
I've got a similar airhawk type seat cushion, and it works very well over long distances, so the touring seat isn't a priority for my Signals 350. Furthest distance would likely be 3-400 miles on my old R1150GS. I reckon my Royal Enfield could do better 😂
Thanks for your comment. I agree. 300 - 400 is still a good day on any motorcycle. I couldn't do it now Ride safe👍
As a reasonably big chap, I found the Enfield touring seat about 20% more comfortable- slightly higher helping with leg room and better padded helping fat bum.
Thanks for your comments, I may invest in the future having just completed my first 125 mile ride.
Ride safe👍
The furthest ive travelled in 1 day was 200mile on a 2004 Yamaha R6 not a great experience 😂
I can imagine, thanks for commenting. Ride safe 👍
450 miles in one go no other saddle needed :)
Thanks for your input. ride safe👍
I did 8000 miles in one day with KLM
I did ,80 miles in one day with KTM years ago, and I'm still paying the bill at the Chiropractors. Ride safe.👍
I think people are changing the seat just for the looks i think i will
Thanks for commenting. Ride safe👍
You mean saddle ?
A saddle goes on a horse? 😀 (At least in the UK). 👍
Seats are like oil. Everyone has a favorite
Indeed. Thanks for commenting. Ride safe 👍