I have a RDL seat on my HD Road Glide and have about 30k miles on it. I have rode 500+ miles at a time on numerous rides with no issues. I have had HD touring, Mustang and Corbin seats and the RDL seat is by far the best for me. I will never have another seat on any of my touring bikes in the future.
Very cool to hear about your experience comparing the RDL to the Mustang and Corbin. I wonder how the Road Sofa compares to the RDL... Thanks for your 2 Cents! Love it!
Hello Chris, this the first time I’ve seen one of your videos and you did a great job on talking about the RDL seat. I have a new Goldwing and like you, I’ve tried several reputable after market seats over the years on past Honda and BMW motorcycles, but no major improvement in seat time or comfort. I’ve already had one modification done to the seat and it has given me another 45 minutes without the typical hip/pelvic pains. However, my plan is to go to the RDL and have a custom seat made. The good news is current queue time is approximately 30 days. Thanks again for the great video. Safe riding.
Thanks for the video . I just got on the production list for my seat. I’m only out like 2 months. But it’s winter still so not a big deal. I hope it’s as good as I’m seeing on most reviews.
Thanks for your insight on this rider-specific motorcycle seat. Indeed, it permitted me to determine this seat is not a suitable option in my particular case; for a panoply of reasons most of which you cited! Just received my new Sargent Performance Plus Seat - Low Version - used it yesterday a beautiful and very comfortable seat which complements the overall look of my 2019 BMW GSA - a combination of both form and function.
Not to be crass...but did you have the issue where the stock seat on the GSA was squishing your nuts, and if so did the Sargent fix that? Switched to a GSA from HD and it's a great bike, but if I can't fix that issue i', going to have to start looking for a trade in.
Glad to see you back! I added a Russell last summer and agree, you don' t even think of your butt. It also helped relieve some knee pain by decreasing the leg angle. I did find it moved me back and now I want to add barbacks. I'm really looking forward to more "comfort" add-on videos.
Great to see you back Chris,, Looking forward to the new gear for the RT,That seat ,Hmm ,IMHO it aint the best looking out there,far too chunky for me and i would be a bit concerned about the dish of it and holding water,(Especially over here in the UK),I was struggling with mine when i got the bike as i only have a 29" seam and with the low seat option all they do is remove the padding making it a harder ride,so i invested in the Air Hawk seatpad which (for me ) is brilliant,I can now do more than 4 hrs in the saddle,Anyhow Keep em coming and ride safe.
Hi Chris, I noticed you didn't squirm around in your seat very much over the last week of riding together...gives you more time to simply enjoy the ride and focus on the situation around you...hence total safety! Let's not wait another year to ride again!
Hey just got an RDL to replace a Sargent. I would agree your analysis is about the same as mine. Though I did find a break-in was needed to cool down a hot spot at back of thigh (as they warned might be the case). I've not yet found a point where I feel like my butt is screaming "get off this thing!". One nit though. You'd think for the price of these things the rain-cover would be more custom shaped and form-fitting and not just a big floppy shower-cap.
I was cheap and bought the vinyl version, so i don't worry so much about rain. Last fall we rode during a wet week, and even without a cover the seat was always dry. If it was leather, however, I would be sharing your frustration .
Thank you for the video. I have a 18' K1600 GA. I'm considering a RDL. I find that riding more than an hour, my tailbone hurts so bad. Do you think the RDL will be solve the tailbone issue?
I cannot say for sure, but i think its your best bet to try to fix the issue. I am told by my physio friends that tailbone pain on a bike is actually the soft tissue becoming inflamed around the base of your back and into your legs. The 4 fixes that work for me are exercise ( i am always battling my weight, so i am forced to daily exercise ) , posture ( i use the BMW guide developed in the 80's -- straight back, relaxed upper body, light touch on the bars ((no weight)), and using legs to weight the pegs an hold the bike), heated gear (super long rides have taught me that i tend to tense up , especially in my back , when my neck and torso get chilled) , and of course the seat, which spreads my 200 lbs out over a MUCH broader area. This is the best combo for me.
unfortunately I am VERY skeptical when it comes to ANY seat! I have tried every kind of seat, covers, foam, gel, and have yet to find anything that will help me get past 2 hours TOPS! I am soooo frustrated and discouraged that I am just about to the point to where I no longer want to ride PERIOD! I have yet to try Russell Day Long Seat but scared to death to spend that kind of cash on just another failed attempt! I could never understand WHY I can never get comfortable riding a bike so I went to the Dr and they did X-rays and found out that my tail bone is nearly 2" longer than normal which they explained THIS is the reason! Well, my only remedy to this problem is to have the extra removed! Not really wanting to go that rout! So I am sure you can understand my skepticism ?
Hi Chris, it looks like you went with the quilting pattern option the half moon design? I have that on my RT, it's the most waterproof because it's requires less stitching. Another slight downside is you need to use the rain over to prevent them from getting wet. Love my Russell Day Long. Over the summer I went from Vermont to lil d' Orleans outside of Quebec City. I covered 375 miles and about 9 hours without my butt getting sore. Before that I had a Sargent seat, it was fine the first few hours after that you started squirming.
I love mine too. On the rain -- i spoke with Russell, and they tell me that the water that seeps through the stitches wont hurt the seat. The only down side is a potential wet butt or mold if you dont allow it to dry out. I did not buy the cover, but those reasons alone make it worthwhile.
Interesting. I also have a Sargent on my RTW and agree it can take me out to like 6 hours or about 300 miles before I have to get off. I'm 5' 10" with a 31" inseam and ride the Sargent on the high setting. I've learned i have to scooch forward at stops to get a decent ground reach. Not total flat foot but close enough. How do you find the ground reach and do you ride it in the high or low setting? Also what about rain on the leather? Any issues? (I know they have a rain hat for overnight parking.)
John McCauley I also run my seats on the high setting to reduce stress on my knees. My seat is covered in vinyl so Russell said there was not a need to add any protectant. In extreme down pours they say water can leak past the stitches but it will dry reasonably quick if the seat is removed and stood on end.
@@JohnFromArlingtron I'm 6"2 and I had both the driver and passenger seat done. It did add an inch in height. While it didn't affect my ability to flat foot it did feel different in positioning.
Hi Chris. What is your height and inseam? I'm 69" and 30" inseam. I am able to flat foot with stock seat in low position. I really like this when my wife is on back. I'd like to be able to still do this with a Russell Day Long seat. Do you have any idea if this will be achievable with Russell Day Long seat on my 19' R1250RT? Thanks a bunch!
I'm 72" with a 32" inseam. However, this is built for my measurements (the advantages of a custom seat) , so you should be able to arrange the right set up with Russell. Being confident , especially with a passenger is critical, so I agree with you on making sure it is set up right.
@@kiki231000 Thank you very much for such a quick reply! I’m probably going to spring for the Russell Day Long. I just bought the bike used a couple months ago. I can get about 100 miles or so on stock seat before I’m moving around for relief. Buying a Sargent seat os so tempting due to off the shelf availability… but I’m afraid I’ll be in the same boat as you were with Sargent. Ugh..
Chris, how is the seat in hot weather? I currently have the Sargent seat on my 2017 RT and usually use an alaska sheepskin on it for a bit of airspace over the vinyl.
I have a RDL on my 2012 R1200RT and in the summer on long rides, it is hot and I have to use an Alaska sheepskin. When the temps are under 85, I don't use the Alaska sheepskin.
Excellent question. I bought the simplest version in the least expensive material -- vinyl. My thought was that leather, in bad weather (and in the east, the weather is bad much of the time) would deteriorate faster and be more expensive to repair. My opinion now is that the seat is a permanent fix. I no longer think of it, even on a 22 hour ride last year (Iron Butt stuff), the seat never came into question. VERY VERY PLEASED!
@@kiki231000 Thanks very much for the quick reply Chris. I have a ride in appointment for my DayLong this coming July (barring prolonged Coronavirus fallout) and I'm very excited. BTW, Your videos are fantastic; well planned and flawlessly executed/edited! As an owner of a 2010 K1300GT, your 20KM service video is my favorite! Thanks again for your posts.
I love my RDL on my K1600GT! But my seat is unique in that it is an RDL seat built on a custom Sargent seat pan. I have a video of all my upgrades here. czcams.com/video/8eJJjku11fc/video.html Thanks for another great video, Chris! -jaysbigadventure
lol! And you can make driving lights with $4 LED penlights and duct tape, make a windshield with a sheet of plexiglass and a heat gun, make a tank bag with a gym bag and a sewing machine, and make a top box with an Amazon camera case and a drill. However, post up a video of making one, then sell them at a 90% discount. They will sell like wildfire!
Chris, by far the best description of the experience of purchasing a customer built saddle. Thank you. Russell Cycle Products started on mine today!
I have a RDL seat on my HD Road Glide and have about 30k miles on it. I have rode 500+ miles at a time on numerous rides with no issues. I have had HD touring, Mustang and Corbin seats and the RDL seat is by far the best for me. I will never have another seat on any of my touring bikes in the future.
Very cool to hear about your experience comparing the RDL to the Mustang and Corbin. I wonder how the Road Sofa compares to the RDL... Thanks for your 2 Cents! Love it!
Excellent video Chris. Very well articulated with no umms and ahhs. I appreciate that these days.
Heard quite a few ha,s umms
Hello Chris, this the first time I’ve seen one of your videos and you did a great job on talking about the RDL seat. I have a new Goldwing and like you, I’ve tried several reputable after market seats over the years on past Honda and BMW motorcycles, but no major improvement in seat time or comfort. I’ve already had one modification done to the seat and it has given me another 45 minutes without the typical hip/pelvic pains. However, my plan is to go to the RDL and have a custom seat made. The good news is current queue time is approximately 30 days. Thanks again for the great video. Safe riding.
Thanks for the video . I just got on the production list for my seat. I’m only out like 2 months. But it’s winter still so not a big deal. I hope it’s as good as I’m seeing on most reviews.
Very impressive review, you have an obvious natural talent presenting yourself to others, keep it up and I look forward to your next video.
Great video, as I find all your uploads to be. Well done and thanks from Ireland.
Thanks for your insight on this rider-specific motorcycle seat. Indeed, it permitted me to determine this seat is not a suitable option in my particular case; for a panoply of reasons most of which you cited!
Just received my new Sargent Performance Plus Seat - Low Version - used it yesterday a beautiful and very comfortable seat which complements the overall look of my 2019 BMW GSA - a combination of both form and function.
Not to be crass...but did you have the issue where the stock seat on the GSA was squishing your nuts, and if so did the Sargent fix that? Switched to a GSA from HD and it's a great bike, but if I can't fix that issue i', going to have to start looking for a trade in.
Thanks for a good explanation, learned a lot
Welcome back Chris!! Love your videos!! Good info on the seat, it is worth waiting for if it makes you comfortable. Looking forward to more videos.
Glad you're back! Have enjoyed many of your videos. Keep up the good work. But most of all, keep on enjoying the bikes!!!
pro tip: watch movies on KaldroStream. I've been using it for watching loads of movies these days.
@Sullivan Raymond Definitely, have been watching on kaldrostream for months myself =)
@Sullivan Raymond definitely, I've been using Kaldrostream for since november myself =)
@Sullivan Raymond Yup, I have been using Kaldrostream for years myself :)
@Sullivan Raymond yea, I've been watching on KaldroStream for years myself :)
Glad to see you back! I added a Russell last summer and agree, you don'
t even think of your butt. It also helped relieve some knee pain by decreasing the leg angle. I did find it moved me back and now I want to add barbacks. I'm really looking forward to more "comfort" add-on videos.
....barbacks... yes, stay tuned...
Reminds me of my 1975 electriglide but you could see those springs. People made fun of my then to.
I just ordered one. I'm 3 months out. I have another bike to ride while he is making my seat.
Thanks for an excellent review!
Great to see you back Chris,, Looking forward to the new gear for the RT,That seat ,Hmm ,IMHO it aint the best looking out there,far too chunky for me and i would be a bit concerned about the dish of it and holding water,(Especially over here in the UK),I was struggling with mine when i got the bike as i only have a 29" seam and with the low seat option all they do is remove the padding making it a harder ride,so i invested in the Air Hawk seatpad which (for me ) is brilliant,I can now do more than 4 hrs in the saddle,Anyhow Keep em coming and ride safe.
Having the "Air Hawk" for many years. I will ride sitting on a brick with the "Air Hawk".
RDL is great. I’ve done over 1,000 mile days with no discomfort.
Interested to hear a comparison of the RT and the GT. What do you like better between the two bikes. Good content - Keep it coming.
Hi Chris, I noticed you didn't squirm around in your seat very much over the last week of riding together...gives you more time to simply enjoy the ride and focus on the situation around you...hence total safety! Let's not wait another year to ride again!
Thanks Brad (the buddy who rides a lot more than me)
Hey just got an RDL to replace a Sargent. I would agree your analysis is about the same as mine. Though I did find a break-in was needed to cool down a hot spot at back of thigh (as they warned might be the case). I've not yet found a point where I feel like my butt is screaming "get off this thing!".
One nit though. You'd think for the price of these things the rain-cover would be more custom shaped and form-fitting and not just a big floppy shower-cap.
I was cheap and bought the vinyl version, so i don't worry so much about rain. Last fall we rode during a wet week, and even without a cover the seat was always dry. If it was leather, however, I would be sharing your frustration .
@@kiki231000 Oh I got vinyl too but I don't have a garage, just a carport so blowing rain can get the seat pretty wet.
Thank you for the video. I have a 18' K1600 GA. I'm considering a RDL. I find that riding more than an hour, my tailbone hurts so bad. Do you think the RDL will be solve the tailbone issue?
I cannot say for sure, but i think its your best bet to try to fix the issue. I am told by my physio friends that tailbone pain on a bike is actually the soft tissue becoming inflamed around the base of your back and into your legs. The 4 fixes that work for me are exercise ( i am always battling my weight, so i am forced to daily exercise ) , posture ( i use the BMW guide developed in the 80's -- straight back, relaxed upper body, light touch on the bars ((no weight)), and using legs to weight the pegs an hold the bike), heated gear (super long rides have taught me that i tend to tense up , especially in my back , when my neck and torso get chilled) , and of course the seat, which spreads my 200 lbs out over a MUCH broader area.
This is the best combo for me.
It's got wings! 😁
unfortunately I am VERY skeptical when it comes to ANY seat! I have tried every kind of seat, covers, foam, gel, and have yet to find anything that will help me get past 2 hours TOPS! I am soooo frustrated and discouraged that I am just about to the point to where I no longer want to ride PERIOD! I have yet to try Russell Day Long Seat but scared to death to spend that kind of cash on just another failed attempt! I could never understand WHY I can never get comfortable riding a bike so I went to the Dr and they did X-rays and found out that my tail bone is nearly 2" longer than normal which they explained THIS is the reason! Well, my only remedy to this problem is to have the extra removed! Not really wanting to go that rout! So I am sure you can understand my skepticism ?
Hi Chris, it looks like you went with the quilting pattern option the half moon design? I have that on my RT, it's the most waterproof because it's requires less stitching. Another slight downside is you need to use the rain over to prevent them from getting wet. Love my Russell Day Long. Over the summer I went from Vermont to lil d' Orleans outside of Quebec City. I covered 375 miles and about 9 hours without my butt getting sore. Before that I had a Sargent seat, it was fine the first few hours after that you started squirming.
I love mine too. On the rain -- i spoke with Russell, and they tell me that the water that seeps through the stitches wont hurt the seat. The only down side is a potential wet butt or mold if you dont allow it to dry out. I did not buy the cover, but those reasons alone make it worthwhile.
Hi Chris. Great Video. Whats your thoughts on a driver's backrest? Ever tried one on the RT? I'm looking at one from Bakup.
welcome back :)
Interesting. I also have a Sargent on my RTW and agree it can take me out to like 6 hours or about 300 miles before I have to get off. I'm 5' 10" with a 31" inseam and ride the Sargent on the high setting. I've learned i have to scooch forward at stops to get a decent ground reach. Not total flat foot but close enough. How do you find the ground reach and do you ride it in the high or low setting? Also what about rain on the leather? Any issues? (I know they have a rain hat for overnight parking.)
John McCauley I also run my seats on the high setting to reduce stress on my knees. My seat is covered in vinyl so Russell said there was not a need to add any protectant. In extreme down pours they say water can leak past the stitches but it will dry reasonably quick if the seat is removed and stood on end.
so how do you find the RDL ground reach when stopped vice the Sargent? Longer? About same?
John McCauley it’s about the same to me
@@JohnFromArlingtron I'm 6"2 and I had both the driver and passenger seat done. It did add an inch in height. While it didn't affect my ability to flat foot it did feel different in positioning.
I don’t understand why someone have to change some great seat in this bike??
Hi Chris. What is your height and inseam? I'm 69" and 30" inseam. I am able to flat foot with stock seat in low position. I really like this when my wife is on back. I'd like to be able to still do this with a Russell Day Long seat. Do you have any idea if this will be achievable with Russell Day Long seat on my 19' R1250RT?
Thanks a bunch!
I'm 72" with a 32" inseam. However, this is built for my measurements (the advantages of a custom seat) , so you should be able to arrange the right set up with Russell. Being confident , especially with a passenger is critical, so I agree with you on making sure it is set up right.
@@kiki231000 Thank you very much for such a quick reply! I’m probably going to spring for the Russell Day Long. I just bought the bike used a couple months ago. I can get about 100 miles or so on stock seat before I’m moving around for relief. Buying a Sargent seat os so tempting due to off the shelf availability… but I’m afraid I’ll be in the same boat as you were with Sargent. Ugh..
Chris, how is the seat in hot weather? I currently have the Sargent seat on my 2017 RT and usually use an alaska sheepskin on it for a bit of airspace over the vinyl.
I have a RDL on my 2012 R1200RT and in the summer on long rides, it is hot and I have to use an Alaska sheepskin. When the temps are under 85, I don't use the Alaska sheepskin.
I cannot comment myself as it is deep autumn here.
Big dollars
Can anyone share an opinion on the material of the Russel Day long? Is an all leather version worth the extra $175.00?
Excellent question. I bought the simplest version in the least expensive material -- vinyl. My thought was that leather, in bad weather (and in the east, the weather is bad much of the time) would deteriorate faster and be more expensive to repair. My opinion now is that the seat is a permanent fix. I no longer think of it, even on a 22 hour ride last year (Iron Butt stuff), the seat never came into question. VERY VERY PLEASED!
@@kiki231000 Thanks very much for the quick reply Chris. I have a ride in appointment for my DayLong this coming July (barring prolonged Coronavirus fallout) and I'm very excited. BTW, Your videos are fantastic; well planned and flawlessly executed/edited! As an owner of a 2010 K1300GT, your 20KM service video is my favorite! Thanks again for your posts.
Nine month lead time? no thanks
Great video Chris, much appreciated. Want to sell that Sargent seat??
Mike P. Thanks for the note. The seat went on eBay about a month ago
Thanks for the reply, ride safe.@@kiki231000
I love my RDL on my K1600GT! But my seat is unique in that it is an RDL seat built on a custom Sargent seat pan. I have a video of all my upgrades here. czcams.com/video/8eJJjku11fc/video.html Thanks for another great video, Chris! -jaysbigadventure
Make it yourself and save 95% of the cost. It’s not that hard and definitely not worth the cash
lol! And you can make driving lights with $4 LED penlights and duct tape, make a windshield with a sheet of plexiglass and a heat gun, make a tank bag with a gym bag and a sewing machine, and make a top box with an Amazon camera case and a drill.
However, post up a video of making one, then sell them at a 90% discount. They will sell like wildfire!
Look good on a harley, not that good on a plastic bike