Wow, been a while since I've posted anything. And I can't think of a better post to kick things off with than to say my ass doesn't hurt all that much...
Still with me? I hope so.
If there's one thing that makes all the difference on a long ride, it's rider comfort. Until recently, the best I had to work with was a Saddlemen seat on my previous motorcycle. And, all things considered, that saddle was not really ideal for me, despite the fact that it was better than the stock seat on the Marauder (truth be told, a block of concrete would have been about as comfortable as the stock seat), since it was a very narrow seat.
Move forward a year and with the purchase of a new bike, I was hoping the stock saddle, being wider and with (seemingly) more padding, would be better for long days of riding. Sort of. It was more comfortable, but that's like saying being hit in the head with a two-by-four is better than being hit in the head with a brick. Sure, it's technically true, but in the end, you don't really care how you got the massive headache and associated concussion.
After saving my pennies for a few months, I was able to find a deal online for a replacement saddle that, according to every review, is the saddle to have if you are spending long days riding. The company, Mustang Seats, is located in Connecticut (I shall have to pay them a visit when next I visit the Connecticut O'Briens). The seats are not cheap, but you do get what you pay for.
I planned a ride with my riding group to head out to North Adams, MA and ride up to the top of Mt. Greylock. After 4 failed, or aborted, attempts to get there, I was finally able to pull it off; and with the biggest group of bikes that I have ever led (22, give or take).
Now, I purchased the new saddle back on Aug. 3rd, in hopes that it would arrive before the trip. When I purchased it, I was told it was a special order item (which it is, since Mustang generally only builds the seats for Road Stars in a two-up formation) and would take 10 days before it would be shipped. Four days after I ordered it, I was sent an email saying it was actually closer to 20 days.
Resigned to having to ride out to Greylock on my stock saddle, I prepped for the trip as best as I was able. Lo and behold, a few days before the trip, I received an email saying the saddle had shipped. As one might imagine, I was thrilled by this news. I mean, if you learned that you butt had just been given a stay of execution, you'd be excited too.
Anyway, the saddle arrived the day that my father and I headed up to Loudon, NH to watch the vintage motorcycle races that are held monthly at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway (it was an amazing day. I had a great time with my dad and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves). As soon as I got home, I installed it and went for a brief ride. It was in place and ready for its big debut today.
Sure enough, the saddle performed spectacularly. With a few minor... observations... to be had:
1. Despite the extra comfort, it slides me further forward in the seat, so my legs are tucked up a little tighter. Not a deal breaker, but around hour 9 or so, my hips were beginning to complain.
2. It doesn't completely save my butt from pain. It just greatly delays the onset of it. And, trust me, that makes all the difference.
3. All I need now is a backrest, and the setup will be perfect.
It is fair to say that I had a phenomenal weekend.
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