How Good are Russell Day-Long Seats?

Augi · Sep 17, 2021

In an effort to find the more/most comfortable saddle for my bike, I am researching manufacturers.
I actually bought a Corbin for an older bike I owned and was less than impressed. I almost rode to Daytona to throw it through their front window but it was so uncomfortable, I couldn't make the ride.
I have played with my stock saddle and added, subtracted, used different materials and still, after about 2 hours of riding, wish I took a plane.
The goal; is to get on the sled, ride out a tank of gas and not dread getting back on to resume the ride. Once the discomfort starts, shifting in the seat and changing position really doesn't help long term.
I once had a bucket type seat for my 81 Goldwing and it was only marvelous. Haven't seen one like it for the current models.

texasdw · Sep 17, 2021

When I first put my RDL on my wing I thought, what the heck, it doesn't feel any better than the Sargent seats I've been using. Puttering around town that's the feeling I got.

HOWEVER, about a thousand miles in I finally got a chance to ride from Houston to Toledo over 2 days. A few days later from Toledo to northern Missouri than back to Houston over 2 days. That's where you see the difference. It's as spectacular as everybody says! No squirming over sequential 500-900 mile days. I don't know how or why, but they've got the formula down.

I'm waiting to get another RDL for my Road King. Should ship next week!

Dave.David969 · Sep 17, 2021

RDL is the best seats available in my opinion.

Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk

clayusmc · Sep 17, 2021

For my 2008: I spent a fortune trying to find "the seat" that would feel good for me for multiple day-long rides back to back, or even for a single day. Most after 3-5 hours had me squirming. I bought (in low to high price range) five different seats that would have cost me the same total as buying 2-3 Russell Day Longs. The closest I found to being what I wanted was the Ultimate Midrider, but I could never get comfortable with the backrest. The seat itself was fine, though. Then I finally bit the bullet, found an old pan and sent it in for the Russell upgrade. I truly wish I had started at the Russell. My buddy, who bought the Ultimate off me, is happy I didn't. He loves the Ultimate. Every response you get is going to be the opinion of one, but if you are a long rider having issues that make you want "more", skip the steps and go Russell early. One man's opinion.

Ghost Rider 2 · Sep 17, 2021

I had a RDL I did not like it. Seat was slick and every time I touched the brakes I slid forward. I ended up with an Ultimate king. I have 2 wings now and both have a Ultimate King.

jettawreck · Sep 17, 2021

Agree that seats are one of those things that what works for one won't possibly work for the next. I'm currently using an AirHawk on the Wing now and not spending any more disposable money on a seat for the '01.
I had a RDL for the ST1300 and a Top Sellerie after the stock seat had to go. The RDL was the ticket for longer rides/trips and was much better for the passenger section. Normal day to day riding I left the Top Sellerie saddle on it. The ST was/is a rather tall bike and the "wings" on the RDL made flat footing at stops a bit more difficult and also seemed to keep me "planted" too much in the twisties. But, even though it wasn't built custom for me, it was great for longer rides and especially for passenger comfort (although reported to still be far lacking to the Wing stock passenger seat). I've yet to hear many reports of folks complaining about a RDL, except that they waited too long to get one.
Like all seats, they are much too much $$ for what they really are.

RayS · Sep 17, 2021

I have a appt in November for a Russell seat on a Moto Guzzi Stelvio. It will be my 13th RDL seat. I've had them on 3 wings including my current 06. Wouldn't have anything else under my butt.

Auburn · Sep 17, 2021

RayS said:
I have a appt in November for a Russell seat on a Moto Guzzi Stelvio. It will be my 13th RDL seat. I've had them on 3 wings including my current 06. Wouldn't have anything else under my butt.

My ride in is Oct 15. Can't wait!

TrapDog · Sep 17, 2021

Russel makes a great seat. I didn't see as big a difference from the stock 2015 wing seat compared to changing the stock seat on my Triumph Rocket. That was truly amazing.
They do a great job of getting the pressure off your tail bone.

Jim Jackson · Sep 17, 2021

Seems all BUTTS are not alike and are quit different. For me, the Corbin is the only one that fit my butt and made it feel good after a long day in the saddle. I've had Corbins on all six of my Wings and each one served well. I like a firm seat and Corbin gives your butt a firm feeling. To me it's like sitting in a saddle. If you don't like a firm seat then a Corbin probably isn't for your butt.👍

Shoegoo · Sep 17, 2021

The Best

sailordudeii · Sep 17, 2021

I've had Diamond Seats since 84. All day and night comfort as I will ride for 24 hours or multiple 500 to 600 mile days. After a wreck they rebuilt my latest seat. Before the wreck I could sit on it for 1300 miles and no problems. Now, after the rebuild... I can do a 600 mile day but by the last 100 miles I start to squirm. My wife usually loves their seats but has never liked this one. Not sure if they have someone else building their seats now. Thinking of going to a RDL as everyone I have talked to says all day comfort.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

laen · Sep 17, 2021

RDL are the best #1
#2 Ultimate

IMHO

chanesworth · Sep 17, 2021

cycledude · Sep 17, 2021

I’m planning to get a RDL for my Tenere , currently using a Corbin that works pretty well for normal days but long days not so well especially when it’s hot. Another thing I don’t like about the Corbin is it’s to slippery .
Friend bought RDL for his Tenere a couple years ago and loaned it to me for a week and for me it works much better than the Corbin .
The stock seat on my Goldwing works about perfect for me.

BigBob1 · Sep 17, 2021

I am a big fan of my Russell seat. I had mine made with Sunbrella fabric in the seat area, no more monkey butt!

Flyguy405 · Sep 17, 2021

11 years on my RDL, on an 08 with 220K on seat. 1 week after buying a 19 I set an Appt with RDL, stock seat was painful. Bought bike in Jan, seat in Mar and now have 25K on bike. Best seat for me.
As far as durability, I have the vinyl and wear aerostitch pants (abrasive) and now need to get the 08 recovered and seat foam updated.

zamfield · Sep 18, 2021

As the comments say, each butt is different and will appreciate different seats.
That said, you'll hear more positive comments for RDL than negative.
Just received mine... This is seat 6!

WY88 · Sep 18, 2021

2 Wings, 2 RDLs.
1 is vinyl and 1 is leather, I like the vinyl best.

Roadie · Sep 18, 2021

Just did a 880 mile day on my RDL and I was comfortable the entire 16 hours in the saddle..thats 4 tanks of fuel back to back and I started on my 5th in comfort...amazing seat...you don't need any seat beads or air hawk/seat cushions with a RDL.

How Good are Russell Day-Long Seats?

Augi

texasdw

Dave.David969

clayusmc

Ghost Rider 2

jettawreck

RayS

Auburn

TrapDog

Jim Jackson

Shoegoo

sailordudeii

laen

chanesworth

cycledude

BigBob1

Flyguy405

zamfield

WY88

Roadie

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