My 2009 Ultra had an OEM seat that was delivered to HD Oz before the model seat running change for 2010. Service Bulletin M-1265 described the change and why, but did not provide for warranty replacement anywhere within the campaign.
The problem was that the seat prior to the change had a 'hump' at the nose of the pillion pad that stuck upwards and back which created sufficient complaints that HD did something about it by providing for a revised "low" seat and removal of the hump. The new seat was also lowered about 25mm and the thigh area narrowed for the rider due to complaints of the OEM seat being too high for persons of average height and less to plant both feet on the ground properly.
The new seats are PN 52164-10 and are stamped with the word "Low" on the underside seat pan. For about 6 months in the US market, HD provided the new seat to complaining customers only at a price of approx USD $156, but didn't advertise the change nor provide any opportunities for non US markets to replace the seat at the reduced price.
As I am just average height I wasn't comfortable on the original seat and the hump in the pillion nose was unsightly and may, to some females, be uncomfortable in the crotch. Having said that there are some that may have found it just nice....but that's another story.
When I found the bulletin and the new "Low" option I ordered the new seat at the princely sum of AUD $236 from an Aussie dealership to try out on my 09 Glide. I find the replacement seat perfect in height off the ground with both feet properly planted and for fine for thigh comfort. I've only put a few hundred k's in the saddle since I got it but the result is good. As the seat is about 25mm lower the lower back support is better, and I am about 20mm closer to the bars which is a much better fit for me where before I had to just strrrretch a bit to bars.
There was also a change to the existing pillion backrest with a different stitching configuration and a new pillion grab strap that was about 30mm longer, but I found the new seat stitching looks fine with the 09 Pillion backrest, and the 09 grab strap is fine although a little bit short-- doesn't really matter...
No complaints from me at all, and if you find the 09 model pre-change seat not to your liking, I highly recommend the new "low" seat configuration. I thought the price was right at AUD $236 considering most seat options for a lower configuration from the catalogue are damned expensive...
Hi there
After reading this post I thought my problems with our new FLHTK were about to be solved. Hardly, after talking to my dealer no help available unless I paid $380 for a new low seat.
Then I found the Low seat on the internet at a Sydney dealership for the said $236 so I rang them to confirm the price an availability.The sales person confirmed price an availability so I went ahead and ordered it online.One week later we get an email asking me to ring the dealership, I was informed that the price was a mistake and I wouldn't get the seat at that price.I explained I had rung up to check pricing and only then did I order it.The answer remained NO DEAL even though they had already taken our money from our credit card. I explained that it was false advertising an against the law to refuse me, they would not relent. So I considered taking it to the relevant authorities to see who was RIGHT.
While this was all unfolding un beknown to me, my wife emailed HD USA Ideas dept explaining the situation, today we received a phone call from HD office in Sydney and they are coming to my rescue with the difference for the cost of the seat.I am Not happy with paying $39000 for a bike then having to replace the seat, but at least the factory listened to us.
Philonrsi, Harley ownership means that you also need to supply your own vaseline. I'd avoid that dealership in future, because, they are blatantly wrong and had they the decency to contact HD USA I'm sure you would have been a happy customer at no cost to them.They were certainly willing to take your money. I hope you've been refunded. pete.
