Russell Day Long Seat is On!

[MichaelG]

I am riding to Russell to have mine done, even after all the massaging of the Utopia backrest, the ultimate fix was made last night. Removed the seat, removed the hardware, boxed it and put it in the attic. Agree with Miles, on the RDL, there is no need for a backrest.

Oh, I am not saying that there is no need for a backrest. I have a Utopia backrest on my RDL seat. My point was that the rider should not use the riders' backstop...the back wall of the riders' section of the seat...as a backrest. I did state that you could use a Utopia backrest, or have RCP install a backrest on your RDL seat.

And Mike (1951VBS)...I will mention to Kim at RCP your suggestion that they improve their packing and shipping issues. I will not mention your name, to protect the innocent.

Okay, post sent to Kim, and I gave her the info.

[Scotrod]

No..ScotRod, I did not say to sit in the wet-spot.

As much rain as we've been getting, there may be a wet spot!!!
We park and cover our 6's on the covered back patio. (The 'joys' of 'Suburbia', not enough room for toys!) Not a 100% waterproof environment.

[Scotrod]

And Mike (1951VBS)...I will mention to Kim at RCP your suggestion that they improve their packing and shipping issues. I will not mention your name, to protect the innocent.

I'll take the shredded paper / bubblewrap over those dayum foam peanuts anyday!!!

Yep, the 'poured foam' packing would be nice, but the only items I've received that had that packing were when the items were heavy, like exhaust systems, etc.

The Wing seats are huge. Mine arrived in great shape and had enough packing to keep 'em from harm.

[1951vbs]

I'll take the shredded paper / bubblewrap over those dayum foam peanuts anyday!!!

Yep, the 'poured foam' packing would be nice, but the only items I've received that had that packing were when the items were heavy, like exhaust systems, etc.

The Wing seats are huge. Mine arrived in great shape and had enough packing to keep 'em from harm.

True, not one of my RDL saddles has ever been damaged in shipping. Foam in place is not real expensive considering the price of the product but that many peanuts would suck. I do however have a tip for packing peanut handling: Shop Vac (just make sure you know where the exhaust is pointed). I got rid of my RDL box and packing when I used it to ship my spare seat to another forum member, sorry but it is good to recycle such things.

[timjoebob]

I rode about 80 miles today, city and interstate riding.

My RDL seat has a rider backrest and a passenger backrest, too.

Initially, I'm disappointed, to be honest. I'm not disappointed in the seat's workmanship or plushness or support. I'm disappointed in MY riding position. The seat lifts my position about 1.5" higher, which is still not a complaint. I actually like that. That's where my '05 Wing's rode with an aftermarket seat (Hartco). Didn't mind that a bit.

As Miles said above, the RDL sits you in a pocket, which feels very comfortable. But with MY seat and/or MY seating position (I'm 6'2", 190lbs), the seat pushes me slightly forward constantly. It keeps scooting me forward, and it "cramps my style", if you catch my drift.

I've tried every position of the rider's backrest (nice, thick and plush; readily and infinitely adjustable), which is also scooting me forward... and can't find a spot where it's not aiding in the sensation of my jewels being cramped. TMI, I know.

I even removed the rider's backrest altogether and even without the backrest, I find the seat still tries to scoot me forward.

I'm wondering if, after some use, this sensation will cease. I'm wondering if Miles or others have experienced this as well. I'm wondering if there's a remedy.

I'll post photos in the morning.

(BTW - my seat was packed nicely with bubblewrap and foam peanuts, some of which are still flying around the neighborhood)

[wishey1]

I am riding to Russell to have mine done, even after all the massaging of the Utopia backrest, the ultimate fix was made last night. Removed the seat, removed the hardware, boxed it and put it in the attic. Agree with Miles, on the RDL, there is no need for a backrest.

Do you know when you will leave...?

[Scotrod]

Can't say I've had the (exact) same sensation on my prior RDL's

Of the (2) I had prior, I sent (1) back for an adjustment. (VTX1800C No forward creep, but my Jewels were riding high!!!)

Are you being pushed forward or just finding yourself sitting on the forward part of the pocket and you are able to scoot back 'in' the pocket? If the later, during these 80 miles, did you do a lot of stopping/starting?

I did find myself needing to slide back into the pocket after stop/starts as I come up/forward a little out of the pocket when I extend my legs to the ground. (No miles on my latest RDL yet but it's kinda par for the course for me)

IMHO, I'd keep trying/riding it and see if there is an improvement.

You have 8 MONTHS to report any problems and get the seat 'adjusted'.

http://www.day-long.com/seat_warranty.html

[wishey1]

Yeah I'm disappointed too...well, my Russell was higher, I think that's a given...
and they were made to go 580 mi. days......

If you are sliding forward call them maybe they have a fix...you can sell it for sure
I'd buy it but I'm 5'10 and chunky......hmmmmm.

[MichaelG]

I'm wondering if, after some use, this sensation will cease. I'm wondering if Miles or others have experienced this as well. I'm wondering if there's a remedy.

Tim, the issue you are dealing with is somewhat common for a lot of people that get a RDL the first time, when done through the shipping process, rather than done by a Ride-In appt. Even though I have always done a Ride-In appt., for 11 seats through them, I can attest that the first couple seats made me feel the same way that you are feeling right now, and I had them corrected at the time of the Ride-In appt., because they have you sit on it to test it, before they put the final upholstery cover on. Getting the correct pelvic angle on the seat is important, and RDL seats have a tendency to be slanted a little forward, rather than level or backwards. I am now used to that, and I inform them to compensate for that when my seats are done now.

Also, the family jewels issue is a common one on their seats, and I have learned to have them make my seats a little flatter in the very front, so that I am not sitting on the jewelry (so to speak).

I have to say that this current seat on my F6B is the best seat they have ever done for me, but...I am used to asking for what I want from them, and...they are used to me, after 11 seats, and they know that I will ask for a specific cut here and angle there, as it works for me. There is a method to my madness of always going there in person and having it done on the spot.

I know that a lot of you folks cannot do that, and it is a bummer. Either too far, or too many days off to make the ride. I get it. BUT...

...RDL will fix that seat for you, and make it right. As stated by Scotrod, give the seat more time...to break in, and to fit yourself to the seat. But don't ride in pain or discomfort. After about 500 to 2000 miles, contact Kim at RDL, actually...RCP (Russell Cycle Products), that makes the RDL, and let her know what is going on. Figure out what it is that you need to have done with the seat, how to improve it, and don't be afraid to draw on the seat cover with chalk. That way they can see what you are talking about.

If the bottomline is that the RDL seat does not work for you, after a couple adjustments, they will refund your money. Or, as suggested, you can sell it to someone else.

You may want to "think" about riding out to there in person, and having them make the adjustment in person...if you can.

Also, Tim, where are you located? In Virginia, I see. That is only 2650 miles away, so... I may just ride out to you, and have you take my bike for a ride, to compare my RDL seat to yours, and if it works for you, they can duplicate my seat, as they took a pattern of mine, because it was the first one made for an F6B.

Please remember that everyone has a different butt, and a different body. A RDL seat may not work for you. Ironically...a Mustang or a Corbin or a Ultimate seat may be what is best for you. Only YOU can make that decision. A RDL seat is great, but only if it fits you.

[timjoebob]

Helpful comments, Miles. I can't ride out there. Just no way.

I'll give it a bit more time in the saddle, but only a little. It's pretty darn uncomfortable. (You just sort of KNOW when it's not gonna work) Then I'll send it back to them.

(Can you hear that sound? It's $60 dollars being sucked out of my wallet for shipping)