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Help!! What is the most comfortable after market seat for a TransContinental?

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R Chai

R Chai

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Joined
Apr 13, 2026
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12
Location
Boca Raton FL
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Bike
R1200C & R18TC
What seats have you guys replaced with and what has been your experience? I'll need a backrest for the long rides too. Headed from Florida to Ohio in July and I've got to figure something else out. My ass hurts.
 
I ended up putting a BMW (Mustang) Cross Country seat on my R18B. This seat was not originally made for the Transcontinental or R18B ( R18 standard) but with minor mods it will fit. I have ridden 5-6 hours at one time without even noticing my bottom. These are no longer offered by BMW but they come up for sale pretty regularly. This being said the very best seat IMO is the Russell Day Long. This is the seat choice for most of the the IBR (Iron Butt Rally) participants. There is no better seat made for cross country touring. Saddlemen Seats have recently introduced their Road Sofa seat for the Transcontinental. I have not heard from anyone who has purchased one of these yet, though Saddlemen has a good reputation with Goldwing, Harley and Indian owners.

Another less expensive option would be to get an Alaska Leather sheepskin pad for your seat. The sheepskin cover can make a big difference. I use a 3D mesh seat cover when touring long distance I have found that the #D mesh cover works even better than the sheepskin to reduce pressure points and keep you cool in hot weather.

https://www.saddlemen.com/2022-2026-bmw-r18b,-r18tc-roadsofa-black-seat-with-driver's-backrest?search=bmw&description=true
https://day-long.com/
https://www.alaskaleather.com/?gad_...e74y32GKR9-T9wSxrj1QUBcF4g-biVWkaAqa5EALw_wcB
https://windriderseatcovers.com/pro...sCnh8gH9kPvBTGnZnRGmAD2hDV7GYTkoaAk07EALw_wcB
 
Last edited:
I have a Corbin for the Transcontinental. While it kind of locks you into one specific position, it is all day comfortable. Way better than the stock seat or the BMW Option 719 seat (I tried them both).

YMMV

Eric
 
Yes - I forgot about the Corbin. Many like the Corbin seats. I tried one on My Honda ST years ago. I hated it. I live very close to the Corbin factory and had the seat adjusted a couple of times but could not get it to work for me. I then bought a Russell and found happiness. Posteriors are funny about seats.
 
bdalameda said:
I ended up putting a BMW (Mustang) Cross Country seat on my R18B. This seat was not originally made for the Transcontinental or R18B ( R18 standard) but with minor mods it will fit. I have ridden 5-6 hours at one time without even noticing my bottom. These are no longer offered by BMW but they come up for sale pretty regularly. This being said the very best seat IMO is the Russell Day Long. This is the seat choice for most of the the IBR (Iron Butt Rally) participants. There is no better seat made for cross country touring. Saddlemen Seats have recently introduced their Road Sofa seat for the Transcontinental. I have not heard from anyone who has purchased one of these yet, though Saddlemen has a good reputation with Goldwing, Harley and Indian owners.

Another less expensive option would be to get an Alaska Leather sheepskin pad for your seat. The sheepskin cover can make a big difference. I use a 3D mesh seat cover when touring long distance I have found that the #D mesh cover works even better than the sheepskin to reduce pressure points and keep you cool in hot weather.

https://www.saddlemen.com/2022-2026-bmw-r18b,-r18tc-roadsofa-black-seat-with-driver's-backrest?search=bmw&description=true
https://day-long.com/
https://www.alaskaleather.com/?gad_...e74y32GKR9-T9wSxrj1QUBcF4g-biVWkaAqa5EALw_wcB
https://windriderseatcovers.com/pro...sCnh8gH9kPvBTGnZnRGmAD2hDV7GYTkoaAk07EALw_wcB
Click to expand...
Thanks BD, this is all great info that I will definitely look into. I really appreciate your reply!
 
I have a Russell Day Long that I bought from another member on this site who sold their TC. I love it. I heard they are pricey but much better than the Option 719 seat which I had before purchasing this seat.
 
bdalameda said:
I ended up putting a BMW (Mustang) Cross Country seat on my R18B. This seat was not originally made for the Transcontinental or R18B ( R18 standard) but with minor mods it will fit. I have ridden 5-6 hours at one time without even noticing my bottom. These are no longer offered by BMW but they come up for sale pretty regularly.
Click to expand...
seen one on offer
www.powersportmarket.com

BMW Cross Country Seat R18 2021-2024 - www.powersportmarket.com

BMW Cross Country Seat R18 A stock BMW motorcycle is already one of the finest two wheeled machines you can...
www.powersportmarket.com www.powersportmarket.com
 
I put a Russell DayLong seat on my 2022 R18TC. It was pricey but well designed. I noticed I sat an inch higher which was not a problem. You have to send in your stock seat and wait about 10 days for them to return it to you . It meant I didn't ride for that time span.
 
IMG_5570.jpegIMG_5954.jpeg

I know that it’s a different model, but I just had my OEM seat reupholstered and recovered. It cost me $450Aud. I’m surprised more owners don’t do the same as this was at least half the price compared to getting a new or customised one.
 
I have a RSD seat but hear they are no longer made ? much better than the stock seat.... I LOVE MY R18.. I just saw a R90S for sale on Bring a Trailer but my R18 is made for me, so bye bye dreams of the old R90 bikes....
 
Just to throw in my 2¢ ... I have a Corbin custom seat ... it is very comfortable and I like it very much, but it is not on the 'inexpensive' side ... even though i thought it would be worth it ... 2 + years after buying it, the leather started peeling ... Corbin says they only guarantee it for one year and want over $300 to re-do it ... IMO don't buy a Corbin seat ...

Seat Peel 02.jpg

Seat Peel 01.jpg
 
R Chai said:
Larry, How firm was the seat when you got it and has it softened up a bit over time?
Click to expand...
It was a little bit firmer than I would have liked at first but was instantly MUCH more comfortable than stock. My biggest issue with the stock seat was how the crest seemed to push right against my tailbone, with the Corbin there is a "cup" shape that my tailbone sits in and the seat is wider for my cheeks. The Corbin has gotten more and more comfortable as the months have gone on. I don't think it's "soft" but definitely has shaped more to my shape and does not bother me at all even after hours and hours in the saddle...
 
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