New Ultimate F3 seat

[bushrat]

About the only thing that has disappointed me since our purchase of a 2017 F3L in early June, has been the discomfort of the stock driver seat. The ergos of the F3 are fine for me, and I enjoy its ride and handling; my missus loves the experience of being an F3 pillion passenger. I just couldn't go much more than an hour (90 mins tops) in my driver seat. An Airhawk pad has helped me stretch this to 2-1/2 to 3 hours, but I feel it when I leave the saddle. The missus had no issues with her stock seat. I have had discussions with many others who extolled the virtues of the Russell 'Day Long', and those who urged me to try an Ultimate. The latter has recently come out with a new, one-piece seat for the F3. I've patiently been waiting for months so that I could make a decision between the two. That time has come.

A couple of days ago, I was able to stop by the Ultimate show room in Ormond Beach, FL, and chat with Dave Frank. What super nice people. I got to sit in a new standard black vinyl seat on their F3 in the showroom; very nice. Then, Dave showed me a two-color style, red/black, with an Ostrich skin-like insert. Well, I was stunned!! I just had to take the sample out and lay it on top of my bike to see what it would look like. I'd have bought it on the spot, but it was the 'tall boy' size and I felt I really needed to order a 'mid-rider' size. Dave said he'd get one in and I could come back in a few weeks for an extended test ride of both. Well, the image of that darn thing has haunted me for the past three nights. So, today, I simply took the plunge and ordered me one. Here are a couple of photos; the color match just looked so right I couldn't resist. Now, I'll be anxiously awaiting its arrival so I can go and ride, and start breaking it in. There will be a matching two-color cover with a second silver spider logo on the passenger back rest and, of course, the seat will be mounted in its proper place, not just sitting on top of the stock seat. Maybe you'll understand how I felt, and why I acted now.20171113_130645.jpg20171113_130657.jpg

[Chupaca]

That is a good looking seat color combo and matches your spider well... send the pc's when you get it done up...

[bushrat]

That is a good looking seat color combo and matches your spider well... send the pc's when you get it done up...

Will do, and thanks for the moral support!! May come in handy with the missus.

[hdmike58]

I took that seat for an hour test ride about a month ago in NC. Mine will be here tomorrow. Black with ebony croc inserts and gray/black Spyder logos on the seat and top case backrest. Pics to follow...

[ISPYD]

About the only thing that has disappointed me since our purchase of a 2017 F3L in early June, has been the discomfort of the stock driver seat. The ergos of the F3 are fine for me, and I enjoy its ride and handling; my missus loves the experience of being an F3 pillion passenger. I just couldn't go much more than an hour (90 mins tops) in my driver seat. An Airhawk pad has helped me stretch this to 2-1/2 to 3 hours, but I feel it when I leave the saddle. The missus had no issues with her stock seat. I have had discussions with many others who extolled the virtues of the Russell 'Day Long', and those who urged me to try an Ultimate. The latter has recently come out with a new, one-piece seat for the F3. I've patiently been waiting for months so that I could make a decision between the two. That time has come.

A couple of days ago, I was able to stop by the Ultimate show room in Ormond Beach, FL, and chat with Dave Frank. What super nice people. I got to sit in a new standard black vinyl seat on their F3 in the showroom; very nice. Then, Dave showed me a two-color style, red/black, with an Ostrich skin-like insert. Well, I was stunned!! I just had to take the sample out and lay it on top of my bike to see what it would look like. I'd have bought it on the spot, but it was the 'tall boy' size and I felt I really needed to order a 'mid-rider' size. Dave said he'd get one in and I could come back in a few weeks for an extended test ride of both. Well, the image of that darn thing has haunted me for the past three nights. So, today, I simply took the plunge and ordered me one. Here are a couple of photos; the color match just looked so right I couldn't resist. Now, I'll be anxiously awaiting its arrival so I can go and ride, and start breaking it in. There will be a matching two-color cover with a second silver spider logo on the passenger back rest and, of course, the seat will be mounted in its proper place, not just sitting on top of the stock seat. Maybe you'll understand how I felt, and why I acted now.20171113_130645.jpg20171113_130657.jpg

Congratulations. You will not be sorry. I have the Ultimate seat with black croc inserts and on the spider insignias I had them stitch the middle with red. Looks like a black widow spider

i received my seat and had it installed the day we left on a 2500 mile trip and have loved it since day one. Truly feel like I am in a saddle. So comfortable

[SpyderNeil]

20171113_130645.jpg20171113_130657.jpg


Neil

[Peteoz]

Wow. Impressive looking seat, Bushrat. You hear so many good reports about Ultimate

Pete

[bushrat]

Wow. Impressive looking seat, Bushrat. You hear so many good reports about Ultimate

Pete

Pete:
I know (and appreciate) that you are a great fan of Russell seats. I always find great wisdom in your SL comments and highly respect your input. I have been searching for a new seat for my F3, and likely would have been headed that same way, based on your and others' recommendations. Knowing that Ultimate was coming out with a new product, I had been delaying. When I saw this seat and how great it looked on my Spyder, I just couldn't resist ordering one. I'll know soon enough whether it was the right decision; I sure hope so. But, if not, I still have your fall-back. Thanks for the moral support.

[funon3]

I have the exact same F3L. That seat really looks nice on there. If I'm not out of line, may I ask what the cost of your new seat was?

[bushrat]

I have the exact same F3L. That seat really looks nice on there. If I'm not out of line, may I ask what the cost of your new seat was?

No problem re price, and no secret, as the costs are openly published on their website. Seat is $525; backrest is $225; color inserts with logo are $150; backrest cover (not shown in photo) is $95. So, my total was $995, to which must be added any applicable sales taxes and shipping. It looks like you already have a driver backrest (I didn't), so they may just charge to recover, rather than for whole thing, which could reduce cost; you'd have to ask. Very nice folks to deal with. Good luck.

[MKrone]

I have past experience with an RDL seat on an RT, loved the seat but did not like the additional height in a seating position. I now have an F3 and love the fact I'm sitting into the bike versus on top of the bike. i've been looking at the Corbin and know about the customer sat issues. I have heard that the RDL for the F3 also lifts you up as well so that eliminates them from the mix, has anyone spent some time on the new Ultimate for the F3 to provide an opinion on how the seat with compare to the original seat on the F3 with regard to the riding position? Would I be better served to just go for the Corbin as i don't want to sit higher than I am right now. I'm riding a 2016 F3 T. Thoughts?

mk

[bushrat]

.... has anyone spent some time on the new Ultimate for the F3 to provide an opinion on how the seat with compare to the original seat on the F3 with regard to the riding position? ....mk

My recollection in speaking with Dave Frank when I ordered my new Ultimate seat for the F3 was that the height (as compared to the stock BRP seat) is not changed; however, the 'tall boy' seat will move the rider back an inch, whereas the 'mid-rider' stays the same. BUT, to be absolutely certain, you should speak directly to Ultimate about any concerns you may have.

Good luck.

[Highwayman2013]

Good luck with the new seat, looks nice.