First ride after adding seat gel hoping for more comfort, but nope, no change! What do do? Anybody made theirs better?

[Graderman]

Grader, just a couple of comments on your “against” for Russell. I am am not disputing any of your points as they are all valid, but -

If you buy a cheap second hand seat (it can even have rips in it) to send to Russell, you still have your stock seat to sell with the Spyder. It also means you can continue to ride while your custom seat is being made. Sure, it is an extra cost, but it is well worth it.

Being in Australia, I do not have the luxury of a ride in appointment. In 5 instances of having Russell make me a seat from photos and measurements on 3 different motorcycle brands, I only once had to send one back for adjustment and Russell paid most of the shipping cost. Their remote builds work very well.

Yes, the Daylong is indeed too heavy for the stock seat shock (although mine was built heavy duty to cope with my 300+ lbs - all muscle of course). I used this as an opportunity to remove the seat shock and use a rod to hold the seat up when refuelling. This has 2 added benefits. You create more room to get the pump nozzle in AND you NEVER have to worry about the locking catch failing and preventing you getting at your gas cap.

Pete

The ride-in appointment (RDL or Corbin) is a great excuse for a good road trip!

 

[Graderman]

I also debated between a Corbin and Russell Day Long (and Seth Laam). Having used Corbin seats on four (4) past motorcycles, I was never disappointed in comfort. I did have a leather issue with one seat, but Corbin took care of it quickly on their dime. Sadly, I hear and read quite a bit about the decline of Corbin service, so I declined to try one for my RT. I also purchased a Ultimate seat for my 2022 RT S2S, but the fitment was terrible and I immediately returned it. The gaps were terribly big at the front of the seat. I also had Seth Laam rebuild my OEM F3S seat, and I found it much better on my backside than the OEM. In questioning Seth Laam about an RT seat rebuild, he wasn't nearly as forthcoming as he was with my F3S seats. I also asked about leather and he pretty much avoided the questions. When I asked for some leather/vinyl samples, he actually replied "I'll have to see if my wife has any stamps to send some out"!! I never received any samples Nope, not this time.
And this leads to RDL. Jay was ALWAYS prompt to answer questions. I promptly received multiple samples of Sunbrella, vinyl, and leather. He was quick to answer questions re: pro's/con's of each. I quickly decided to go with RDL. Being October (2024) in WI, I booked a February 2025 build date, as I knew I wouldn't be riding until late March at the earliest. This also gave me time to track down a used take off RT heated seat, as I wanted to keep my RT S2S seat as is. I was able to snag a heated take off seat on ebay for $125 so I was all set. I opted for vinyl over leather, as I never could quite warm up to the sunbrella look for my Sea To Sky. I know, but personal preference. Being around 240# geared, I opted for heavy duty suspension. The end result is awesome. I now have about 600 miles on my seat, and the best compliment I can give about my seat is that I never think about it when riding. No shifting around to get comfortable. I just sit and ride without any thoughts about seat comfort.
Now in regards to the seat strut. My OEM strut began crapping out holding up my OEM seat after about 1K miles. I bought the Show Chrome strut, and it worked well. In anticipation of holding up the RDL seat, I bought the Spyder Extras seat lift kit. Now, that said, the Show Chrome strut holds up the RDL seat without issues, and I haven't even used the SE lift, but it will be staying on. Now, after this long winded reply, GET THE RDL!! You won't be disappointed.

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Thanks troop. The RDL does pair well with the stock rear and thanks for the info on the strut!

 

[Graderman]

Rode most of the day yesterday through a few of the Sierras finest passes. The AirHawk did just great. Borrow one if you have to and adjust it correctly (not as much air as you might think). You might not return it!!!!

I used to own an AirHawk and was not pleased in the least. Yes, it was inflated (deflated) correctly. The issue being once again the feeling of sitting on a marshmallow. A very firm, sculpted seat is where I'm happiest.

 

[troop]

Thanks troop. The RDL does pair well with the stock rear and thanks for the info on the strut!

Yup .. It really does. I opted for graphite vinyl, which is their darkest of the grays. It goes well with some of the gray/silver hues that my 2022 RT S2S has. They also had similar colors in leather/sunbrella. Good luck with your decision