Saddlemen San Diego Customs "SDC" Step Up Performance Gripper Seat For Harley Touring 6 Month Review

[@timjo1970]

Thanks for explaining the backrest. That is what I was most interested in seeing. I watched several videos where guys showed the back rest, but did not show how it worked or they didn’t show it in the different positions. Thank you.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Thanks for Watching! Hope you all enjoy it.

[@physiciansassist1]

I cant do over 150 miles without having to get off the bike on my 22 sg. I thought it be much more comfy.. great in the turns and mountains. Love how it makes you grounded in your bike.

[@DatzDog]

21 RGS Snake Venom had a custom seat made using stock seat pan, Russell Day Long Seat Redding California. Amazing dropped off my stock RG seat 8am in morning and picked up custom seat at 430pm same day. Dark green diamond stitching. Most comfortable seat.. i can Ride All day and no Hotspots like on previous seats. I definitely like the stepup with backrest.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Wow that’s amazing! CA definitely is loaded with some sick custom shops. Definitely jealous of that. Glad you were able to pretty much build your own seat!

[@deez3814]

Could you give me their address? I can’t seem to find this place in Redding, California.

[@deez3814]

Thank you 😊 ‘14 street glide special 7k miles

[@timbarnett3898]

Really nice seat! Rider backrest isn't exactly lined up with seat, comes forward into seat space, so look there for discomfort. Front of seat narrows nicely an look for comfort in inner thigh. Very top of seat pan, right where you sit, butt making contact points is thin, too lower bike height, won't have enough pad material for long riding comfort! Things I like are the materials an matches of materials in design, an over all design. Love styling even fine patterns. If you find yourself pushing against backrest for more comfort, then backrest might still be fitted too far forward. Might be better transition between seat an rear vertical seat portion instead of just "piping"? More rounded for better rear butt comfort might be good? After a long ride, getting off the bike, when your stuff an sore from the wind & long ride. Right as you get off bike, after straighten your body up, observe any sore discomfort pain spots on your rear end. Then right there observe what part of seat construction that made you rear end sore? Then you know how too make perfect custom seat for you!

[@chgofirefighter]

I just purchased this seat for my 2022 Low Rider ST, haven't installed it yet or tried it out but so far I'm happy with the quality, materials and workmanship~

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Congratulations on the new bike! They sure make outstanding products as well as stand behind them. Kinda Jealous, I wish I could add a low rider ST to the fleet 😂

[@chgofirefighter]

@@MotoHeadKyle Thanks bro~

[@MotoHeadKyle]

@@chgofirefighter absolutely! Glad to have you here. Hope you like the seat, you’ll have to let me know what you think of it!

[@chilldbox]

Same here! Should be in a few days.

[@chilldbox]

Got it love. it..

[@YoursInYeshua]

Great video man! Just grabbed my stepup and can't wait to get it next week! Ride safe brother.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Thank you! I greatly appreciate it. Hope you enjoy it! I look forward to seeing you down in the comments in the future! Ride safe 🤙🏻

[@kevinf7016]

That bike is absolutely sick!

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Thank you Kevin!

[@debbieschlier7531]

I love all the saddlemen seats…..love that you have 4 options for the back support. Great video!

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Thank you! Thanks for watching!

[@paulson9616]

Ordered one with back support Can't wait

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Awesome! Let me know how you like it 🤘🏻

[@stevepolimeni4312]

Very informative video looks like a comfortable seat another awesome video

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Thank you for the kind words! Thanks for watching!

[@Dirk1961-l7y]

I had one on a old Fatbob and drove in 11ours back home from Faak am See EU bike Week! No issues! But….i is not waterproof and sucks full of rain. The LS slim has a raincover included, this more expensive one, NOT! The version with the backrest i returned, i is a puncher and not a backrest😂. It cost $1000+ in the Netherlands now😮😮😮😮

[@thatsickrg2307]

Nice looking seat! Thanks for the review.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching!

[@Elaine-hq5rq]

Sick bike Kyle!

[@ninjarazor123]

Bike is 🔥 I see this was posted 2 years ago. I'm curious to know if you still own and use the SDC seat? Does it allow for more leg room vs the stock? I'm 6'4" and more leg room from a new seat wld be great

[@TomGlander]

This looks like the coolest seat ever. Looks comfortable. The lumbar support is critical for me.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

A couple years later I’m still rocking it. Love it.

[@TomGlander]

@@MotoHeadKyle Glad you're still enjoying it. I ordered direct from Saddlemen factory. I think the seat will break in and conform to my anatomy over time, and should be far better than the stock seat. And I can have my wife ride with me as well, if she can sit on the part behind. Should be okay for short rides.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

It does “give in” over time and isn’t as stiff. It should be fine for shorter rides with a passenger! Let me know what you think in the future!

[@hankhamern5456]

Just got mine , I may have to also purchase the road sofa for my passenger, anyways I stay true to this brand. I'm really satisfied so far.need more break in miles Lol

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Yes! They did just come out with a step up “touring” seat that offers a wider passenger portion. I will have a unboxing video coming out shortly on it!

[@Tom-jw1pe]

Got my yesterday… very nice seat… hope it break in fast… love it so far tho.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Awesome! You’ll love it even more once it gets broken in👍🏻

[@Tom-jw1pe]

@@MotoHeadKyle how many miles until it’s broken in?

[@MotoHeadKyle]

@@Tom-jw1pe short answer is I guess it varies from person to person, however mine took about 500-1000 miles

[@1961fireplug]

Another great video with a lot of good information, thanks.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Thanks for watching!

[@rodneywheatley2763]

I love the looks of the seat. Anyway you can flip the backrest post so as you raise it it goes farther back? I have pullback bars and like to lean back farther.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Unfortunately no. However I’m sure you could get creative and have something similar fabricated so you could have that! Thanks for watching!

[@MightyMick88]

Thanks dude, which handlebars have you got and how high are they? Nice bike.

[@drainmonkeys385]

For me the jury is still out on whether or not it’s a seat that I’m going to keep on my bike, I did get one from my Lowrider ST, and it looks phenomenal IMO I like the positioning and the fact that it holds me in place, and pulls me up just a little bit since I’m only 5‘7”. However I am very disappointed in the back rest, I find it to be extremely uncomfortable and I took it off … it looks great with it on. But I can’t have it. I am on the hunt for a good Corbin alternative

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Everyone’s different and you gotta get something that’s best fitted for you and your needs! Thanks for watching! Best of luck finding a seat

[@codymitchell5397]

How was it uncomfortable? I’m 5’8 and thinking of getting this seat for more comfort and back support over my step up

[@tommiller8714]

I agree with your review. I have that style seat (Saddlemen SDC) with the optional backrest and optional gel in the passenger section, and gold-tan thread on my 2022 Low Rider S. Love the seat. Was going to get one for my 2021 Road Glide Special but ended up getting a custom made Road Sofa (Black with dark green thread; bike color is Snake Venom) from Saddlemen to keep my girlfriend happy when we're riding 2-up (on the Road Glide).

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Awesome! The road sofa is a great seat! Definitely more pleasing for the passenger’s comfort LOL. I bet the dark green stitching looks great. Thanks for watching!

[@SethTiedeman]

Question for Tom. I'm looking at the Saddlemen SDC with backrest and passenger gel for my Low Rider ST. Wondering if you have any input on passenger comfort? If able, in your opinion what is around the max range until discomfort on the passenger portion? Thank you

[@tommiller8714]

@@SethTiedeman Hello Seth. Saddlemen SDC Seat w/opt. driver mini-backrest & opt. Gel in passenger section: Last week, I added passenger foot pegs, and today (5/11/2022) I added the HD Detachable Std. height sissy bar (gloss black) & passenger pad (plain smooth black for now); I haven't had my GF on the back yet as a passenger (or any passenger ) on my '22-FXLRS yet. She's not a fan of the Saddlemen step-up style seats (based on my previous softails...'16-FXLR & '20-FXLRS), as they have minimal sectional area (size). She's 5'1"/120Lbs., but we're both older (yep, baby boomers here). Doable for short local rides (bar hopping; cruising the coast here in So. Cal.). Young (& fit) girls (late teens/20's) probably would not complain. Honestly, I primarily ride my FXLRS by myself, and go 2-up on my '21 Road Glide Special which has a Saddlemen Road Sofa, black leather w/custom dark green stich (my RGS is Snake Venom). She loves that seat. Hope that helps.

[@Jack-b5o6r]

Love those seats !

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Absolutely! I was beyond shocked at how comfy and functional this seat is. Thanks for watching! I greatly appreciate it.

[@Jack-b5o6r]

@@MotoHeadKyle no worries

[@Jack-b5o6r]

So Bad Boyz is sending me one of their seats but I would like to do a comparison of the 2 seats ? Maybe we could link up since you’re close to Allentown if you can fit it in your busy schedule DV

[@MotoHeadKyle]

@@Jack-b5o6r absolutely! Would love to have a collab. DM me on Instagram

[@bigbaggerben7504]

How’s the seat currently? I’m wondering if this seat locks you? For me I feel like I slide a lot on the stock seat having to shift a lot. We have the same bike so I love watching your vids! 🤙🏾

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Thanks man I appreciate it🤙🏼 the answer is YES. This seat definitely locks you in, as well as puts you in a nice aggressive riding position. Have over 10K miles on it and have never even considered switching to something else. Ride Safe my friend!

[@timhenry6403]

Hi Kyle. Fantastic review and very professionally done. I have a question and sorry if was already addressed. I watched a video of a 15000 mile review of the Saddlemen Step up. Maybe you watched it? Great review but the one thing that really concerned me was the damaged the seat cause you the rear fender! It was brutal. Maybe that has been addressed by Saddlemen now, but from what I see the bottom of the seat looks much the same. What are your thoughts on this as I'm sure you would not want your paint destroyed on that beautiful ride of yours especially given that snake venom color would be hard to repair. All the best and safe riding!!!

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Thank you I appreciate it! I have not seen it however I’ll offer my 2 cents. I’ve seen stock seats do damage to the tank, side covers & rear fender. So it’s going to happen regardless of seat choice. Most people never clean under the seat and that adds to the damage. My recommendation is to clean under the seat every time you wash the bike, as well as keep it waxed and sealed. Or you could add a PPF (paint protection film) to troublesome areas which acts as a layer of protection.. which saddlemen does offer on their website. Hope that helps! Ride safe🤙🏻

[@timhenry6403]

@@MotoHeadKyle Thank you for the advice Kyle👍🏼

[@staffordjames2688]

Great video! I am considering one for my SGS. I'm a fit 61 years old and weight 175. Looking for a do it all seat. I have done some really long rides on the stock. The thing I know I need is a backrest. Love the look but how functional is it on long days? Thanks in advance... great video and content!

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Thank you! I love this seat, but I’m also only 28 so I can deal with not having the almost comfortable of seats. I’ve done 12 hour days on it just fine. I will say if you could definitely try it out before you buy one, I know some people don’t care for that little back rest. They say it digs into their back. Hope that helps you out a little bit!

[@staffordjames2688]

@Moto Head Kyle I ordered one so I guess we will find out. I toured on the stock before so hoping it's better. Didn't want the road sofa look. The Saddlemen Dominator was a close second .

[@MotoHeadKyle]

@@staffordjames2688 best of luck! Hope you like it. I’m not a huge fan of the aesthetic of the road sofa either lol

[@peterdj1942]

Hi Kyle thinking about this seat how does it compare to the stock seat does it put you back from the bars thanks.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

It’s honestly been so long now that I’ve been rocking this seat that I can’t remember. However I’m short and if it put me back too far I wouldn’t be able to ride it. So if it does it must be very minimal

[@almohandskhaild]

is good for overwieght guy ?

[@jazz12351]

I have a 21 road glide and I was told that the seat you doesn't fit the road glide. Did you order straight from saddlemen or off ebay . Did you any mods to fit your bike

[@MotoHeadKyle]

I ordered it from get lowered cycles. This style seat is also made for other models such as softails. As long as it says it’s for Harley Touring you should be good

[@jazz12351]

@@MotoHeadKyle ok I really appreciate the information thanks

[@GruntHarley]

Does the SDC pro comes with gel insert? Or is that something that can be custom ordered?

[@MotoHeadKyle]

If I remember correctly the rider portion comes with the Gel Core technology, if you’d want the passenger portion with gel core that would be an additional cost. Hope that helps! Thanks for watching 🤙🏻

[@GruntHarley]

@@MotoHeadKyle Thanks that works for me. Beautiful RG btw. Ride safe 👊🏼

[@MotoHeadKyle]

@@GruntHarley thanks! you ride safe as well! Hope to see you in the comments again soon 🤙🏻

[@KT-GoNavy]

Kyle, I've ordered this seat. Do you still like it? Also, with the seat, how does your Klock Werks windshield work for you? I'm same size as you, so does the 6 inch windshield work or do you recommend next size? Thanks for the informative vids.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

I still love the seat! My klock werks still works great, I wouldn’t change a thing. Depends on what you prefer. If I was older and wanted slightly less wind, I’d probably opt for the 9 inch windshield. But it’s all about preference. I personally love the look of the slightly smaller windshield. Hope that gives you some perspective 🤘🏻 thanks for watching & commenting!

[@KT-GoNavy]

@@MotoHeadKyle Thanks Kyle. Unfortunately the seat doesn't work for me. The reach to the bars, and I have Thrashin pull back risers, is too far for my comfort. My search continues. Thanks!

[@MotoHeadKyle]

@@KT-GoNavy oh man, sorry to hear that! In the past I’ve always picked the seat I’ve wanted and then set the bars accordingly, but that’s also because I’m cheap and usually wait spending money on bars🤣

[@johnharland2336]

The seat looks great, and the backrest is a big deal on long rides BUT.... The seat is hard as a rock and never "breaks-in." I see all these reviews, but no one talks about how long they stay in the saddle. Yeah, sure you can ride it 1000 miles but will have to get off every couple hundred. None of these manufacturers ever really explain what "break-in" means. Break into what? Over time the seat cushion will compress. Is that break-in? If so, how does compression make the foam softer? These seats are made for bar hopping boulevard cruising not extended time in the saddle.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

You bring up valid points however I’ve noticed a significant difference in comfort from when I originally had gotten the seat. Yes, this seat is obviously not a “touring” seat. A step up is designed for hooligan stuff. However I can do 12 hours 600+ miles easily on this seat. You said getting off every couple hundred miles.. obviously you’ll have to regardless due to needing fuel? So I’m not sure I agree with that considering I fuel up every 200-250 miles. Also CycleFanatix has the same seat minus the backrest and has completed a saddlebutt challenge and a bun-burner challenge. So it is more than possible. Perhaps you bought the wrong seat for YOU. But to each their own.

[@johnjakowenko8521]

anybody had both this one and the road lounge to compare?

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Assuming you meant road sofa? Not even the same comparison. The road sofa is meant for long days and high miles of riding. Not saying you can’t do it on a step up, because I do. But I’m also under 30. The step up is obviously for looks and for riding aggressive. The road sofa like any Saddlemen is very firm until broken in. Hope this helps🤙🏻

[@carolinarider5237]

Does it come in a extended reach seat?

[@MotoHeadKyle]

I don’t believe this variation comes with a extended reach, However Saddlemen does make an extended reach step-up

[@codytucker84]

@@MotoHeadKyle The extended reach step up and this are both 16'' at seat lenghth

[@MotoHeadKyle]

@@codytucker84 thanks for the input! Do they make this SDC/Saddlemen step-up in an extended reach? I haven’t seen one.. just a normal saddlemen

[@codytucker84]

@@MotoHeadKyle No extended reach, it'd be nice to see a Predator 2-up size seat at 19'' not the P-3 the older one.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

@@codytucker84 that would be nice for you taller folks lol

[@prodentfrontoffice5668]

do you ride two up with that seat?

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Not often!

[@roncoburn7771]

hell there 725.00 now

[@jjs8046]

I have only one issue with this seat: the price. 😅

[@MotoHeadKyle]

😂😂 I see it’s gone up like another $90-100 from when I originally got mine😳

[@steveketterman4939]

How tall are you

[@MotoHeadKyle]

As mentioned at the 6:44 time frame I am 5’8!

[@traviswhitworth6506]

@@MotoHeadKyle I'm 5'5". Would Lisa bring me a little lower on a 2022 road glide compared to stock seat?

[@MotoHeadKyle]

@@traviswhitworth6506 Hi Travis! So the seat itself isn’t any lower, however the seat is more narrow in the width department which is naturally able to bring your stance a little closer which makes up for improved footing! Hope that helps. Thanks for watching!

[@PROTEUS_SEER-OF-EONS]

I want it without the stupid WHITE emblems

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Wish I could help ya, you could probably just unstitch it if it really bothers you that bad😂