The ideal cover for a motorcycle must exhibit many features, and Saddlemen utilizes the best material, Saddlehyde™, which provides the optimum combination of good looks, comfort and durability. First, Saddlehyde™, has a luxurious look and feel due to its leather grain and soft touch feel. Second, Saddlehyde™ has a built in compliance, or stretch, that enhances the gel and foam characteristics for increased comfort. Many other materials, including many leathers, are more board like and prevent the foam or gel from doing their job of softening your ride. Third, motorcycle seats are exposed to some of the worst conditions imaginable; bright sun, heat, rain and constant flexing, conditions that ruin the looks and durability of ordinary materials. Saddlehyde™ excels in these conditions and constant application of conditioners is not required.
Our unique Co-mold process is the largest comfort advancement in motorcycle seating since the creation of the suspension.
The Cushion Layer
The top sculpted layer is the sensory layer. It cushions and provides that nice soft touch.
The Absorption Layer
The middle layer isolates vibration, absorbs and dampens shock, disperses the pressure and promotes blood flow which alleviates hot spots created by foam only seating solutions.
The Support Layer
The bottom layer “the shell” is the stability layer. The polyurethane substructure completes the seating foundation to provide a truly unique riding experience.
Scientifically proven, this amazing product will increase the amount of time you spend on your motorcycle. A seat made with SaddleGel is scientifically engineered to dampen, divert and deflect the energy from road shock which air bladders and 70 year old foam only seat technology cannot protect you from.
Our SaddleGel has the ability to conform to all body shapes, sizes, and contours to reduce pressure points and promote blood flow which minimizes “hot spots “associated the pain and discomfort.
Otherwise, pressure points or “hot spots” can hinder blood flow, causing pain and discomfort. Normal circulation is never lost on a seat with SaddleGel and it keeps you comfortable on a long ride.
Whether it's a football helmet, hospital bed, knee pad or body armor, the foam it contains plays a critical role in making that product both comfortable and safe. But can that foam be transformed into something significantly better, safer and more comfortable?
Foam only seating dates back to the 1940’s. Still after 70 years many motorcycle seating manufactures solely rely on this low cost solution ignoring the advancements in technology.
Years of study, combined with practical experience, has led to the formulation of Saddlemen’s Progressive Density Foam. The chemical make-up and raw material volume is carefully tuned to create a foam pour that is balanced between support and compliance. Varied cell sizes and types are encapsulated in the foam by an element-resistant skin that seals the foam from water and enhances the seat’s durability as well as comfort.
To complete the process then tunes the density and shape which are also necessary to provide the superior foundation for Saddlemen’s unique co-molding process that optimizes reduction is vibrations and shock directly related to rider fatigue.
Unlike most foam that has open holes at the surface, Saddlemen’s Profoam actually has an abrasion resistant skin that resists water intrusion. This barrier is engineered to form during the molding process and protects the micro cellular foam core from breaking down, which is common with many OEM and aftermarket seats.
A Saddlemen split cushion seat is divided into separate flat seat support and backrest platforms. Saddlemen separates and divides the seat into two functions; one a vertical surface for back support and the other a horizontal platform to softly support the butt. The flat portion permits the rider to sink into and comfortably float upon the SaddleGel filled seat while the lumbar rest provides support unaffected by the compression caused as the rider settles into position. On conventional seats, any rider depression of the flat platform pulls the lumbar portion of the seat forward and cramps the rider’s position, often resulting in a condition fondly known as a “wedgie.” The Saddlemen split cushion prevents this and provides comfort – mile after mile.
Seat Dimensions
Typical Outline – Your Seat May Vary
| A | B | C | E | F | X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13.5" | 13" | 7" | 13" | 14" | 29.5" |
Selecting the proper Saddlemen seat should begin with the question, "How long in the saddle and riding style or preference?" Knowing the comfort a rider will need will aim them at the best type of seats for their intended use, and then they can further hone their choice by looking at seats that would that complement their motorcycle and styling preference.
Saddlemen seats are a result of Integrated Design Philosophy (IDP™), which focuses on putting as much comfort into the seat as possible. IDP™ then takes styling cues from each motorcycle and incorporates them into the contours and patterns of each new seat. The result is a seat that is as comfortable as possible but also looks and fits perfectly on the motorcycle. Saddlemen's craftsmanship and quality assure you of an enjoyable ride – regardless of the distance.
By combining the attributes of our proprietary SaddleGel and advanced Progressive Density Foam, we create exceptional foundations that provide superior comfort and vehicle control. While thick seat foams are usually more comfortable, Saddlemen's Gel-Core technology is used in every seat to produce excellent comfort regardless of its thickness. That's why a slammed-down Saddlemen seat, such as the Profiler, rides so much more comfortably than other seats of a similar thickness. So if a thin Saddlemen seat is comfortable, imagine how plush a thick seat like a Road Sofa or an Explorer will be.
When creating a new seat, additional attention is always devoted to overcoming deficiencies that exist in the stock seat or other aftermarket seats. Our designers use advanced engineering plus practical riding experience to forge seats that ride comfortably, look great, and fit perfectly. For example, rigid plastic or resin-based seat pans with plated brackets provide superior fitment for easy, hassle-free installation. Riders will need to carefully study the attributes of each Saddlemen seat so they can learn how it can improve their riding experience. These seat types are:
Seats for Long Distance or "Touring"
These seats are aimed at users who will lay down 500+ miles open road in a day. Large, plush double bucket seats designed to keep rider and passenger in supreme comfort during long-distance riding.
Day Cruising Two-up Seats
These seats are great for cruising and day trips (200-mile tours). Still a significant improvement in the comfort of the original saddle, these seats aim for a balance between style and comfort, making for an enjoyable journey.
Low Profile Two-up Seats
Low slung trim, stylish seats that include seating for a passenger. The lean and minimalistic approach significantly complements the motorcycle's lines. Not as well suited for long-distance use as an Explorer seat, but they are the most comfortable slammed-down seats you can get. Great for (urban) boulevard cruising.
Renegade Solo & Pillions
These Rider-only seats are also great for cruising and day trips as they provide a superb level of comfort while looking great as only a solo saddle can. Matching pillion seats are available.
Slammed Solo's (S3) Seats
Low slung trim, stylish seats for lone riders. The lean and minimalistic style complements the motorcycle's lines. Not as well suited for long-distance use as an Explorer seat, but they are the most comfortable slammed-down seats you can get. Great for casual riding (no backrest options - see Universal Detachable Pillions Pad for passenger seating).
Pro Series Seats
Saddlemen's seat artisans occasionally partner with leading bike builders to create special edition seats. Not as well suited for long-distance use as an Explorer seat, but very comfortable for urban cruising with a unique appearance.
Café Seats
Specialty rider-only seats that feature the ubiquitous hump at the back of the seat. While aimed at style, the seat is very comfortable for urban cruising.
Brand Fitment: Harley-Davidson
Model Fitment: FXD (excludes FXDWG)
Year Fitment: 1996-2003
Transcript
Introducing the Explore-LS seat - the newest addition to our Long Distance Touring Two-Up collection. It's the trusted comfort and quality you’ve come to expect from Saddlemen that perfectly complements the classic lines of your motorcycle.
If you enjoy covering 500-plus miles of the open road in a single day, this is the right choice for you. It's specially designed to improve comfort for you and your passenger on those long rides. Available for most models, the Explorer LS offers an ideal blend of good looks and comfortable seating.
You'll feel the difference from the moment you get on. It comes standard with our proprietary Gelcore technology. Superior to foam-only seating options, Gelcore is formulated and manufactured in-house and specifically engineered to dampen, divert, and deflect energy using an exclusive mechanical process that delivers a smooth, therapeutic ride.
Our Explorer LS seat is designed and made in the USA. It features Saddlemen's lattice-stitched styling.
And we've covered it in our proprietary SaddleHyde, which is better than marine-grade and has just the right amount of stretch, creating an attractive combination of comfort, glove-soft leathery feel, and weather-resistant, no-maintenance good looks.
Expertise in chemistry and 30 years of road testing is behind the formulation of the Progressive Density Foam that surrounds the Explorer’s GELcore. Carefully composed so you feel the benefits of a supple foam that becomes more supportive as it’s compressed. Varied cell sizes and a soft outer skin protects the foam’s interior from water and other elements which enhances the seat’s durability as well as comfort.
Choose the Explorer LS and upgrade to the comfort and performance you deserve. You get show-winning good looks plus top-quality innovative features, combined with the comfort designed specifically for real riders – these are all great reasons to choose Saddlemen.
Available in a wide range of fitments, the Saddlemen Explorer LS seat is an upgrade that will enhance your motorcycle’s appearance while instantly improving the quality of your next ride.
If you want to learn more, simply call email or direct message us and one of our friendly and knowledgeable product specialists will assist you in selecting the perfect Saddlemen seat for your motorcycle.
800-397-7709 or sales@saddlemen.com
Explorer LS
Product Overview (HD)
- : BUILT to ORDER
- Drag Specialties/Parts Unlimited Part #: 0803-0679
- Download Instructions: IS-Seat Basic Cruiser Install 11-400240 Rev13 (09-22).pdf
- Saddlemen Part #: 896-04-029LS
