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1997-2003 VT1100C Shadow Spirit Explorer™ Special Seat

1997-2003 VT1100C Shadow Spirit Explorer™ Special Seat
1997-2003 VT1100C Shadow Spirit Explorer™ Special Seat
1997-2003 VT1100C Shadow Spirit Explorer™ Special Seat
1997-2003 VT1100C Shadow Spirit Explorer™ Special Seat
1997-2003 VT1100C Shadow Spirit Explorer™ Special Seat
1997-2003 VT1100C Shadow Spirit Explorer™ Special Seat

 

Saddlemen® Explorer™ Special touring seats are engineered to provide mile after mile of uncompromising comfort. Our development team has brought together years of experience, top of the line materials and cutting edge manufacturing processes resulting in a show bike appearance with unparalleled comfort.

These seats feature deep sculptured saddles with the most refined contours ever developed, painstakingly perfected to provide comfortable, even support. The exclusive split-cushion saddle separates the lumbar support and seat cushions so they compress independently, reducing tail and hip bone pressure and the tendency to slide forward.

The hand-crafted cover includes our classic stitch-top, leather-grain SaddleHyde™ with sparkling chrome studs.  Under the seat’s cover lays a plush layer of headliner foam for a supple touch.  Beneath that comes another key comfort ingredient: large pads of Saddlemen’s®  proprietary SaddleGel™ that damps vibration while providing outstanding supportive qualities. A foundation of our progressive density foam is the  suspension system of the seat offering steadfast support that will not break down after long miles or many years of use.

You can select an Explorer Special with Saddlemen’s® optional built-in backrest that has position adjustments, removes instantly without tools and folds forward to ease passenger access. Saddlemen’s® backrest provides plenty of lower back support and does not interfere with the passengers legs. The storage pouch is standard with the backrest, providing a great quick-access point for your passenger’s belongings.

Don’t accept anything less as you cannot buy a better seat. Winning show bike looks, luxurious comfort, top quality and innovative features, designed and engineered specifically for nearly all popular touring and cruiser motorcycles – all great reasons to choose Saddlemen®.

  • A sharp, custom version of Saddlemen’s® popular touring seat that is engineered and styled to add superb comfort and quality to touring-type and cruiser motorcycles
  • The seat’s contours have been carefully developed using our decades of experience to provide mile after mile of riding pleasure
  • Standard-profile Explorer™ Special seats generally have the same height as the motorcycle’s original seat, but with a  carefully shaped front section so the rider can better touch the ground at stops
  • Leather-grain SaddleHyde™ seat cover offers excellent comfort with classic feel but is weather-resistant providing for low-maintenance ownership
  • This stitch-top cover provides initial pushiness and a custom appearance while the progressive density foam and SaddleGel™ foundation for both driver and passenger offers supportive comfort for hours on end.
  • Accent rows of dozens of perfectly spaced chrome studs add the right level of custom to your seat
  • Exclusive, unique split-cushion design separates the seating surface from the lumbar support, reducing tailbone and back pressure for maximum long-range comfort
  • These seats feature large, plush lumbar sections that support the driver’s back and posterior so well that big miles add up before you notice it
  • The passenger section has been altered to  improve comfort by strategically adding foam height and shaping the seating area so the passenger is not forced into the driver and has a better view over the driver’s shoulder.
  • Special care was taken so the seat’s pillion area fits well with backrests or rear trunks
  • The Explorer Special seat is also available with a built-in Saddlemen® driver’s backrest that can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically to the rider’s back and is removable for a sleek appearance
  • The seat’s carefully engineered, gel-coated marine-grade fiberglass base with plated hardware is the foundation for a long service life
  • Each seat is easy-to-install with all necessary mounting hardware and instructions included.
  • Designed and made in the U.S.A.

1997 Honda VT Series VT1100C Shadow Spirit

1998 Honda VT Series VT1100C Shadow Spirit

1999 Honda VT Series VT1100C Shadow Spirit

2000 Honda VT Series VT1100C Shadow Spirit

2001 Honda VT Series VT1100C Shadow Spirit

2002 Honda VT Series VT1100C Shadow Spirit

2003 Honda VT Series VT1100C Shadow Spirit

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
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1997-2003 VT1100C Shadow Spirit Explorer™ Special Seat

Brand Fitment: Honda
Model Fitment: VT1100C SHADOW SPIRIT
Year Fitment: 1997-2003

made in the usa

Explorer Family of Seats

Product Overview (HD)

1997 Honda VT Series VT1100C Shadow Spirit

1998 Honda VT Series VT1100C Shadow Spirit

1999 Honda VT Series VT1100C Shadow Spirit

2000 Honda VT Series VT1100C Shadow Spirit

2001 Honda VT Series VT1100C Shadow Spirit

2002 Honda VT Series VT1100C Shadow Spirit

2003 Honda VT Series VT1100C Shadow Spirit

$446.00