So I did a search and there is not a lot of info floating around other then " limited number of seats available from old manufactures". So I was perusing the Fleabay this AM and notices an 89 FLHS for sale with a much newer seat attached. I wonder if they just modded the frame to receive the tongue and drilled a hole in back for the screw mount in the back? Anyone with experience? Or is the frame a different shape from the later bikes? Happy turkey day to everyone. Mike

 

The older bikes can be fitted with the newer seats. Tongue has to be trimmed back and hole needs to be drilled in rear fender. Also have to dump rear rack and add spacers between fender and frame at shock mounts. I've 2004 seat mounted on 93 FL.

 

I agree with bowties,I fitted a nice Saddleman solo on my 86 FLT. Said it fit later yrs. You need to be a little creative, good luck on your hunt

 

The frame tubes which support the front of the seat were lowered on bikes from 1993 IIRC, along with changes to the way the seat is fastened down. It's more likely they have adapted the front of the seat, to engage the back of our tank.

 

Here is the pic of the bike I saw. It is an 89' so the seat fitment is different than my 88'. I think the main difference is in the front of the seat as the fuel tanks are different. Mike

 

Wasn't it the 1997 models when they changed went lower?

The Front fitment changing from a crosspiece to a tongue.

I've noticed the Corbins of the same age also use a tongue wrapped, just wrapped in leather so as long as other aspect fit tightly, it should work.

Alternatively, you could always adapt the original base and put on the later foam and cover.

That seat looks good and improves the bike. It's the long nose you (the op) is saying it is different? The bike looks like it has a short console filler on its tank.

Some seat were like that, alternatively, the Road Kings had a longer console and consequently aftermarket seats are shorter. Personally, I was not a fan of the long padded nose at the front, it made me feel like I was wearing diapers and when it rained heavily it would run down it and sit in a pool.

 

How different are the FXR seat bases?

 

The FXR that I had was hinged on the right side so it would not work on my FLHS. I think it was a bit narrower as well. Mike

 

Yeah, the FXR would be way to narrow for the FLH....How about having the seat you got modified? If the pan and hardware are in good shape you can have it reshaped and covered to your specs. Find an automotive upholster in your area and see what they can do.

 

'97 was the first year for the lower seat height. On the pic above, that bike is using a dash extender. The dash extender allows the use of a seat with a shorter nose (think roadking seat).