Thanks for all of the adivse. It's been helpful. My second question is what are your thoughts on a gel pack. The seat will already be apart.

 

I'd skip the recovering and buy a used leather seat somewhere, like a Mustang or Corbin. If it has a steel seat pan, it might be worth recovering, but Harley uses some plastic seat pans that are junk and just need to be replaced.

If you're like tomt and want to give up riding because it makes your butt sweat, you should just trade the whole bike in on a prius.

 

If you can afford it I would go with a custom leather seat. I will be replacing mine with customs when they need it. Leather done right will out live the owner if taken cared of. I have seen some old saddles in great shape after many years of rugged use.