I didn't used to like the look of solo seats in general (except on a more extreme chopped Sporty), but have seen some really nice ones lately... so I'm curious about this reply from LePera:

"Unfortunately, the Aviator style does not work for the 2000 XL’s. The rear of the Aviator seat goes further up the fender than any solo seat for the 82-03 fitment so it is just physically too long to make that style for your bike."

Any idea what changed to affect the seat fitment in '04? The standard rear fenders look pretty much the same to this uneducated eye.

Thanks for any input.

 

Don't quite know the answer. I've got a 94' Softail and I think the fender angle from the frame is higher As I can't get the tire into the fender deep enough before the swingarm bottoms out to the frame.
This being the case, I would suspect the seatpan wouldn't sit against the frame, and the only contact points would be tongue and back edge of seat on the fender.

 

A newer seat will not work. Mounting point at the front was changed for 2004 +

 

The frame changed in 04, which are the first rubber-mounts. I'm not sure in what way the shape of the bike is different that makes that seat unsuitable. Their Daytona Sport LT is similar in style to the Aviator.

 

Thanks for the replies...

Found this explanation - pictures worth 1K words and all:
http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s...d.php?t=673231

Yes, the Daytona isn't bad, but it has a lot more "tail" compared to the Aviator.