Made my 2012 Iron1200 ready for long hauls. Rode 1000 miles straight through in 19hrs and finally noticed my behind was starting to get sore finally after 20hrs. This is after I added progressive front springs / 444 shocks and highway pegs. Still using a 48 seat.

Last yr, I rode same stretch without those mods and after only 1.5hrs into journey until completion, my backend was screamin'. Was I miserable with stock bike. I also now use a "throttle buster" to use my palm when my grip gets tried. I started using the stop screw also.

Utilizing the highway pegs, mid pegs and passenger pegs gives you 3 different leaning positions to mix it up so the fatigue never kicked in. Pressure points keep changing allowing blood flow I suppose. 180# 5'10".

Leaving again next week for same trek. I'm gonna add a couple of the MSR fuel containers to compensate for the 3.3 tank too.

Just thought I'd share additional mods and info to drastically change what functionality the bike can have. Enjoy.

 

What is mpg like and how fast do you cruise on the highway?

 

Try a Harley Sundowner seat. It will put you about an inch closer to your forward controls, and about an inch or two higher in the seat too. Mustang makes a vintage seat. I'd like to try one of those Mustang vintage seats but I don't want to buy first.

 

Last time I did a trip on my 08 1200C I got about 53 MPG. That was running between 65 to 80 MPH.

 

I had two Sportsters and now a Dyna, I have ridden 500 miles a day with Mustang seats, legs and arms stiff, wind burn,etc but no rear end pain. I wouldn't trust my or my S/O's rear end with anything else

 

Try a better bike! There's a reason the sporty is the most inexpensive Harley, amount them is comfort. I have a sporty and a vrod....zero comparison in the comfort category, and compared to a touring bike, the vrod is a harsh ride! Stop wasting money on the sporty, buy a heavier, more comfy ride for distance, keep the sporty for the twisties.

 

There are three things we can do to improve ride comfort: change tyre brand, to improve ride quality and reduce fatigue from the hard stock tyres; change shocks and use a top shelf brand; use a touring style seat.

Mustang and Sundowner get most frequent mentions with the seats. European brand tyres tend to give a more compliant ride (my preferred brand is Avon). Custom-built shocks from HDF sponsor Motorcycle Metal will be the biggest single transformation.

 

Except that a new Ultra CVO costs more than my first house! No comparison, financially, to adding a few hundred or even a couple thousand dollars to a Sporty.
The 'better' suspension, etc of the big twins adds weight. That's not 'better' it is a different compromise. Lighter is better. Pick the compromise you want.

OP, good job on making yours do what you want

 

I have the sundowner seat on my 09 1200 low. I have mids on it and it has me sitting on the gas tank. I am wanting to put the stock seat back on but my wife says the sundowner is much more comfortable for her. We have a backrest also and she will not ride unless it is on the bike. I am thinking about putting the stock seat back on and buying her a gel pad to see if that will work for her and give me back a little more room. There is not much that can be done for room within the confines of the Sporty ergonomics as far as room goes. If you give the passenger an inch it ends up moving you forward and inch. I won't give up my mid controls so we have contemplated a Dyna Superglide but I don't want to give up my Sporty.