Sounds like it would be easier to remove the seat?!?

 

Leather will outlast vinyl and is also more comfortable.

I have put over 50k miles on a leather Corbin saddle without treating it more than 2 or 3 times, at the most, and left it in the rain and sun while at motels when travelling and it looked almost as good as new when I sold the bike. It did stay garaged when home. It did not absorb water when rained on and I never covered it.

Pay the extra and get leather.

 

Leather is more comfortable and doesn't get as hot. It does require a little more care. I have a leather Russell Day Long and I have done many 600+ mile days in the past two years. If you store the bike outside, you may want the vinyl. If you store your bike in a garage, my personal preference is leather.

 

Good thread, I was about to start a new post until I searched for this one. I want to order a c&c seat and was debaiting the whole leather or vinyl. Think I will go with leather.

 

Leather, chrome, and steel.... can't go wrong.

 

I just ordered a seat from C&C and found this thread as I was researching. I went with the Mercedes Vinyl. The $40 is negligible, so it came down to a couple factors. The vinyl likely will look better longer with NO maintenance. I also find myself stuck in rain alot, so I like the idea that I won't be sitting on a soaked seat. The final factor, the stock FLHTC seat is vinyl and I have no issues with it aside from it's (ugly) button tuck style. So as they say, "go with whatcha know". I know how a vinyl seat feels on 4000mile week long rides.
Either way, you will be happy.