n the old days, custom bikes were lean, spare, and uncomfortable. Since then, the notion that you had to suffer in order to enjoy yourself persisted. These days, however, bikers are smarter, and know that comfort and style not only mix well, they’re essential to enjoying the ride to the fullest. That’s why Drag Specialties single- and dual-backrest seats for Softails and baggers will be among the summer’s hottest-selling products.
     You can see for yourself that the style part of the package is there. What’s less obvious are the features that make these some of the most comfortable seats for both short hops and long hauls. For instance, while the non-seating area is covered with automotive-grade vinyl, the seating area of each seat is covered with leather–but not just any leather. Drag Specialties backrest seats use solar-reflective cool leather, an upholstery-grade leather made especially for hot climates. Tests comparing it to conventional leather show cool leather’s surface temperature is 50 to 60 degrees cooler when exposed to heat and sunlight.
     Cool leather not only makes Drag Specialties seats more comfortable on hot days, it increases the durability and life of the leather itself because it goes through fewer heat cycles. Cool leather is low maintenance, too–you never need to use leather conditioners or cleaners on it. A mild soap, water, and a damp cloth are all you ever need.
     Underneath the innovative cover of each Drag Specialties backrest seat are even more features that make them the class of the field, including a 3/16-inch-thick thermoformed ABS seat base with a fully carpeted bottom to protect your bike’s paint, and a molded polyurethane foam pad shaped for the best in comfort and style.
But what really pegs the comfort meter is the backrest. Measuring 7 1/2 inches high and 10 inches wide, it’s faced with solar-reflective cool leather and backed with a vinyl pouch for sunglasses, cell phones, and keys. The pivoting pad can be adjusted up or down, and has a 2-inch fore-and-aft adjustment. Regardless of your riding style, the pad’s position can be tailored to suit you, and can be easily re-adjusted as the ride goes on. All of the backrest’s exposed hardware is show-chromed, while the hidden internal parts are zinc-plated to prevent rust.
     There are two styles of backrest seats, the first a single-backrest model that fits Softails and baggers. Softail applications include seats for ‘06-‘07 FXST, FXSTB, FXSTS, and FXSTC models, as well as ‘07 FLSTF models; and ‘00-‘05 FXST, ‘00-‘07 FLST (except FXSTD, FLSTN, and ‘07 FLSTF). Single-backrest bagger applications include ‘97-‘07 FLT, FLHT, and FLTR (except FLHX); and ‘97-‘07 FLHR and FLHX (except FLSRS and FLSRSE). All of the above seats are available with either mild or flame stitching, and come complete with a fully adjustable driver backrest and all necessary mounting hardware and instructions. They also lower the rider 1/2 to 1 inch compared to the stock seat, depending on the model.
     For bagger riders who not only want the ultimate in riding comfort for themselves but for their passengers as well, Drag Specialties has come up with an all-new line of dual-backrest low-profile touring seats. They use the same solar-reflective cool leather as the Softail seats, along with a molded flexible urethane foam interior and a thermoformed 3/16-inch-thick ABS base that’s carpeted to protect paint. And they lower the rider a full inch compared to the stock seat.
     But it’s the dual-backrest feature that really makes these bagger seats stand out. Each seat comes with a fully adjustable backrest that can be fitted into either one of two sockets in the seat, one behind the driver and the other behind the passenger. But there’s no reason to choose one or the other, because with an optional additional backrest, both rider driver and passenger can cruise in comfort.
     Dual-backrest seats are available for ‘08 FLHT, FLHR, FLHRC, FLTR, FLHX, FLHTC, and FLHTCU models, and come with either mild or flame stitching.
These new backrest seats are Drag Specialties’ first, but certainly not their last. The entire Drag Specialties seat line is growing, with new styles and applications coming all the time. Talk to your sales rep about getting several for your showroom bikes. More and more riders are looking for both style and comfort in the same seat, and Drag Specialties has the answer.


…Or both! These seats feature solar-reflective cool leather for extra comfort on hot days.