1966 xlch solo saddle

[toddjg4036]

I’m collecting parts to install a solo saddle on my 1966 xlch. I’m looking for pictures of this setup so I can get the correct parts and get it set up.

[Rubone]

It is shown well in the parts book.

[chuckthebeatertruck]

Yes to parts book.

Colony Machine reproduces all of the hardware needed.

Pay close attention to seat number and t bar number.

Be advised that if you’re much over 5’-8” you may find the seat position very cramped depending on your bar choice. While the seat is awesomely sprung, you have no ability to shift in it.

I have solos on three sporties, and converted the commuter stroker back to a bench seat. The locked seating position was killing me when stuck in stop and go.

That said, gorgeous looking set up when all done.

Two of my sporties are under member bike builds, both have non correct solo saddles, but correct hardware. I think there’s photos of the seat installs.

[otis71]

If you don’t have a parts book go to the literature section of harleykmodel.com. There’s all years of manuals for k models and early sportsters.

[Rubone]

Just a quick observation on solo saddles. When I first started working in custom shops and later dealership 60s era Sportsters were the norm, and I don't recall ever having one come in with a factory solo seat. A few street rods with Bates type, but the factory solo was just about non existent. Most riders used a form of double seat. I really wasn't until guys began restoring old Sportsters that solo seats became popular, basically for appearance and not function. Same with Big Twins.

[otis71]

If you have a Graingers nearby they can match up the spring set exactly. About 6 or 7 years ago the set of 4 cost me about $30. Who knows now. V Twin also sells the complete setup but it’s not exactly the same as original and not all of it is interchangeable. It might be colony sold through their catalog but I’m not sure. I have a few spares of some of the other parts and a seat or two. If you need any of this send me a pm.

[chuckthebeatertruck]

There's a big difference between the V twin seat kits and the colony machine parts.

The V twin parts "work" but are not OEM and do not interchange. You have to modify the V twin parts if you're mixing parts. The springs are also way too soft and the posts are made of 1018 -- they bend like pretzels and bind easily. The stupid black "coating" on the plungers is really a PITA if there's any binding. The t bars are also not forged and don't fit seats like OEM. Basically, the V twin kit is fine for a bike that isn't really ridden much and you're looking to save a very minimal amount of money.

The Colony machine parts are OEM reproductions and were specifically worked on by the Old Sportster and K model Research Group. They are both exact fit and exact specification. Having installed both systems more than once . . . I really can't emphasize how crappy the V twin parts in comparison. They are even worse in real world use. The wear in 3000 miles on the V Twin kits is more like 15000 miles on OEM or colony parts. That's hilarious at best and points to substandard materials.

Sure, you can mess around with trying to find springs - or you can simply get the correct items.

https://www.lowbrowcustoms.com/produ...mHb9xX8_Frxyw8

scroll down and you'll see almost all the parts including the $54 springs (the plain springs are less than the chromed ones).

All the parts have to work together.

The link above is still missing the t bar and the post cover plate. When added in; the Colony kit is around $10 more than the V twin kits . . . and I would always choose Colony.

Right now; the V twin kits are priced $235-278 retail depending on whether you include the t bar.

Yes, V twin does sell many colony parts via their catalog. They are simply a distributor. Low Brow carries the full Colony line AND gives a discount to AMCA members.

[chuckthebeatertruck]

Just a quick observation on solo saddles. When I first started working in custom shops and later dealership 60s era Sportsters were the norm, and I don't recall ever having one come in with a factory solo seat. A few street rods with Bates type, but the factory solo was just about non existent. Most riders used a form of double seat. I really wasn't until guys began restoring old Sportsters that solo seats became popular, basically for appearance and not function. Same with Big Twins.

In years of hunting old sportsters . . . I have found only one bike with a factory solo and correct bits.

Lots of buddy seats, lots of aftermarket, but factory solo seats -- nope.

I also haven't really seen them on post 1964 models. Almost all the original bikes I've seen with factory solos were 1959 to 1963 models and an easy 4:1 XLCH vs XLH ratio.