I think it depends on what kind of riding you do. It is fine for a while. Commuting to work I don't have any problems with mine. On longer rides it puts a bit of pressure on my butt and gets uncomfortable after a couple of hours. Some people complain about the seat pushing the rider forward. People have found lots of ways to make them better. There are several firms that will modify them for you, but I am still waiting to get a bit more feedback before I decide what to do. There are plenty of posts on here about the seat. I have ridden up to six hours in a day and survived...my butt was sore, but you get over it.

They bike overall is really nice.

 

Seems to depend a lot on personal preference (and possibly physique as well). I have seen a people claim it's great...most short guys say it is too tall, most tall guys think it's just flat out uncomfortable. I'm 6'5" and 30 minutes was about my limit...I'm working on totally de-constructing the seat and rebuild.

 

I think there is a wide range of opinions in spite of the relative negativity regarding the V's seat. If you're used to riding a KLR you might find it pretty comfortable. I've toured on my V, with my longest day about 450 miles and no real problem. I like to stop every hour or so no matter what to stretch. The main complaint that I think most of us have is that you tend to slide forward on the seat, adding pressure where you don't want any pressure, (unless you're on a date with your sweetie :loveeyes. I will probably do some of the seat/seat-mount mods posted in the forum at some time, but for now, the seat is no big problem. I kind of think that every motorcycle stock seat will be found uncomfortable by a relatively high percentage of owners, so I'm not sure that the V's seat is that much worse than most. BTW: I'm 6'2", 210 lbs., 33 inseam.

 

One cheap(er) option is to check here ... http://www.meancitycycles.com/motorcycle_seat_modifications.php
Get the $40. seat shape mod OR $100. memory foam mod and have them either level the seat off or raise the front a tad ?

 

I bought the lower gel seat when I purchased my V. I suppose if you have wide hips it will lower your feet closer to the ground. I find the gel seat pushes you back farther to a wider section of the seat and my feet are farther from the ground then the stock seat.
The stock seat is a lot more comfie then the gel seat.
The gel seat looks prettier ( ha ha )
muskie

 

Unless your ass is exactly the same as those you ask this is a very poor question. It's like asking what color of bike is the best. One mans comfort is another mans agony. The only way you will find out how it fits is to sit in one for a while. How you do that is up to you and your resources.

 

Stock Seat

The seat issued is a big variable. I just got back from 2100 mile trip and I find the stock seat great. I'm 6' and 190 lbs. and I use a sheep skin pad on trips to keep the sweat down. Maybe after 40 + years of riding and 23 bikes my ass is numb? It is different for everyone you just have to ride it and see for yourself.