Technical: Buddy Seats
Scott Lange, Jerry Raino, Jack Raino, Dave Carlton, Erik Hoopes, Dave Hennessey, et al.
This article attempts to enumerate which seats were available on new motorcycles, either Standard or Optional, as well as which seats were available as Accessories or Spare Parts. Harley-Davidson's 1993 Book, The Legend Begins (“TLB”) is our primary source for what was standard and what was optional on a new bike. TLB shows the actual dealer's Season Order Blank through 1957. After that, we must rely on TLB's descriptive text, which may or not be completely accurate.
From 1952 through 1960, the solo Saddle was standard. Starting in 1961, one of several Dual Seats were standard.
In most years, you could order your bike with a Buddy Seat In Place Of (IPO) the standard seat for an additional fee. However, the availability of this option sometimes differed between XLH and XLCH models. The IPO fee was less than purchasing a Buddy Seat as an Accessory. This was really a bad deal for the purchaser, as you would then only have one seat. For only a few dollars more, you could have had both...
From 1952 through 1958, the Buddy Seat was specific to the K and XL motorcycles. Beginning in 1959, the Buddy Seat became a “universal” model, which would fit Sportsters, the Hummer-series, and later the Sprint-series of motorcycles. Different sets of Buddy Seat Fittings were used to adapt the seat to the particular model motorcycle. As Accessories or Spare Parts, one would purchase the Buddy Seat and Handrail, and also the Buddy Seat Fittings appropriate to the particular motorcycle.
During the early 1960's, TLB's descriptive text shows an IPO part number, which represents a complete “kit” of the Buddy Seat and Handrail -and- the Buddy Seat Fittings. This was probably just an option code for the reduced price IPO, and the “set” was probably not available as an Accessory or Spare Parts. At the end of this article is a list showing the correspondence between IPO numbers and what was supplied for them.
Finally, there's the great 1965 to 1969 XLCH Solo Saddle Mystery — very little is known about this optional saddle, and few examples exist. We present some conjecture, but may never definitively solve the mystery.
Click on the illustrations of the seats for your year to see more details and photos of examples.
1952 – Model K
1953 – Model K & KK
1954 – Model KH
1955 – Model KH & KHK
1956 – Model KH & KHK
S T D |
Description: The Saddle 52010-54 was unchanged from the previous year. |
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O P T |
Description: The Buddy Seat 52517-52 Version 2 was optional IPO the standard saddle. No change from the previous year. |
1957 – Model XL
1958 – Model XL & XLH
1958 – Model XLC & XLCH
1959 – Model XL & XLH
1959 – Model XLCH
1960 – Model XLH
1960 – Model XLCH
S T D |
Description: The Saddle 52010-54 was unchanged from the previous year. |
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O P T |
None |
Description: There was no option for a Buddy Seat listed in TLB. |
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A C C |
Description: The new 52486-60 Version 1 Buddy Seat, (described under 1960 XLH, above).
The Fittings were sold separately as 52508-59 Buddy Seat Fittings. |
1961 – Model XLH
S T D |
Description: The 52021-61 Dual Seat replaced the solo Saddle as the standard seat. From now through 1969, a Dual Seat (this one, or its 1966 replacement) would be the standard. |
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O P T |
Description: The Buddy Seat remained the same as the previous year. However, starting in 1961, the fittings for the XLH and XLCH were different. TLB lists the IPO options under the following part numbers. These represent the Buddy Seat and Handrail plus the XLH Buddy Seat Fittings.
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A C C |
Description: Although not well documented, it is probable that the 52013-60 Solo Saddle and Fittings was available as an Accessory. |
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A C C |
Description: As Accessories or Spare Parts, the Buddy Seat and Handrail was available in three colors listed below.
The XLH fittings were sold separately as 52508-61 Buddy Seat Fittings. |
1961 – Model XLCH
S T D |
Description: The 52021-61 Dual Seat replaced the solo Saddle as the standard seat. From now through 1969, a Dual Seat (this one, or its 1966 replacement) would be the standard. |
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O P T |
Description: The Buddy Seat remained the same as the previous year. However, starting in 1961, the fittings for the XLH and XLCH were different. TLB lists the IPO options under the following part numbers. These represent the Buddy Seat and Handrail plus the XLCH Buddy Seat Fittings.
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A C C |
Description: Although not well documented, it is probable that the 52013-60 Solo Saddle and Fittings was available as an Accessory. |
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A C C |
Description: As Accessories or Spare Parts, the Buddy Seat and Handrail was available in three colors listed below.
The XLCH fittings were sold separately as 52508-59 Buddy Seat Fittings. |
1962 – Model XLH
S T D |
Description: The 52021-61 Dual Seat is unchanged from the previous year. |
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O P T |
Description: The Buddy Seat remained the same as the previous year. TLB lists the IPO options under the following part numbers. These represent the Buddy Seat and Handrail plus the XLH Buddy Seat Fittings.
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A C C |
Description: Although not well documented, it is probable that the 52013-60 Solo Saddle and Fittings was available as an Accessory. |
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A C C |
Description: As Accessories or Spare Parts, the Buddy Seat and Handrail was available in three colors listed below.
The XLH fittings were sold separately as 52508-61 Buddy Seat Fittings. |
1962 – Model XLCH
S T D |
Description: The 52021-61 Dual Seat is unchanged from the previous year. |
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O P T |
Description: The Buddy Seat remained the same as the previous year. TLB lists the IPO options under the following part numbers. These represent the Buddy Seat and Handrail plus the XLCH Buddy Seat Fittings.
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A C C |
Description: Although not well documented, it is probable that the 52013-60 Solo Saddle and Fittings was available as an Accessory. |
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A C C |
Description: As Accessories or Spare Parts, the Buddy Seat and Handrail was available in three colors listed below.
The XLCH fittings were sold separately as 52508-59 Buddy Seat Fittings. |
1963 – Model XLH
S T D |
Description: The 52021-61 Dual Seat is unchanged from the previous year. |
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O P T |
Description: The Buddy Seat changed to 52486-60 Version 2. The cover changed to one with side-to-side creases at the rear. The metal band at the bottom where the seat cover was rivited to the frame remains as before. There was no part number change, hence the “Version 2” designation. The 1963 Accessory Catalog shows the Version 2 seat. The 1963 Parts Catalog still shows the Version 1 seat. It is possible that the change occurred before 1963. TLB lists the IPO options under the following part numbers. These represent the Buddy Seat and Handrail plus the XLH Buddy Seat Fittings.
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A C C |
Description: Although not well documented, it is probable that the 52013-60 Solo Saddle and Fittings was available as an Accessory. |
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A C C |
Description: As Accessories or Spare Parts, the Buddy Seat and Handrail was available in three colors listed below.
The XLH fittings were sold separately as 52508-59 Buddy Seat Fittings. |
1963 – Model XLCH
S T D |
Description: The 52021-61 Dual Seat is unchanged from the previous year. |
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O P T |
Description: The Buddy Seat changed to 52486-60 Version 2. The cover changed to one with side-to-side creases at the rear. The metal band at the bottom where the seat cover was rivited to the frame remains as before. There was no part number change, hence the “Version 2” designation. The 1963 Accessory Catalog shows the Version 2 seat. The 1963 Parts Catalog still shows the Version 1 seat. It is possible that the change occurred before 1963. TLB lists the IPO options under the following part numbers. These represent the Buddy Seat and Handrail plus the XLCH Buddy Seat Fittings.
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A C C |
Description: Although not well documented, it is probable that the 52013-60 Solo Saddle and Fittings was available as an Accessory. |
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A C C |
Description: As Accessories or Spare Parts, the Buddy Seat and Handrail was available in three colors listed below.
The XLCH fittings were sold separately as 52508-59 Buddy Seat Fittings. |
1964 – Model XLH
S T D |
Description: The 52021-61 Dual Seat is unchanged from the previous year. |
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O P T |
Description: The Buddy Seat 52486-60 Version 2 remains unchanged from the previous year. TLB lists the IPO options under the following part numbers. These represent the Buddy Seat and Handrail plus the XLH Buddy Seat Fittings.
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A C C |
Description: Although not well documented, it is probable that the 52013-60 Solo Saddle and Fittings was available as an Accessory. |
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A C C |
Description: As Accessories or Spare Parts, the Buddy Seat and Handrail was available in three colors listed below.
The XLH fittings were sold separately as 52508-61 Buddy Seat Fittings. |
1964 – Model XLCH
S T D |
Description: The 52021-61 Dual Seat is unchanged from the previous year. |
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O P T |
Description: The Buddy Seat 52486-60 Version 2 remains unchanged from the previous year. TLB lists the IPO options under the following part numbers. These represent the Buddy Seat and Handrail plus the XLCH Buddy Seat Fittings.
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A C C |
Description: Although not well documented, it is probable that the 52013-60 Solo Saddle and Fittings was available as an Accessory. |
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A C C |
Description: As Accessories or Spare Parts, the Buddy Seat and Handrail was available in three colors listed below.
The XLCH fittings were sold separately as 52508-59 Buddy Seat Fittings. |
1965 – Model XLH
S T D |
Description: The Dual Seat 52020-61 was unchanged from the previous year. |
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O P T |
Description: The new 52486-60A Buddy Seat appears. This seat has the same style cover as the previous version with the side-to-side creases, but the seat cover is now replaceable. At the bottom is a rigid rubber strip, and a number of metal clips hold the seat to the frame. The seat is only available in Black & White or All-White, although a replacement cover in Red & White was available. TLB lists the IPO options under the following part numbers. These represent the Buddy Seat and Handrail plus the XLCH Buddy Seat Fittings.
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A C C |
Description: Although not well documented, it is probable that the 52013-60 Solo Saddle and Fittings was available as an Accessory. |
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A C C |
Description: As Accessories or Spare Parts, the Buddy Seat and Handrail was available in two colors listed below.
The XLH fittings were sold separately as 52508-61 Buddy Seat Fittings. |
1965 – Model XLCH
S T D |
Description: The Dual Seat 52020-61 was unchanged from the previous year. |
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O P T |
Description: The new 52486-60A Buddy Seat appears as it does on the XLH. TLB lists the IPO options under the following part numbers. These represent the Buddy Seat and Handrail plus the XLCH Buddy Seat Fittings.
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A C C |
Description: Although not well documented, it is probable that the 52013-65 Solo Saddle and Fittings was available as an Accessory. TLB does not list an optional solo Saddle for 1965, as it does for 1966-1969. However, the 1965 and 1967 Parts Catalog show 52000-40 Saddle as fitting the XLCH. This appears to be a WR or WRTT saddle which takes a special seat tee. |
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A C C |
Description: As Accessories or Spare Parts, the Buddy Seat and Handrail was available in two colors listed below.
The XLCH fittings were sold separately as 52508-59 Buddy Seat Fittings. |
Notes: 1966 – 1969: TLB is a little confusing regarding optional equipment. In some instances, it appears that an optional Solo Saddle or Buddy Seat was furnished IPO the standard Dual Seat. In others, it appears they may have simply been Accessories that were supplied along with the motorcycle. Regardless, we have listed them as “Options” since they could be ordered with a new motorcycle.
It appears that both the Solo Saddles and Buddy Seats could be ordered as Accessories or Spare Parts.
1966 – Model XLH
S T D |
Description: The 52012-66 Saddle-Standard Dual (Sprint Type) replaced the Dual Seat as the standard seat. This seat was inherited from the Aermacchi-Harley-Davidson Sprint motorcycles, and was also used on the 1966 Hummer-series Bobcat. It was again black vinyl, but was longer front to rear, and not quite as “blocky-looking” as the previous one. There is a rounded chrome strip covering the cover/frame junction, but it does not extend around the nose. |
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O P T |
Description: TLB lists the 52013-60 Solo Saddle and Fittings as an “Optional Custom Feature”. It is unclear whether this was an IPO, or simply supplied along with the motorcycle, but we have listed it as an option. |
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O P T |
Description: TLB lists the Buddy Seat (Black & White or All white) as an option included in the Highway Cruiser Group #SPH5. |
1966 – Model XLCH
S T D |
Description: As with the 1966 XLH (described above), the 52012-66 Saddle-Stand Dual (Sprint Type) replaced the Dual Seat as the standard seat. |
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O P T |
Description: TLB lists the 52013-65 Solo Saddle and Fittings as an “Optional Custom Feature”. It is unclear whether this was an IPO, or simply supplied along with the motorcycle, but we have listed it as an option. |
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O P T |
Description: TLB lists the Buddy Seat under “Optional Custom Features” with the IPO part numbers below. Although the IPO part numbers are -60A, it is believed the actual Buddy Seats were the -60B versions.
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1967 – Model XLH
S T D |
Description: The 52012-66 remains unchanged from the previous year, although TLB now calls it Saddle, Dual Purpose. |
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O P T |
Description: TLB lists a Solo Saddle and Fittings (no part number) as an “Optional Additional Equipment” for the XLH. |
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O P T |
Description: TLB lists a Buddy Seat (Black & White or White) under “Optional Highway Cruiser Group Equipment” |
1967 – Model XLCH
S T D |
Description: The 52012-66 remains unchanged from the previous year, although TLB now calls it Saddle, Dual Purpose. |
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O P T |
Description: TLB lists a Solo Saddle and Fittings (no part number given) as one of the choices under “Optional Standard Equipment” for the XLCH. The choices were:
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O P T |
Description: TLB lists the Buddy Seats as “one of the choices under “Optional Standard Equipment”. See, Solo Saddle and Fittings, above. |
1968 – Model XLH
S T D |
Description: The 52012-66 Saddle, Dual Purpose remains unchanged from the previous year. |
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O P T |
Description: TLB lists a Solo Saddle and Fittings (no part number) as an “Optional Additional Equipment” for the XLH. |
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O P T |
Description: TLB lists a Buddy Seat (Black & White or White) under “Optional Highway Cruiser Group Equipment” |
1968 – Model XLCH
S T D |
Description: The 52012-66 Saddle, Dual Purpose remains unchanged from the previous year. |
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O P T |
Description: TLB lists a Solo Saddle and Fittings (no part number given) as one of the choices under “Optional Standard Equipment” for the XLCH. The choices were:
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O P T |
Description: TLB lists the Buddy Seats as “one of the choices under “Optional Standard Equipment”. See, Solo Saddle and Fittings, above. |
1969 – Model XLH
S T D |
Description: The 52012-66 Saddle, Dual Purpose remains unchanged from the previous year. |
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O P T |
Description: TLB lists a Solo Saddle and Fittings (no part number) as an “Optional Additional Equipment” for the XLH. |
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O P T |
Description: TLB lists a Universal Buddy Seat (Black & White or White) as part of the Highway Cruiser Group. |
1969 – Model XLCH
S T D |
Description: The 52012-66 Saddle, Dual Purpose remains unchanged from the previous year. |
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O P T |
Description: TLB lists a Solo Saddle and Fittings (no part number given) as one of the choices under “Optional Standard Equipment” for the XLCH. The choices were:
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O P T |
Description: TLB lists a Buddy Seat (no part number given) as one of the choices under “Optional Standard Equipment” for the XLCH. See, Solo Saddle, above. |
1960 - 1964 “In Place Of” Part Numbers
IPO# | Color | Buddy Seat + Handrail |
Buddy Seat Fittings |
Original On |
42495-60 | Black & White | 52486-60 | 52508-59 | 1960 XLH, 1961-1964 XLCH |
42496-60 | Red & White | 52488-60 | 52508-59 | 1960 XLH, 1961-1964 XLCH |
42497-60 | All White | 52490-60 | 52508-59 | 1960 XLH, 1961-1964 XLCH |
42495-61 | Black & White | 52486-60 | 52508-61 | 1961-1964 XLH |
42495-61 | Red & White | 52488-60 | 52508-61 | 1961-1964 XLH |
42497-61 | All White | 52490-60 | 52508-61 | 1961-1964 XLH |
1965 - 1966 “In Place Of Part” Numbers
IPO# | Color | Buddy Seat + Handrail |
Buddy Seat Fittings |
Original On |
42495-60A | Black & White | 52486-60A | 52508-59 | 1965-1966 XLCH |
42497-60A | All White | 52490-60A | 52508-59 | 1965-1966 XLCH |
42495-61A | Black & White | 52486-60A | 52508-61 | 1965-1966 XLH |
42497-61A | All White | 52490-60A | 52508-61 | 1965-1966 XLH |