OK, I see the stitching across the seat now; odd because mine doesn't have the stitching but it still tried to pucker in the same spot. Yes, mine has the thin padding layer sewn into the top. BTW, they didn't even ask me what year my bike was so I don't think there is any difference between model years.

I am vertically challenged and the seat height on this seat is a good bit lower. It is no wider than stock at the front so it actually gets me closer to flat footed.

 

You can visually see there is a difference between the seat designs. The older model "green on above" has an additional dip on the bottom edge of the seat.

 

your butt slides with the gripper top? is it due to selecting softer foam?

 

Ya, the gripper top is fine, it's the softer foam that has more give during hard stops and starts. I'm already getting used to it so it's becoming less of a concern.

 

I put my new seat on yesterday, big difference for the price, easy install.....definetly worth the purchase....

 

my seat has identical ripples.

 

do they build off your stock seat pan or provide anew one with the seat?

 

Stock seat pan.

Mine has the ripples near the front as well, interesting that they now incorporate those "ripples" with stitching that mine doesn't have.