The stock rear pillon pads were very uncomfortable (very hard and not very wide), and quickly replaced by those who use them. In 2007, they finally came out with a comfortable one stock. Before then, the only comfortable one was the touring pillon.
My rear seat came off and went on a shelf the first day I got the bike home. I think the bike looks much better without it, besides my partner has their own bike and I never ride with a passenger.
