Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories Tired of discussing SEATS yet...?

Since I couldn't find any local BA.com members today, I took a leisurely 4 hour ride with six congenial HD fellows - have to admit, their bikes sound good, but they all look too much alike - as did the riders...but I digress. When I got home, my butt hurt so bad, it felt like I just did a 3 to 5 stretch at Attica!
Anyway, I would like to maintain the look of the stock SM gunfighter seat and have obtained a spare to "experiment" on. Any suggestions? - new foam & leather (if necessary)? those gel pad things? custom seat on stock pan? or just go with a Corbin gunfighter? (anybody have one?)
BTW, I have a rider backrest, highway pegs, different bars so it's not the position - I guess it's my boney butt. Help!

Palmer

Corbin.

I like my Corbin. I've never tried a gel pad, but they've always been popular items to buy at rallies. However, most people that I've talked with, really didn't care to much for them after after sitting on them a while.

Only one word, CORBIN

Check out Rick Mayer's seats. Rick's Dad Bill, created the Russell saddle which was the best in its day. I've owned Corbins and they are great. After riding one Rick Mayer saddle for a day, I agree with all the praise his seats receive and Corbins became a distant second choice. Here's a BMW view: BMW opinion on Rick Mayer Rick has about a 7 day turnaround from the day you ship him your old seat(s).
And here's Rick's site, About $100 cheaper than a Corbin if you pay upfront, unless you want vinyl - then it's even cheaper:
Rick Mayer Saddles
Ride Safe,
Dennis

Palmer,

I have a Corbin on my Sprint and they are great seats, BUT there really is no need to spend 3-500 bucks on one when you are half way there by having a spare seat anyway.

I know a lot of the guys here want a lower seat, but being 6'2", I couldn't care less about sitting any closer to tarmac. If you are about my size, my suggestion would be to do what I did a few years back.

The total costs were about 30 bucks for what I'm about to tell you, and I think the comfort level is at least as good as the Cordin alternative and I like the look. I also(but you don't have to) cut about 2inches off each side of the seat, as I was never too crazy for that "saddle" look that covers the top shock bolts.

The main problem with the stock seats that come on our bikes is that they are WAY TOO "swayback", meaning you are pretty much locked into ONE position, which ultimately will create "hot-spots" on the ol' rump.

Take that spare seat's cover off by removing the staples underneath. Peel the cover off from the front(you can leave a few staples at the back if you'd like, just to center the cover when you re-attach it.

Go to your nearest foam shop, and buy an approx. 3ft by 3ft by 1.5in closed-cell foam piece, a 3ft by 3ft by 1/4in closed-cell foam, a can of spray adhesive made for uphostery foam work, and a mat knife.(if you have access to an electric carving knife, that would word better) and have a staple gun at the ready.

Take the thicker foam and cut a piece that will fit on the lowest part of the seat. You will have to cut an angle on the bottom of the foam piece in order to get a flat look on the top. Take care not to cut it so as to have any jagged edges. As soon as you think that you've gotten it looking pretty smooth on top of the seat, spray the bottom of that piece and the top of the seat with the adhesive and glue it down.

Then take the thinner foam and adhere it to the whole seat. This will cover any jagged "blemishes" that will show up after you re-attach the cover and staple it back. Be sure to pull extremely hard all around the bottom of the seat in order get any wrinkles out and staple it back. DO NOT ADHERE THE COVER TO THE FOAM BY SPRAYING IT,as that is assured to cause those nasty wrinkles.

There you have it!

I figured that because you already have the extra seat, you might try this.

I'm pleased with the look and especially the comfort that this solution supplied me.

Cheers,
Dwight

CORBIN, CORBIN, CORBIN!
Gel pads get hot when you bike is sitting out in the sun. A buddy of mine had gel pads put inside his original seat and when he brings his bike to work he has to put a towel over the seat so it doesn't get too hot. It's kinda like one of those heating pads you put in the microwave. I went to Corbin about a year ago for the same reason, SORE BUTT, after long rides. What a difference! It's expensive but worth every $$$$$.
CORBIN, CORBIN, CORBIN. What more can I say?

corbin

Frank