Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories Gel Seat - is it worth it?

Just collected my 2011 America yesterday. I had the gel seat fitted, not for the extra comfort but more for the 25mm in seat height reduction as I only have 27" inseam so any drop in seat height was welcome. However, riding home - 49 miles, I didn't notice anymore comfort from when I'd tried out the demonstrator couple of weeks ago. Nor did my feet touch flat to the ground as I'd hoped.

I was curious about this, so I took the 'gel' seat off and tried the stock seat. As far as I can see there is vertually no difference. I checked the part number of both and found that they had the same number 2305807. The configurator gives the part number as 2305817. But as this number is part of the plastic seat frame that may not mean much.

I'm really dissapointed considering this seat cost another £215 (guess that's about $350 ? )

Will be talking to the dealer today and asking him if I really have the gel seat and if so, would he take it back.

Alan

Welcome to the site alanrco! I agree with you. I hated the gel seat. Believe it or not to me it was harder then stock. I think you would be better off with the touring seat or get the stock seat tweaked for your weight and riding style.

I thought I would get the gel seat because my friend let me try his bike and it was amazing. The stock seat on my bike had a seam that was hitting a nerve and putting my right leg to sleep as I rode. I put a gel pad on the seat and rode that way for a while, and then rode without it and the seam had "broken in" a bit more. Now my stock seat is pretty comfortable.
From what I hear from other riders, a gel seat can take time to "break in" too. My previous bike (Honda Shadow) had less than a 100 miles ride time on the stock seat(before I felt sore and limped off the bike) , and 300 plus miles on the custom seat I had for it. (before I just got tired and needed a stretch stop) It wasn't gel, but was a 350 dollar after market seat.
So far my stock seat has been comfortable even on longer rides and I am not considering the gel anymore, but I have to admit that Brent's bike was really NICE and probably more comfortable than an easy chair. Not sure why the seat you have is not feeling as good, maybe different material?

I tried something new on my 3100 mile trip last week. I have the Touring Seat, and never had any issues with it, but when you are on the road for 600-800 miles a day.......

First three days of the trip last week, I wore what I call "BIKE" shorts - the thin polyester/spandex shorts the NBA players wear under their uniform shorts. They increase circulation, and my legs and arse were fine all the way to the East Coast.

I forgot I had another pair, and started home in briefs and jeans, and my arse was feeling it late into both days it took to get home.

They don't have a "fly", so a bit less convenient when nature calls, but I do think they are worth trying when one knows they'll be on the road all day. They make them for cyclists with pads and all, maybe even gell pads, but I just have the generic shorts with no pads. I'll definitely try them some more.

Here's what I wear on most trips. Wash out in the sink and drip dry quickly.
rriding shorts

Rang Triumph and was told, if the seat fitted has a small red printed 'Triumph' logo tag then I have the gel seat. The stock seat does not have this. Also the part code only relates to the frame of the seat so both seats would show same number. Aparently, the seat eventually beds in and the 25mm decrease will happen over time and the seat will become more comfortable. Guess I just got to wait and see

Alan

NB Previous bike was a Honda Shadow VT750 CA-8 and the stock seat on that was really comfortable

I know the seats are different on the '11 models so I can't say whether it will make a difference or not. I had my seat cut down and gel padding put in it, and it is way more comfortable. It did take a little time to really notice so some of that might just be riding time and your butt getting used to the bike.
I think I might get some of those riding shorts. That seems like a good idea.

I too had my stock seat cut down and a gel pad and new foam installed. It lowered me 1 1/2" as he shaved off foam under the seat itself and is so very comfortable and I always wear jeans and add chaps as needed.

Welcome to the site and enjoy your bike.

Silk boxer shorts work well too.

Welcome to the site Alan.

You could always buy a low profile seat from Newbonneville.com but you will have to man up Princess cause they aint built for comfort. More padding means higher profile generally.

I use the low profile seat normally but if going for a long trip I swap out to the touring seat. Only takes a couple of minutes to do.

Phoned Triumph and was told, if the seat fitted has a small red printed 'Triumph' logo tag then I have the gel seat. The stock seat does not have this. Also the part code only relates to the frame of the seat so both seats would show same number. Aparently, the seat eventually beds in and the 25mm decrease will happen over time and the seat will become more comfortable. Guess I just got to wait and see

Thanks for the welcome!

Alan

I bought a stock America seat for my Speedy and sent it to Spencer at greatdaytoride.com Hope its ok to give a plug but his service was great and the comfort of the seat is like night and day compared to my stock Speedy seat.