I Really Need to Know..Seats

[Jose Mendez]

OK Guys and Gals,

Most of our members have had their seat re-done by a variety of Seat Companies, but do they really hold up?

I'm directing this question to the Long Distance Riders who would drop 600 to 1,200 in a day. I have a stock saddle seat of a 2003 EV 1100 and use a Air Hawk to ease my bottom. Lately, even this combination is becoming uncomfortable. Without the Air Hawk there is pain after 100 miles or so.

Before I invest, I really need to know if any of your reconditioned seat lived up to your standard or would live up to mine?

Thanks for your "Rock Bottom" input.

[kingoffleece]

One of my customers has 95000 miles on a Bill Mayer Saddle-BMW R1150GS-and he had several thousands of miles on the bike prior to his purchase from me.

That's pretty good in my book.

[ChuckH]

Through the years I've used Bill Mayer (C-14 Concours), Rick Mayer (KLR-650, twice), a couple other miscellaneous rebuilders and Russell (R100RT, R1100RT, K1100LT, R1200R) seats.  I've always said that if I had one shot and did not want to miss on a long distance seat, it would be a Russell. 

That's my $.02, and I'm sticking with it.

[Lannis]

Through the years I've used Bill Mayer (C-14 Concours), Rick Mayer (KLR-650, twice), a couple other miscellaneous rebuilders and Russell (R100RT, R1100RT, K1100LT, R1200R) seats.  I've always said that if I had one shot and did not want to miss on a long distance seat, it would be a Russell. 

That's my $.02, and I'm sticking with it.

25,000 two up miles, 2-1/2 years on my Russell Day-Long and it's still like new.

Lannis

[ITSec]

I put over 100,000 on a Corbin on my old DL1000, and it was still going strong when I sold the bike (sent the saddle to a friend who's still using it).

My current Russell Day-Long has about 80,000 on it, and still looks fairly new. It can be re-foamed and recovered at a reduced cost ad infinitum but I don't think I'll need to for at least another 80,000 on top of its current use. It gets a dressing of leather conditioner maybe three times a year, no other maintenance.

[charlie b]

I put a Russell on my Honda and loved it.  Would do it again on any newer bike.

But, you could work on it yourself if you wanted.  All it takes is the right foam in the right place.

I just finished redoing mine and it is pretty cushy.  Shape it like a tractor seat.  I used the extremely firm foam around the edges (2 inches of seat) and nose.  In the center section I am using medium memory foam (it is shaped like a U).  Three layers.  Then one layer of soft memory foam over the whole thing.

I have not lived with the memory foam in winter yet.  On days under 50F it takes a while to soften up.  Not sure what it will be like when the temp is under 30F

[Sheepdog]

I've had a Sargent on my Vintage for five years and it has held up brilliantly. You have to spec your own mods with Sargent, but their work is top drawer and I've found the comfort great for consecutive ten hour days. The price and the turnaround is very reasonable also...