Author Topic: 1400 and Corbin saddle  (Read 5176 times)

Offline SEG

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1400 and Corbin saddle
« on: April 24, 2016, 07:40:47 PM »
Does anyone have a Corbin saddle for a 1400 California Touring?  If so, please post a review or send a PM.  Corbin will add heating elements which is a nice feature.  The stock seat is too uncomfortable.  I am considering a Corbin, or will try an AirHawk.  Alternatively I could go with a Rich's saddle. I had a Rich's seat in the past and it was pretty good.  I checked the Russell Day-Long website and they did not list a 1400 as an option.  I have had multiple RDLs and they are outstanding.
2015 Moto Guzzi 1400 California Touring
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Offline mjptexas

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Re: 1400 and Corbin saddle
« Reply #1 on: April 24, 2016, 08:52:57 PM »
Does anyone have a Corbin saddle for a 1400 California Touring? 

Here's a couple of pictures of the Corbin on my Cali Custom:





People seem to either love Corbins or hate em.  I fall in the first camp & have them on 3 bikes.

Some comments wrt the Corbin on the Cali:

1) it is really hard (as are all Corbins).  Seems to be their design philosophy.  You may be put off when you first sit on one.  The proof is 4 hours down the road, when your butt isn't numb and doesn't hurt like hell.

2) the seat is wider than stock so it will change (increase) your reach to the ground.  If you are vertically challenged a Corbin may not be for you. 

3) fit and finish on the three Corbins I have is top shelf.

4) the color and material options are bewildering.  Think twice before you do anything too creative.

I didn't spring for the heated seat.  my butt is usually the last thing to get cold.

Seats are interchangeable between the Custom and the Touring so what fits one will fit the other.
« Last Edit: April 24, 2016, 09:06:07 PM by mjptexas »
Mike

'18 R Nine T Urban GS
'17 Griso
'16 XL1200 Roadster
'15 Monster 821
'14 Cali Custom
'14 Vespa GTS300 Super
'15 Vespa Primavera
'75 CB400F
'76 CB550F

Lcarlson

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Re: 1400 and Corbin saddle
« Reply #2 on: April 24, 2016, 10:25:39 PM »
Here's a couple of pictures of the Corbin on my Cali Custom:





People seem to either love Corbins or hate em.  I fall in the first camp & have them on 3 bikes.

Some comments wrt the Corbin on the Cali:

1) it is really hard (as are all Corbins).  Seems to be their design philosophy.  You may be put off when you first sit on one.  The proof is 4 hours down the road, when your butt isn't numb and doesn't hurt like hell.

2) the seat is wider than stock so it will change (increase) your reach to the ground.  If you are vertically challenged a Corbin may not be for you. 

3) fit and finish on the three Corbins I have is top shelf.

4) the color and material options are bewildering.  Think twice before you do anything too creative.

I didn't spring for the heated seat.  my butt is usually the last thing to get cold.

Seats are interchangeable between the Custom and the Touring so what fits one will fit the other.

Point one of Mike's post gets to the essence of the Corbin experience, and it's important. Also, their fit and finish are good. On the downside, they are heavy, and frequently don't fit properly. Their customer service rep is abysmal. FWIW,  I find the stock saddle on my Cali Custom to be one of the best stock saddles I've experienced (OK, kind of a low bar). I think that may be because the slight forward lean of the Custom shifts some weight onto my thighs; small changes in weight distribution are hugely relevant to comfort in motorcycle saddles.

Offline stephenm

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Re: 1400 and Corbin saddle
« Reply #3 on: April 25, 2016, 03:12:50 AM »
I have the Corbin on my Touring. Started with Airhawks front and rear, then upgraded. Have about 8,000km up on this seat. The first 1,000km, you wonder why you spent the money. After that, the seat is comfortable for multi-day trips. The stock seat used to 'burn' after an hour. The Corbin has been good on my longest day to date, 550km.

Stephen

Offline mjptexas

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Re: 1400 and Corbin saddle
« Reply #4 on: April 25, 2016, 07:05:51 AM »
FWIW,  I find the stock saddle on my Cali Custom to be one of the best stock saddles I've experienced (OK, kind of a low bar). I think that may be because the slight forward lean of the Custom shifts some weight onto my thighs; small changes in weight distribution are hugely relevant to comfort in motorcycle saddles.

Agree 100%.  I got the Corbin primarily for the Mrs.  The stock Custom seat isn't very 'pillion friendly'.
« Last Edit: April 25, 2016, 08:04:19 AM by mjptexas »
Mike

'18 R Nine T Urban GS
'17 Griso
'16 XL1200 Roadster
'15 Monster 821
'14 Cali Custom
'14 Vespa GTS300 Super
'15 Vespa Primavera
'75 CB400F
'76 CB550F

Offline segesta

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Re: 1400 and Corbin saddle
« Reply #5 on: April 25, 2016, 07:50:40 AM »
The OEM Guzzi "leather Touring seat" is far better for the passenger, but basically the same as the regular seat for the rider. But it's expensive, so worth considering the Corbin after all.

For what that's worth!
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2014 Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom
2013 Ducati Monster 796
2010 BMW K1300GT

Offline steveford

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Re: 1400 and Corbin saddle
« Reply #6 on: April 25, 2016, 11:36:39 AM »
I just rolled over 30000 miles on my touring, and bought it in May of 13. I think I got the Corbin with heat in early July of 14. As said before it's very firm!!! Love the heat when it's cold, and well worth the extra $$$, and you can't add it later. I sometimes throw the airhawk on top. I have Corbin seats on my EV's and also like them a lot, but also firm. This seat has much better passenger accommodations than stock. I'd say go for it.
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Keeping the Guzzi Passion Alive
Steve Ford
Vancouver Wa.

100,000+ mile 2001 EV http://wildguzzi.com/Rallies/Photos/AZ/1.jpg
77,000+mile 2014 1400 Touring
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ClnTFjmDyPMS2RBB3

Offline kemorobbie

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Re: 1400 and Corbin saddle
« Reply #7 on: April 25, 2016, 05:01:33 PM »
also in your boat........  just pulled the trigger on the corbin with heat and a back rest last week.  Will update once i have it....lead time is about 4-5 weeks so dont hold your breath for my update :grin:

Offline SEG

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Re: 1400 and Corbin saddle
« Reply #8 on: April 25, 2016, 07:35:52 PM »
Thanks for al the replies.  I decided to go with a local seat builder, Steve Gowing in Ft. Collins.  His prices are inline with Corbin, and I'll get the personal service.  I'll post when I get the seat in late May, and have had a chance to test it out.  Thanks again for those that responded.
Scott
Denver
2015 Moto Guzzi 1400 California Touring
MGNOC Member 18315

Offline bobbyfromnc

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Re: 1400 and Corbin saddle
« Reply #9 on: April 27, 2016, 10:32:19 AM »
I am considering a corbin for my Cal touring. I noted the comment about the corbin being a wider seat. I was wondering about height. I wouldn't mind if it was just a little higher than stock. Any comments on this would be appreciated. BK

Offline kingoffleece

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Re: 1400 and Corbin saddle
« Reply #10 on: April 27, 2016, 01:49:26 PM »
We can rebuild your stock seat, make it great, and add a heater if you'd like.
Adding height is easy.  Adjusting contour is easy.  Leather, vinyl, or insert, easy.
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Offline mjptexas

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Re: 1400 and Corbin saddle
« Reply #11 on: April 28, 2016, 07:17:15 AM »
I am considering a corbin for my Cal touring. I noted the comment about the corbin being a wider seat. I was wondering about height. I wouldn't mind if it was just a little higher than stock. Any comments on this would be appreciated. BK

I don't think it's noticeably higher.  The width changes the angle of your legs so the reach to the ground is different.  Took me a while to get used to that.
Mike

'18 R Nine T Urban GS
'17 Griso
'16 XL1200 Roadster
'15 Monster 821
'14 Cali Custom
'14 Vespa GTS300 Super
'15 Vespa Primavera
'75 CB400F
'76 CB550F

Offline bobbyfromnc

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Re: 1400 and Corbin saddle
« Reply #12 on: April 28, 2016, 08:45:55 AM »
I don't think it's noticeably higher.  The width changes the angle of your legs so the reach to the ground is different.  Took me a while to get used to that.

Thanks for your response. BK

Offline Waltr

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Re: 1400 and Corbin saddle
« Reply #13 on: April 28, 2016, 10:28:53 AM »
I put a Corbin on the Norge and highly recommend getting heat.  I too rarely get cold on the backside but if I keep the seat on my legs stay warmer.  Kinda like wearing a heated vest keeps my hands warm.
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