Crobin Seat company customer service

[canuguzzi]

I recently tried to buy a Corbin seat for the Norge. I called them at least three times ob different days and times (I am in the same time zone) , no one answered. I emailed them twice and also used their contact form for at least 4 contacts that way. I was trying to arrange for a ride in service. Zip.

Then about 2 weeks later I get an email from them, no explanation about the delay, just the price and when do I want to go in?

Answer: No thanks. If they can't answer the phone (not even a way to leave a message), can't figure out email or at least acknowledge a delay, then I can put the money elsewhere.

Since I post when a dealer gives good service, only fair the same applies when it's less than.

[kevinkaren2011]

Good points made.

I am going to get a new seat for the Norge. I had two makers in mind, thanks to this post the choice has been made,,,,,Russel.

[Lannis]

I recently tried to buy a Corbin seat for the Norge. I called them at least three times ob different days and times (I am in the same time zone) , no one answered. I emailed them twice and also used their contact form for at least 4 contacts that way. I was trying to arrange for a ride in service. Zip.

Then about 2 weeks later I get an email from them, no explanation about the delay, just the price and when do I want to go in?

Answer: No thanks. If they can't answer the phone (not even a way to leave a message), can't figure out email or at least acknowledge a delay, then I can put the money elsewhere.

Since I post when a dealer gives good service, only fair the same applies when it's less than.

Could be just a different business model based on their workload and the size they want to be.

Having someone available to answer the phone or answer Emails right away costs money.   They might rather put that money in their pockets, and concentrate on making seats for the customers that DID get an answer to the phone or Email.

I know several small businessmen who either work alone, or with two or three people, and that's ALL they want.   They don't want to be bigger.   They don't want more business.   They get all they can handle by word of mouth or repeat business or people who will put up with two-week delays on getting back with them.

Other businesses WANT to grow, so they spend the money to make sure they can get new customers in, understanding that they will have to grow, and hire, and stay ahead of the backlog as more business comes in.   

Either one of those plans can backfire; the first one if the "repeat" business falls off and isn't enough, and the "new" customer base isn't calling any more, and the second if they answer too many phones and grow too fast and start delaying delivery and not explaining it or fixing it .....

Lannis

[flip]

I've bought Corbin seats for 4 bikes. I didn't care for it on my 600 Bandit I had at the time. It was a big improvement on my son's SV650. It was a moderate improvement on my Shiver. And it was a great improvement on my Breva 1100.

I bought all of the Corbins used so I have never dealt with their customer service. I have seen their customer service mentioned on several motorcycle forums over the years. Since I have no 1st hand experience there, I won't repeat what I have read. You can find that easy enough if you are so inclined.

Hmm, 4 used seats bought...I guess I've been a closet Guzzi guy for years. I finally came out in 2011 with the purchase of my Breva 1100. 


Edit:
Oops, I lied. Actually I had forgotten. I emailed Corbin customer service last year for some bolts to go into one of their backrest. I got a prompt response and the needed bolts a few days later. So, Corbin, I apologize and I was pleased with my one contact with them.

[canuguzzi]

Agreed about different business models. I just happen to think 3 calls and 4 emails (over a period of about a week) with a reply a couple of weeks later isn't a business model, it's just poor customer service.

What I didn't mention before is that the same thing happened a little over 2 years ago when I wanted to buy a seat for my Triumph Trophy. Same drill, lots of contacts before a reply.

What happens when the purchased seat needs an adjustment or warranty service?

By contrast, emailed MPH, nothing. Called them, left a message and got a call back lickety split. Startus Interruptus kit sent out same day. Inexpensive part, effort to make the sale. Corbin seat is way over $400, can't be bothered.

[kevinkaren2011]

I have been on both sides of the coin. As being a customer for many things and a business owner for 25 years I have learned customer service is vital.

2 things you need in the business world,,quality product and customer service. All else falls into place. You have to have customers to have a product and have products to have customers. Word of mouth means nothing if you don't pick up your phone.

If a business is backlogged, then fine, I accept that, but it is crucial to talk with the people whom feed you. I am willing to wait months if not years for delivery (I have waited 2 1/2 years for a gun), but they were always available to talk with me.

If they aren't willing to be accessible with in a reasonable amount of time, it will gives their customers a chance on going to a competitor.

[Lannis]

If they aren't willing to be accessible with in a reasonable amount of time, it will gives their customers a chance on going to a competitor.

True.  Even worse, it causes a customer who wouldn't otherwise have even THOUGHT about going to a competitor to call them out of frustration.

"I needed you.   I called you.  I couldn't get you."

"I needed you.   I called you.  I couldn't get you."

"I don't need you anymore."

Lannis

[Bobolink]

Corbin makes a nice seat for the Norge.  If you can do a ride-in build, you might want to give them another chance.
I tried a Russel before settling on a Corbin.  The Russel positioned me too high on the bike, and when I asked about an adjustment they stated that they could only move the seating position forward or backward, not downward.  I've had 3 Russels and they are fantastic, but for me, they seem to suit a more upright seating position than that of the Norge. YMMV

[keithl]

Excluding hospitals, Corbin is one of the worst run companies in America, however they do have a really good product.
Sargent Seats, has very good customer service.

I recently tried to buy a Corbin seat for the Norge. I called them at least three times ob different days and times (I am in the same time zone) , no one answered. I emailed them twice and also used their contact form for at least 4 contacts that way. I was trying to arrange for a ride in service. Zip.

Then about 2 weeks later I get an email from them, no explanation about the delay, just the price and when do I want to go in?

Answer: No thanks. If they can't answer the phone (not even a way to leave a message), can't figure out email or at least acknowledge a delay, then I can put the money elsewhere.

Since I post when a dealer gives good service, only fair the same applies when it's less than.

[canuguzzi]

I found a dealer with a gel seat for the Norge (MG OEM) and will try that out. I get flat footed at stops but just barely, sort of rocking slightly side to side. The Norge being a little top heavy tends to want to keep going over. It isn't a bit deal but I figure with an extra seat, I can swap them back and forth if I want.

Its only money.

[jackson]

Corbin has a very long history of poor customer service.  Many a potential customer has been run away with their poor customer service.  Also, many people who bought a pre-made seat and was unhappy with it (for any reason), has had to jump through hoops just to get someone to respond, much less, take action to attempt to make the customer happy.  Mike Corbin has been attempting to sell this company for years but it's over-valued (by a bunch) and anyone who is interested in buying it and who does a little research will quickly find many complaints.  The Corbin name is not what it was many years ago. (and I'm talking about MANY years ago because it's been headed downhill for the last 20 + years.
Buy a Russell or other quality seat form someone with a good track record of customer service and satisfaction and you won't have to put up with this kind of stuff.

[flip]

I found a dealer with a gel seat for the Norge (MG OEM) and will try that out. I get flat footed at stops but just barely, sort of rocking slightly side to side. The Norge being a little top heavy tends to want to keep going over. It isn't a bit deal but I figure with an extra seat, I can swap them back and forth if I want.

Its only money.

I found the factory gel seat to be comfortable. I couldn't move around on it much though and I took it off because of the lower seat height. I needed more leg room for my old knees.

[canuguzzi]

I found the factory gel seat to be comfortable. I couldn't move around on it much though and I took it off because of the lower seat height. I needed more leg room for my old knees.

I'm 5'10" 32 inseam. You? (if you don't mind telling). Was the inability to move around a result of the seat profile or the seat covering?

I could also use just a bit more rise on the bars so lowering the seat might also help me accomplish that.

[flip]

I'm 5'10" 32 inseam. You? (if you don't mind telling). Was the inability to move around a result of the seat profile or the seat covering?

I could also use just a bit more rise on the bars so lowering the seat might also help me accomplish that.

I'm about 6'1" with a 32" inseam. I could easily flat foot both feet at the same time with the gel seat. I'm over 300 lbs so maybe I was just crushing everything down.

My son is your size. He loved the gel seat when it was on my bike. He could easily move it around when sitting on it and had no problems at all controlling the bike at stops or backing it up.

[Francis]

To bad Mustang is not in contention yet or will they ever....I know some days Corbin will answer the phone if they have time,most days they are busy tho.

[Lannis]

To bad Mustang is not in contention yet or will they ever....I know some days Corbin will answer the phone if they have time,most days they are busy tho.

"There goes that damn phone again!"

"Probably more of those customer people.   I wish they'd bugger off.  Don't they understand that we're trying to run a business here?"

Lannis

[Nick]

Had Corbin seats on 4 other motorcycles and have been very happy with the product and the CS. I will probably order their heated seat for the Norge before winter.
Nick

[segesta]

If they don't want the business, then don't put advertisements in the back of every single motorcycle magazine. I'm just sayin--if you want to be a small, word of mouth company, then allow it to be.

[DucatiSSsp]

I had heard there was a big party goin' on........kinda motorcycle related!  Maybe they were out enjoying themselves.....

[Kev m]

I got the, maybe mistaken, impression that they were going out of business or trying to sell it...

[jackson]

They have been "for sale" since 2009: http://thekneeslider.com/corbin-pacific-motorcycle-seat-maker-up-for-sale/

[Arizona Wayne]

I've never had issues with Corbin having bought 1 of their seats and a used 1 off Ebay.  In fact my 1st Corbin was custom made for me on my CX100 decades ago and for the same price as a shelf model. I had them add 3/4" height to give me more leg room and they let me pick out the cover. Each custom seat job takes 4 hours.  If that isn't customer service I don't know what is !!     I still have that seat and had them recover it about 7 years ago. The foam they use is still good.    Now it looks even better than when new!  It's June, I'll bet they're swamped with orders right now.  If you really want a Corbin I would give them another try. 

[DucatiSSsp]

Could always ride to Seattle and see "Stitch Rich" at Rich's custom upholstery.....

[cwiseman]

I'd try Neds out of Riverside Iowa, he's a great guy and I'm very happy with the seat.
Ask for Jim, Ned's son!

[kingoffleece]

Bill Mayer Saddles.

[tpeever]

Corbin makes a nice seat for the Norge.  If you can do a ride-in build, you might want to give them another chance.
I tried a Russel before settling on a Corbin.  The Russel positioned me too high on the bike, and when I asked about an adjustment they stated that they could only move the seating position forward or backward, not downward.  I've had 3 Russels and they are fantastic, but for me, they seem to suit a more upright seating position than that of the Norge. YMMV

Agreed. Norge seat on my 1200 Sport is very nice. I like Corbin seats a lot. Have had one on a '96 Triumph Thunderbird and a '74 Norton Commando. I find them very comfortable, others find them too hard.

[Arizona Wayne]

Agreed. Norge seat on my 1200 Sport is very nice. I like Corbin seats a lot. Have had one on a '96 Triumph Thunderbird and a '74 Norton Commando. I find them very comfortable, other find them too hard.

Corbins are not made to be soft...........they are made to spread your body weight over a larger area, thereby giving you comfort.   They use different foam than most other seat makers.  It's actually sprayed on the base and then the artisan shapes it for your butt.  It lasts a LOT longer than conventional foam others use.  I've watched it done and if you get a custom seat you will too. 

[Lannis]

Corbins are not made to be soft...........they are made to spread your body weight over a larger area, thereby giving you comfort.   They use different foam than most other seat makers.  It's actually sprayed on the base and then the artisan shapes it for your butt.  It lasts a LOT longer than conventional foam others use.  I've watched it done and if you get a custom seat you will too. 

Yep.   When I first sat down on the Russell Day-Long seat on my Stelvio, I thought "Oh no, this seat is hard as a rock!"   But that's the way it's supposed to feel, and it doesn't change all day long (if I can say that).    Stock seats are meant to feel good in the showroom, I think, so they feel soft and cushiony at first, gradually morphing into torture racks over the course of a long day ....

Lannis

[krglorioso]

It almost makes me think that Rick Mayer, after absconding with my donor seat and around $500, has gone to work as Corbin's customer service manager...If that doesn't put them out of business....

Ralph

[skromfols]

I've had two seats made by Corbin.  Both times I rode the bike in and had the seat custom made.  The first was for a Goldwing back in 88 or 89.  It was a good experience and the seat worked as advertised.  Last year I called and made an appointment to get a seat made for my America.  My phone call was answered promptly and I got the appointment that I wanted.  While I was at the factory getting the seat made (they fit the seat initially, then have you ride the bike and bring it back and make changes to improve the fit and comfort based on your feedback before they cover the foam) an older gentleman came by and asked me how I was doing, if I was being treated well, etc.  It was Mike Corbin himself, just checking on customer service.

In addition to the solo seat I had a backrest made because on long rides (200+ miles) I was getting lower back pain.  With the new backrest I've done a couple of 300+ mile days with no lower back pain.

Corbin seats are not cheap, but they are great for long distance riding, and the quality and durability have been great. 

I'll be taking my MG Nevada down there this summer to get a custom seat made.