upgrade seating on my 2004 r1150rt

[JDARLINGTON156115]

I'm thinking about upgrading my seating and am looking for feedback from others who have done this. The two that stand out are the Sargent and the Corbin.
I'm 5'11" around 200lbs. and often spend 6 to 9 hours a day riding.
Companies are expected to extoll the virtues of there upgrades and provide a few positive testimonials. I'm more interested in hearing from riders who have done this along with any positive or negative comments you're willing to share.
Thanking you in advance for any insite you can provide, JTD

 

[drsales]

One my first bike 2002 R1150R I added a Sargent and it was OK but not great, but better than the orginal. However after an 1.5 hr ride I needed to get off and flex my hips.

With my second bike 2004 R1150RT , it had already an installed Russell Day Long Seat. The first owner was near my size, but taller. I am 6'2" 270 lbs. Maybe its the size of the bike but this seat is absolutely superior to my previous experience.

I ride (4 hrs) with one stop and the fatigue factor has been minimal. Great support under you upper thigh, helps the hips and makes it very comfortable.

I would suggest if you can find examples of these seatsor other manufacturers, sit. Even though they may not be cut to your specific dimension you will notice the difference from standard seats. Seats are like shoes everyone will fit differently to your individual needs.

Good luck.

 

[bikerfish1100]

after "what's the best tire?" and "what's the best oil?" threads- "what's the best seat for my butt?" is probably the top question asked and answered. do a search- you'll find your answer much much faser.

 

[DPeakMD]

Same bike here. I did put the seat jacks on to lift the front of the stock seat, but other than that I've just adapted my riding position more to suit the ergos of the seat and the bike. By that I mean:

• Sit a little forward on the seat
• Bend forward at the waist
• Elbows bent and tucked into sides
• Balls of feet back on pegs

What I feel that does is take a portion of the weight off your posterior and direct it down your legs to your feet on the pegs. I felt my quads burn a little when I first tried it, but I got used to it. The contact area also shifts from just your posterior to some on your inner thighs. If you notice, the seating surface drops down there maybe for this purpose.

The forward lean allows me to adjust the angle to the grips. I noticed my grips were angled inward too far for sitting back. Sitting forward put them at the proper angle.

I don't tend to slide forward as much when stopping.

And I feel better in control of the bike overall.

I'll take flack for this, but IMHO people try to make the RT into an LT in terms of riding position. It can be done, but you're fighting the ergonomics of the bike. Hence some of the need for aftermarket seats, bar-backs, peg lowering kits, taller windscreens, etc.

I admit the OEM seat is probably not as high quality as the more expensive aftermarket alternatives. I was ready to buy into a Russell till I tried the approach above. I'm glad I did for more reasons than just saving money. It's given me an improved riding experience.

 

[maacova]

Seat

I have a 2004 1150 RT also. 5'10" with a 29" inseam. My bike came with a stock seat and a Sargent front seat. I felt both were just a little tall for me. I got a Sargent low seat and am very happy or should I say my butt is. Pm me if you are interested in a good used Sargent drivers seat. I can send you a pix.

Ken Denton

 

[SCJACK]

The most comfortable, long wearing seat that you can purchase is a Russell Day Long saddle.

 

[brownie]

Sargent

Love mine...

 

[irish]

I have a 2002 RT that had a Russell Day Long saddle on it when I bought it. My previous bike, a 94 Yamaha Virago, would get uncomfortable to ride on after a few hours. I bought my BMW in TN and rode it back to WI. Ten hours in the saddle on the first day was a breeze. I am totally sold on the Russell, would get another one without hesitation.

The only downside for me is that the saddle is somewhat porous due to holes from stitching, so rain water can temporarilly soak into the saddle. Minor inconvenience, they do sell a rain cover for I think $40-50. I don't know if other saddles have the same problem or not.

 

[pettynerd]

I just upgraded to a used Russell Day Long Seat found on ebay and it's 100% better then the stock BMW seat, my nutz no longer find their way to the tank!

 

[sdpc2]

a board with a nail

would be better than that stock seat IMHO.

I have a Rick Mayer, and love it. I'm 5'5" with a 29" inseam...

I have a good friend who has a russell and loves it too...

I wouldn't take a Corbin on a bet......

 

[bikerfish1100]

would be better than that stock seat IMHO.

I have a Rick Mayer, and love it. I'm 5'5" with a 29" inseam...

I have a good friend who has a russell and loves it too...

I wouldn't take a Corbin on a bet......

oh, on a bet i'd take a Corbin. i just wouldn't spend money on one anymore. Used to be a good product & a good company- but that was a decade or more ago.

 

[bdspler]

i was shocked at the stock seat! what APOS ... I went with Sargent , and its OK
but if I was doing it over i'd go with Corbin, Corbins for Fat A$$es and Sargent for skinny ones! i'm in the fat ones club!
They come across online and you save a Bundle! And if you cross counrty like me HEATED! But its all how ya ride!