BMW RT Seats [Archive]

Easy

07-27-2006, 10:14 AM

I just got back from a long ride on my '06 R1200RT, unfortunately not to the Vermont rally. I have to admit, just like the '97 R1200R I had, the OEM seat on the '06 is very uncomfortable for long rides (minimum of 300 plus miles a day for at least three days). How common is this? Recently, on another thread I was critical of Harley, but I must admit, the three Harleys I've owned had seats that were comfortable for long distance. (But the good lord knows they had other serious problems.) I bought an aftermarket seat for the '97 and it worked fine and will do the same for the '06, but should this be necessary for a bike that is a "Touring" bike? For those of you who just got back from the Vermont Rally on your bikes, what was your experience?

Easy
Big Empty Texas :usa

121247

07-27-2006, 10:55 AM

I have a 05 R 1200 RT that I love. The seat is so so. I was thinking about a aftermarket seat. I read some who have aftermarket seats think they feel the same. I have information on a Sergent which looks sharp and people seem to be happy with them. The question I have, is getting a new seat worth it?
CW,Chicago

Ksrob

07-27-2006, 10:55 AM

kbasa

07-27-2006, 11:19 AM

Rocky Mayer at Bill Mayer Saddles, made me this one.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/75988965-M.jpg

bubbagazoo

07-27-2006, 11:41 AM

Rocky Mayer at Bill Mayer Saddles, made me this one.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/75988965-M.jpg

That's the first really good picture I have seen of any after market seat. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems that your Mayer seat is a bit wider at the front than the stock seat. I'm thinking the problem with the stock seat is that it's shape results in pressure on the body in the wrong places.

TomfromMD

07-27-2006, 11:47 AM

The stock (lower version) seat on my '06 R1200RT starts biting me at about 75 miles. A Bead Rider cover (about $35) doubles that but my Sargent seat is comfortable for 400+ mile days. Although not cheap, the Sargent is very well made and fits the bike even better than stock. As the biggest problem I had with Sargent was the collecting and disposing of all the plastic packing "peanuts" surrounding the seats, I highly recommend them - especially if you'd rather not send in your OEM seat.

I'll only remount the stock seat for short rides below 50o as it's heated.

BradfordBenn

07-27-2006, 12:01 PM

After getting the Sargent Seat I sold my stock seat and have not looked back. 1,000+ days no problem.

kbasa

07-27-2006, 12:05 PM

That's the first really good picture I have seen of any after market seat. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems that your Mayer seat is a bit wider at the front than the stock seat. I'm thinking the problem with the stock seat is that it's shape results in pressure on the body in the wrong places.

Not really wider at the front, though it's considerably wider at the rear. It's made by Mayer cutting off the old foam and them putting a molded bucket on. I visited their shop, so I had an opportunity to have it positioned just so.

On the rear, they glued a couple wings onto the stock seat and changed the foam around a little to make it work better.

The heat is just a membrane that lives between the foam and the cover, so Rocky was able to put the heat back on. It works just like it did originally.

I think the problem with the stock seat is that it's narrow and you wind up sitting on your "sitzbones". They take all the weight, the edge of the seat starts cutting into your upper thigh and it's all downhill from there. This seat spreads your weight across a wider area and takes the hotspots off. It's pretty comfy and is as good as the seat he did for my GS a couple years ago. This time I went with the smooth vinyl. I think I paid $475 for front and rear seats.

kbasa

07-27-2006, 12:08 PM

I wish BMW would offer the bikes without seats and windshields. :brow Those are the first two things I change. On my latest RT, I could only ride for about 500 miles before I was squiming. An Airhawk seat pad did not help me.

I have had great results from Rick Meyer seats and CBailey w/s.

Rob Lessen
Arma, KS

'73 Honda XL250
'91 R100GSPD w/Meyer solo seat
'96 R11RS w/Meyer
'05 R12RT w/Meyer

Yep. I generally wind up doing something with the seat and tossing the shocks. I'm getting ready to start trying to solve the GSs windshield issues by adding a pair of the Adventure winglets. The RT stock shield? I have no clue. I see the Ztechnik shield and think it might work pretty well, but it's so damn ugly. I was hoping Aeroflow would have one of theirs at the rally, but no dice. Same with Cee Bailey.

Don't get me started on shocks. The GS has been good, but the RT is quite lacking when it's loaded. Not enough spring, not enough damping on the rear, though the front feels pretty good. :bluduh

chasman

07-27-2006, 12:19 PM

I've said for years that BMW should sell all their bikes without a windshield and seat. Give us a voucher to get the custom stuff from the vendor of our choice.

If the bike designers were forced to ride their designs long distance we would get good seats and windshields.

Riding Like the Wind...

CHASMAN
Black '02 K12RS (with a Rick Mayer)
Knights of the Roundel #333

Oldhway

07-27-2006, 12:24 PM

Put a Sargent on my "04 RT about three weeks before the rally and I am very pleased. My wife, who is new to riding, also liked the Sargent substantially better than the BMW comfort seat (available for sale) we had before. We had tried Alaska Leather sheep skins with the BMW seat and they helped but were not ideal. Tried them with the Sargent but liked the Sargent better without (I think). Also put a Cee Bailey Euro #2 screen on the bike and that was better than stock as well. Both companys were easy to deal with and delivered as promised. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.

Ksrob

07-27-2006, 12:27 PM

Don't get me started on shocks. The GS has been good, but the RT is quite lacking when it's loaded. Not enough spring, not enough damping on the rear, though the front feels pretty good. :bluduh

Oh, yeah. I forgot about the shocks. I had Wilbers on my '97 RT and they were great. I'm waiting till winter to change the stock rubber bands on the '05 RT. With top shelf shocks, the bikes feel more like a M5 than a Buick Park Ave. :heart

Rob Lessen
Arma, KS

various 2 wheels

kbasa

07-27-2006, 01:32 PM

With top shelf shocks, the bikes feel more like a M5 than a Buick Park Ave. :heart

That's what I'm after, man. We've got Ohlins on the R11RS and it's magnificent. You feel that you're moving in a straight line through space and the suspension is moving to reach the road. Stunningly effective.

apopj

07-27-2006, 01:35 PM

Have a Russell seat on my Rt and it works pretty well. I have said for years that we put up with a lot of crap simply because it's a BMW. As long as we buy them, why should the factory change anything? It was only when complaints got out of hand that they fixed (oops, it wasn't a problem) surging. As long as we continue to complain by purchasing a motorcycle that we have to make right out of the box, the company won't do a thing. Wait, I take that back... they have done something... they have told us that we Americans don't know what's good for us..... So, buy the $20K bike and then spend a few thousand more to make it right. That's the BMW way.... Jeff :banghead

BMWDEAN

07-27-2006, 02:45 PM

Except for the K1200LT, BMW doesn't seem to be able to make comfortable seats.

I use <a href=http://www.homestead.com/prosites-rmcycle/index.html>Rick Mayer's excellent saddles</a> on my R1200RT:

<img border=1 src=http://bmwdean.home.att.net/rt-saddle.jpg>

I have not had a sore butt using this saddle on long trips, even in mid-90s temperatures. I chose leather, however, because it breathes well.

http://bmwdean.home.att.net/r1200rt.htm

Motorman

07-27-2006, 06:26 PM

How common are uncomfortable seats on BMW's?????

Well I'd say it really not a problem, at least to BMW. I've been riding one since 1976 and the stock seats have ALL sucked for riding longer than a couple hours. It's been a fine example of a problem in search of a solution and going ignored by BMW for the 30 years I've been around them. :banghead :dunno

RTRandy

07-27-2006, 08:06 PM

OK everyone's right. Whether you have a Rick or a Rocky, Day long or Half a Day Long, they're considerably better than the stock saddles. I have a Rocky (Bill Mayer) as well and yes it's fine. I just returned after 21 days of riding and discovered I still had sore butt problems especially in the heat and long days.

When I'm trying to cover long distance in a day, I run a full tank to reserve and fill up and move along without a long stops. That means long times of the butt sitting pretty much in the same position and sweating with not enough air flow even with leather which is still better than vinyl.

I didn't believe a friend who swore by these things, but after two weeks prior to arriving at the rally, I was ready to try anything and spotted those beaded covers for sale at the Motolights booth and I trust those folks for sure.

I paid $35 for them and they take 30 seconds to put on. Best investment I ever made. No more butt problems for the rest of the trip. They work great !! They allow air to flow under you and that drying helps tremendously plus you won't even know you're on beads.

They make them for specific bike model saddles including a set for the rear
seat so specify what bike you ride. Try Bead Rider (http://www.beadrider.com/) For around $35 it could very well solve your problem without going the custom seat route.

BradfordBenn

07-27-2006, 08:12 PM

Just remember everyone's butt is different, what fits me might not fit you.

StevieWonder

07-27-2006, 08:16 PM

Brad, true, but when you're riding it's only YOUR butt that matters !!! :thumb

BradfordBenn

07-27-2006, 08:59 PM

Some time it is your riding partner's (pillion) butt that matters more :stick

StevieWonder

07-27-2006, 09:08 PM

Not EVEN gonna go there !!! :D

Dolph

07-28-2006, 09:57 PM

My wife and I did a six thousand mile trip on bill Mayer Saddles last year. We ususally stop for gas or a potty break or both about every 100 to 150 miles. This gives us enough "butt break" time to continue on. With the stock saddle this length of trip was not possible without real pain.
We could go further between breaks, but why? We do our 5 to 600 miles per day without a problem. :heart

Easy

07-29-2006, 09:29 AM

I want to thank everyone for their comments, suggestions and photos. I've sent an e-mail to the BMW home office asking they forward it to the Fatherland. Hopefully it will be read and taken seriously regarding the RT. But then I sent a similar e-mail in '97 about the seats on the R11R. After looking at the seat on the new R12R, it looks like the R seats are going in the sport direction. But then the R is not really a touring bike so I don't have room to complain about the R. I'm leaning toward the Rick Mayer seat. Although it may not be any more comfortable than the rest, it keeps the original heating hookup. Thanks again.

Easy
Big Empty, Texas :german

Example is the best precept.
Aesop (620 BC-560 BC)

cwsenn

07-29-2006, 09:52 AM

Thanks for all the posts, I made an appointment for Aug 15TH while my daughter is in Mexico with her youth group. My wife and I will be going to see Rick Mayer to have our butts fitted for a nicer seat and to enjoy a relaxing week away from work. He's only 600 miles from where we live so it's not too bad a drive at all.
I want to go with leather but am a bit concerned due the constant rainfall we get in the Puget Sound area. Does anyone have any input on the leather versus vinyl material?

Thanks for all the info, Lownslo

Easy

07-29-2006, 11:04 AM

The seat I had on my '97 R11 was leather and held up well for 9 years; but at night I used a bike cover when on trips. I it still got plenty wet during some of the rides. (For the first six years with the '97, I lived in Houston, Texas - lots of rain.) I think leather is a good investment, but I would get a rain cover or use a bike cover. P.S. Send some of your rain to the Big Empty. We really need it!!!

Easy :german
Big Empty, Texas

BMWDEAN

07-29-2006, 04:24 PM

I think leather is a good investment, but I would get a rain cover or use a bike cover.

Easy :german
Big Empty, Texas

Rick Mayer sends rain covers with his saddles. I have used them.

MooreDriven

07-31-2006, 02:04 PM

Rick Mayer sends rain covers with his saddles. I have used them.

Clarification. Rick will send you a rain cover if you pay for it. I think he charges $25 to fit both seats. My seats are due back next week. Can't wait to take a trip.

knewell1

07-31-2006, 03:28 PM

I have a 98 R1100RT and the first year I put 4000 tearful miles on it. I put a day long on it the next year. I now have added 27,000 in the last two years.
Made it to Vermont 3600 mi in 9 days for that great rally. Not iron butt status but ok for me. I stopped every few hours to gas up, stretch, eat and such, not because I couldn't stand it any more. Life is good

Eureka

08-01-2006, 08:53 AM

I changed my RT's seat out after about 8,000 miles. The factory seat never did "break-in" and was a major source of discomfort after 2-3 hours in the saddle. I got a custom fitted Rich's of Seattle seat and I would not hesitate to do so again.

cwsenn

08-01-2006, 06:52 PM

How do you feel Rich's work stacks up against the work of Rick Mayer?

From the pictures I have seen I like what Rick has done with the RT's posted earlier in this thread and have not seen pictures of the same from what Rich has done. I would sure llike some input on comparisons of the two because I obviosly want the best and price is about the same.

Lownslo

ahpd1992

08-01-2006, 07:11 PM

1st post for me, I agree the stock seat is a german torture device after a few hours...has anyone tried the corbin seats. I had luck with them on other bikes, but never tried them on a BMW. Since Ive used Corbin im 10yrs older and a whole lot wider, wiser? :-). Anyone have any experience with corbins that is gonna be my next purschase for my 00 r11rt

Tom

CamDLux

08-01-2006, 07:58 PM

I found a sargent seat on eBay and its fantastic. The seat changed the ergonomics of the bike completely and i can ride without my nutz getting smashed against the tank. My bum would get sore...but i no longer need to adjust my crotch continuously! Worth it...highly recommended....love it....need it.....get it!

I also just received a Cee Bailey #2 Euro Cut +4.5, +2 from stock. I am 5'11" and the +4.5 is a little too tall. Otherwise, the ride is quiet and much improved. The build quality is awesome and a huge improvement over stock...get it....but dont get it too tall!

Final thought, I ride 2 up a lot with the wife, and many of her complaints about the ride comfort are not longer valid and she is a happy camper too!

Ksrob

08-01-2006, 07:58 PM

pbbeck

08-01-2006, 08:55 PM

Here is my '05 R1200RT with a Bill Mayer saddle (the pillion is stock, reupholstered to match). I just rode 9000 miles in 5 weeks and this custom-made seat was good for 600-mile+ days, day after day.

At the Rally, I augmented the Bill Mayer with an Alaska Leather sheepskin seat cover, which made it even better!

http://home.earthlink.net/~paulbbeck/bms1.jpg

http://home.earthlink.net/~paulbbeck/bms2.jpg

kbasa

08-01-2006, 09:02 PM

:ha

Paul, I think your bike was parked in the same spot mine was when I took the pictures earlier in this thread.

kbasa

08-01-2006, 09:04 PM

Tom, I had a Corbin on my '89 R100RT. It was heavy, didn't fit and was not much of an improvement.

As always, your butt may be different.

:nod

If you're looking for an "out of the box" seat, try the Sargent. We've got them on the RS and on the VFR and they're terrific. Much better fit, finish and comfort than Corbin, at least for us.