Seat Recommendations

[clgennone]

Just gave up the Harley for an 03 1150RT and am clearly experiencing an advance of epic propotions. I love it!! However, it has the stock seat and after 6 hours my butt was numb and shoulders were aching.

My question is what seat is generally regarded as the best for primarily 2-up riding? And, should bar backs cure the shoulder issue or is this something I'll get used to? I'm fit, 6'2" and 190 so proportions and/or conditioning shouldn't be an issue.

Thanks in advance for the input.

[drummer]

Good move - I too went from a cruiser style to the R11xxR style and found the change amazing.

As for the seat - I love my Russell day long. On one trip I was eleven hours in the saddle and not a problem of any kind.

Best of luck with your quest - there are a lot of good seats out there.

[Bfish]

i've got a sargeant on both my RT and Weestrom.

[bikerfish1100]

WHAT? you don't care what kind of oil you're going to put in there? nor what tires should go underneath you? good god man, what is wrong with you?!?!!?!

serioulsy- try doing a search. "what seat?" is probably 3rd most common thread, right after the oil & tire thing. at least the tire one sort of updates as new models are released; the aftermarket seat guys have all been around forever.

[RJM2096]

Just gave up the Harley for an 03 1150RT and am clearly experiencing an advance of epic propotions. I love it!! However, it has the stock seat and after 6 hours my butt was numb and shoulders were aching.

My question is what seat is generally regarded as the best for primarily 2-up riding? And, should bar backs cure the shoulder issue or is this something I'll get used to? I'm fit, 6'2" and 190 so proportions and/or conditioning shouldn't be an issue.

Thanks in advance for the input.

I am in the same situration you are , but I still have the HD. I am having them both redone by a local shop. He is going to a carbon fiber look vinyl, building up the front collar to prevent slide and cupping/padding the ass area a little.

On the HD he is trying to add a little to the bitch seat part.

[drummer]

WHAT? you don't care what kind of oil you're going to put in there? nor what tires should go underneath you? good god man, what is wrong with you?!?!!?!

serioulsy- try doing a search. "what seat?" is probably 3rd most common thread, right after the oil & tire thing. at least the tire one sort of updates as new models are released; the aftermarket seat guys have all been around forever.

Rather sad - you spend this money for what is in most cases a luxury item (certainly not needed to sustain life) and the seat is one of the most common complaints.

Still, I love my Beemer ... rode to work today!! :dance

[PGlaves]

Rather sad - you spend this money for what is in most cases a luxury item (certainly not needed to sustain life) and the seat is one of the most common complaints.

Still, I love my Beemer ... rode to work today!! :dance

If everybody weighed the same, had the same length legs, and had identical butts, then a one-size-fits-all seat would be easy for the OEM guys to install. Until then some of us wil buy a seat that does match our butts!

[bikerfish1100]

Rather sad - you spend this money for what is in most cases a luxury item (certainly not needed to sustain life) and the seat is one of the most common complaints.



wait one second now. are you trying to say that a motorcycle is not necessary for life?
BLASPHEMY!!!! Foolishness and blasphemy. Foolishness, blasphemy and general doo-doo-headedness!! quick, somebody, where's my beer?

[drummer]

If everybody weighed the same, had the same length legs, and had identical butts, then a one-size-fits-all seat would be easy for the OEM guys to install. Until then some of us wil buy a seat that does match our butts!

Paul, I hope I didn't get under your skin with this - its just there are little things that could be done to prolong the choice of moving to a third party purchase. One such thing is to NOT make the seat smooth. If you put stitching and indents into the fabric, air will get in and keep one from suffering "monkey butt." At the same time, this will allow for changing pressure points. The end result would be a little greater customer satisfaction for the money. That is all I am saying.

[cardno7]

Sargent seats are a popular replacement on RTs, Russell has a great reputation as do several others such as Mayer. I have a Corbin that I love but honestly my wife feels like she slides a bit. Thus I use my Corbin solo and put a Sargent on for two up.

My suggestion is look at the multitude of replacements, make your decision on preference and price and you can not go wrong because you could sit on a 2X4 and be more comfortable than the stock seat of an RT. Amazing engineering on the bike, poor seat design, go figure.

[bikerfish1100]

One such thing is to NOT make the seat smooth. If you put stitching and indents into the fabric, air will get in and keep one from suffering "monkey butt." At the same time, this will allow for changing pressure points. The end result would be a little greater customer satisfaction for the money. That is all I am saying.


interesting concept. you have lots of experience making seats, or are you just assuming?
see, i've spoken with guys who make seats for a living, and they don't agree with the idea that stitching/indents/designs will add air circulation. my guess is that the amount of space created is too small to assist in any real manner (unlike seat-beads, which really create space between rider and saddle), and only serve as places for water to creep into the foam under the covering.

i think Paul hit the nail head-on; too many different butts for any manufacturer to hit a homoerun with an off-the-shelf saddle. for example- the late 70's era S/RS saddles were generally considered to be terribly uncomfortable. But I absolutely loved mine, and 600+ mile days were very easy.

[Stuff2C]

check this guy out, I'm thinking of sending my stock GS seat to him. I have a sargent seat now. less than a hundred for the full upgrade.

24/48 hr turn around:scratch

http://greatdaytoride.com/Home_Page.php

[beeryboats]

I'm in agony after two hours on my '01 R1100RT with an '96 RT seat on it. The late model comfort seat is so wide, my feet don't touch the ground. So I can't use it. My problem is not monkey butt, but tailbone ache. Did anyone else have this problem? I also have bar backs which make you sit more upright. Could this be part of the problem?
Thanks, Jay

[Mr. Frank]

The biggest problem with the stock seat is the forward cant. Raising the front of the seat can help a great deal. You can buy a kit of "Seat Jacks" from Cycle Gadgets.

[boxerr]

Seat issues seem to be one of the biggest gripes with BMW bikes.
I have owned 5 Beemers, and had to change seats on 3, and looking at the one on my F650GS at the moment.
Had Corbins on 1150GS, Sargents on 1150RT, and 1150R.
Wasnt overly happy with any of them. I have tailbone issues which dont help.
Unfortunately, we have limited access to aftermarket seats out in Australia, but have a couple of good modifyers.
If I could only get a BMW seat as comfortable as my Harley seat, I would be happy.:dance

[bikerfish1100]

for many (most?) backs, sit up and beg ala RT or GS) is not the best position. a slight forward lean is prefered (S, ST or RS), as it takes stress off the low back. unfortunately, it may become a situation of robbing Peter to pay Paul by transferring some of those stresses to the wrists, arms, shoulders and neck.

[clgennone]

To Everyone: Thanks for your input. I have decided to look for a good, used aftermarket seat on ebay and in these classifieds and try that for starters rather than investing 600-700 in a new seat I might not like. Thanks again and I'll post my feedback on a new seat when I get it. In the interim, if anyone knows of a Sargeant or Russell, etc. for an 03 R1150RT for sale, steer them my way...clgennone@bellsouth.net. Thanks.

[eqyndad]

I have just sent off my rider's seat (1150R) to Spencer (GreatDayToRide.com) for him to work on. He has been extremely responsive to my needs and question thus far. He said he typically has them done in 24 to 48 hours.

He is reshaping the original seat and adding the special "gel" pad for comfort...all for $75.

I'll keep you posted on the results.

[toz35]

Just my 2 cents worth. I bought an 04 1150 RT and could not ride 100 miles without being in pain. My back seat was just as bad from the report I heard. I did a 4 hour trip and was almost crippled by the time I got home.

I bit the bullet and went to Rich's Custom Seats in Seattle. It cost a pretty penny, I had both seats done and covered in leather, but I have not made an improvement to this bike that will last longer or be more appreciated. I can ride for days on end and it feels like I have been in my Lazy-boy.http://72.3.249.89/forum/images/smilies/dance.gif
:dance

david

[riderR1150GSAdv]

Everyone is different and so will the opinions be, but for me the Airhawk works really well. I had the comfort BMW seat on my '04 RT and it was great. The '05 Lt I had, was a different issue and needed a new seat in a bad way, and so I got a Rick Mayer and it was fine too. But for the $$ spend and Airhawk is a pretty good deal IMHO. YMMV

[awagnon]

If you haven't discovered the BMW Sport Touring site, I suggest you give it a look and search for info on seats. http://bmwsporttouring.com

I tried a sheep skin and an AirHawk, but neither was as comfortable as my new Sargent. Also, you only need to buy the rider seat if you don't plan to ride two-up and it will save about $250. Also, the advice on jacking up the front of the seat is very worthwhile. You can make your own jacks for pennies.

You might try barbacks. I've had mine on and off so many times, I've nearly worn out the bolts. In the end, I think, for me, they reduce the strain on my shoulders and wrists. Many will recommend searching for the "Master Yoda riding position" as an answer to all your problems. It does help, but not enough for me.

[MooreDriven]

Replacing the saddle is very common, regardless of the OEM. Most of the people I ride with have modified or replaced their saddles. Including Gold Wings, HD, ST, etc.

I decided on a Rick Mayer seat. Russel was my second choice. Yes, they are expensive, but so was your bike. If you plan to ride it and be comfortable, then having a custom saddle built is part of the purchase. Unfortunately, most don't factor this when buying their first bike.

Good luck!

[Bob1100RTC]

They may not be able to make a seat for everyone but they should be able to please the majority. The seat on my R1100RT was terrible and so is the seat on my R1200RT. Some of you may have true 'Iron Butts' but for the average Joe and his wife 'Jane' BMW needs to have some consideration. This extra $900 I'm going to have to spend just burns my ass so to speak. That off my chest, both were,are excellent machines.:lurk

[MrGrocer]

I will maintain there is no such thing as a comfortable stock motorcycle seat. The answer is a sargent. I love my sargent touring saddle.

[RJM2096]

If you haven't discovered the BMW Sport Touring site, I suggest you give it a look and search for info on seats. http://bmwsporttouring.com

You might try barbacks. I've had mine on and off so many times, I've nearly worn out the bolts. In the end, I think, for me, they reduce the strain on my shoulders and wrists. Many will recommend searching for the "Master Yoda riding position" as an answer to all your problems. It does help, but not enough for me.

I agree, I have the barbacks and peg lowering kit. It was well worth it. I am not that large, but I do not like to be folded up when I tour.

[antaeas]

I am considering an aftermarket seat for my R1200RT, mainly because I like to shift back and forth, which the stock seat prohibits. The K1200GT seat has an even bigger step built into it. I like riding solo and leaning forward. I put more weight on my legs, because I get sciatica. As Duane Ausherman, a long time airhead expert wrote to me:

"People who sit up on a motorcycle end up with the weight on the ass. That
gets to be painful. Better to spread the weight over a larger area. This
is where the tractor seat idea comes in. However, one can't slide back and
forth. It is a cultural thing, we Americans like our easy chairs and try to
adapt it to motorcycles. ... "

After riding a Harley, you might well prefer to ride your BMW leaning back, so you'd have many choices to make among bar backs, back rests, floor boards, highway pegs, etc. Before you pay big $$ for a new or rebuilt custom seat, you could try a sheepskin pad, air pad, or bead pad. With your height over six feet, you'd not have to stand on tiptoe if you had a pad on the stock seat. Pads cost less, too.

You should bear in mind that European motorcycles have been designed for forward-leaning riders, so re-tooling your RT will take time, tinkering and treasure.

[clgennone]

Everyone...thanks for the input on seats for my RT.

I recently bought a gently used Sargent for 250 and it is better. I also added bar backs and the combination makes riding much more comfortable.

Thanks again for all the valuable input.

Chris Gennone

[Brugger]

I'm also thinking of replacing my saddle but since I have an older bike, I'm not inclined to spend a lot on the saddle. Has anyone used 'Spencers Motorcycle Mods' to have their seat alter? Was it the solution you were looking for?

[Spidereyes]

[QUOTE=bikerfish1100;277990]WHAT? you don't care what kind of oil you're going to put in there? nor what tires should go underneath you? good god man, what is wrong with you?!?!!?!

Clearly, he's not "One of Us" yet. No questions about the torque readings of the valve caps, air vs. helium for the tires nor how to read the oil sight glass. Maybe he'll come around in time.

[OLSENSAN]

Well I was glad to see this subject posted. I just picked up an 02 1150 RT and it is a great bike and it looks beutiful. Again, the seat is killing the lower bone in my back. Now after 2 hours of riding I find my right knee feels like a hot soldering iron is stuck in the joint. Aside from the peg lowering kit and seat replacement/improvement, has anyone got input and prefferences with the highway pegs that mount on the valve covers?

[awagnon]

Well I was glad to see this subject posted. I just picked up an 02 1150 RT and it is a great bike and it looks beutiful. Again, the seat is killing the lower bone in my back. Now after 2 hours of riding I find my right knee feels like a hot soldering iron is stuck in the joint. Aside from the peg lowering kit and seat replacement/improvement, has anyone got input and prefferences with the highway pegs that mount on the valve covers?

I had pegs on my '02 RT. They were OK, but I rarely used them and took them off. They were best for getting your legs out into the cooler air on a hot day. Most of the time I hook my feet on the passenger pegs when I want to change position.

You may want to look into barbacks if your lower back is hurting. Then, of course, look into the Master Yoda riding position.

For what its worth, my back killed me after an hour of riding at first. Added barbacks and got a Sargent seat. Also put 1/4 inch risers under the front seat adjuster to raise the front of the seat more. Still had some pain, but eventually it went away. Back exercises help, but mostly just riding.

[ksmith57]

too answer your ? about bar backs, yes they help considerably. also for less than $10.00 get a pair of "grip-puppys". I use a BMW long distance seat, and with LD shorts and Pioneer pants was able to ride 1226 miles in 24 hours without any discomfort. It's the seams in the clothes you ware that also add to the discomfort you feel.

I ride over 35K miles per year and have had corbin seats on all my goldwings. but have found no need to upgrade from the LD BMW seat, since moving to my 03R1150RT 72K miles ago.

that's my 3 cents worth...

Ksmith57:dance

[kreinke]

Very happy with my Sargent World Sport (heated even) on my R1150. I simply don't know how I rode as long as I did without it. The stock seat jammed "the twins" against the tank. The Sargent is supported by my rear. Thighs and twins don't get chaffed any more.:thumb