R1200RT Replacements Seat

[RickHillMt]

I have read the various comments about replacements seats. I recently purchased a 2009 RT with the low suspension and low seat. After a longer ride, I realize that I am going to need a better seat. I have several questions. Since I am fairly short and need the lower profile, I am wondering if anyone out there has any experience with an after market seat for the low suspension that will keep me close to the ground. I am not flat footed even with this lower set up and so want to make sure that I can keep form moving higher.

I had an ST 1300 before this bike and bought a Corbin seat for it and it was wider and actually made the ground a further reach. I don't want to make that mistake on this RT.

The second question has to do with the heated option. The lower seat and lower suspension doesn't have a heated seat. So does anyone out there have any experience with a replacement that is both low profile and heated?

[alanrd]

I think most aftermarket seats will be a little wider. Thats where much of the long distance comfort comes from. You might try some of the other alternatives like a sheepskin pad (too hot for me on my RT) Beads from beadrider.com or an airhawk. They will increase your seat height a little.
I have a Sargent seat and it is heated, but it is regular size, not lowered. They may have a lowered version.
Good Luck

[widebmw]

Russell seat are`wide at the back and narrow at the front so you can put your feet down.
They are custom for you. :thumb

[DarrylRi]

Rick Mayer can also sculpt the seat to get you what you want. The seat he made for my R12ST is narrow in front for my 30" inseam.

[Beemeup]

I have the same problem, low suspension, low seat R1200RT, discovered on a longer ride the seat will have to be replaced. I have an Alaska Sheepskin Butt Pad and find it offers a little relief, but not enough. I have been looking at Sargeant seats, specifically the World Sport Performance model that is designed for the low seat option. It is a little higher than my stock low seat, low suspension, but I think it may be low enough to work. It has also been suggested that most good distance saddles are wide in the back which is where the comfort comes from, but more narrow in the front so that you can scootch up when you need to put your feet down. Has anyone had any experience with Sargeant and more specifically the World Sport Performance saddle they are offering on their web site? Any information would be welcome, I don't want to make a $700 - $900 investment by guessing.
here is the web site:

http://www.sargentcycle.com/bmw.htm

Thanks, Don

[tonyfr]

I have the low Sargent seat on my 1200RT. I've done runs from Denver and Sipapu, NM to San Antonio in a day and it was pretty comfortable. One suggestion: if you go with Sargent, try the standard seat first to see if you like it then try a low seat. You have thirty days to send the regular seat back if you don't like the height. Mine is a custom seat (symphony vinyl, no welts and no tri-color).

[TomfromMD]

As the stock low seat on my '06RT (no low suspension option back then) was pretty uncomfortable after 100 miles or so, I replaced it with a low Sargent without heat. The Sargent was a significant improvement over stock and did not require me to send in my OEM seat. It was unheated and approximately the same height as the stock low seat. Since most of my riding is solo, I then ordered a rider only seat in leather on my stock BMW pan from Rick Mayer. I find it is a bit more comfortable over 300~400 mile days than the Sargent and as a bonus, it retained the original heat set-up. If anything, it is easier to flatfoot than OEM so with a 30" inseam, I generally keep it in the upper position (which, coupled with lowered pegs is great for aging knees).

Workmanship on both the Sargent & Mayer were excellent.

Tom

[Beemeup]

Thanks, this is really helpful information. I got the 2009 R1200RT in July and made the jump from riding an R1200C (cruiser) to the RT. So far I'm loving the
feel of the RT, the smoothness of the transmission, the additional hp, responsiveness and all the lights, bells and whizzers on this bike. It's a shame they built such a great motorcycle and put such a crappy seat on it. Mine is the one piece seat that goes with the low seat, low suspension model. I'll definitely use this information in my decision making process for swapping out the saddle. Thanks again! Don

[RickHillMt]

Thanks everyone for the comments. The '09 low suspension and low seat comes as a single seat. I think that Sargent only sells a dual seat set up. I think that will require some modification. I am wondering if the modification raises the seat. If not, why then does BMW have this new setup on the new low suspension option. Also, BMW does not offer a heated seat with the low suspension and low seat option. I think, but am not sure that this all has to do with clearances.

[cowboyatheart]

Hi, I still have the stock seat (low seat) on the standard size R1200rt 2008 model.
I have been researching seats and have made a few phone calls. For what it is worth, I spoke to Rick Mayer on the phone and after that call I will be ordering a solo seat in leather from Rick. I will have to send in my seat pan since I had the regular seat lowered by a local guy. Rick Mayer will also keep my heated seat set-up.

I'll post a thread once I have it and put a few miles on it.