R1150R Seat

[RabidHungarian]

As most of us already know, most R1150R's come into the U.S. with the low-seat height option because many riders have problems reaching the ground at stop lights.

After nearly a year of enjoying my bike, I think the higher-seat option might be better for me. With a 32-inch inseam, the stock (lower) seat is perfect in terms of reaching the ground. But the riding position bends my knees more than on my old Suzuki Bandit and after 50 miles or so, my knees begin to hurt.

In addition, I find the current seat itself uncomfortable on my butt after the same 50 miles.

I was talking to my BMW dealer on the phone today and he agreed the aftermarket might be the solution for me. But he steered me more toward Sargeant and not Corbin. In his opinion, Corbin workmanship isn't what it used to be and the comfort improvement isn't as big as billed. My brother has a Corbin on his Honda Shadow Spirit 1100 and just loves it. But it was purchased in the 1990's.

I like the looks of Corbin's seat for the R1150R. Heated goes for something like $699 and unheated for $649. Plus I'm not sure I feel like mailing away my seat pan to Sargeant or a similar company after tracing my butt (and hoping I did it right) and then possibly sending it back for adjustments.

Anyone else care to check in on this? I'm interested in any recent Corbin experience - on any bike. Another option is BMW's higher seat for about $175. It'll probably help my knees but, even with the extra padding, I have no idea if it'll help my butt after 50 miles. Has anyone here been in a position to compare the lower and higher seat options on the R1150R? And has anyone swapped out their stock seat for an aftermarket item because of a problem with comfort?

[MarkF]

Anyone else care to check in on this? I'm interested in any recent Corbin experience - on any bike.

I have an older Corbin on my R65. Hard as a rock and not comfortable. Workmanship is OK but I have heard complaints about newer ones. I have a Sargent on my R1100R. More comfortable than stock seat or my Corbin and looks very good. If I was to buy a new seat it would be a Bill Mayer Saddle by Rocky Mayer. It's in another league but not as ugly (IMHO) as the Russell Day-Long or Rick Mayer.

P.S. Has anyone ever seen the flat piece that replaces the R1150R pillion, except in the press photos? I thought it looked cool.

[lorazepam]

I happen to like my rick mayer saddle a lot. It is leather covered and I can ride as long as I like with it.

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

I have the Russel day long and it is awesome for about that same price point too, and in leather. Best purchase on the bike next to the first cup of coffee in the morning..

[TomBarnhart]

I have the Sargent on my 2003 R1150R and am very comfortable for at least 8 hours of riding. The finish is excellent, and I have never had a problem with the materials that they use. Call them to explain your particular needs and any comfort issues. This is the third seat they have built for me and each one was "custom" built to my specs, within the limits of the seat pan.

Just a satisfied customer

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

Another option that I chose was to buy an old seat on e-bay as stock saddles tend to be cheap, and I traced my outline on there and sent mine...that way I still have my stock saddle for originality and dirt riding comfort and the kotex saddle for comfort on long rides...just an option

[username]

i'm riding a sargent on my 02 r1150r. it's wayyyy better than the stock saddle. i'm 6', and i'd like it a little higher, but i alleviate any knee issues by flapping my legs and standing up every 20 miles or so. keeps the blood flowing, and it's fun to ride standing up.

i'd love to go on the search for the perfect saddle, but i've learned that after i ride for a few days in a row for over 4 hours a day, my ass gets used to the sargent, and i feel no discomfort. it used to not get used to the stock seat.

have you looked into a peg lowering kit?

[RabidHungarian]

i'm riding a sargent on my 02 r1150r. it's wayyyy better than the stock saddle. i'm 6', and i'd like it a little higher, but i alleviate any knee issues by flapping my legs and standing up every 20 miles or so. keeps the blood flowing, and it's fun to ride standing up.

i'd love to go on the search for the perfect saddle, but i've learned that after i ride for a few days in a row for over 4 hours a day, my ass gets used to the sargent, and i feel no discomfort. it used to not get used to the stock seat.

have you looked into a peg lowering kit?

A peg lowering kit is also an option... after I talk to a couple of the aftermarket seat people. Also, since the aftermarket usually gives you the choice of heated or unheated seats, has anyone decided to opt for a heated seat? Just wonder if it's worth it. I've got heated grips and heated jacket/gloves.

[kbasa]

We've got a heated seat on the RT and it's tremendous on a chilly morning.

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

I just could not afford the extra cost on my Russell seat, however my buddy has them on his K12 GT and he swears by them when he is not swearing at me...I have them in my car and they are therapeutic even on a long ride to keep the blood flowing regardless of temperature.

[MarkF]

I just put a beadrider seat cover on my Sargent. It's a cheap try to get more miles out of my butt. Gonna try a weekend in VT then a week going to the RA Rally in TN. I'll let you know.

[RabidHungarian]

Well, it appears Sargent offers "off the shelf" seats and one doesn't have to go the full custom route (although the service is offered). Plus the Sargent seat is about a hundred bucks less than the Corbin. Plus the Sargent seat is likely to improve, if not solve, my knee problem as per this from their Web site:

Technical Seat Specifications: The BMW "low" seat measures at 30.4"/780mm. The BMW "high" seat measures at 32.3"/820mm. The World Sport seat height measures at 31.85"/809mm.

We may have a winner.

[Motorcyclist]

I have an '04 R1150R with the BMW high "comfort" seat. I found the stock low seat unbearable (6'-1", 33" inseam) and bought the high seat immediately after taking delivery of the bike. It made a world of difference and makes me comfortable on long rides. I added a piece of sheepskin to top it all off, and in the past year I have put 19,000 miles on it with no major issues. Of course, YMMV, but I'd see if a friend or dealer will loan you a high seat for a few hour ride to see if it improves your situation.

George

[PGlaves]

After about 12K miles on the low seat I put the BMW taller seat on my R1150R. It is now a different bike. The seat is much more comfortable. The low seat was a 300 mile seat. With the tall seat and no other changes it is now an 800 or 900 mile seat. I too have a 32 inch inseam and the seat to peg position works a lot better. You will be in a slightly greater forward lean. If this is an issue then moving the bars slightly up and rearward will restore the original position. Mine are 1 inch up and 3/8 inch back.

Paul Glaves