Corbin Seats??

[ghostrider44]

I've had my GS about 3 months, 3000 miles, and stock GS seat is wearing me OUT! Bought alaska leather and didnt help me at all! So I was wondering if anyone had experience with Corbin seats in general, but specifically a GS.. thanks a bunch!!

Ryan

2005 R1200GS

[j-budimlya]

If your butt likes a corbin, like mine does, you can ride forever on one without having it hurt...

BTW, I will have an 1150GS Corbin for sale pretty soon....

Let me know if you are interested....

[greer]

Jim Bud,

I sent you an email.

Sarah

[j-budimlya]

But I definitely will have one for sale...

You are first on my list...

Jim Bud,

I sent you an email.

Sarah

[jeffpugh]

I had a corbin on my F650GS which did well for me on a 3000 mile trip up and down the coast last fall. When I traded in for my R1200GS last month I went ahead and ordered their standard tuck and roll with no welt for the front saddle (carbon fiber style leather - same as my earlier one). I've put a thousand miles or so on it and it seems great so far.

The stock seat of the 1200 seemed better then the stock seat of the F650 but my previous experience with the Corbin - plus the ease of ordering the seat - is what convinced me to do it. I think a lot of people initially feel that the Corbin's are too hard. But my experience, especially after it broke in, is that it seemed just about right. The other plus with the Corbin is I've got the stock seat handy. The stock seat, at the lower setting, allows me to flat foot both sides of the bike simultaneously. I would probably put it back on for extended off-pavement riding. The down side of the Corbin is lack of adjustability on the height. Also the release mechanism for the seat was tight until I did a little filing and lubing.

From browsing the forums it sounds like there are better, or more highly thought of, seats available. But the Corbin has worked for me. If you can, pick up the seat in Hollister. They will feed you and they have some cool stuff on display. Also they can tweak or decorate your seat at no extra charge.

[threeflys]

My K100RS had a Corbin on it when I bought it (Gunfighter) and I did a 719 mile trip in one day on it with no problems. I guess some people's butts don't like Corbins, the only way to find out it to try I guess. It looks like you wouldn't have any trouble selling it if you don't like it. Plus, I think they are a lot more affordable than some of the others.
Chris

[charleshickman]

I have two Corbin seats currently, out of a total of four since I started riding. I like them. The Corbin I have on my r1150r was an enormous improvement over stock.

I haven't tried Sargent or any of the Mayers, so I can't offer comparisons. I did see that Sargent just introduced a seat for the r1200gs.

[sportridertex]

I had a Corbin seat on a Virago 750, comfortable, but weighted a lot..

[Zigzag]

I've had Corbin seats on a 02GS and a K75 loved both seats.Had a Russell on a 99RT I believe it was probably a little nicer (lighter) but had to wait a long time to get it.Sargent and Mayer are supposed to be good also but don't have any exp with them.Getting ready now to order a Corbin for my R1150R.I think for the money you can't go wrong

[hlothery]

Is anyone else dissappointed with the Alaska Leather pad? Wasted money for me. Sorry, didn't mean to hyjack. :bolt

[hlothery]

Is anyone else dissappointed with the Alaska Leather pads? Wasted money for me. Sorry, didn't mean to hyjack. :bolt

[hlothery]

Sorry, didn't mean to hyjack

Twice!!! :laugh

[Polizeitaucher]

I love my Alaska leather.

[RWagnerfoto]

Had a Corbin on my 96 R11RT and liked it. Rode many 800 - 1100 mile days with no serious pain. Don't expect any customer service if you have problems. It doesn't exist at Corbin.

Still using the stock seat on my 05 GS12. I did rig the adjustment to ride on the high slots in the front and the low slots in back. Eliminated the slide forward problem.

[steve635]

Corbin seat for my R1150RT is super comfortable, but is higher and wider than the stock seat, so not for the vertically challenged. I sent mine back to Corbin for adjustment, but it came back pretty much the same as it went in. I sent it back again and am now waiting to see if they can trim it down so I can get my feet on the ground (BTW I'm 5'10" with a 30"inseam.

[Easy]

I got a Corbin for my '97 R1100R. Although the seat was better than the stock seat, ditto regarding customer service. It apparently does not exist at Corbin.

[kbasa]

I'm a Sargent/Rocky Mayer guy now.

Corbin's are planklike and their customer service is non existent. Seat pans are crude and heavy and often have fit issues that will abrade your bike.

I've had four and will never buy another.

[breyfogle]

Some years ago, I put a Corbin on a K75S. I removed it after about a week. It was very hard and if it isn't shaped to fit the butt that was using it, it's a pain. It was also heavier than stock. The best I could say about the Corbin was that it did look good in the bike.

[AntonLargiader]

Someone has to be the naysayer. :)

Nearly every bike I've bought has been cursed with a Corbin seat and usually a K&N filter. The Corbins (at least the older ones that I've experienced) are in ways more comfortable than the stock seats but they are junk. Too hard, WAAAY too heavy, they fit poorly (rub the paint, etc) and the basketweave material inevitably starts to flake away. In most cases (just my experience here) the seat is cut so that the rider's butt is farther back, which just didn't work for me. One seat that I actually bought (used, when I crashed a K75) was actually comfortable but within weeks the covering was cracked and the seat was full of water.

Every bike I own now has a stock seat, in several cases I had to buy one new. They look good, feel good and last better than anything else.

[j-budimlya]

I have a 1150GS seat available....alll black and in great shape...

$450.00 plus shipping

Pictures available...

SEAT SOLD....

[soffiler]

Someone has to be the naysayer. :)

Nearly every bike I've bought has been cursed with a Corbin seat and usually a K&N filter. The Corbins (at least the older ones that I've experienced) are in ways more comfortable than the stock seats but they are junk. Too hard, WAAAY too heavy, they fit poorly (rub the paint, etc) and the basketweave material inevitably starts to flake away. In most cases (just my experience here) the seat is cut so that the rider's butt is farther back, which just didn't work for me. One seat that I actually bought (used, when I crashed a K75) was actually comfortable but within weeks the covering was cracked and the seat was full of water.

Every bike I own now has a stock seat, in several cases I had to buy one new. They look good, feel good and last better than anything else.

YES! YES! YES!

That is EXACTLY my own experience (right down to the K&N). The fit, the finish, the width, the hardness, the weight, oh, and don't forget the wideness - I felt like I was literally on horseback with that darn Corbin. Stock seat to the rescue. But then again, I am also a serious bicyclist so my butt is conditioned to tolerate narrow stiff saddles better than most.

[Boxerkuh]

Here is my food for thought on seats... :eat :drink

I think certain people like Corbin, others swear by Russel, Sergeant or Rick Mayer. It depends on the person. Everybody agree's that the stock seats are trash. Whatever brand you go with, all have good and bad seats. I have had a Russel and loved it. I now have a Corbin and it is okay. The quality control from Corbin is not to the same standards of the others from my experience... :dunno
Here is what I am going to do in the future... I am going to take my seat to a local upholestry (spelling?) shop. I tell them exactly what I want on the stock seat pan.... you can have them widened, narrowed, changed, gel-pad, etc. just the way you want it... They usually can do it faster, cheaper and if you have problems the shop is local. :thumb
Good luck.

[stone]

I have had three Corbin seats on three bikes - 1) Honda Shadow (big, big improvement over stock), 2) Honda Valkyrie (small improvement) and 3) BMW R1100R which I purchased with the Corbin and the original. The original never went on the bike while I had it but I did ride 500+ miles per day with the Corbin and was comfortable. Now I ride a '99 R1100RT with a stock seat - it is horrible. 500 miles is a killer. I will at some point purchase another seat and Sargent seems to be the preferred. But my experience with Corbin seats has been very positive. I found the quality very good.

[jmerlino]

Ive had both experiences. I had a Corbin on my F650 that I really liked, but the one on my R100 was horrible.

[robsryder]

I have 5 Corbin seats, one for each BMW that I own. These seats work for me.

For the one oilhead that I have (94 RS), I got the 2-piece seat with the flip-up passenger backrest. The rider gets a larger than stock seat, but the passenger seat is smaller. As a result, my oilhead RS is a great bike for 1-up riding, but not so great for 2-up.

When I got the RS in 94, I purchased a new Corbin (no used ones available). It took a couple of months for the seat to "break-in" - meaning could be installed and removed easily with no forcing.

I've never had any problems with water intrusion into the saddle. The seat is "all day" comfortable.

When I had the chance I purchased used Corbin seats. These seats are already broken in and can be had for much a lower price.

I've never had a need for any Corbin customer service so I can't comment on that aspect of the purchase.

[PMonk]

I bought my 1150RT used with a Corbin. First impression was it was too hard but after riding from Ft. Meyers Fla to Port Arthur Texas in about 24 hours, 1000 miles +-, My butt never got sore. My wife however hates it, so I bought a Bill Mayer. It is somewhat softer than the Corbin for her but I can never get real comfortable on it. I am pretty big 250#+- and I feel like on the BM I am sitting on my crotch. So after investing about 800$ buying stock seat pans and having the BM built, I finally bought an Air Rider gel pad for the wife which makes her comfy for about $100. I am using the Corbin which I believe fits a bigger rider much better than the Bill Mayer and trying to sell the Mayer saddle cheap.

[Digtlartst]

I've had a Corbin for a couple of years. My used RT came with a standard seat and a comfort seat, which were both awful for me. Within one hour my butt would feel like I'd been riding a wooden plank, and I'd always be sliding forward against the tank, despite seat jacks.

The leather Corbin is just right for me. I haven't done any days longer than about 350 miles, but the best thing I can say about the Corbin is that I didn't notice it or think about it at all, which I guess means it's a great seat for me.

Since the Corbin is wide, and since I prefer the seat height at the top setting, there's definitely no flat-footing at stop lights. Also, the mounting system is finnicky crap, with that skinny latch bolt. Did Mr. Corbin himself design that? After fruitless slamming the thing down, I had to figure out a special push-forward-from-the-rear procedure to latch it properly, and even then it only works if I address it with great reverence and pronounce some secret incantations. I also have to keep the tupperware waxed so the seat doesn't rub the paint.

I've tried some friends' Mayers and found them comfy, but they are so damned ugly and ruin the bike's lines with their tractor-seat looks that I'd never buy one. The Sargents look good but I've never tried one.

[boxxer]

They should install a spigot at the bottom of the seat to let the water out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When they get wet they stay soaked for quite awhile.Customer service your better off yelling out your door of the house and a neighbor will answer . :violin

[Ozonkiller]

I bought my last Corbin over 15 years ago. It was my last because it fell apart in 7 months and their customer service was abysmal. I had owned a couple before that one and had ordered several for customers. Every seat came equipped with lousy customer service and questionable quality control. I wouldn't deal with Corbin again on a dare.

Ask me how I really feel :banghead

[awchesley]

I had a regular corbin on my '95 R11GSA that worked really well and fit really good. Then bought a leather one for my '97 R11RA and it was very comfy but didn't fit the locking brackets at all. I have a Corbin Leather on my '02 R1150GSA and the front never would latch down but the rear holds it in place so have not really played with seeing what it would take to get it to lock by it's self. Also have a Corbin on my KLR650 and thats on stiff sucker but way better for the long haul than the stocker. My hiney prefers the leather one on my GS though. ;-)

'43 Andy in SW Louisiana
'00 KLR 650
'02 R1150GSA
'03 Chevy truck

[Stuff2C]

I love my Alaska leather.
Me Too! :thumb They make a bad seat good and a good seat better.


The Corbin's I have and have had always needed to be tweaked a bit. My family surprised me with a Corbin for my 12GS and the right side was about 1/2" lower than the left. Let me tell you that seat just about killed me until I tweaked it...now it's OK at best. My Sargent's were all good from the git go.

To bad Sargent didn't have theirs out at Christmas time. :banghead

[JimVonBaden1]

I'm on my 5th Corbin, I have a Corbin @$$! While their seat pan is heavy, and sometimes doesn't fit as well as stock, they are generally less expensive than comparable seats, look better, and do not require you surrender your stock seat.

I like mine, and it works well for me. Almost 60K miles in the last 2 years on them.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/JimVonBaden2000/R1200GS/R12GS-left-02-25-06.jpg
Trimmed in front for my very short legs. I fit better than with stock.

Jim :brow

[jeneralist]

My used K75RT came with a Corbin installed, and the stock seat in a box. After a few hundred miles of riding, I realized that the Corbin and I just are not getting along -- it's comfortable under my backside, but it's so sculpted that I sit closer to the gas tank than is really comfortable for me. My knees hit the fairing -- which is impressive since I'm 5'9".

So, Corbin off the bike and on to eBay; stock seat installed for now.

[GRANT63RT]

For what it's worth.....

I purchased a used '94 r1100rs that came with a Corbin seat. I rode this bike for several years and found the the seat to be quite comfy. It also looked cool and my girlfriend loved the flip up back rest. However, as others here have noted, it was very heavy and fit was also an issue. The prior owner had even wraped the rear mounts with layers of duck tape to prevent it from wiggling around. When I traded this bike for an '04r1150rs I assumed I would want to buy a new seat. To my surprise, after riding from Rochester, NY to Spokane (@2300 miles in 4 days) I decided to stay with the stock seat. Maybe this has more to do with my butt than the seat but I'm very happy with the BMW seat. The only drawback is I have to attach my top case with the back cushion if Juanita wants to ride 2 up.

[toladejo]

I have a Corbin on my 2005 R1200RT and it is great. I would definitely buy another Corbin. They are also much less expensive than Sargent.

[hlothery]

I have a Rick Mayer on my RT and love it....wonderful fit and feeling from day one. It took about a month longer than originally promised to get it, was the only drawback. Rick asks for pictures of you on your bike, then builds your seat and ships it to you, with his guarantee of satisfication. You, then, have 30 days to return your original seats to him (he needs the pans) or he will cash your deposit check. So you are never without a seat. The stock seat was not too bad, but the Rick Mayer is fantastic. I was very pleased with Rick's customer service, even with the month delay, because I was kept appraised of what was happening throughout.

[jerryb]

I'm a Sargent/Rocky Mayer guy now.

Corbin's are planklike and their customer service is non existent. Seat pans are crude and heavy and often have fit issues that will abrade your bike.
I've had four and will never buy another.


I can't believe over these years how Corbin has stayed in business as I've read essentially these same reviews over and over in a variety of bike mags.
My problems were the fit (abraded my gas tank) actually because they sent me a seat not really made for my model. The seat wouldn't stay latched because (I found out) it was made for an '89 RT and I had a first year model '90 R100GSPD. The real rage came in when I had to deal with their customer service.

jerryb

[Daver90s]

I have a Corbin on both my R90s :german and my Roadking :usa . The foam on both is pretty hard. The one on the HD is much more comfortable on long trips. When I ride the R90 my butt starts to hurt after about 100 miles. - I have rigged some highway pegs so I can change position and I won't have to stop as much. Has anyone ever used an Airhawk pad or a similar cushion? I'd really like to find some of that gel padding that is used on wheel chairs to prevent bedsores. yum

[Grey_Matter]

Everybody agree's that the stock seats are trash.

I disagree. I love the stock seat on my 2004 R1150GS Adventure. I use an Airhawk for long trips & the stock for off-road. But then again I like the stock wind shield as well, YMMV.

[jerryb]

I have a Corbin on both my R90s :german and my Roadking :usa . The foam on both is pretty hard. The one on the HD is much more comfortable on long trips. When I ride the R90 my butt starts to hurt after about 100 miles. - I have rigged some highway pegs so I can change position and I won't have to stop as much. Has anyone ever used an Airhawk pad or a similar cushion? I'd really like to find some of that gel padding that is used on wheel chairs to prevent bedsores. yum


I have both an Airhawk and a Bun eze (wheelchair gel) and although the Airhawk may be more comfortable in hot weather I can't see enough overall comfort difference to justify the price difference. My wife and I tried them in the car switching them to compare and we both couldn't see any big difference. I had the Bun eze first and I sure wanted to believe the Airhawk would be worth it.

jerryb

[pmdave]

Corbin seats are often very attractive, with stylish colors and cute names. But there must be some reason why so many used Corbins are available for sale.

Let's note that people have different shapes, which means that a saddle--to be comfortable for me--must be a compatible shape for my body.

So, it's not the brand, color, or cutesy-pie name that makes a saddle comfortable, but rather the shape. In my experience, Corbin would prefer to mass-produce seats, and doesn't have the same concern to make sure each seat fits the customer and bike.

There are other seat makers who do focus on the details. My suggestion to anyone considering an aftermarket seat is to go to one of the seat makers and figure out what shape you really want.

pmdave

[greer]

jerryb,

Could you provide contact info for Bun Eze? I sent you an email in case you don't get back here often. Thanks.

Sarah

[STEVEDBMW]

I got a Corbin for my '97 R1100R. Although the seat was better than the stock seat, ditto regarding customer service. It apparently does not exist at Corbin.
:cry Ditto all above for my '98

[Stuff2C]

I just recently sent my 1200GS seat back to Corbin for an adjustment. I have had BAD experiences in the past with their customer service. I must say they are trying real hard to win me back. They have been very responsive to all my inquiries about my seat and the customer service reps have been very pleasant. A BIG change from my past experiences with them.

Anyone interested in the Corbin for their 1200GS BETTER have LONG legs I have a 34-35 inseam and it's a stretch for me. The seat is fine to ride on but WIDE in feet down mode. Not so with the Sargent seat, the front of their seat is narrow.

[jgbass]

I have the new Sargent seat for the R1200GS, low version. It is pretty comfortable, and the extra storage under the passenger seat comes in handy. The front seat seems to be very difficult to put back on once it's off. I didn't have my stock seat on long enough to compare, so I'm not sure if that's a Sargent issue or a BMW one.

[JimVonBaden1]

I have the new Sargent seat for the R1200GS, low version. It is pretty comfortable, and the extra storage under the passenger seat comes in handy. The front seat seems to be very difficult to put back on once it's off. I didn't have my stock seat on long enough to compare, so I'm not sure if that's a Sargent issue or a BMW one.


I always had trouble getting mine back on too.

I cut the front on mine to narrow it, and it helped my reach a lot!

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/JimVonBaden2000/R1200GS/seat1.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/JimVonBaden2000/R1200GS/01-R1200GS-Corbin.jpg

Jim :brow

[butler889]

I have a set of 1150GS Corbin heated seats for sale. Decent condition, no rips or tears, but some scuff marks where I got on and off with the back rests on.
Back rests on driver and passenger. Black leather. $300 plus shipping.
Thanks
butler889

[ultracyclist]

I have been following the threads on custom seats closely. I would like to get one over next winter. I recently had my stock R1150R seat beefed up a bit at a local shop ($40) because I was literally sitting on the "bars". The shop put a gel disc in the seat, firmed it up, and actually raised the seat about on quarter of an inch.

My first question is: What is the correct way to measure inseam?

But here is the follow up in that I think inseam is only part of finding a great seat. I think there are too many other variables. Some people have their height in their trunk, and others have a shorter trunk but longer legs for the same height.

I see this all the time when I set up new participants in my spin classes (indoor cycling classes at fitness clubs). Longer legs/short trunk ratio require a higher seat position but closer to the handlebars. Shorter legs/longer trunk require may require lower seat and slightly further from the bars. There are a few other variables, too, but you get the idea.

Now add seat width, and you have changed the ergo's of the seat in a second dimension.

So therefore, my second question is: for inseams of 30" or less, does that automatically select you for a narrower seat profile (Sergeant)?

Thank you.

[cbmwgs]

I have a riders corbin seat for sale. Fits R1200GS 2005-2007, not sure of 08, 09

http://s185.photobucket.com/albums/x52/cbmw1150/corbin1.jpg


Delivered in conus $175.00

I take playpal.