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Message started by Toymaker on 07/13/08 at 07:36:25

Title: Just got a question..about seats
Post by Toymaker on 07/13/08 at 07:36:25

Is a sportster seat much better than my stock 95 seat?...I am considering a change but don't have anything to compare it with.

Inquiring minds want to know.....

and so do I

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by skrapiron on 07/13/08 at 08:23:26

Yes, it is an improvement, but it is not much better......

It is wider and it does sit you up higher. But the foam is just as uncomfortble to sit on as the Savage seat. (Here's a hint. If it IS a comfortable seat, then why are SOOOO many used ones available on E-Bay?)

Alot of people bust on the Savage and the Savage seat because it's their first or only motorcycle. Once they expereince a ride on another, you'll find that there is no such thing as a truly comfortable motorcycle seat. They just vary from instantly butt-numbing to butt numbing after 200 miles....

The only thing I have found that actually helps is an air-hawk seat top cushion. Put one of those on and you'll have no complaints....

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by verslagen1 on 07/13/08 at 09:52:16

If you're looking for a miracle cure for $40, look elsewhere.
But I do like the look of it and I'm gonna mess with the foam soon.

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by Toymaker on 07/13/08 at 10:05:43

nah not looking for a 40 buck cure-all. I am wondering if a bigger bike...with a bigger seat is in the cards. However...I just love my savage but I don't love the seat.

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by Mr. Hyde on 07/13/08 at 10:44:58

Just my opinion but I think the comfort of the seat has alot to do with the size of the rider. I'm 5-6, 145 at my heaviest, and I loved the stock solo and 2 up sportster seats on my old sportster. I find both of them really comfortable. I find the OEM seat on my '07 S40 equally so and a big improvement over the seat on my old '92 Savage. When I get a few bucks ahead I'm going to pick-up an S40 pillow gel seat because I think it looks cooler then stock.

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by T Mack 1 on 07/13/08 at 10:53:01

I switched from the 2001 two piece to a 2006 one piece. The one piece has a little more room (maybe on inch). but.... still not sure which is more comfortable

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by Paladin. on 07/13/08 at 12:04:27

The Sportster saddle looks like it was made for the bike, and it is a bit better than stock, but not much. Between the Sportster saddle and my 13" wide Springer I think the Springer is a hair more comfortable -- what say ye, Verslagen? I know it's very close.
When I win the Lottery I'll head up into the hills to Ojai and visit http://billmayersaddles.com/smallwhitelogo.jpg (http://billmayersaddles.com/) to get a saddle built to fit perfectly. About $600 -- but gets a Rave Review (http://www.sdcsoftware.com/rapiddog/BMS.htm).

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by verslagen1 on 07/13/08 at 13:37:32

6F5E535E5B56513F0 wrote:

Hard to tell, I thinks it's a step up from the sportster, but can't tell if it all day comfortable or only an hour. If I went to that one I'd have play with the mounting a bit as I didn't seem to find a spot like when you put 2 magnets together and N pole meets S. But there wasn't a ridge that pounded on my tailbone and that's a definite plus.

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by Gary On A Savage on 07/14/08 at 09:36:54

695558695244505C56584F3D0 wrote:

nah not looking for a 40 buck cure-all. I am wondering if a bigger bike...with a bigger seat is in the cards. However...I just love my savage but I don't love the seat.

Got a bigger bike with a bigger seat. Still sucks! Bought a corbin seat (with a bigger price tag) for the bigger bike. Now that's comfort!!!!

I have 2 Sporty seats for my Savage, one stock for "looks", one modified for comfort riding. I ended up shaving back some of the foam on the sporty seat in tailbone area. Gave me more room to move around (much better). Still hard so I'm adding some foam to it.

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by bill67 on 07/14/08 at 11:04:32

You can get touring sportster seats from harley for $269, $199 if that would help any of you.

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by Starzuki on 07/14/08 at 14:15:52

I'm currently running the savage gel two piece and just picked up a sportster seat as well. I thought the look of the sporty seat was indeed far better, but haven't tried the swap yet to see if there is much of a difference.

I'm 6'3" and tip scales at 180, so the gel seat has been nice. But frankly I haven't had much to compare it to when it comes to one or the other. If I swap out the sporty seat, I'll make sure to get back with everyone.

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by bill67 on 07/14/08 at 14:27:06

The one piece seat does look a lot better than the two piece,to me anyway

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by Paladin. on 07/14/08 at 14:40:46

736E7F52445E583D0 wrote:

...I'm 6'3" and tip scales at 180....

Years back someone said that the Savage was a girl's bike -- I said no way and posted a picture of my 6'2" wife sitting rather cramped on my bike. Recently mounted my Springer seat -- first go was 'WAY too high and back for me, but if you look at the picture in This Thread (http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1214523580/0#0) you'll see that Wendy looks a LOT more relaxed and comfortable.

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by Jay on 07/16/08 at 04:55:53

I don't think it's the seat.

I could be wrong... I've got nothing to base the above statement on save my limited experience in trying to get my '08 one piece seat comfortable, my reading of every post in this forum about seats on the Savage; and previous experience with a similar problem on a Honda VLX.

I think it's the height of the seat, as it effects the relationship of the hips to the knees.
I don't think that it is the only thing.
I do think it's the main thing.
I think that there are exceptions to everything. ;)

I'm no ergonomic expert, but in my opinion, if the knees are elevated above the hips, no amount of padding, gel, etc. is going to make a significant difference in comfort, until the height of the seat is such that the rider's hips are level with or higher than his knees.

I formed my opinion after some minor modification of my own seat (still a work in progress), and observing others trials and tribulations with this seat. It seemed there were two camps; A: those who had no problem with the stock seat ( a definate minority); and B: those who felt modification was in order. My observations of "A" were that, when the information was available, they seemed to be uniformly shorter on the inseam. This would by default suggest hips level with or above knees. When it came to "B", this camp split into those who used gel, pads, or combinations; those who used sprung solo seats, and those who used forward controls. There was some limited mixing of the three sub-categories, as well as some pitches for diffrent shocks (valid, but IMO a different part of the bike's problems). For the sake of simplicity and brevity (too late! :D) humor me. Of these three subgroups, the greatest subjective feelings of increased comfort seemed to come from those who used forward controls, or sprung solo seats. When there were pics, I noticed that the hips were even with or above the knees.

Having tried gel and various pads on my own bike, in some cases with slight improvement, but nothing significant; I knew that there was no way to put enough padding on to significantly raise the seat height.
That is until Chicago_rider posted his seat mod featuring carpet padding with a slip over cover. This allowed his over 6 foot frame to slide back on the seat. In the pics, it's obvious his knees are below the level of his hips. Whether or not this is an acceptable mod asthetically is up to the individual rider. I say ride what you like and stuff the rest, but that's not the point.

I tried building up the seat using Sandy Koocanusa's suggestion of sleeping bag foam pads; but wasn't thrilled with the workmanship of my final outcome. (Thanks anyway Sandy!) My next idea is to see if I can work with the seatpan and elevate it with thicker supports where it contacts the frame. To see if I can get my hips level with my knees.

Maybe I'm on to something.
Maybe I'm nuts.
If I am, would somebody in an official capacity write that down? I need the time off work! :)

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by FreeSpirit on 07/16/08 at 06:08:18

Yes,the knees higher than lap has been mentioned before! ;)

Several times,and I still think that's the problem 8-)

Friend's husband bought a Sportster 3 weeks ago,I saw it yesterday and sat on it.

He said"This seat has to go...I'm going to get a better seat for it."

and asked if I wanted his sportster seat when he got a new seat!

So,like some,I'm wondering....if its not comfortable to them,would it be for me :-/

After sitting on it....it did seem a little better,not fantastic,but some wider!
I dont know yet,what the answer is,for sure,but I'm leaning toward the Air Hawk!

(or a slip on thing that some women use to make their butt look bigger/ extra padding in that area,although I'm big enough ,but may help... :o.)

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by Keith_T on 07/16/08 at 06:10:28

0F3E333E3B36315F0 wrote:

When I win the Lottery I'll head up into the hills to Ojai and visit http://billmayersaddles.com/smallwhitelogo.jpg (http://billmayersaddles.com/) to get a saddle built to fit perfectly. About $600 -- but gets a Rave Review (http://www.sdcsoftware.com/rapiddog/BMS.htm).

DO NOT DO THIS. I had him make a seat for my Nomad. It was marginally more comfortable than the stock seat. I had him redo and it and it was just as bad. Before I made the initial purchase I asked 'What if I don't like the seat?' He answered that I could return it and get my money back. After the second re-do I asked for my money back. He said no and stopped answering my e-mails. I sold the seat on ebay for half what I paid for it and got a Corbin and was perfectly happy with the Corbin. This guy may know how to make BMW seats, but not cruiser seat. IMO he is to be avoided.

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by FreeSpirit on 07/16/08 at 06:47:49

Just my 2 cents:

I thought alot about the Corbin seat also! But have never had the pleasure of sitting on one.

Only thing I read was that you either LOVE them or hate them.
(The ones who love them are truly lucky to find a perfect seat!)
The problem is,also ,with seats,no two butts are alike. :-?

I am inquisitiveand not shy,have talked to many riders of all kinds of bikes,and some have gone to huge /expensive lengths for a better bike seat....it just depends on your individual butt....and sometimes trial and error,hopefully without too much wasted money :(

So,its not just us with Savages....seems to be most people who ride,(except maybe those with touring seats)!

(Keith,glad you got a seat you like!!!)

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by Toymaker on 07/16/08 at 07:38:32

Well, I am continuing to mull this over and I want to say "Thanks" to all who have commented.

AS of right now, I am thinking.."Air Hawk"...but will have to wait for a while...untill them, I think I'll raise the front up again...maybe another inch.

That will make 2.

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by daweise1 on 07/16/08 at 15:41:59

Ok, I know I'm the "new" guy, but I have ridden a Corbin seat on my BMW R1100S, and I would not trade it for the world...

I may just be stating something everyone clearly knows but I have read for hours here and no one has mentioned it really.... If a Sportster seat will work on a Savage, then shouldn't a Corbin Sportster seat mount up basically the same??????

Since I am going bobber more that anything else, I do not need to worry about everyone out bidding me, so I thought I would let you all know; there is like 5 Corbin Sportster seats on e-bay for $50 or less right now.....

Please, if I'm wrong in my assumptions, please let everyone know as I have NOT tried this myself ;)

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by FreeSpirit on 07/16/08 at 16:02:55

515442505C465004350 wrote:

Ok, I know I'm the "new" guy, but I have ridden a Corbin seat on my BMW R1100S, and I would not trade it for the world...

I may just be stating something everyone clearly knows but I have read for hours here and no one has mentioned it really.... If a Sportster seat will work on a Savage, then shouldn't a Corbin Sportster seat mount up basically the same??????
Since I am going bobber more that anything else, I do not need to worry about everyone out bidding me, so I thought I would let you all know; there is like 5 Corbin Sportster seats on e-bay for $50 or less right now.....

Please, if I'm wrong in my assumptions, please let everyone know as I have NOT tried this myself ;)

I've asked this question several times and never got a answer.
But,you would think so,right? ;)

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by FreeSpirit on 07/16/08 at 16:23:27

Since I have absolutely NO experience with a Corbin seat....can you guys tell me what it is about them that is so good/comfortable?

I'm assuming that its the material they use,but....is it also shaped different? In some way?

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by bill67 on 07/16/08 at 16:32:38

I don't know about Corbin seats but the wider the seat is usually more comfortable.

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by FreeSpirit on 07/16/08 at 16:40:59

62696C6C3637000 wrote:

I don't know about Corbin seats but the wider the seat is usually more comfortable.

My thinking also!
But,the sportster seat is wider and it didnt seem alot better than the savage seat.
Well,probably the only thing more comfortable about it is the width! ;)

I went ahead and bought marine vinyl at the upholsery shop today(looks very nice) and some carpet padding(well the guy just gave that to me,wasnt that nice!)

So,I'm going to be trying to fix my seat in the next couple of days. Maybe it will be good! Going to try to make it a little wider also.

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by Toymaker on 07/16/08 at 16:49:22

Let me know how you go. I am SERIOUSLY thinking about doing something....anything....

"If it was a horse....we woulda shot it...."

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by ALfromN.H. on 07/16/08 at 19:16:36

before I bought my sporster seat, I tried to modify my stock 2005 seat by shaving off some foam from the "hump". Well, the sitting position was lower and that didn't feel too bad but i think I took too much foam off and was uncomfortable on my tailbone. Thats when i got the sporster seat which was an improvement over the stock seat but not alot better. I've been riding with the sporster seat for almost 2 years now and I can say that my butt is getting used to it. I went for a 3 hour ride yesterday without actually getting off the bike (stopped for gas but didn't get off). After about 2 hours it started to get uncomfortable but not too bad. When I first put the seat on, I couldn't go more than an hour without a fairly long break. So I guess I'm saying that you need to spend more time in the saddle. Just my opinion. Oh, and I've never stopped looking for a better seat, just haven't found the right one yet.
AL

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by bill67 on 07/16/08 at 19:24:16

Seats seem to break in and get better after a 1000 miles or so.

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by Gary On A Savage on 07/17/08 at 11:02:41

I bought a corbin seat for my Shadow. OH MY GOD! Wow...actually comfortable on a motorcycle.

http://i11.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/f1/bf/2cab_1.JPG

The seat is dished like a bowl so the pressure points are more spread out. The foam is VERY firm. The first time I sat on it I thought I had really made a mistake. Did not feel "comfortable" at first. But then after riding on it, I found myself not even noticing my behind. Even after riding for 2 hours without dismounting I felt good. Normally I can't even stand up straight. But with the Corbin, I felt really good.

The only bad thing is with the shape it's hard to get your feet on the ground. It's not taller or wider, it's the bowl shape. But that's the only con I have on it.

In time, I'm getting a Corbin for a Sportster to put on my Savage. I've already modified the whole seat mount to accept any Sporster seat. Right now I have a stock sporster and a modified sportster. The modified is ok, but when I can...I'm getting a corbin.

(FYI...I've tried 4 seats on my Savage to no avail. I've modified the stock seat and a sportster seat, with the sporster being the best. The frame mods I've made lower the rear of the seat, raise the front, and move the seat back 2-3 inches. Adding a Corbin would be icing!)

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by FreeSpirit on 07/17/08 at 11:31:42

After all I've read on the internet and talking to people,it seems that the best thing is the "spooned" out/shape seat or "bowl" shaped.
Glad to know the corbin is like that!Thanks!!

So,I'm thinking I need to make mine:

1-Spoon shape
2-wider
3-maybe a little taller/height to get my knees even to or below my lap.

This seems to be the best changes so far.
Also the most comfortable seat I've ever sat on was made like this!

If it dosent turn out...I'm buying the Airhawk and forgetting it...LOL.

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by Keith_T on 07/17/08 at 11:50:56

Gary, glad to hear you like the Corbin. I've had them on 3 bikes and have liked them all. You are right about the dish shape. My stock Sportster seat has a bit of the Corbin type dish to it and it does feel good where the dish is. Problem is the dish is too small. I wonder if the Corbin for Sportster has a bigger dished area.

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by Gary On A Savage on 07/17/08 at 20:58:41

2B25293428253234400 wrote:

From the pics I've seen it's looks as large as my Honda seat. When I first sat on my corbin seat I thought that the dish was too small. But after riding for awhile you'll notice that it's fits well.

The "Gunfighter and Lady" seat would probably be a good fit for the Savage, both in looks and size. The tour or the solo would be good also.

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by Gort on 07/17/08 at 22:56:31

754944754E584C404A4453210 wrote:

nah not looking for a 40 buck cure-all. I am wondering if a bigger bike...with a bigger seat is in the cards. However...I just love my savage but I don't love the seat.

You will spend under $100.00 buying and installing this seat. The long, soft springs cause you to gently bounce, no matter what the road is like. The huge seat accommodates all arses. Shock stiffness becomes irrelevant, in so far as your comfort is concerned.

http://www.richard-perry.com/HDSeat/HDPoliceSeatConversion.html

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by Toymaker on 07/18/08 at 16:58:02

I went ahead and raised the front of my seat 2 inches. I used 3/8 pvc pipe to "take up the slack and used a 6mmX75mm bolt where the seat nose slips under. AFter I fit them, I removed them and painted them black. Then I took 3/8 inch dowel. Pulled the rubber "stoppers" from under the seat, sanded the 3/8 inch dowel down so it fit in the holes where the stoppers were and slid 3/8 pvc pipe down. Then I rubber cemented the stoppers into the ends of the 3/8 pipe. That way the front of the seat isn't resting on the nose "hook", but on these two supports. Painted the supports black and now it just looks normal.

The position of the seat makes you lean back a little and is like riding in a sling-like seat. Lots of support and so far...no "hot spots".

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by wango on 07/18/08 at 17:58:58

Howdy all. I have a Corbin Gunfighter seat on my Harley Davidson Fatboy, and it's awesome. I rode from Michigan to Minnesota and back, 1600 miles round trip and it was great. Far better than the stock Harley seat, I don't know how well they work on Savages, but I'd bet that it would be a noticeable improvement. My wife has a Savage, which is a nice bike, she loves it, but I can't raise the seat up, she is pretty short and doesn't want the seat any higher so I ordered a Corbin for it, I'll let you know what we think of it.

We just bought the Savage recently, used, and I'm amazed at how hard it is to find aftermarket or even factory accessories. Anyone know any good websites for Savage accessories? Also, I'm having her bike painted right now, and I'm thinking the backseat may not go back on, does anybody know of a slick way of covering up the top of the rear fender? Or a good custom replacement rear fender? How about a good relocation point for the voltage regulator?

Thanks

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by Demin on 07/18/08 at 18:03:26

Wanna go bobber look on the rear?Trailer fender,move regulator between frame rails,some guys put it in the airbox.

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by FreeSpirit on 07/18/08 at 18:10:20

Wango,
What kind of Corbin seat are you ordering for your wife? A sportster?

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by wango on 07/18/08 at 18:17:32

Yes, a Corbin Gunfighter for a Sporster, used from Craigs List for a 100 bucks. I havent gotten it yet.

Title: Re: Just got a question..about seats
Post by wango on 07/18/08 at 18:23:08

Not full bobber, at least not right away. I may try a couple different looks for it and see what she likes, this is her first bike. I think they look nice with a solo seats, but the rear fender is kinda ugly when the seat is not on.