Seat Mods - Topic Split

[KiwiCol]

Yes, it's definitely different to sit on. I had the slope forward taken out & leveled it off so it's more flat but still padded.  He could of done a better job at sculpting it but there ya go.  Reckon I was charged $400 because he made 2 covers, he didn't like the first one so made a 2nd version. Think I paid for both myself.  I did make sure I got the original cover back though, Can re-pad it & bung it back on & looks standard.

[steve porter]

Yes, it's definitely different to sit on. I had the slope forward taken out & leveled it off so it's more flat but still padded.  He could of done a better job at sculpting it but there ya go.  Reckon I was charged $400 because he made 2 covers, he didn't like the first one so made a 2nd version. Think I paid for both myself.  I did make sure I got the original cover back though, Can re-pad it & bung it back on & looks standard.

I had mine raised 50 mm at the front and 30 at the back which when added to the foam not squishing to nothing gives me 100 mm extra leg room,

[SA14]

Yes, it's definitely different to sit on. I had the slope forward taken out & leveled it off so it's more flat but still padded.  He could of done a better job at sculpting it but there ya go.  Reckon I was charged $400 because he made 2 covers, he didn't like the first one so made a 2nd version. Think I paid for both myself.  I did make sure I got the original cover back though, Can re-pad it & bung it back on & looks standard.

I had mine raised 50 mm at the front and 30 at the back which when added to the foam not squishing to nothing gives me 100 mm extra leg room,

Interesting because I wouldn't have known what instructions to give him. How does one arrive at these measurements and instructions regarding slope and height? I want to get it right without regretting it from not being as comfortable as I expected. I want a seat that will make me forget about the seat and give me the correct height too. Are there any hints anyone can share about what to request or how to arrive at the desired mods, slope, height and density? I think he said it needed to be harder (denser) - not softer which surprised me as do these slopes and measurements you all are mentioning. He said to come back with my exact weight and height so it's off to the vets (zoo is too expensive to get in these days) to borrow their scales again...lol

[grog]

My seat modded now over 8 yrs. Hated stock seat. Now has a couple of ripples, paid seat bloke $50 to pull apart and check. Says i need new top layer foam, will use same cover. $300. I could keep using, still comfy but Virgos hate shit thats not perfect. Best bike seat ive had, can ride all day. Wife still slides a bit on it, fit sheepskin, dual layer for her, no more move, much better hot days. Im a short arse so had it cut down a bit, A great result. SA a seat pro will measure what you need.Its critical for comfort.

[steve porter]

One of the best moves is to either raise the front or lower the back, your nuts wil appreciate it

[steve porter]

Yes, it's definitely different to sit on. I had the slope forward taken out & leveled it off so it's more flat but still padded.  He could of done a better job at sculpting it but there ya go.  Reckon I was charged $400 because he made 2 covers, he didn't like the first one so made a 2nd version. Think I paid for both myself.  I did make sure I got the original cover back though, Can re-pad it & bung it back on & looks standard.

I had mine raised 50 mm at the front and 30 at the back which when added to the foam not squishing to nothing gives me 100 mm extra leg room,

Interesting because I wouldn't have known what instructions to give him. How does one arrive at these measurements and instructions regarding slope and height? I want to get it right without regretting it from not being as comfortable as I expected. I want a seat that will make me forget about the seat and give me the correct height too. Are there any hints anyone can share about what to request or how to arrive at the desired mods, slope, height and density? I think he said it needed to be harder (denser) - not softer which surprised me as do these slopes and measurements you all are mentioning. He said to come back with my exact weight and height so it's off to the vets (zoo is too expensive to get in these days) to borrow their scales again...lol

Gotta be denser as Japanese test riders all look to be about 50 kg, slope is easy as I was always sliding forward and height depends on leg length, I'm 6'4" with dodgy knees so went as high as possible, my bike is now too high for my 5'10 mate to put both feet on the ground so I threw the original seat on it the other day so he could have a ride

[SA14]

Perfect. Thanks, I now totally understand and will forward those instructions when I get it done. Will the extra height require a new cover? I'm guessing yes but might there be enough room to raise the height a bit under the stock cover? I'm also guessing that even if there's not the extra density might raise it up a smidge anyway as it won't sink as low. Judging by your guess on the average Japanese rider weight I'll need something at least 2.5x extra density. 

[steve porter]

I also got him to round off the edges a bit so it didn`t dig in to my legs

[SA14]

...my bike is now too high for my 5'10 mate to put both feet on the ground so I threw the original seat on it the other day so he could have a ride

Did you buy an old wrecked seat base and had them work on that for your new seat? May I ask how much that cost? Mick Hone has new seat assemblies listed for $465. But it seems a shame to ruin any good original seat. I know I can't eat my cake and have it too so I'm curious.

Anyone else amused by how this thread has drifted to bum talk and how that sits with the original title?  [oh grow up SA!]

[steve porter]

I got one from a wrecker in QLD for$250 and then paid 450 for the mods, depending on your height you could just get the foam replaced

[SA14]

The French seats cost $750+ shipping, you paid about that and employed a local craftsman and did some recycling so I guess if I can get away with it for $350 it seems like a pretty good deal. If I add better foam it's bound to help a bit. If I change some angles while doing it it might help some more but if I have to go full out and spend $700-ish on a seat it'll improve my enjoyment exponentially because it really does bother me that such a fine motorcycle is letting me down in comfort. I literally can't sit on it for more than about half an hour without really wishing I could get off it and take a break and that seems a shame to me. I've put almost 1,000km on it since I bought it and my comfort isn't improving so I'll have to do something about it one way or another.

Thanks for all the input. I wish we could split the seat portion of this thread out into it's own new thread called "GSX1400 seat comfort?" I used to run and admin a VBulletin board and I could select posts and create a new thread out of them. Not sure if SMF forums can do the same. Admins?

[KiwiCol]

We can split from a certain point & create a new thread, guess that may suffice.

[steve porter]

The French seats cost $750+ shipping, you paid about that and employed a local craftsman and did some recycling so I guess if I can get away with it for $350 it seems like a pretty good deal. If I add better foam it's bound to help a bit. If I change some angles while doing it it might help some more but if I have to go full out and spend $700-ish on a seat it'll improve my enjoyment exponentially because it really does bother me that such a fine motorcycle is letting me down in comfort. I literally can't sit on it for more than about half an hour without really wishing I could get off it and take a break and that seems a shame to me. I've put almost 1,000km on it since I bought it and my comfort isn't improving so I'll have to do something about it one way or another.

Thanks for all the input. I wish we could split the seat portion of this thread out into it's own new thread called "GSX1400 seat comfort?" I used to run and admin a VBulletin board and I could select posts and create a new thread out of them. Not sure if SMF forums can do the same. Admins?

pity you`re not in Vic as you could have a go with my seat

[SA14]

pity you`re not in Vic as you could have a go with my seat

Actually the SA/VIC borders just opened up again. Brain cogs turning. But for a real test I'd have to ride for an hour or so. That would be pushing any friendship. Alternatively I could "rent" just a seat for a few days and ride mine around for a tank or two. Much cheaper option. It's a lot to ask though. It'd require a sizeable deposit but it might be an easier solution than packing my king sized doggo into the commie wagon and risking a drive to the east. Although an adventure might be needed to shake off the china flu "disruption".

[SA14]

We can split from a certain point & create a new thread, guess that may suffice.

That would be awesome and I think really useful. I think it started my "so fat" comment #33.

Where do we send beer money for the effort?