Considering a new seat

[RTSR1/FJR]

The seat never used to bother me till lately. The wife said the same thing, so we're looking into new seats. Been eyeballing the Sargent World Sport. Heard a lot of negitivity on the Corbin. Give me some insight as to what you like and don't like. Any other makes out there? What about Mayer Saddles?

 

[black mamba]

I've had the Sargent seat for quite some time now ( got the first one they made for the FJR ). It's a well-made product and very comfortable....love it. Do a search. You'll find more comments about seats than you bargained for. It's a very personal call as to which one will be best for you.

 

[TheAxeman]

RT,

I have a Bill Mayer seat on both driver and passenger and it makes a huge difference in comfort. When I initally got it I wasn't too keen on it because it didn't seem that much more comfortable but as they wear in they begin to mold to your specific shape. I didn't look to see where you are but if you can do a ride in instead of through the mail and you will get a more specifically shaped seat. If I remember correctly, it ran about $700.00 for rider and passenger seats on an 06. Do a search for "Mayer" or "seats" and I'm sure you will come up with quite a bit because it has been discussed on here alot. Good luck.

 

[smitty141]

Russell Day Long is IMHO the one. I have had Corbin's :angry: , Dick Mayer :angry2: :angry2: , but never a Sargent :blink: . Russell :yahoo: :yahoo: , and forget it... Smitty

 

[JohnB]

I don't think Sargent has a seat for the '06 yet. It's in development.

 

[Bounce]

Russell

 

[user 3386]

Had a Corbin on my ST and have one on my '06 FJR. Love 'em. Russell, etc. are great saddles, but they're best (IMHO) for comfy, "non-sporty" riding. (I also ride a '98 Gold Wing with a "long distance" saddle that fits the bike's purpose perfectly.)

Corbins are harder than most but they really allow the rider to lean off and slide around alot...great if you like the twisties like me. (Sometimes I think I'm sitting more on the tank than on my saddle.) Best advice: spend some time on saddles on various FJRs, then select the one that fits your butt and riding style the best.

 

[FJRay]

RUSSELL. They are the best out there. IMHO

 

[ejworthen]

I've been looking at a lot of aftermarket seats myself. I like the Russell but as Lee stated, it seems more for slabbing it than sport riding.

I'm hesitant to buy a Corbin since I've heard too many people that have had bad experiences. Although they have been able to send the seats back and have them fixed to their satisfaction. Just seems like a lot of trouble IMO.

I'd like to try a Sargent but they dont make one for the 06 yet.

I came across a company called Top Saddlery. A couple of guys on the SBN FZ6 forum have ordered from them and are very happy with the product. They are made in France and take about three weeks to recieve from the time you place the order. You can pretty much design the seat the way you want it right on the web site. Plus you get a lot for your money. I'm thinking about giving them a shot myself.

https://www.topsaddlery.com/en/index.php4

Some pics of one of their seats on an FZ. I believe the guy paid around $350 shipped for it.

 

[black mamba]

Those of you with 06's that are interested in a Sargent seat should PM our fellow forum brother " RoadGlide". He is riding around on the prototype Sargent is working on for the 06. We ride together a bit and he seems pleased with the seat. Wade would love to hear from you.

 

[brazos parker]

I have a Sargent on my '05 that, for most of my riding (100-300 mile days), I'm pretty satisfied w/ it. I've ridden it on a 5000 mile trip and a 2000 mile trip this year. I think w/ my butt on my Sargent, the seat is abt a 500-600 mile/day seat...YMMV. Although I did do 1- 800 mile day. For my Spring Fling, I'm planning a SS1000...so maybe I'll have a different opinion after that.

It is interesting to note that for the hard-core LD riders, most choose a Russell...I've not tried one so I can't comment from personal experience.

 

[wheatonFJR]

I've been looking at a lot of aftermarket seats myself. I like the Russell but as Lee stated, it seems more for slabbing it than sport riding...snip...

From looking at the seat, it sure would look like it...however if you have ever followed Smitty in Arkansas you would know experientially that that statement is not true.

If and when I have the bucks, I will get the Russell - even if it does look like a Goldwingers seat. I'm not an Iron Butt rider...but I do like to occassionally string a few 600 mile days together with my typical 4-450 mile days. However, I did that a year ago getting to the Northeast and my backside was done for the trip. I had to change my trip because of it. I am comfortable up to 450 miles on my stock seat with sheepskin on an extended trip, 6 to 700 miles if it is a one-time event. However, if I go over that I am done.

I would like to get a Russell this year...however in my case...it is either farkles or trips...

 

[Bike Effects]

The great thing about the Sargent seat is thier seat pans. They don't use what was on the bike, but a newly designed one. The seat pan does contribute to the long term comfort of the seat.

Looking forward to the '06 model soon.

Sargent World Sport seat at SportbikeEffects.

Please note the link below regarding forum discounts.

 

[Dan23]

Those of you with 06's that are interested in a Sargent seat should PM our fellow forum brother " RoadGlide". He is riding around on the prototype Sargent is working on for the 06. We ride together a bit and he seems pleased with the seat. Wade would love to hear from you.

I've spoken with Sargent regarding what I want: I'm ok with the FJR seat, but my passenger isn't. She needs her section higher and with a bit of forward slant. Does the prototype seat address the passenger area?

She says the seat on my Aprilia Futura is perfect.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Remember there are two Mayers: Rick and Bill. They are brothers and have different methods.

My Bill Mayer Saddle is perfect for me. I'm sure Russle seats are as good, but they couldn't be better.

One thing to consider is how long will you ride in a day. If it's 250 miles or less, then any of the seats you mention will be fine. If you're gonna ride 300+ per day then I think you should consider a custom seat with a ride in.

 

[FJRski]

I've spoken with Sargent regarding what I want: I'm ok with the FJR seat, but my passenger isn't. She needs her section higher and with a bit of forward slant. Does the prototype seat address the passenger area?

+ 0.5 sort of...

Stock seat is the most comfortable stock seat I've ever been on, but I travel <300 miles per day.

My passenger, on the other hand, who is a little shorter than my 5"18", would love to find a pillion seat that is about 1 " higher, and a little more level. Raising the passenger seat on the '06 does not do it, she doesn't really gain any height and it pitches her forward, great for twisties, but not for 100+ mile comfort. I keep wondering whether a custom seat builder could make me what I want - - guess there's only one way to find out. Have to put in a request!

 

[FJRay]

If you look at the Russell you only see part of what makes it the best seat. Inside there is a steel spring that runs crosswise in the seat and that spring is what gives you the support across your A** so the pelvic area doesn't turn upside down on long rides. That is where a lot of the pain comes from. The sporty looking seats don't provide that kind of support. Don't think you can't ride fast with a Russell because ther are a lot of folks out there the will make a fool out of you while they ride in comfort. IMHO!!!

 

[Mark G]

If you're a two-up rider, make sure before ordering (when it's available) that the Sargent pillion seat is usable. I had one on my VFR, and the rider seat was perfect, but the pillion, on that particular bike, was a torture device.

 

[hoham]

I had the same situation and decided to have a new seat made for me by Rich's in Seattle. Expensive but worth every penny. Remember, Yamaha guessed how you wanted the seat, now you arre going to have someone else guess. Why guess, have it made to fit your body. I found that I had one leg slightly shorter so he adjusted for that. I also had the seat made in black leather and the seating areas are done in a silver metallic leather that matches the silver on the bike. Nothing but questions and high praise about the seat. I will try to get some pictures to show everyone.