Need your help with Corbin/Sargent for my '07

[ELP_JC]

Hi gang. I'm ready to order a seat, but neither Corbin or Sargent fit my needs with their standard seats. And they don't really know how their seats compare to stock, so need the help of this fine group.

To make things easier, here are my 2 requirements, based on my 31" inseam (5'10"):

1. No lower than stock while riding.

2. No more reach to the ground than stock. I can only reach with the ball of my feet now, and don't want it any worse for obvious reasons. Notice I didn't say no higher than stock, as a higher but narrower front seat would let me reach the ground easier than a lower, wider platform. Hope I'm making sense here.

Since I want the seat in leather, and need the low position, prefer the Corbin since it looks nicer and fits the lines of the bike better (no high position; that's why). I also like the 'lip' against the tank, which prevents it from being scratched (at least it looks that way). The problem is it lowers the seat 1" from stock, and that's according to them, and I don't want that.

The Sargent has the opposite problem: about same height as stock in the riding position, but taller in the front. And by the time I add leather, it's a bit more than the Corbin.

So here's where I need your help. I need the Corbin with an a$$ job, or the Sargent with a nose job. And since I don't trust either company with dimensions since they probably have never seen an FJR, let alone ride one, I hope to find a member here who has successfully altered either seat similar to my specifications, so I can just order it duplicated from your 'file'. And no, if I mess up based on your input, you wouldn't even know about it, so please don't be afraid of speaking up. There's a much higher chance of screwing up without your advice; put it that way.

As always, thanks folks. This is the last step to make the new bike the way I want it. Already ordered all the other goodies. Take care.

JC

 

[Cdogman]

Google Rick Mayer, Or Google Russell Daylong

That is where you should be looking... I have a Rick Mayer. I have seen, and am impressed with the Russel Seat as well

Expand your search... There is also Bill Mayer: and many others

My Rick Seat was full leather, I did a Ride in in Redding CA. Cost me only bout 650.00 or so

 

[Chips]

I have a 30"inseam and have ridden extensively on all three seats and settled on the Sargent. I spent 3K miles on the stocker, 1K miles on the Corbin (with heaters) and 3K miles on the Sargent.

The Corbin is the widest seat with wings on the sides which negates the "1 inch lower than stock" part of their advertising. I could get the balls of my feet on the ground but less so than stock. I adjusted by only putting one foot down at stops. I didn't like the firmness of the foam and couldn't adjust to it. It was difficult for me to hug the tank in tight turns and to hang off the bike with this seat. It now has about 12K miles on it so I'll go back and ride on it soon (it belongs to a friend) to see if it's broken in yet. Like my experience with other Corbin seats, I had a difficult time removing/installing the seat. It also weighs a lot more than the stocker. It was comfortable to commute on (100 miles daily) but was never able to go more than 400 miles on it without my butt feeling sore.

The Sargent is the closest fit to the stock seat in the reach category. The foam is more to my tastes and the little pocket near the rear of the seat makes it comfortable on LD rides. I can move around and hang off pretty easily on it. Removing/installing this seat is just like stock. It's slightly heavier than the stocker and has a nice compartment built-in. I have done 400 mile days along with commuting with no discomfort. The nose of the seat is not higher compared to the Corbin and I'm not sure I understand your reference to the fabric choice changing the seat height.

For me, the stock seat is really comfortable on 700 mile days but I couldn't get it to work for me on my daily commute. I guess I must sit in the middle of the seat when I commute.

I hope that helps.

 

[ELP_JC]

Google Rick Mayer, Or Google Russell DaylongThat is where you should be looking... I have a Rick Mayer. I have seen, and am impressed with the Russel Seat as well

Expand your search... There is also Bill Mayer: and many others

My Rick Seat was full leather, I did a Ride in in Redding CA. Cost me only bout 650.00 or so

Thanks for your reply. I've heard about them, although don't like the 'tractor' seat Mayer (don't know who he is of the 2). My problem, again, is I live a thousand miles or more from any such 'custom' seat maker, so the issue is the same: I'd have to order blindly.

If somebody has a Mayer seat, or anybody else's in leather, that meets my requirements, by all means, let me know, and send me a picture please; I also want to make sure I like it. As long as it doesn't look like a tractor, I'm not that picky. And yes, I know the tractor one might be more comfortable, but that's a sacrifice I'm going to make, as I want emphasis in sport, rather than touring. At least for now. Plus I have a skinny ass, so will have to put up quite a few more pounds to need one of those < lol>. And thanks for your suggestion, to which the answer is yes, I'm open to other choices if somebody has one done like I need it. Take care.

JC

 

[ELP_JC]

I'm not sure I understand your reference to the fabric choice changing the seat height.

No reference; it just sounded that way. So let me rephrase that, now that I know you have had all 3 seats: Did you notice any difference in comfort between the Corbin's leather and Sargent's vinyl? And if my assumption is correct, which of the 2 vinyl materials did you choose (griptex or carbonFX)?

And many thanks for that excellent review; that was exactly what I was looking for. Seems like the Sargent is the one for this bike. You mentioned all the disadvantages of the Corbin, which I don't like either. The only exception is I can stand their hard seats better. And while on the subject, at least for my paltry 155-lbs, Corbins DO NOT 'break in' for me, no matter how many miles I ride on them. What put me off the Corbin was your comment that you can't hang off a bit in the curves; I don't hang off like a sport bike, but like to move around side to side a bit too. Oh, and the 1" closer to the ground while riding might be correct, no? You were referring to REACHING the ground due to the wings; two different things. But the wings are not good when you're already stretching to reach terra firma, that's for sure.

The last question remaining for me is if Daytona leather or vinyl, and which one. I also don't want the rear to look 'odd', since don't plan to replace it. Sargent suggested to buy a 'seat cover' and do that, but between labor and the cover itself I bet it's close to the new seat, so might just leave it alone. If leather and vinyl feel about the same even in the heat, might go with vinyl, whichever is more comfortable, or cooler in the summer, in that order. Thanks again.

JC

 

[Cdogman]

I am letting you know... Rick Mayer. I met him personally.. Is a square guy.

I love mine. I am Considering the Tractor seat

Call him....... and others... and get your feel... Do your homework, taker you time... What works for me, or him,,, or her... may notwork for you..... SO!! I say Rick is square, Others say Russel is,, others say?????,,,,, Do your homework.. Call them... get YOUR own feel for them....

I rode 3800 miles to get my seat made in person (What a GREAT!!! excuse for a road trip) !!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! << Nuff Said??

 

[ELP_JC]

I wouldn't order a custom seat blindly, even if my brother sold them. And I don't have the time or desire to travel thousands of miles to get one done personally, so unless somebody with my dimensions pitches in, I won't even consider them. Nothing personal against any of those nice guys. And yes, I already went thru that, and didn't work out. My seat ended up being much lower (at least my knees felt it much lower). Why? Because the stock seat was cushy, so the actual riding position is not the same as the seat itself, which was the measurement it was based on. Hope my position is clear now. When you ride your bike back to back with different seats, you can tell immediately how one feels from the other, without knowing exact measurements. In this case, seat of the pants is better than measurements, and that's why I'm bothering you guys. Hope you understand buddy. Later.

JC

 

[Cdogman]

Thats fine......... remember. I aint selling schit and you asked... That is how I did it. You want the best quality. Take time and show up for it

 

[ELP_JC]

1. Thats fine......... remember: I aint selling schit and you asked... That is how I did it. 2. You want the best quality, take time and show up for it.

1. I know buddy, and great contribution, by the way.

2. Couldn't agree with you more.

Will have to compromise with that, which is not a bad thing. Remember I'm not an iron butt rider, so am not looking for ultimate comfort; otherwise no other way to go but custom.

So far it'll be Sargent; just need to decide on the covering. Also want to give a chance for more people to pitch in, to make as informed a decision as it can be done like this. Thanks to all again.

JC

 

[designeraccd]

I've had both Corbins and Sargent/Mustangs on various bikes. Overall I prefer the Corbin for long distance as they are firmer and do "fit" me (I'm 6'2", 210#s). However, as a rule the fit of the Corbins ranges from mediocore to poor. No such problem with Sargent. The last Sargent I had was on my '04 ST 1300 and it was a bit "soft", but still very comfy on long or short trips. Fit was spot on. My '03 FJR got the then optional, but Corbin built saddle. It had the best quality of any Corbin I've had. Meeting Yamaha's QC standards??

I just put a Corbin (nothing to choose from) on my new DR 650, better than the useless stock pos, but(t) not as good as I had hoped. When I get a saddle for my '06, (which will happen if I ever totally recover from the 2 neck operations I've had within the past year...) I will be getting the Sargent, primarily based on their excellent fit versus Corbin. DFO

 

[rockwells]

Have a Russell Day-Long on my Beemer, and love it. Quality work, very helpful folks there. Gettin ready to kick down for saddles for my other gurlz!

 

[Valueman]

I am 5'10" but only have a 29' inseam. I have had a Corbin on my '06 for about 12,000 miles now, including a couple of 1,000 mile days.

When I first got it the Corbin seemed to make a real difference in height. Now it seems like the difference between the seat heights (Corbin vs stock in low position) isn't that great. With the stock I am on my toes. With the Corbin I touch with part of the balls of my feet. The real difference is more like 1/2" rather than the 1" that is claimed. I think the difference seemed big at first because I was just getting accustomed to the bike itself.

Seats, like windshields, are very personal things. As said above, what works for one might not work for another. Test riding other bikes is one of the best ways to evaluate seats, but a meaningful test requires a fairly long ride. I love the Corbin seat. It is firm, and takes a little while to break in, but in the log run that firmness adds to the long distance comfort.

YMMV

VM

 

[ELP_JC]

Thanks for all your help. Decided to go with the Sargent in Griptex vinyl for hot TX (was discouraged from leather by prior experience and them as well, plus was told you sweat the same), and what cinched the deal was that you can order a seat cover for the rear seat for $39, so both look the same. I'll order it on Monday; takes 2 weeks to get done. Have a great weekend.

JC

 

[RoadGlide]

JC, based on the requirements you stated I think you made the right choice. I too have tried all three seats and after 30 years of riding/seat time I currently use the Sargent. I have a 31 inch inseam and weigh 188 lbs. The 06/07 Sargent seat was designed around my ass. Sargent's has borrowed my bike no less than 12 times in the last year to get the seat right. When I said it's too firm, they changed it. When I said it needs to be wider in the rear portion they widened it. My wife complained that the rear was too slanted at the back edge and they changed that too. My point is it works for me and it's custom. They can't do that for everyone but a lot of thought went into the new seat. I know that Mark at Sargent's would refund your money if you felt the seat wasn't right for you, but I think you'll be happy with it. I commute 40 miles each day and have done 1000 mile days on this seat. Good luck.

 

[ELP_JC]

Hey Roadglide, that was a great testimonial man. And we have the same inseam so it should be perfect. I like my seats a bit firm, but since I weigh 155 vs your 188, it should be marginally firmer for me, exactly the way I want it.

Thanks again for your help. Oh, and did you get it in Griptex too? Was told it was cooler than even Corbin's leather, since they coat it to prevent water damage, defeating the purpose of leather. I had a Sargent leather seat on my BMW, and it was a mistake. It wrinkled badly with just ONE light shower when bike was under a roof in a motel, since winds were blowing 50 mph, and somehow got in my seat (no cover due to under roof). Sargent says you sweat the same with leather than their Griptex vinyl, due to its 'air pockets'. Will try it this time, and stop worrying about water. Take care.

JC

 

[Joe2Lmaker]

Hi gang. I'm ready to order a seat, ...

Thanks for bringing this question up again. I spent a big chunk of my day researching the subject (time I should have been using to do homework).

Wow! There is really a lot out there on the subject. What I learned:

• You don't really have to travel to California (not that that would be a bad thing) to be fitted. Both Mayers frequent the rally circuit. This month, I could head over to Wisconsin for the BMW MOA 35TH ANNIVERSARY RALLY an see both vendors. Check their websites for other locations.

• The Russell Day-Long doesn't require a ride-in, but they do offer that option. The Russell would be my pick if I could afford one.

• TWN has a serious love of Bill Mayer Saddles

• Talk trash about the tractor seat if you want to, but without a neutral riding position, you won't be happy traveling any distance.

O.K. back to doing homework.