Russel vs. Corbin vs. Sargent

[MotorSWATCop]

I read somewhere that the Corbins are lower but also wider than the factory units, thus negating the benefit. Comments from users?

I don't think they are wider...

Also, if you need less seat... just ask them to "shave" the nose and you'll be closer to the ground.

I have had three Corbins and one Russel. I loved the Russel on the Goldwing, but it looks real UGLY on the FJR. I have the Corbin on the FJR and I love it!

I can't speak for the FJR Corbin seat but, I just got a Corbin for my wife's ST1300. Corbin's site said that their seat was 1" lower than stock. I had Corbin do the "nose job" on her seat to narrow it. I was trying to get more of her feet on the ground because she is 5'4" and on tip-toe. The Corbin seat is wider by 1 1/4". Although the seat height is lower, she has even less contact with the ground now. I guess I'm going to see how good Corbin's customer service is this week. I hate to think I just spent $399 to raise her up when I wanted to lower her.

 

[vfr2fjr]

Try someone else's Corbin and see. Since they're all off-the-rack, you'll know if it's for you or not. Corbins seem to be the type of saddle that people either love or hate (no in the middle opinions). If you have a Corbin ass (no, Mike Corbin doesn't count) then you'll like it.
If a 600 mile day is a warm up for lunch, then Russell would be your best bet.

 

[FJR1300]

I read somewhere that the Corbins are lower but also wider than the factory units, thus negating the benefit. Comments from users?

I don't think they are wider...
Also, if you need less seat... just ask them to "shave" the nose and you'll be closer to the ground.

I have had three Corbins and one Russel. I loved the Russel on the Goldwing, but it looks real UGLY on the FJR. I have the Corbin on the FJR and I love it!

I can't speak for the FJR Corbin seat but, I just got a Corbin for my wife's ST1300. Corbin's site said that their seat was 1" lower than stock. I had Corbin do the "nose job" on her seat to narrow it. I was trying to get more of her feet on the ground because she is 5'4" and on tip-toe. The Corbin seat is wider by 1 1/4". Although the seat height is lower, she has even less contact with the ground now. I guess I'm going to see how good Corbin's customer service is this week. I hate to think I just spent $399 to raise her up when I wanted to lower her.

It sounds like they forgot to do the "nose job" as requested!

 

[JimV]

I have a Russel on my '05 and I'm very happy with the comfort factor. One thing that has been mentioned in other threads and that I'm seconding now is that, if you're vertically challenged, the wings on the Russel make it even harder to stand up.

 

[vfr2fjr]

Try someone else's Corbin and see. Since they're all off-the-rack, you'll know if it's for you or not. Corbins seem to be the type of saddle that people either love or hate (no in the middle opinions). If you have a Corbin ass (no, Mike Corbin doesn't count) then you'll like it.
If a 600 mile day is a warm up for lunch, then Russell would be your best bet.

I haven't tried a Mustang Gel Seat but I did have the stock '05 seat modified by a local seat builder. He reduced the forward width and hard edge and inserted a gel pad in the stock seat. Probably not a Russell but pretty darn good. Had done several many (300 mi.+) long rides but still use the AirHawk for the 600 mile days.

 

[drew231506]

6200+ miles to WFO, CA coast, & back home.
Glad I bought the Russell...

The Russel is a nobrainer... if your going to ride... do the research your butt will thank you

 

[starcruiser(aka downn2)]

I like you, don't want a seat that looks like it came off some old rusted tractor......And FYI, contrary to what others are saying, Corbin seats aren't OFF THE SELF saddles....I've had several conversations with corbin concerning their seat for the 06 JFR...My main concern was I didn't want it lowered as I have a long legs....they informed me they'd be glad to build the seat up to a Max of an Inch higher.....

I about ready to pull the trigger on not only getting the seat with passenger back rest, but getting the Smuggler too....we're talking some money here, so I too am interested in what others report...

If figure, if I want something twice as big as my ass to sit..I can always put a down pillow under me...

 

[Shane Stump]

I like you, don't want a seat that looks like it came off some old rusted tractor......And FYI, contrary to what others are saying, Corbin seats aren't OFF THE SELF saddles....I've had several conversations with corbin concerning their seat for the 06 JFR...My main concern was I didn't want it lowered as I have a long legs....they informed me they'd be glad to build the seat up to a Max of an Inch higher.....
I about ready to pull the trigger on not only getting the seat with passenger back rest, but getting the Smuggler too....we're talking some money here, so I too am interested in what others report...

If figure, if I want something twice as big as my ass to sit..I can always put a down pillow under me...

StarCruiser,

I will be riding to the metoplex sometime here in the very near future to meet a client. If you would like to see a Corbin + Smuggler on a 2006, drop me a line.

Best Regards,

Shane

 

[yamahlr]

I had the Sargent for a few rides but didn't do it for me and sold it. I replaced it with the new heated Corbin. Reason I went w/ heated eventhough don't ride in much cold weather: Was at October Bikefest in Daytona and spoke w/ a rep. He advised there is a layer extra padding on the heated one. I bought it and have found it to be the best Corbin I've ever had (have had 3, on different bikes). Also went w/ the Smuggler, but the paint match was the worst. Finally, Gary @ University negotiated a rebate to get it color matched locally.

 

[Cal24Master]

Thanks for the offer shane but I live in Ca. Just from the votes so far it looks like corbin is a winner. Thanks to all that replied I appreciate it.

I wouldn't do anything until you talk to Rocky at Bill Mayer Saddles in Ojai. A much better looking seat than the Russell, (In my opinion) and all the comfort. I have my second one now. I road 150,000 miles on a Corbin, and 90,000 on a Bill Mayer. The Mayer is so superior it is hard to explain. Ride 500 in a day on each one and it will be very clear that it is way, way better. Plus Rocky is a great guy to deal with.

Tom

IBA 161

 

[fossilrider]

My vote is for Sargent for people who can't make it to a Russel. Just purchased mine and the ride is excellent. Here is a copy of the email I just sent them after a one week run around Southern Ontario.

Hello Rudi, I wanted to let you know how happy we both are with our purchase and the service you and your company have given us.

To begin with, the seat arrived on the Wednesday, the 16th, three days before we were to leave. Seat and backrest installed in minutes and I was very impressed with the quality of the seat, the backrest and the ease of installation.

On Saturday morning, Bev and I left for our trip around southern Ontario, riding six to seven hours per day. I must say, we were both smiling at the end of run! The comfort for both passenger and rider is superb (passenger being the + factor). Five fantastic days of riding! Thanks again for making our trip that much more enjoyable!

John

 

[mehaffydr]

I have had the stock seat, then Sargent, Then Mayer and now Russell. If you want 700 miles in a day GO Russell It is foresure the best I have tried and you cant seeit when your ass is in it.

 

[pawtracks]

Since you are in CA (Didn't say where North - South?) to me, it's a no-brainer.

Why settle for off the shelf, one size fits all?

California has so many seat makers to pick from!

Get a custom & do a ride-in

Mine is a Bill Mayer & I love it