I've seen several inquiries lately on this forum concerning the Yamaha gel touring saddles. I just got a set today from an E-Bay seller, as I needed a set of pans for the group buy from Russell. So now I need to decide whether to keep the OEM or the gel units, to use until I get the All-Days.
The FIRST difference I noticed when I removed them from the box was the carbon-fiber look of the seating surfaces. These reminded me of the 2nd generation Corbin saddle I had on my V-Max.
SECOND thing I noticed was how much heavier they are than the OEM saddles, although they are built on the exact same pans.
THIRD was how much thicker the covering is than on the factory units. Also, there is much more detail to the stitching and more stapling of the covers to the pans.
FOURTH was how much more firm the foam is at the bottom of the pan, where you can poke your finger thru the breather holes.
So, I quickly mounted the new saddles and headed out to the highway.
The FIFTH thing I noticed was that the gel saddle felt like sitting on a pine board . . . Hey, this just might BE a Corbin, after all! My ass didn't sink down into the foam. Although the saddle is the same thickness, it feels taller because I'm sitting on top of it, instead down in it!
Now comes the important #6 difference . . . . I have recently installed Leo's (LRider) highway pegs to the frame sliders on my '06 AE, and now when I put my feet up on the highway pegs, I realize that this action puts extra body weight on the arse, and less on the feet. So, when I don't sink down into the saddle, the CRUISING position is much more comfortable.
So I think I will keep the gels, and sacrifice the OEM saddles for the Russell build. Any questions?
The FIRST difference I noticed when I removed them from the box was the carbon-fiber look of the seating surfaces. These reminded me of the 2nd generation Corbin saddle I had on my V-Max.
SECOND thing I noticed was how much heavier they are than the OEM saddles, although they are built on the exact same pans.
THIRD was how much thicker the covering is than on the factory units. Also, there is much more detail to the stitching and more stapling of the covers to the pans.
FOURTH was how much more firm the foam is at the bottom of the pan, where you can poke your finger thru the breather holes.
So, I quickly mounted the new saddles and headed out to the highway.
The FIFTH thing I noticed was that the gel saddle felt like sitting on a pine board . . . Hey, this just might BE a Corbin, after all! My ass didn't sink down into the foam. Although the saddle is the same thickness, it feels taller because I'm sitting on top of it, instead down in it!
Now comes the important #6 difference . . . . I have recently installed Leo's (LRider) highway pegs to the frame sliders on my '06 AE, and now when I put my feet up on the highway pegs, I realize that this action puts extra body weight on the arse, and less on the feet. So, when I don't sink down into the saddle, the CRUISING position is much more comfortable.
So I think I will keep the gels, and sacrifice the OEM saddles for the Russell build. Any questions?