Custom Seat Recommendations

[ddaniels]

I want to put a more comfy seat on the GSX1100G. I would like to solicit recommendations if anybody has any. Thanks

 

[rphillips]

Can't help, I love the stock seat on my "91" Suzuki GSX1100G, it fits me pretty dang good. Also I see in your history that you had a 1993 Suzuki Katana GSX1100G & now have a 1993 Suzuki Katana GSX1100G again. Would you have a picture if it, I never remember seeing a Katana with a shaft drive.

 

[Rob S.]

Back in my day, Corbin Gentry was the aftermarket seat of choice.

 

[storm 64]

I would recommend you check out Sargent Seat. They make real nice high quality motorcycle seats. Great people to deal with, and a quick turn around. They're kind of like the Corbin alternative. I had a Corbin seat before, I thought I'd give these guys a try. So far I like it very much.

 

[Rob S.]

Spring for leather.

 

[Steve]

What's your budget? :-k

Sargent is good, among the 'more-affordable' options. https://www.sargentcycle.com/

Seth Laam is rather highly regarded on some other forums. http://laamseats.com/

If price is no object, Russel Day-Long saddle. https://day-long.com/

Keep in mind that some people that see your custom saddle will comment that it's "butt-ugly". Others that see it will recognize it for what it is (the ultimate in riding comfort) and will compliment you on your choice.

My only personal experience is with Russel Day-Long and its predecessor, Mayer Day-Long. Excellent seats, definitely all-day comfort, like the name suggests. Mrs. Steve has a Travelcade on her 850L that is rather comfortable. A similar Travelcade seat on a G is simply too tall (even for me), making rather UNcomfortable. I have a Corbin on my Wing. It's "OK", but was made for someone else, so doesn't fit me like it should.

.

 

[ddaniels]

Thanks for the thoughts. The bike has a Sargent on it now and I am not satisfied with it. Better than stock but not quite there. I have a Russell Daylong on the FZ1 and love it but they are getting VERY expensive now. At least $100 more than when I bought it a few years ago. I hate Corbin seats. I've had three before and didn't like any of them. I put a Laam seat on the ZX11 and it was ok but not as good as the Russell. I was looking at the Mayer website last night and they look comfy but also expensive. I guess you get what you pay for.

I guess so far I'm leaning towards Laam again. And I don't care if anybody else thinks it's butt ugly.

 

[ddaniels]

Spring for leather.

Do you think leather would make a big difference in comfort as opposed to vinyl?

 

[ddaniels]

Can't help, I love the stock seat on my "91" Suzuki GSX1100G, it fits me pretty dang good. Also I see in your history that you had a 1993 Suzuki Katana GSX1100G & now have a 1993 Suzuki Katana GSX1100G again. Would you have a picture if it, I never remember seeing a Katana with a shaft drive.

On the title when I first bought the bike, it said Katana GSX1100G. It's the same thing you have only a '93. Maybe someone put that on there by mistake.

 

[rphillips]

Just funn'in, knew there was a misprint or something going on. Just wondering how you could know if a seat would be comfortable, FOR YOU, without being able to try it out. And as rare as the GSX1100G is, you'll never find one to try. Can I say, do you feel lucky?

 

[ddaniels]

Just funn'in, knew there was a misprint or something going on. Just wondering how you could know if a seat would be comfortable, FOR YOU, without being able to try it out. And as rare as the GSX1100G is, you'll never find one to try. Can I say, do you feel lucky?

Which is why I'm asking for recommendations from others who may have tried these other seats. ;-)

 

[Wingsconsin]

See the picture for a view of the custom seat

See the picture for a view of the custom seat

If you can source an extra seat pan (or use your existing) --

I sent an extra seat pan to Diamond Custom Seats for my '83 GS850GL -

They built me a very good long distance riding seat including a backrest for $660.

Sounds like a lot - but if your a$$ is uncomfortable your much more expensive motorcycle is not worth it either .. :friendly_wink:

I had them use their soft vinyl and it is fine - no sweaty butt - water resistant - and long lasting - still looks new to me after 3 seasons

 

[ddaniels]

If you can source an extra seat pan (or use your existing) --

I sent an extra seat pan to Diamond Custom Seats for my '83 GS850GL -

They built me a very good long distance riding seat including a backrest for $660.

Sounds like a lot - but if your a$$ is uncomfortable your much more expensive motorcycle is not worth it either .. :friendly_wink:

I had them use their soft vinyl and it is fine - no sweaty butt - water resistant - and long lasting - still looks new to me after 3 seasons

I had thought of your seat but wasn't sure where you got it.

 

[johnod]

I've had Corbin and Sargent, both were hard, the Corbin wasn't bad though. The Sargent was a bloody rock, and not in a good way either.

I had Baldwin redo a seat for my Buell, very nice , by far the best.

https://www.facebook.com/BaldwinMotorbikeSaddles

 

[Rob S.]

I had them use their soft vinyl and it is fine - no sweaty butt - water resistant...

What are the real world differences between vinyl and leather? Aside from cost, look and bragging rights, what about heat, sweat, rain, comfort, etc.?

 

[ddaniels]

I've had Corbin and Sargent, both were hard, the Corbin wasn't bad though. The Sargent was a bloody rock, and not in a good way either.

I had Baldwin redo a seat for my Buell, very nice , by far the best.

https://www.facebook.com/BaldwinMotorbikeSaddles

They look a lot like Russell Daylong.

 

[Grimly]

What are the real world differences between vinyl and leather? Aside from cost, look and bragging rights, what about heat, sweat, rain, comfort, etc.?

From those who've had leather seats, the problem is mainly one of keeping it healthy and water proof. If it gets truly soaked (and there's always going to be a time...) it's a challenge to dry it out carefully and if you need to use it when wet, it might ruin it, I would think.
On balance, unless I was living in an area where leatherworkers were cheap and abundant, I'd opt for vinyl.

 

[ddaniels]

My Russell Daylong on the FZ1, which is leather, came with a rain cover that I keep with the bike. Always put it on at night to keep moisture away. The leather feels and looks great, but even with protecting vigilantly like I do, it IS starting to get creases in it. I will opt for vinyl on the next purchase.

 

[Wingsconsin]

What are the real world differences between vinyl and leather? Aside from cost, look and bragging rights, what about heat, sweat, rain, comfort, etc.?

I have not had leather -
But on my Goldwing(s) I usually use velour/vinyl combination
The velour on top makes for a very comfortable seat - but remember the range is 200 miles + so HOURS
Once it gets wet it sucks - it can stay wet for a full day after the rain - so.. rain gear on a nice day ? YES. Sometimes
The vinyl today is soft, pliable, plush like and very comfortable -
Rain resistant (not water proof) but good for a sweaty butt -
Opinion follows:
The secret to a good seat is width and support -
getting a little lift under the legs and supporting the entire posterior helps a lot -
Comfort starts with staying dry (no chafing)

I have run quite a few high mile days - 600-800 on the Wing is a very easy day

On the 850 my biggest day so far was 575 miles -- but I will increase that this year

Look into LD Comfort underwear -- I swear by it

I have a pair of Mens Riding Shorts under my jeans typically
I rinse them out and hang them to dry at the hotel room for the next day
I NEVER get chafing

https://ldcomfort.com/

 

[LAB3]

Wow, Sargent has a seat cover for my bike, I'd have never guessed! I've grown rather accustomed to my mother-of-gorilla-tape seat but am considering restuffing it.