Converting the 6th Gen from a SPORT-Tourer to a Sport-TOURER

Discussion in '6th Generation 2002-2013' started by stewartj239, Oct 2, 2011.

  1. stewartj239

    stewartj239 Member

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    I’ve got 5 riding seasons on my ’07 now and carrying the 20 lb. backpack to and from work is getting old and riding double is nearly impossible in stock form. So as the title of this thread states, over the winter, I’m thinking about converting the bike to be primarily a tourer. Here are the changes I have in mind.

    Hard Bags
    I am looking at the OEM bags in addition to the GIVI V35 bags. GIVI offers a blue lid panel that matches the ’04 ST1300 and it looks very close in color to the blue of the ’07. However, I think I am leaning toward the OEM bags as I don’t like how the GIVI’s hang farther away from the bike. They have a much larger gap (~2") between the bags and the bike. The OEM bags look like they were made for the bike (which I guess they were) and seem to have a much tighter and cleaner fit.

    Seat
    Right now, I’m considering the Corbin and Sargent seats. I’ve done little research so far, but what I must have is a seat that prevents the passenger from sliding forward. I’ve been doing much more 2-up riding this year, mainly with my oldest son, and even at 80 lbs, he cannot stay back on the seat. He is constantly sliding forward and has to pull himself back. Another adult passenger had the same problem. So my question is, are the aftermarket seats geared for 2-up riding and truly help with keeping the passenger in place where they belong? Which are the best for 2-up riding?

    Handlebars
    I am looking at the HeliBars and ConvertiBARS. I think that I’m leaning toward the HeliBars as the ConvertiBARS just seem to be TOO adjustable. Any opinions here?

    Windscreen
    I am looking at the GIVI D217S and the Zero Gravity Sport Touring 23-454. Any opinions on these or other makes and models?

    I am open to any and all feedback that you might have. Is there anything else I should be looking at? Lastly, will the 6th Gen make a good tourer when all this work is done, or am I just better off moving to something like an ST1300?
     
  2. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

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    I think you can get a seat that has small backrest for the pilot which would function to keep passenger in place. Can't remember where I saw it. I did test the Corbin and Sargent for the 5th gen neither had what I'm talking about though.

    Look for old thread call vfrwing or something like that. There may be some good info. Most people I know have heli bars. Can't say for the convertibars.

    Stock bags much better looking, but they still stick out quite a bit. I think that the two tone paint makes them look narrower and so people forget that they're pretty big.
     
    Last edited: Oct 3, 2011
  3. Scubalong

    Scubalong Official Greeter?

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    I used my hard bags as side bumber......That is Reg told me :)
     
  4. willjones.dh

    willjones.dh New Member

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    I have the GIVI V35 bags on my RWB 07. I love them! Then again I have no experience with the OEM bags.
     
  5. Keager

    Keager Member

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    I've got the OEM bags - love them. Plus, when they are off the bars don't look terrible, almost like they are supposed to be there. I do have aftermarket exhaust, so they do fit for the most part. I'm not sure if I posted pics here or at bikepics.com (2006, look for user Keager there as well) for what they look like without the bags on. They were a real PITA to put on. I also have the ZG double bubble windscreen, which helped, but is not the best for wind.
     
  6. stewartj239

    stewartj239 Member

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    reg71 - I agree that the 2 tone paint on the OEM bags definitely makes them look narrower, when in reality, I don't think they are. I did a quick search on the "vfrwing" thing and nothing related came up. I'll keep looking, but if you stumble across that thread, then please let me know.

    Scubalong - My biggest concern about the OEM bags being totally painted on the sides is if you do make a bumper out of them, then they will show it. The V35's only have the painted lid panel and the rest appears more durable. I love the painted OEM bags, but I know that they are more prone to cosmetic damage.

    willjones.dh - For the V35's on your RWB, what color did you go with? By any chance did you go with the blue lid panel? I'd love to see a picture of one on somebody's bike to see how close of a match it is. I went to colorrite.com and punched in the paints codes for the ST & VFR and they do look to be close.

    Keager - I'm scratching the double bubble off my list. I didn't list it in the thread, but was considering it.
     
  7. OTTOMAN

    OTTOMAN New Member

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    OE bags are nicest and any scratches can always be "recovered" one way or another. I'm intrigued by your ST1300 reference. Both of these bikes (6G/ST) are called "sportours" but similarities pretty much end there. The ST will always be much better for your passenger and/or loaded down while the 6G is bound to give your soul a bit more feedback! FJR? Blasphemy?
     
  8. OTTOMAN

    OTTOMAN New Member

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    I should better-explain my prior response by admitting the VFR is my all time favorite bike; hands down. I just can't make any 800cc bike a two up transporter. IMO, in the big scheme, bikes are cheap...seats and bags are spendy. I'm sure your 6G would not mind a big brother in the garage next to it then you'll have the best of both worlds.
     
  9. chickunfut

    chickunfut New Member

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    Ok it's friggin HOT Texas
    I agree with OTTOMAN, spend the money on something else.... I hate riding 2up on this bike anywhere (nuts smashed into tank = no fun).
     
  10. WingZer0

    WingZer0 New Member

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    Get the OEM bags u won't regret it. Think Corbin has the back rest. Seats is a mix choice.....

    Helibars go for it. Either go zero g or mra.



    Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk
     
  11. stewartj239

    stewartj239 Member

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    The ST has always been on my radar. I like the bike and I have been Honda brand loyal since my MX days, so I'm not even thinking FJR or Concours 14. Your follow up post hits on exactly my train of thought. I don't want to spend $2K on the items listed above if it makes more sense to move to an ST. However, 2-up riding is currently secondary and 90% of the time, it will be just me on the bike. That's why I'm leaning towards modifying the 800. I think the ST might be further down the road ...........
     
  12. stewartj239

    stewartj239 Member

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    I would love to add another, but I already have 4 street bikes and 4 dirt bikes (3 kids) and I really don't have the room. It would be logical to get rid of one to get another, but I don't want to part with any of the street bikes that I currently own - which is why converting the 800 is looking better and better.
     
  13. stoshmonster

    stoshmonster New Member

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    Here are a coupla profile and top view shots of both the Corbin and Sargent passenger seat sections for you Stewart.
    As you can see the Corbin has a fairly pronounced dish to the passenger seat section. The Sargent has a much lesser dish to it which isn't clearly visible in these pics because the seat cover fabric is stretched so tightly across it.
    The Sargent has a bit wider passenger seating area and is an overall much lighter seat weight-wise than the Corbin,however you can get a passenger backrest for the Corbin and you can't with the Sargent.
    Which is a better 2-up passenger seat? Dunno Stewart. Each has it's pro's and con's,you make the call.

    Corbin
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Sargent
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]


    Now to tackle the problem of keeping your passenger in place on the seat. Have you looked into one of these? It's an aftermarket passenger seat cover that's supposed to be specifically designed to stop your passenger from sliding around on the seat.
    It's made by a company called Triboseat. They make a model specific passenger seat cover for the VFR800 that's presently selling on Ebay for around $25.00 shipped.
    I just ordered one myself,it's supposed to be designed to fit the stock seat but I'm curious to see if it will fit either or both my Corbin and Sargent seats.

    [​IMG]


    Here's the link to Triboseat's website incase you're interested. Click me.>>>>>triboseat
     
  14. OTTOMAN

    OTTOMAN New Member

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    Whatever you decide to do just make sure it makes you smile. Hey, when I ran out of garage I got a cargo trailer. Now five dirtbikes are warm and happy and I'm pretty sure their absence has created room for a couple new toys! We only live once!
     
  15. stewartj239

    stewartj239 Member

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    Thanks stoshmonster for the side by side comparisons. I couldn't have asked for anything better - I appreciate it. Please let me know whether the Triboseat fits the stock, Corbin or Sargent seats when you get it. For $25, that's a no-brainer if it fits.
     
  16. Keager

    Keager Member

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    Stosh - which one you like better? What about the passenger - which one do they like? Or do you know since you haven't used either one yet?
     
  17. stewartj239

    stewartj239 Member

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    Yes, I'd be interested in knowing as well. From stosh's pictures and descriptions, I'm betting that the Sargent is better for the passenger. I am actually OK with the stock seat. I've had it for 5 years and I have no issues except that you can't put a passenger on it without them sliding into you. Therefore, I'm after the seat that is better for the passenger.
     
  18. stoshmonster

    stoshmonster New Member

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    Well gentlemen I can't say much about the Sargent seat because I haven't actually used it yet. It appears to be a comfortable enough seat,but that remains to be seen.
    The Corbin however was my main workhorse. It's a bit on the firm side but it was good-to-go for back-road scratching,and with a good pair of compression shorts,was comfortable enough for all day touring.

    Whenever I need an honest passenger perspective opinion I call on my sister. She rides too so she understands exactly what kind of feedback I'm looking for when she's out riding 2-up with me.
    She gave the Corbin two thumbs up,said it was WAY more comfortable than the stock seat for long distance riding and that she never felt sore or cramped by the seating position.
    She also added that she didn't know if a backrest was really necessary because the seating position felt very natural to her and she never felt the need to lean back. I still wanna get one anyway and get her opinion on it.

    I'll be honest with you gentlemen,I've got a different seat cowl that I'll be using for my Jokermobile that really only fits correctly on the Sargent seat. I'm secretly hoping that Triboseat seat cover fits on the Corbin so I can use the Corbin with a backrest as my 2-up riding seat and the Sargent with that fancy seat cowl for when I'm out riding monoposto.
     
  19. VFRGeek

    VFRGeek New Member

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    A bit off topic, but MANY thanks Stosh for the great shots of the seats. I had a Sargeant on my old Ducati and it was a godsend. It's nice to know I can get a good replacement for the stocker if I need to. So far the OEN seems O.K., but I have yet to take a long trip on it.
     
  20. FoothillRyder

    FoothillRyder New Member

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    I had a Sargent on my Aprilia Falco, and Corbins on my V65 Sabre and V45 Interceptor. In all three cases the 3rd party seats were superior to the stockers. I think you see which one suits your purposes and buy it. Both companies are willing - even eager - to work with you on your personal saddle. I even had Corbin build me a custom seat for my NX650, rode the bike to their factory with the stock seat and rode out with exactly what I wanted.
     
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