Poll and Couple of questions about seats and Honda low seat

Because I was concerned about the height difference and i had an amazon gift card. I ordered the Honda low narrow seat just to see how if feels. I can easily return it if needed. I received it the other day. I can point out some initial observations:
Pros
1) It is lower/narrower I can almost flat foot it now.
2) Looks the same as the stock. Doesn't feel the same as stock. Feels like it would be more comfortable than the stock. Longest ride is about 40 minutes so far. Felt better than the stock for the ride.
3) Padding is either slightly softer or the vinyl covering is more giving or both. Definitely feels more cushy than the stock.
4) Sliding by the passenger is mostly fixed, much improved over the stock seat.

Cons
1) Still feel like I am pushed a bit into the tank. Though not as bad as the stock. This is where I would like the corbin.
2) Cushy. Not sure how this will feel long term.

Overall, may keep the seat and add an Airhawk if I need it. I may also have the stock seat modded. I have a few days to decide if I want to return to Amazon.

 

I'm the same height as you, and also have the Helibars. I partly addressed the stretch forward issue by by kanting the bars in a bit further; this is not unlike some other high performance bikes I've ridden where the interaction of tank and clip ones does affect turning radius. I've seen some pictures of more adjustable solutions available in Europe, but didn't find a good vendor for them ordering from the USA. I also found the Knight Designs foot pegs to improve matters, too.

 

I'm embarrassed to say I am not familiar with the term "by kanting the bars in a bit"

I am using the Knight Design pegs and Helibars really helped.

I would like to raise the bars another 1" or so to enable sitting back farther on the seat - if you have any ideas on how to raise the helibars even farther.

Having said that, my 2010 1200F is comfortable and an incredible ride. I look for opportunities to go out every day - even in the 110+ Arizona heat.

I'm just seeking those incremental improvements to finalize my fit - especially for longer rides where small annoyances tend to get amplified.

Regards.

 

I rotated them further back on the upper clamps- I have to be careful not to slam the steering into the tank, but so far no issues, and an easy way to pick up another inch or so- made a nice difference for me.

I hear you about optimizing the little issues to make longer rides more comfortable - went through the same process with my VFR800 and even with my ST1300.

 

I've just put a couple hundred KM's on the new Corbin and am very happy. I'm 5'10" and had the seat moved 1" forward, it's pretty much perfect for my reach to the bars and keeps me in better posture. With the stock seat I was always forced to the tank, kinda super moto style. The Corbin keeps me more stationary causing me to have a little more pressure on the wrists but if I engage my core and don't slouch all is great, I actually feel much better through the corners.
My daughter loves being up higher and not sliding forward, the backrest is peace of mind for me and she really likes it.
Happy with the purchase, I'll post a pic soon.

 

Excellent News! Glad to know this Corbin may just work out.
I'm getting to the same comfort point on my Corbin.

You are so right about posture. Just like riding my road bike for 50-60 miles you have to stay disciplined and maintain your core and posture.

Although I admit, on longer (less interesting) trips I often invoke the throttle control and take the 'Thinking Man' statue position on the tank : -) -- Not exactly disciplined.

 

As promised, all set up for my daughter.

 

Noooooooooooooooice :thumb:

 

Well, an update. Made it to Niagra Falls and back on the Honda low seat. 14 hours on the day going up and 7 on the return. It did feel better than stock, but butt was killing me by the end. But wasn't enough of an improvement over the stock to want to keep it. Sent it back to Amazon. Ended up cutting down the stock seat, adding a gel insert and memory foam top and recovered. Have to see how I like it. I ended up doing it myself. I have modded seats before with good results. May take a few tweaks over time to get it just right.

 

Having a Sargent seat I can say that although it is better for long hauls, it still isn't made for me, you're on the right track with making your own, especially since you have experience doing it. In hind sight I think I should have gone the custom route, the next time I think I will, as this would also allow for a better rear passenger section as this is really where the "one size fits all" is still lacking. The wife likes the Sargent a little more than the stock seat but still feels a need for improvement. Good luck with your project and of course pics of the end result, and/or the process would be great.

 

Oddly, my wife loves the passenger section of the stock seats (low and stock). She forbid me to make any changes to that portion of the seat other than a less slippery cover. Was able to ride the whole time with no issues at all.

 

Seat mod

Here is the final seat. Lowered the seat approximately 1". Widened the seat 1/2" on each side. Narrowed the seat by the tank. Removed the pyramid. Added a gel insert and 1/2" memory foam (Kit by Knoplace Upholstery on Ebay). Used some vinyl from Joann Fabrics. It was a higher end vinyl than their marine grade vinyl. I was modding and adjusting on the fly, so I didn't any in process photos. The photo with the lines is the early thought on what I wanted to remove and shave down. Ended up cutting out the stock foam in the seat area nearly all the way to the pan. Back adding with some firm layers 1/2" neoprene foam (basically excercise mat) made a wider seat area. Used 3M type 90 spray adhesive. Don't use anything else for gluing the foam together. Filled in the indented areas on the passenger section with removed foam and then cut it flush with the rest of the seat. Covered the whole think with 1/4" foam to make it all nice and smooth (got it at Joanns). To cover started at the back covered to the top of the seat, added some 3M type 77 spray to help hold the shape and continued tightening and smoothing. End result is pretty good. Could custom sew a cover if I don't like this one. If anyone has more specific questions, let me know. Wish I took more along the way, but once I got going, it slipped my mind.

Also if anyone plans to try it, removing the stock cover it alot of fun. Go slow and use a knife to help "skin" the seat. You can get it off pretty well if you don't rush it. Heat gun didn't do anything to make it easier.