Bums on seats

[captainscarlet]

I have always thought the standard seat on my Tracer to be fine.  Sure it's a bit firm, but I've done all day mileage on it and frankly have always got a bit of a tired behind on any motorbike I've owned after a days ride.  However I've clearly been missing a recent reference point which I experienced yesterday when I sat on a mates CB1000R.  My God it was heaven, much more comfortable!

Obviously this creates an immediate problem for my wallet as I absolutely must now have a better seat! 😬

So having trawled the knowledge on this forum I find myself in a bit of a dilemma.  There are just too many conflicting opinions on the various seat options.  I had thought of just jumping straight in and getting a Bagster.  Reviews on this forum seem generally favourable but wider reading reveals that they are not waterproof!  There is simply no way, living in Northern Europe, that I can buy a seat that is not waterproof.

The Yamaha comfort seat, based on available evidence, is simply not enough of an improvement over standard.

Corbin, by all accounts, are very comfortable but I'm not fully onboard with the looks and buying one here in Europe seems ridiculously expensive at nearly a £1000!

Sargent are currently my favoured option, but even here there is a mixed bag with regard to reviews.

I've also seen the numerous posts about the various seat makers including Terry Adcox.  I have no doubt these kinds of seats are comfortable but I can't get past the looks.  

So where am I going with all this rambling?  Well I suppose I'd like some fresh input from the Panel and preferably some detailed experiences of those that have or had Sargent seats.

CS

 

[angrygirafe]

I bought my bike with a Sargent and switched back to OEM as my right leg would go numb after 40 minutes. The OEM sucks and leaves me hurting after a couple hours but at least I can feel my brake pedal. I know others love it though. 6’3” and 185lbs, 34” inseem for reference. Tried the Sargent in high and low, same problem with both. 

[estell]

I have tried the Seat Concepts and the Sargent and the Terry Adcox seats, in addition to the original Yamaha seat. The Terry Adcox is definitely the most comfortable, followed by the Sargent and then Seat Concepts. The original seat is least comfortable to my bum.

If I try to quantitatively rate a subjective comfort level, it looks approximately like this: Terry Adcox (100%), Sargent (75%), Seat Concepts (70%), Yamaha (50%). Don't read too much into these numbers. It is just an attempt so estimate the relative comfort between the seats.

I could not ride the Yamaha seat all day. I can ride the Seat Concepts and Sargent seats all day if I wear padded shorts under my riding pants. I can ride the Terry Adcox seat all day without the padded shorts.

I keep the Sargent seat on the bike most of the year for commuting and rides that don't last all day. For full-day rides I will install the Terry Adcox seat. I don't mind the appearance of Terry's seat. Like the cargo box on the rear rack, I can't even see it while riding.

One problem with the Sargent seat is the seat pan. It is not as strong as the Yamaha pan. Both mounting points in the rear of my rider seat have cracked. I have had to reinforce them with some construction adhesive. Terry's seat is built on the Yamaha seat pan, which has not cracked. 

Have you looked for a custom seat builder in your area, someone like Terry?

[captainscarlet]

5 minutes ago, estell said:

Have you looked for a custom seat builder in your area, someone like Terry?

Thanks for a very informative post, that was just the sort of feedback I was looking for.  Bit disappointing however that the Sargent seat pan was so weak.

I have started looking for seat makers in country here in Sweden.

CS

[roadrash83]

@captainscarletI believe Bagster fixed the wet seat issue. I have no problems with mine that was purchased over six months ago.

 

[Fleng]

My Bagster is also waterproof, using it for 8 months now. In rainy Europe.

[Kenny A.]

My Bagster seat is also waterproof. I have had it for 2 months now,and very happy with it. 👍

[captainscarlet]

@roadrash83, @Fleng and @Kenny A. how do you find the Bagster compared to the standard seat?  I understand there are a number of options/specifications for the Bagster seat, which did you go for?

CS

Edited July 22, 2020 by captainscarlet

[roadrash83]

31 minutes ago, captainscarlet said:

@roadrash83, @Fleng and @Kenny A. how do you find the Bagster compared to the standard seat?  I understand there are a number of options/specifications for the Bagster seat, which did you go for?

CS

 I messed up and bought the base line seat without the upgraded foam, but I am more than happy with the seat for spirited riding.  If I start doing riding that I put over 500mi a day in the saddle I will probably  get a touring seat also, but they don't let you move around on the seat as easily.

[jdavis]

I have a 'top sellerie' from France, looks like a Bagster. Can put in very long days with it, so I'm happy.

I started with remodeled stock seat, but still too firm. Had the seat rebuilt for touring and the seat was good, but I ended up in the wrong position.

Went with 'Top Sellerie' with comfort foam and long seat.

[Kenny A.]

This is my Bagster,when I got it. I opted for Bultex foam in front half. Very comfy.

[Crossplane Pilot]

Another vote for the Bagster from me. I got one with the Bultex foam option and I am very pleased with it. With the stock seat it felt like I was sitting on a church pew after 40 minutes or so. The ride back home after a day out at the coast was unpleasant to say the least. 😍

[coachluciano]

My Bagster dogs my old Sargent.  However, it really a person preference and depends on where you sit-bone lie.  Like stereo speakers.  What sounds excellent to one, sounds like ass (no pun intended) to another..  Went numb all the time on the Sargent, never once this season on the new Bagster.

[BBB]

I have the standard Bagster seat, without bulltex foam and it is not significantly better than stock in terms of comfort. Slightly better in that there is less forward tilt in the higher position, so my jewels get crushed less, but my arse gets just as uncomfortable, just as quickly.

The only consolation is that it makes me move around on the seat more and alter my feet position so I am always alert when riding, but this is a desperate attempt to see a benefit from an expensive purchase.

[Michiel900GT]

I had the stock seat of my first Tracer adjusted by a specialised company in Amsterdam. Cost me much less then a replacement seat of any other brand. I had it filled with a special gel (used in medical beds) and I also had it straightened a little bit as I kept slowly sliding forward over some sensitive body parts (pardon my French).

I can recommend this to any one. In fact, I am going to have my second Tracer's seat adjusted tomorrow.

Edited July 22, 2020 by Michiel900GT
Forgot to mention a part