Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: connie1 on January 25, 2013, 02:24:07 PM
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Looking to upgrade the seating on my C14.
I've read a million posts and looked at manufacturer websites till my eyes (and brain) got blurry.
Since I'm not in a locale where I see any other connies let alone their seats I don't have any frame of reference to base any decisions on.
I'm about 6'1", 250 summer weight and 33" inseam( have no problems touching the ground). I've added Murph's lowering pegs to get a little knee relief,and Murph's risers to get off my wrists, but this seat is not what I'd call a high miler. Need something new.
I have to admit I've sort of got a thing for the looks of the Baldwin (gee he makes a great looking seat), but I'm sure there are others that are just as good. Money is a little tight so I can't try something and if it doesn't work flog it on here for a loss, I'd like a high probability of it being right the first time.
That's where you, the experienced, come in. I need all the positive and negative comments you can think of any seat you've had on your C14.
Please include your height and weight etc.
Thanks in advance for all your input!
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I've had 3 seats on my Connie...
5'8"
Buck sixty
Kawi oem, too tall for me :(
Sargent low, liked it but no backrest for mama :-\
Corbin heated with backrest, love it and so does mama, also really like being able to have the smuggler trunk when solo :) :thumbs:
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I hear ya on the not wanting to roll the $$ dice on whether any given seat will work or not.
However, seat comfort is a pretty subjective thing. Just because "most" people like x seat doesn't mean you will. Sorry, I know that's not what you wanted to hear.
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I like to Corbin as well. It has a level profile that allows for much better comfort, and it's a firm seat which I like. My wife also likes it because it helps prevent her from pitching forward and she loves the backrest.
Yes comfort is subjective but I have owned 16 bikes, 4 of them sport tourers and for this style of bike Corbin is a great choice.
I am 6' tall 239 all year round weight :).
Good luck.....
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How is this thread going to be any different from the dozens of other ones asking the same question? If you searched those, you are likely to get the same thing all over again here, depending on who responds. Here are some excepts of mine:
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http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=7695.msg92544#msg92544 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=7695.msg92544#msg92544)
I have the low modular Sargent seat, with heat and pod. It is, indeed, very difficult to get it on or off, especially difficult to get on (latch). Once it is one, however, it doesn't come off unless I want it to. Thankfully, having to remove the seat is rare. And with practice, it is not too insane. The stock seat isn't all that easy either, actually.
It is a quality seat that also looks good and I do like it. The Pod is especially convenient. The seat is a bit hard, but that was expected with the "low" version. And I *have* to have a low version. Overall, I am quite happy with it.
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http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=402.msg5090#msg5090 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=402.msg5090#msg5090)
IMHO the quality of both Sargent and Corbin are high- perhaps equal. They also have similar and/or identical features. You can tell from pictures what they "look" like and make that determination ahead of time. You can pick certain features. You can know the exact price. But as for what they FEEL like compared to what you want- that is a user preference that is hard for anyone to define in any way that would be terribly helpful. Even just sitting on one in a showroom somewhere is not the same as RIDING the bike with it. And even RIDING the bike a few times with it is not the same as USING it for many times (and on different days, different temps, different weather, different distances, and in different clothing). And even THEN, you still can't know what you MIGHT be missing with some other brand or model.
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5'7", 155lbs, typical clothing inseam is around 26.5 to 27". Sargent heat option is excellent- variable adjustable and can burn you if you want it that hot. Looks great, feels good. The non-low version is probably a bit more comfortable, but will not be higher than stock seat if you are looking for something higher. They might have custom options if you contact them.
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^^^^^^^^^that. and this ----> (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/google.gif)
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Here is how I went. Price was right, and good quality. http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=10234.msg132154#msg132154 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=10234.msg132154#msg132154)
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I have a Russell Day Long that would fit you perfectly. Cost me over $700. Yours for $500 Canadian, and I'll split the shipping with you.
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Opinions are like...... Oh never mind. :D
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My 2009 OEM seat took about 2000 miles of riding before it started feeling comfortable. It does pitch me and my wife forward. I recently purchased a used Corbin from a fellow forum member. It looks alot better than the OEM but it is much firmer and telegraphs every vibration to your bottom. I sort of like it but am waiting until the wife rides with me. If she does not like it, it will be up for sale. For solo riding ( 200-300 mile days) the OEM works for me.
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I always thought Corbin was the only answer, but after getting pissed about spending almost $1,000. the last time around, I thought I would give Seth Laam a try. Without a doubt, this is the best seat I have had and cost about $450. shipped both ways. The leather and materials he uses are great, and it doesn't need to be broken in like the rock hard Corbins. It gives you some room to move around and doesn't slam your junk on the tank when braking hard. Give Seth a call with your specs and questions, and he will not dissapoint.
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I've had OEM, OEM with spencer mod, Russell Day Long, Laam and now Corbin. Corbin is the keeper for me. I like the hard foam of the Corbin which molds to you and continues to support after 8+ hours in the saddle.
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I have the Corbin also. For me I think it is a little to firm (I'm 5'10" 165lbs) so I use an Airhawk on long rides. The biggest reason I went with the Corbin is the passenger section keeps the wife firmly planted in place. No more sliding into me when on the brakes.
The other reason is we rode to Bike week in Daytona last year and after 500 miles on the stocker we would have bought a seat from a roadside stand. However, Corbin was conveniently located right on U.S. 1 so that's were we went and rode off in relief. They shipped my stocker home for me.
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I'd suggest you first decide on handle-bar changes (If any) before changing your seat. Many seats that are comfortable in the stock "sport" seating position become very uncomfortable if you change to a more upright seating position with risers or extended bars. Any change that makes you sit more upright exacerbate the problem with the stock seat. The forward slide becomes worse as you sit more upright and cannot counteract it with your arms..
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Total of 3 seats on my 2011 C14. My specs are 6'-1", 250
OEM - hated the forward slope, Russell Day Long - Very comfy but it made me feel like I was sitting on top of the bike, Corbin - heated front and passenger with large oval backrest.
Try to buy used. There have been 3 Corbins and 2 other seats on this site alone. Good way to evaluate a seat with minimal investment and a good resale value if you don't like it.
I bought both the RDL and Corbin used and for almost half price. I did not want nor could I afford to spend full price on a custom seat only to find out it did not work for me, then I would have to sell it at a loss. I sold the RDL for the same purchase price. The heated Corbin is a keeper! It's firm, comfy and with sportier feel than the RDL. More importantly, my CFO likes the Corbin so now other farkles are easier to obtain.
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I had a seat done by Seth Laam last year and I really like it. It's quality work and looks great. I'm 5"11, 235 and it seems to fit me well. He was very nice to work with and we talked quite a bit on what I wanted to "fix" about the seat. It has a lifetime guarantee and there is also a comfort guarantee with no limit on the number of times it can be sent back for adjustment. It's not cheap, but definitely less expensive than some of the other options and I'm very happy with it, especially for the price.
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One word Corbin! My Vision stock seat had to be the best stock seat ever BUT when it came out there were no options except Utopia cutting a hole in seat and putting on a Fugly back rest. I watched for Corbin on ebay and Vic forums and got a third hand heated Corbin with dual back rests for 1/2 of the retail.. it had 200 miles on it , it traveled further by UPS than it was ridden.
I put 70 K+ on it in 4 yrs and never regretted it for a second. I mink oiled it every six months or so to make the seams more waterproof. Leather breathes better and will last longer if properly cared for. It has NOT softened up in 4yrs or 70K.
I just bought a corbin from the forums and will make my first ride on it today about 250mi Round trip.
I think it is a love it or hate it thing. Good Luck with your choices... 5'11" 195 33 inch inseam fit and finish of seat is excellent as mentioned by others and you can put a smuggler on back when riding solo....
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Has anyone had any experience with either of the Mayer's?
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I have a Baldwin seat that Loren buitl for me. Email him and send some pictures of your self sitting on your bike. The seat came as promised and took about 50 miles to break-in. I am 6'=4" and 250. Loren made the seat a little bit wider and about 3/4" taller, making the bike a lot more comfortable for me.
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I went to a local automotive upholstery shop and had them modify the OEM seat to what I specified, gel pads front and rear, lower in the front for my short legs, and they will put any color cover on that you want. I spent $350 for what I got.. allot less than the after market ones that are out there.
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I also have the Baldwin seat. This is my 16th bike, and by far the best seat I've owned to date. Can't say enough about it. I'm 6', 195 with a 32" inseam and my feet are flat on the ground.
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I ordered a Baldwin last night anything will be better than the stocker, I'm checking in at 6'8" 250lbs w/o gear on and have a 38 inch inseam... ;)
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I ordered a Baldwin last night anything will be better than the stocker, I'm checking in at 6'8" 250lbs w/o gear on and have a 38 inch inseam... ;)
You should probably go on Murph's website and order some lowering pegs too. They will give Your knees an extra inch of room.
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You should probably go on Murph's website and order some lowering pegs too. They will give Your knees an extra inch of room.
I have the Murph's pegs and Heli risers..
I'm slowly getting this bike dialed in.. :)
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I have the Baldwin GT seat and love it. Way way WAY better than stock.
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Grand%20Tour/Kawasaki%20Concours%20C14%20Grand%20Tour%20Custom%20Seat%20by%20Baldwin%20Motorbike%20Saddles%20image%205.jpg)
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I have the Baldwin GT seat and love it. Way way WAY better than stock.
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Grand%20Tour/Kawasaki%20Concours%20C14%20Grand%20Tour%20Custom%20Seat%20by%20Baldwin%20Motorbike%20Saddles%20image%205.jpg)
Ok I have to ask where do you get those keys for the saddle bags?
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I have the Murph's pegs and Heli risers..
I'm slowly getting this bike dialed in.. :)
Excellent! Glad You are enjoying Your Connie. :)
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I only do 1100 mile days at max, so the stock seat has been great
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I only do 5k miles per day and my Russell works great..... :P ;)
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My thoughts are instead of asking if we like our seats, you should be inquiring about the seating position and the seating position you are looking for.
I sat on a friends bike with the corbin seat and felt like I was sitting on one of my cruisers. The seat made me want to sit straight up which meant the handlebars needed to be about 6 inches further back to be comfortable. Otherwise I would be leaning my back forward.
I have a Ninja 1400 seat which is great for around town because you can put your feet down easily, move around on the seat in the curves, but not so great for long distance.
I have a Sargent regular height with pod. That seat still keeps me in the sport touring riding position and do not feel the need for risers on the bars. I have done 400 mile days with only slight soreness towards the end of the day, but a quick recovery.
Good luck with your choices. Another option would be to find a local custom seat maker and get one made to your specifications. I did that with my Versys. Created a seat I can ride on all day long and got rid of the hump that creates the passenger seat so I can move around.
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Ok I have to ask where do you get those keys for the saddle bags?
Get new keys cut at the dealer. It was the only place I could find a blank. And Kawasaki has 2 different types for our bikes, make sure you get the correct one because they look alike but are actually mirror image. Cut down the ends and epoxy them into radio knobs from some place like Radio Shack.
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Forgot to mention I went with the Sport seat, +1 height and +1 back after chatting with Loren...I find myself pushing back on that step up in an attempt to get more leg room it gets uncomfy on the tail bone after a while.. :(
Just finished boxing up the seat it will ship this afternoon...Loren said it has a return ship date of 3/7....No rush its 14 degrees and windy here today.. 8)
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After a lot of consideration to everything I've read on this thread and forum I've pulled the trigger and sent my seat to Seth Laam.
It was a real toss up between him and Loren Baldwin.
Seth is tearing into it as I write this and expects it to be back in the mail by Friday (Monday at the latest).
Can't wait to ride the new seat. Will be a while though as its -14C and four feet of snow.
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You are correct sir! Seth is a gentleman and aims to please. I have had a lot of 500 mile days after he fixed my seat last year-definitely the best money I have spent so far and I have sold a couple more seats for Seth when people inquire about the great looking seat. Be sure to get the leather with special stitching.
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Just doing basket-weave vinyl with plain vinyl around the sides and black stitching. I always seem to get rained on when I'm riding and didn't want the hassle of always worrying about a leather seat.
He is a good business person. Lengthy discussions about what I was looking for in a seat etc. Great price point. Quick turnaround. Good looking seat and hopefully comfortable.
We'll see next week!
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Get new keys cut at the dealer. It was the only place I could find a blank. And Kawasaki has 2 different types for our bikes, make sure you get the correct one because they look alike but are actually mirror image. Cut down the ends and epoxy them into radio knobs from some place like Radio Shack.
Cool, thanks
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After talking to some of the windshield manufactures for the "try a windshield for free..." post I am sure some of the seat manufactures would donate a seat for a "Try a seat for free...." post.
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=12684.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=12684.0)