Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: RBX QB on June 13, 2011, 06:32:38 PM

Title: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: RBX QB on June 13, 2011, 06:32:38 PM
(I have an email into Russell, as well, to determine their current production schedule)

Once you sent your seat in, how long before you got it back?

If you did a deferred shipment, how long until they said they were ready to receive? (and how long until you got it back)

I just did my first long weekend on the bike, and love the other farkles (risers, screen), but that seat needs to be dealt with. Trying to plan my summer as much as possible, and will want the Connie for most of that. The Ducati will work while the Connie seat is gone.

I can handle the "ugly" if it means I can eat miles and make long weekends.
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Pynikal on June 13, 2011, 07:21:28 PM
i hear you on the russell, my bro runs that seat on his ST1300 and swears by it.  i think he was about 2 weeks turn around but that does depend on there schedule.  i will get a russell when money permits but for now im going to do the spencer mod with the LD stuff.
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Pokey on June 13, 2011, 07:23:48 PM
I can eat up the miles with my Baldwin too, and it looks great!!!! Seriously......you gotta get the seat that is best for you, but I have ridden on Corbins and Sargents, and my Baldwin is the best without question. The Russell looks good on a Goldwing or an Electraglide, but not on a C14..........IMHO.
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Pynikal on June 13, 2011, 07:30:54 PM
I can eat up the miles with my Baldwin too, and it looks great!!!! Seriously......you gotta get the seat that is best for you, but I have ridden on Corbins and Sargents, and my Baldwin is the best without question. The Russell looks good on a Goldwing or an Electraglide, but not on a C14..........IMHO.


i understand the "look" of the russell isnt for everyone, but i bought this bike to ride and ride a lot.  my 109 was a looker this one is going to be a rider.  i will sacrifice looks for comfort on this bike.  to each there own though!  that is why they make different stuff for these bikes.
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Necron99 on June 13, 2011, 07:50:42 PM
I love my Baldwin as well.  But I think I'm going to get a Russell at some point for the LONG trips.  Every bit helps.  It may be butt ugly, but I doubt it's ugly to my butt!  LOL
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: MrPepsi on June 13, 2011, 08:07:51 PM
I think mine for my C-10 may have taken as long as 4-6 weeks.
I can't be certain though, it was a couple years ago.
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Pokey on June 13, 2011, 08:18:08 PM
The Russell is kinda like a fat girl...............fun to ride until somebody sees you. :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Jaxter on June 13, 2011, 08:26:56 PM
OK Pokey, wher did you get your seat, and how much was it?
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: mikeboileau on June 13, 2011, 08:35:55 PM
The Russell is kinda like a fat girl...............fun to ride until somebody sees you. :rotflmao:

Yup....fat girls and mopeds....

 :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Boonedawg on June 14, 2011, 06:36:13 AM
bought mine used here, rode a thousand over the weekend.  great seat, don't care about looks when I'm off the bike, I kindly remind anyone on another bike that comments about looks of the seat about the motor under the cowl...that shut them up this weekend.
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on June 14, 2011, 07:08:51 AM
The Russell is pretty ugly................. but the more I hear about guys loving the way they feel makes me want one that much more.  I might end up getting one just to see if it is as comfortable as it is ugly.  It will have to be VERY comfortable.  I think it would come in handy for my trip to Prudhoe Bay.
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: mikeboileau on June 14, 2011, 07:18:17 AM
I think they should make those wings retractable.
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Pokey on June 14, 2011, 07:21:48 AM
The Russell is pretty ugly................. but the more I hear about guys loving the way they feel makes me want one that much more.  I might end up getting one just to see if it is as comfortable as it is ugly.  It will have to be VERY comfortable.  I think it would come in handy for my trip to Prudhoe Bay.

DONT GET THE FAT GUY SEAT!!!!!!! :doublepuke:
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on June 14, 2011, 07:44:01 AM
DONT GET THE FAT GUY SEAT!!!!!!! :doublepuke:

We all know your opinion of the Russell, but your taste is questionable too.  I saw what you drive when the C14 is in the garage and I gotta say that a Russell is the least of your concerns when you are driving one of these.












(http://www.worldautocar.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/volkswagen_beetle-7372.jpg)

You must have done well with Mary Kay this year Pokey.   ;D
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: mikeboileau on June 14, 2011, 08:12:44 AM
Ouch!
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: fmwhit on June 14, 2011, 11:00:25 AM
LMAO
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Pynikal on June 14, 2011, 01:56:03 PM
The Russell is pretty ugly................. but the more I hear about guys loving the way they feel makes me want one that much more.  I might end up getting one just to see if it is as comfortable as it is ugly.  It will have to be VERY comfortable.  I think it would come in handy for my trip to Prudhoe Bay.

really JD??  my brother was wanting me to ride to fairbanks with him this summer.
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on June 14, 2011, 02:08:08 PM
really JD??  my brother was wanting me to ride to fairbanks with him this summer.

This will be in a couple years around the time my dad decides to retire.
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: CrashGordon on June 14, 2011, 04:48:23 PM
Ugly or no, I'd send off for one in a second if I had a spare seat. I just had Spencer do my seat with an HT Moto cover and I'm very happy with it, but it still has about a 300 mile/day limit. I would love to keep my seat for daily commuting and have a Russell for trips.
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: MrPepsi on June 14, 2011, 04:50:03 PM
I bought a sargent for this very thing, and have my stocker in my garage waiting to pull the plug. THe sargent is good enough for now, but russel is sooo tempting.
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: CrashGordon on June 14, 2011, 04:56:18 PM
I bought a sargent for this very thing, and have my stocker in my garage waiting to pull the plug. THe sargent is good enough for now, but russel is sooo tempting.

I would definitely do it. In fact, I may eventually just order a factory seat and ship it off without even sitting on it. Expensive I know, but I really hate that towards the end of the day it's my butt that's limiting how far I can ride and not my fuel.
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Pynikal on June 14, 2011, 05:05:55 PM
Ugly or no, I'd send off for one in a second if I had a spare seat. I just had Spencer do my seat with an HT Moto cover and I'm very happy with it, but it still has about a 300 mile/day limit. I would love to keep my seat for daily commuting and have a Russell for trips.

man if i can do 500 on the stock saddle and im getting the "spencer mod" done that may be all i need.  we will see,...i really want a russell......
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: TonyR on June 14, 2011, 08:07:14 PM
I can eat up the miles with my Baldwin too, and it looks great!!!! Seriously......you gotta get the seat that is best for you, but I have ridden on Corbins and Sargents, and my Baldwin is the best without question. The Russell looks good on a Goldwing or an Electraglide, but not on a C14..........IMHO.

I like the look of the Baldwin. Any experience 2 up? What does she think?

Tony
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Pokey on June 14, 2011, 08:45:33 PM
Um........that is my wife's car.......no seriously it is!!!!!
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: PH14 on June 14, 2011, 09:39:41 PM
The Russell is kinda like a fat girl...............fun to ride until somebody sees you. :rotflmao:

 :chugbeer: <--- This may make the Russell look better.
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Mal on June 15, 2011, 07:09:38 AM
Turn around was about 10 days, starting when I sent it off till I got it back. It was a couple of month wait before my production date...
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Mal on June 15, 2011, 07:10:45 AM
I love my Baldwin as well.  But I think I'm going to get a Russell at some point for the LONG trips.  Every bit helps.  It may be butt ugly, but I doubt it's ugly to my butt!  LOL

That's great! Too funny....  ;D
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: TonyR on June 19, 2011, 10:04:52 AM
Anyone in the Philadelphia area with a Russell? Can I see it? Touch it? feel it? :)

Tony
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Pokey on June 19, 2011, 12:13:00 PM
Anyone in the Philadelphia area with a Russell? Can I see it? Touch it? feel it? :)

Tony

Dont forget to add "throw up on it". :doublepuke:
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Boomer on June 20, 2011, 02:08:26 PM
My Russell turnaround was 8 weeks in both cases (C10 & C14) but I do live a long way from Shasta, CA.

As for the looks, I don't think it looks that bad, unless y'all are having yours done in Beige leather with tan inserts and tassels.  :o :doublepuke:

(http://www.gtr1000.com/graphics/mygtrpics/Viv_Nov_2008.jpg)

I guess it's all down to your personal taste, not that I really care about looks.
If I did I'd lose a lot of weight and buy me some 2 wheeled BUTT JEWELRY!  8)
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Conrad on June 20, 2011, 02:24:12 PM
I like the look of the Baldwin. Any experience 2 up? What does she think?

Tony

I'd like to hear someone chime in on this too.
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Burbs on June 20, 2011, 04:02:29 PM
I can't deal with my Corbin anymore and need to make a change as well. I've heard that the Russell's are good for "bigger" boys and with me falling into that category, I need something better.

Anyone in the New England area have one that I can sit on?

-Burbs
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: COGnosticat0r on June 20, 2011, 05:02:02 PM
My Russell turnaround was 8 weeks in both cases (C10 & C14) but I do live a long way from Shasta, CA.

dayum, I ive in Savannah GA and it was only a 3 week turnaround for me.  1 week out, 1 week to do the seat and 1 week back to me.

You must live in Hawaii   :D
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: mikeboileau on June 20, 2011, 07:45:01 PM
I can't deal with my Corbin anymore and need to make a change as well. I've heard that the Russell's are good for "bigger" boys and with me falling into that category, I need something better.

Anyone in the New England area have one that I can sit on?

-Burbs

I might have to take that lousy Corbin off your hands.
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Pokey on June 20, 2011, 08:32:27 PM
I'd like to hear someone chime in on this too.

Cant help ya there......I like to ride solo.
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: koval68 on June 20, 2011, 08:38:52 PM
I'd like to hear someone chime in on this too.
Me too !!! Anybody ?
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Conrad on June 21, 2011, 05:05:27 AM
I can eat up the miles with my Baldwin too, and it looks great!!!! Seriously......you gotta get the seat that is best for you, but I have ridden on Corbins and Sargents, and my Baldwin is the best without question. The Russell looks good on a Goldwing or an Electraglide, but not on a C14..........IMHO.

I like the look of the Baldwin. Any experience 2 up? What does she think?

Tony

I'd like to hear someone chime in on this too.


Cant help ya there......I like to ride solo.

Most of the time I'm solo but for the times that I'm not I need a new seat. If she's not happy riding back there then I"m not either. On my Kaw low gel she keeps sliding forward and into me. The seat is canted too much in the forward direction.
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: bdhszy1 on June 21, 2011, 05:35:54 AM
Call Russell and talk to them. I bought my 08 last fall and had my seat built over the winter. They gave me a build date so I had to have the seat there by that date, and a date it would be done by and shipped and all went as planned.
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Necron99 on June 21, 2011, 06:24:10 AM
I didn't spend the money to have Baldwin "do" the passenger portion of my seat.  It's covered with the new vinyl but it's not memory foam back there.  My wife thinks it's fine for the small amount of riding she does.
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: TonyR on August 12, 2011, 09:37:57 PM
Finally... today, I received my Russell seat.

I got  to tell you guys... it's not as ugly as you think. It's no beauty, don't get me wrong, but the lines kind of go with the bike.
However, I'm not too comfortable on it. If I seat where I'm supposed to seat, I'm too far back and not very comfortable reaching the handlebars.

I contacted Russell and they told me to take some pictures sitting on the bike and said they can fix it. Off course that will take another few weeks and another $120 shipping back and forth. Not very happy with the situation.

Tony
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: ZG on August 12, 2011, 10:16:14 PM
Finally... today, I received my Russell seat.

I got  to tell you guys... it's not as ugly as you think. It's no beauty, don't get me wrong, but the lines kind of go with the bike.
However, I'm not too comfortable on it. If I seat where I'm supposed to seat, I'm too far back and not very comfortable reaching the handlebars.

I contacted Russell and they told me to take some pictures sitting on the bike and said they can fix it. Off course that will take another few weeks and another $120 shipping back and forth. Not very happy with the situation.

Tony

Are you using risers Tony? When I got my Corbin it pushed me so far back in the seat I had to do risers, then all was well again...
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: fc1reed on August 13, 2011, 10:29:44 PM
All I have to say is McMaster-Carr and EBAY. I bought a gel insert off of EBAY, then memory foam from McMaster-Carr. I tried different positions with each to figure out the best for my a--, um butt. I figured it out then had a local guy cover it with carbon look weave. I ride from Atlanta to Orlando a couple of times a year no problem. It really depends on your butt. I also figured out wearing boxer briefs helps so the lines don't cut into where you sit.  ;)
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: TonyR on August 14, 2011, 12:11:43 PM
Yep... it puts me way too far back. The same with my wife. I had to move the trunk back and remove the back rest for her to sit in the right position.
Way too many issues for $600.

I'll be writing a long report to them and figure out what to do next. What's pissing me off, is that I've been waiting fop two months, and now we have a couple of long trips coming up and looks like I'll have to use the original seat all over again.

Tony
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: misterd on January 31, 2012, 01:29:52 PM
The Russell is kinda like a fat girl...............fun to ride until somebody sees you. :rotflmao:
i looked up the Baldwin seat and dont see much if any difference from the stock seat.  the russell is ugly but those wings do look like they  help.
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on January 31, 2012, 05:21:09 PM
i looked up the Baldwin seat and dont see much if any difference from the stock seat.  the russell is ugly but those wings do look like they  help.

Baldwin does have a new style that is similar in design to the Russel (but IMO not ugly).  That will be my next seat. 

http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014%20GT.htm (http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014%20GT.htm)
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: Wanderlust on January 31, 2012, 08:05:08 PM
I did the Russell Day-Long seat conversion about 16 months ago, and swear by it.

Specs:
* Full leather
* Black sides with light grey insert
* Front and back seat heaters

For having the work done in CA and getting it shipped to western Australia, I received the seat back approximately two weeks from the build date.

Since then I did a ride to Broome, WA (3300 miles round trip over seven days) and my only problem was managing sweat on the back of my legs causing chafing (temps were over 100° F daily and I averaged eight hours/day on the bike for six of the seven days). Without the Russell seat this ride would have been impossible due to pressure on the tailbone area. You'll notice that the new Baldwin seat tries to emulate the Russell design by providing for side hip bone support. This feature is what makes Gold Wing seats comfortable and the rest of stock bike seats suck by comparison.

The Russell people were very cooperative as well.

It may not be a looker, but I could care less about looks when it comes to comfort on long rides.

Oh, and yes, I strongly suggest that anyone installing this seat also purchase the 2" Heli Bar risers and install them at the same time. Otherwise you will have difficulty reaching the handlebars.

-Wanderlust
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: ZG on January 31, 2012, 08:55:42 PM
I did the Russell Day-Long seat conversion about 16 months ago, and swear by it.

Specs:
* Full leather
* Black sides with light grey insert
* Front and back seat heaters

For having the work done in CA and getting it shipped to western Australia, I received the seat back approximately two weeks from the build date.

Since then I did a ride to Broome, WA (3300 miles round trip over seven days) and my only problem was managing sweat on the back of my legs causing chafing (temps were over 100° F daily and I averaged eight hours/day on the bike for six of the seven days). Without the Russell seat this ride would have been impossible due to pressure on the tailbone area. You'll notice that the new Baldwin seat tries to emulate the Russell design by providing for side hip bone support. This feature is what makes Gold Wing seats comfortable and the rest of stock bike seats suck by comparison.

The Russell people were very cooperative as well.

It may not be a looker, but I could care less about looks when it comes to comfort on long rides.

Oh, and yes, I strongly suggest that anyone installing this seat also purchase the 2" Heli Bar risers and install them at the same time. Otherwise you will have difficulty reaching the handlebars.

-Wanderlust

Here's a good shot of WDL's seat in case you're wondering what it looks like... My favorite pic of his bike for sure...  :o ;D ;)
 
But it's also what motivated me to get the Top Block tip over protection... Thanks again bro, you're the original farkle Jedi Master!!  8) :thumbs: :hail:
 
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/5517067165_6cabefae1c_b.jpg)
 
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/these_are_not_the_droids.jpg)
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: mikeboileau on February 28, 2012, 08:13:25 AM
Baldwin does have a new style that is similar in design to the Russel (but IMO not ugly).  That will be my next seat. 

http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014%20GT.htm (http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014%20GT.htm)

That thing looks a whole lot better.  Form AND function!  I would sure like to try one out.
Title: Re: Questions for Russell Day-Long Owners...
Post by: vwtom on February 28, 2012, 01:08:21 PM
DONT GET THE FAT GUY SEAT!

Why is that Pokey?