Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Loren on September 10, 2011, 08:20:13 PM
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I have been slowly working on a new seat for the Concours. It is starting to take shape. This will be my 3rd generation design for the C14 seat. I still need to do a little more shape work on the pillion and then install the heating pads. I just pinned the heating elements on today to see how they would fit with this design shape.
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Gen%20II/IMG_3773.jpg)
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Looks awesome!!! I recently decided to put my upholstery gear to use and tackle this once the weather gets worse! ;D
Can you say which type of seat heater you are using, and what kind of cover are you going for?
Keep us updated I'd like to see the finished result!
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Will it a little softer than the one I got a few months back?? :P
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Looks like a Russell.
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Looks like a Russell.
Was thinking the same thing! :o ;D
Loren, keep up the good work!
:popcorn:
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Please keep us up to date. Any idea on pricing yet?
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His will be better than a Russell.......just sayin.
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Nice project!
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Can you say which type of seat heater you are using, and what kind of cover are you going for?
I use Check Corp heaters. The cover will be leather and I'm still kicking around some design ideas. Will it a little softer than the one I got a few months back?? :P
It will be more supportive because of it having more surface area than earlier designs. I'm sure it will feel better than my first generation saddles. Looks like a Russell.
Thanks, I guess. Russell certainly sets the bar for touring comfort. I plan on going over the bar. ;D
Please keep us up to date. Any idea on pricing yet?
I need to get this one finished to see were I'm at with time and materials, but will be competitive.
His will be better than a Russell.......just sayin.
Yah...What he said......LOL
I had a little time today to revise the shape of the pillion to put more support under her thighs. I also cut in pockets for and installed the heating pads. Next up is designing and fabricating a pillion backrest support bracket into the seat pan.
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Gen%20II/IMG_3775.jpg)
As a comparison My seat naked next to a naked Russell. I bought the Russell sometime ago and gutted it. ;D
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Gen%20II/IMG_3776.jpg)
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When you put the two side by side it is a huge difference. Your new seat looks like it will be a great alternative for the people that want an all day uber comfortable seat with out having to look at the Russell :-X. Can't wait to see the final product!
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I think the biggest complaint about the Russell is getting your feet down in traffic. The passenger seat does not matter and can be wide, but the rider has to have some balance between getting your feet down and riding comfort. Looks like Loren's may be harder to get the feet down.
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I think the biggest complaint about the Russell is getting your feet down in traffic. The passenger seat does not matter and can be wide, but the rider has to have some balance between getting your feet down and riding comfort.
Yes, I know this.
Looks like Loren's may be harder to get the feet down.
I'm 5'-9" with a 31" inseam. This is my saddle, for my Concours.....I can get my feet on the ground.
Mine is on the right.
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Gen%20II/IMG_3778.jpg)
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Loren, how is it for sport riding? As a "Rounder" here in the PNW I do all types of riding from LD to the fantastic twisties and a coupla trips to the track a year. It has been known to get moist once in a while as well so the vinyl has me interested.
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I'm 5'-9" with a 31" inseam. This is my saddle, for my Concours.....I can get my feet on the ground.
Mine is on the right.
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Gen%20II/IMG_3778.jpg)
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Actually, what I was commenting about was the width of the saddle at the horn and the horn being short. The height is probably fine. I am just your size and have some trouble even with the stocker.
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great project where did you get the foam?
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Loren, how is it for sport riding? As a "Rounder" here in the PNW I do all types of riding from LD to the fantastic twisties and a coupla trips to the track a year. It has been known to get moist once in a while as well so the vinyl has me interested.
+1 ???
I, too, am interested in your finished 3-rd.generation product. I would welcome a vinyl cover option or a decent rain cover for your leather saddle!
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great project where did you get the foam?
This will probably answer your question.
www.MotorbikeSaddles.com (http://www.MotorbikeSaddles.com)
Loren runs Baldwin Saddles.
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Actually, what I was commenting about was the width of the saddle at the horn and the horn being short. The height is probably fine. I am just your size and have some trouble even with the stocker.
The width at the nose is still the stock width. I can lower 1/2" and narrow the nose up and have done that on a number of seats for riders. I left mine at the stock height because I want the leg room to the pegs. I may still narrow the nose before covering, but undecided at this time.
As a "Rounder" ....
Being from the midwest, I have no idea what a "Rounder" is.
For me the C14 is my two up touring bike. She wanted a Goldwing. I told her even though I have a LOT of gray hair, I'm not that old and I know a guy that will fix her up a with an awesome pillion saddle. So understand that I'm not riding the bike in a way that I'm hanging off the side of the saddle through the curves. I hold that back for reserve when needed to dodge...wildlife, farm tractors....etc hanging out in blind curves.
If I was riding the bike solo and wanting to be able to move around in the saddle I would reduce the lift on the outsides of the saddle shape knowing that I would be giving up some of the support and comfort that it provides to have a more sporting type shape. It is all give and take in the design.
great project where did you get the foam?
Jeremy hit the nail on the head. I buy foam from the manufacturer in bulk.
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"Rounder", ride year round, also a well rounded rider who rides all types of roads with a trip to a track once or twice a year, not for racing, but to be a better rider (not road racer).
You did answer my question, I am not a knee dragger, but I do use a lot of body english to transfer weight when I'm feeling frisky on an empty stretch out in BFE. I really like my Corbins feel, but a bit more cush for the tush would be nice, a sentiment I get from SWMBO most every ride over 30 minutes. What I would be looking for (an idea just in case you're interested) is a rider seat more aggressive then the one pictured, and a pillion seat set for the gentiles of our community. If I was more into the tour aspect I would be all over your design, it really looks great, more appealing then the other brand mentioned ;)
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What I would be looking for (an idea just in case you're interested) is a rider seat more aggressive then the one pictured, and a pillion seat set for the gentiles of our community. If I was more into the tour aspect I would be all over your design, it really looks great, more appealing then the other brand mentioned ;)
Sure always looking for rider input. For what you want I would flatten the rider's position a little side to side to make sliding to the outside easier. Then leave the pillion as is for two up riding.
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Cool! I'll be watching and waiting on a price! I just happen to have a stock seat gathering dust ;) I'd be most interested in a vinyl cover, that leather takes forever to dry out once it gets soaked, regardless of treatment.
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Cool! I'll be watching and waiting on a price! I just happen to have a stock seat gathering dust ;) I'd be most interested in a vinyl cover, that leather takes forever to dry out once it gets soaked, regardless of treatment.
Same here. I have a regular height Sargent that is good, but after 300 or 400 miles my rear is asking me to stay at the fuel station a little longer.
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Loren,
I am VERY interested in one of these seats! I am also 5'9" with 31" inseam, 175 pounds and the shape of the saddle that you're working on appears to be just right for me. I have tried the stock seat ,ZX14 seat and the Sargent seat. The height isn't the problem with any of them, but the shape. The workmanship of the Sargent leaves a bit to be desired in my opinion, the seams appear to be single stitched, a few of them appear to be a bit overstressed and the foam is not smoothly shaped, giving the seat an overall very "lumpy" appearance which I can't get used to.
I will buy one of these seats the minute that they are available. Would it be possible to get a stitching pattern similar to Russel's, I like the upholstery pattern of their seats but the shape is a bit much.
Dewey
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Loren,
I am VERY interested in one of these seats! I am also 5'9" with 31" inseam, 175 pounds and the shape of the saddle that you're working on appears to be just right for me. I have tried the stock seat ,ZX14 seat and the Sargent seat. The height isn't the problem with any of them, but the shape. The workmanship of the Sargent leaves a bit to be desired in my opinion, the seams appear to be single stitched, a few of them appear to be a bit overstressed and the foam is not smoothly shaped, giving the seat an overall very "lumpy" appearance which I can't get used to.
I will buy one of these seats the minute that they are available. Would it be possible to get a stitching pattern similar to Russel's, I like the upholstery pattern of their seats but the shape is a bit much.
Dewey
I have never seen an lumpy Sargent. If I were you, I would have sent it back. I have seen nothing but quality from them. Strange.
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The scrabbling of a mad man....trying to figure out a cool cover design.
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Gen%20II/IMG_3781.jpg)
Cutouts made for the seat heater switches.
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Gen%20II/IMG_3783.jpg)
Cover is near complete. The cover is leather with ostrich embossed cow hide inserts. I'm waiting on a passenger backrest bracket to be made at the local fabrication shop. I need to install the bracket before I can finish and install the cover.
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Gen%20II/IMG_3785.jpg)
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Looks good Loren, can't wait to see it done.
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Now that is the seat I am looking for. Keep us informed
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Looks good, I am very interested to see the final product. Any more info on pricing?
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We'd even be satisfied with a guess for a price, I'd say free for those of us who have offered some great suggestions ;)
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We'd even be satisfied with a guess for a price, I'd say free for those of us who have offered some great suggestions ;)
How about a test group? I would be happy to field test a seat since I ride year round and have about 20,000 miles so far this year. ;D
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How about I trade in my top of the line seat of yours that I currently have, for one of these? ;)
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How about just sending me one for no particular reason? ;)
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Very Nice...
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Very Nice...
Thanks!
How about just sending me one for no particular reason? ;)
Sorry, ran out of "no particular reason" seats early last week.
How about I trade in my top of the line seat of yours that I currently have, for one of these? ;)
I'm thinking about how to price a rebuild program for current Baldwin C14 owners.
How about a test group? I would be happy to field test a seat since I ride year round and have about 20,000 miles so far this year. ;D
That's really putting your butt on the line to be a test pilot. ;)
We'd even be satisfied with a guess for a price, I'd say free for those of us who have offered some great suggestions ;)
I have prices done, but need to do some photo work...etc for the website before turning on the page.
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I picked up the pillion backrest bracket from the fabrication shop late Friday. I installed it yesterday and finished the rest up today. I still need to wire up the seat heat to the bike, but that should be easy enough.
The cover design WILL NOT be a standard offering. The tight radii at the ends of the ostrich panels causes some gathering that I didn't like. I will do something without the Ostrich insert panels as a standard pattern that will not have the gathering problem.
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Gen%20II/IMG_3789.jpg)
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Gen%20II/IMG_3791.jpg)
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Gen%20II/IMG_3796.jpg)
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Gen%20II/IMG_3802.jpg)
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Gen%20II/IMG_3798.jpg)
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I would love to sit on that to try it out!
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Looks a lot better than the one I have now, I would be interested in what the price would be for us that have a Baldwin seat on our bikes already. I like the looks of it, it's just to hard for me
(http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd34b3127ccefccb319d4f5e00000030O01CcNWzly0Yg9vPhw/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/)
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That seat looks like it could be just the ticket. A lot sleeker than the Russell, but still looks like it would have plenty of support.
How does the firmness of the Baldwin match up with how firm the stocker is?
Just purchased a seat pan to send out for a custom saddle, just have to decide who to send it off to...
-darrell
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How does the firmness of the Baldwin match up with how firm the stocker is?
-darrell
Darrell, I select a foam firmness with your weight and build in the selection process. Depending on your specs the seat could be softer or firmer than stock.
I would be interested in what the price would be for us that have a Baldwin seat on our bikes already.
Joe, It will be a complete gut & rebuild, so I'm trying to figure out what I can do.
Here are prices Web page is still in development, but the prices are good.
http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014%20GT.htm (http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014%20GT.htm)
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Darrell, I select a foam firmness with your weight and build in the selection process. Depending on your specs the seat could be softer or firmer than stock.
...
Sweet. I'll be giving you a call within the next few weeks.
Thanks for showing us what all goes into making a custom seat.
-darrell
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Darrell, I select a foam firmness with your weight and build in the selection process. Depending on your specs the seat could be softer or firmer than stock.
Joe, It will be a complete gut & rebuild, so I'm trying to figure out what I can do.
Here are prices Web page is still in development, but the prices are good.
http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014%20GT.htm (http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014%20GT.htm)
This is just begging for a group buy :)
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This is just begging for a group buy :)
I guess begging would be nice, but it hardly keeps the lights on. LOL
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Please, please, please, please, and I'll send ya a Harbor Freight solar panel ;)
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Please, please, please, please, and I'll send ya a Harbor Freight solar panel ;)
One of these? http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-90599.html (http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-90599.html) 8)
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I completed a second saddle with a standard cover for the new GT saddle. Here on photos and website is updated with them too. This is with the ostrich embossed vinyl on top, it is a cool material, and the sides are vinyl with a real nice leather grain emboss. The top stitching is titanium color. This is also a 2 up version. A solo would have the oem shape for the passenger part of the seat.
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Grand%20Tour/Kawasaki%20Concours%20C14%20Grand%20Tour%20Custom%20Seat%20by%20Baldwin%20Motorbike%20Saddles%20image%201.jpg)
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Grand%20Tour/Kawasaki%20Concours%20C14%20Grand%20Tour%20Custom%20Seat%20by%20Baldwin%20Motorbike%20Saddles%20image%202.jpg)
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Grand%20Tour/Kawasaki%20Concours%20C14%20Grand%20Tour%20Custom%20Seat%20by%20Baldwin%20Motorbike%20Saddles%20image%203.jpg)
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Grand%20Tour/Kawasaki%20Concours%20C14%20Grand%20Tour%20Custom%20Seat%20by%20Baldwin%20Motorbike%20Saddles%20image%204.jpg)
(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)
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Grand%20Tour/Kawasaki%20Concours%20C14%20Grand%20Tour%20Custom%20Seat%20by%20Baldwin%20Motorbike%20Saddles%20image%206.jpg)
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Grand%20Tour/Kawasaki%20Concours%20C14%20Grand%20Tour%20Custom%20Seat%20by%20Baldwin%20Motorbike%20Saddles%20image%207.jpg)
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Grand%20Tour/Kawasaki%20Concours%20C14%20Grand%20Tour%20Custom%20Seat%20by%20Baldwin%20Motorbike%20Saddles%20image%208.jpg)
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Grand%20Tour/Kawasaki%20Concours%20C14%20Grand%20Tour%20Custom%20Seat%20by%20Baldwin%20Motorbike%20Saddles%20image%209.jpg)
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Can I send you a mold of my
big arse, to have an ultra custom Baldwin saddle? ;D
J/K, the seat looks great. Hopefully I will have an order headed your way this winter for one of these with carbon vinyl.
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Can I send you a mold of my big arse, to have an ultra custom Baldwin saddle? ;D
Only if it is bronzed! It is just so much easier to work with. ;)
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:rotflmao: :rotflmao:
Only if it is bronzed! It is just so much easier to work with. ;)
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Looks mighty comfy :P
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Old thread re-visited. I got mine ordered and my butt can't wait!! ;D