Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: RideBellChain on March 25, 2012, 09:07:49 AM
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OK, so I rode for about 4 hours ride time with a rest stop each hour...butt was good all day until the last 15 minutes...then I started getting irritated from the slight angle of leaning forward...I'm sure everyone here knows what I'm talking about. In that last 15 minutes, my mood took a 180...
So...looking into a new seat. I saw the Sargent seat which looks nice, and also looks flat, not angled forward, and I also saw that I can get a lower version to drop me down about an inch (which would let me easily flat-foot the bike, and would also act like "risers" putting my hands "up" about another inch, which is not a terrible idea. Then I went looking for a good price and came across this YouTube video:
Sargent Motorcycle Seat on Kawasaki Concours 14 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLAV8dHCyko#)
Does anyone know anything about this?
Can you all post me links to the seats you like/have with the best prices? (any brand, just trying to find out what's best.)
Thanks, guys!
Mark
http://www.RideBellChain.com (http://www.RideBellChain.com)
2012 Kawi Concours 14
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Check out this seat, http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/ (http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/) I've put about 3500 miles on mine so far and NO complaints what so ever. Quality made, fit and finish, looks, comfort, etc. Lauren, who is also a member of this site, is great to work with in building the seat to your needs.
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I had a sargents low and hated it, the rear bracket that locks the seat to the bike didn't fit, I had to bend it to get it on the bike, I didn't like the hump on the front of the passenger part, I thought it was hard as a rock. But others here love them. There are many others out there from $100 mods to $1,000 seats. The problem is you don't know which one you like until you buy it and try it. If you can find a used seat at a good price buy it and if it doesn't work resell it. I have a Baldwin now and it is a nice seat but I'm going to have the new Baldwin Gt made for me, thats look like a great seat. Russell day long, Spencer, Rick Mayer, and there are a bunch of others, do a google search for Concours 1400 seats.
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I had a Sargent on my 09 and did not have that problem. It was difficult to get it to latch down, but once it did it never popped up.
I had ridden a little over 600 miles on the stock seat. At the end of the 600 I was looking forward to getting off the bike. I bought a Sargent after reading many reviews. I could do an hour or so on the Sargent before I started to squirm around. I too found it to be hard.
Unfortunately, after reading all the reviews on comfort, etc the only way to really tell is to get one and see if your body type fits it. I have returned to the stock seat while I pursue the holy grail of seats!
Good Luck!
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Check out this seat, http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/ (http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/) I've put about 3500 miles on mine so far and NO complaints what so ever. Quality made, fit and finish, looks, comfort, etc. Lauren, who is also a member of this site, is great to work with in building the seat to your needs.
Did you go with the Grand Touring or Sport Solo seat? How many miles have you covered in a day on the seat?
Thanks!
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I have the modular Sargent and I have a bit of trouble locking the seat in place but when it is in place it's solid. Feel is good for me and could go a bit firmer.
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I went with the Grand Touring seat. Very comfortable seat. Keeps you from shifting forward and has gel insert for less vibration. I find this seat perfect for me.
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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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9,000 miles on my Sargent, great seat, like it so much I put one on my KLR.
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Check out this seat, http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/ (http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/) I've put about 3500 miles on mine so far and NO complaints what so ever. Quality made, fit and finish, looks, comfort, etc. Lauren, who is also a member of this site, is great to work with in building the seat to your needs.
+1 on the Baldwin Saddles option. I've got the old touring option (2-seat, not sport solo - see picture here (http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Saddle%20Photos/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014%20Custom%20Seat%20by%20Baldwin%20Motorbike%20Saddles%20Image%201B.jpg) ), and I'd imagine the new grand touring option is good as well. I have done a 600 mile day 2-up, and just did an iron-butt. While not quite as comfortable as my Corbin was for my Superhawk inside 200 miles, once you pass 1 tank's worth on the Concours I'd go with the Baldwin all day long. Inside 200 miles - good seat. Over 200 miles - awesome seat. No hot-spot or tweaked soreness issues after the iron butt with the Baldwin, and after 500 miles in a day on the Superhawk I needed SIGNIFICANT stretching the next day.
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Everyones rear is different, all my friends love their sgt's.
I had one for an entire weekend and put the stock seat back on. If you can try one before you buy I'd suggest it, though the resale seems pretty good.
Good luck.
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I have had a Sargent low on my bike for over two years now (29,000 miles), and the guy I ride with has had one for about a year and a half. Neither one of them does what the one in the video does.
I love my low seat. Up to 350 miles or so I find it as comfortable as any seat I've had. For my long trips I put a sheepsking/gel cover on it and it is great for even 600+ mile days. But make no mistake, every seat feels good to some folks and bad to others. I personally don't like the Sargent high seat as well as my low. It has more padding, but does not feel like the same butt-shape to me.
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Thanks guys...I think my wife will like the Baldwin seat in the back as well...I'm gonna watch for a used one I think.
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i replaced my oem seat with a Sargent low version and love it. Before i ordered from Sargent, I asked the person on the phone specifically about that youtube video and that i was a bit concerned that my new seat would be like that one. They told me the person who made the video had purchased that seat used and that they had tried to work with him to resolve the issue, but the fellow never followed up with them.
Sargent also doubles the length of the warranty if you buy directly from them.
I have read about companies that don't honor warranties (Escort, in particular) unless you purchase the item from a factory authorized retailer and i would imagine some of the sellers on the online sites (fleebay) are not.
I may have paid a bit more ordering directly from Sargent, but hopefully, if i have a problem, they will take care of it.
Bill
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My last 2 bikes (BMWs) had Sargent seats and I loved them. They were very firm and looked sporty, not out of place. When researching seats this time I liked the looks of both the Corbin and Sargent. I did see that video you posted. I ended up buying a barely used Corbin w/ backrest, and I love it. My wife and daughter like the back seat and backrest. For reference, I am waaay large, but have a flat butt, I sink thru all stock seats...
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. Then I went looking for a good price and came across this YouTube video:
Cool! Now to keep an eye out for a Concours with Sargent seat installed. Don't worry, i will put a stock seat back in its place. :o ??? ::) :'(
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I've had two other Sageant seats in the past and loved them, still have one on my '06 VFR-800. When I got my '11 C-14, I hated the forward lean and ordered a new Sargeant. When it arrived, it was beautiful. I couldn't wait to sit on it, and then...it was terrible. It too had a forward lean and it was back in the box within 10 minutes. To be clear, it was not the Sargeant low seat, it was the regular. I now have a Corbin, which is "hard", but it is, without question, the best seat I've ever purchased. It's very flat, not any forward lean, but I did have to put risers on it to be comfortable since I have rather short arms. Good luck, and GO IRISH!!!
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I've had two other Sargent seats in the past and loved them, still have one on my '06 VFR-800. When I got my '11 C-14, I hated the forward lean and ordered a new Sargent. When it arrived, it was beautiful. I couldn't wait to sit on it, and then...it was terrible. It too had a forward lean and it was back in the box within 10 minutes. To be clear, it was not the Sargent low seat, it was the regular.
The Sargent low seat doesn't have much "forward lean".
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I've had two other Sageant seats in the past and loved them, still have one on my '06 VFR-800. When I got my '11 C-14, I hated the forward lean and ordered a new Sargeant. When it arrived, it was beautiful. I couldn't wait to sit on it, and then...it was terrible. It too had a forward lean and it was back in the box within 10 minutes. To be clear, it was not the Sargeant low seat, it was the regular. I now have a Corbin, which is "hard", but it is, without question, the best seat I've ever purchased. It's very flat, not any forward lean, but I did have to put risers on it to be comfortable since I have rather short arms. Good luck, and GO IRISH!!!
I want the forward lean. That is what sport bikes are supposed to be like. That way you are not overstretching your back when riding. I think I am going to see how the ZX14 seat works out and then it might go off to my local custom seat maker who will create exactly what I want.
The stock seat is great for local riding, but the foam compresses too much during distance rides. I read about people complaining that they slide forward when they brake. I say, why aren't you squeezing the fuel tank with your legs? That is why it is shaped the way it is.
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put over 85k on sargent seat on my 2 fz1's.Got over 69k on my 09 c14 with sargent seat.Very happy with the sargent seat. would buy one again if I got a new bike.. ;D
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It's one thing to squeeze the tank with your legs. It's another to sit on your testicles. Sport TOUR implies you're going to ride the bike longer than 40 minutes to complete a race. And I'm not real interested in sitting on my testicles for hours upon hours. I had a Sarge seat and solid it immediately after a 1000 mile weekend. Terrible.
I have a Baldwin sport solo and a Russell day long and love them both for what they are. The Baldwin lives on the bike unless I'm going for a super long ride.
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It's one thing to squeeze the tank with your legs. It's another to sit on your testicles. Sport TOUR implies you're going to ride the bike longer than 40 minutes to complete a race. And I'm not real interested in sitting on my testicles for hours upon hours. I had a Sarge seat and solid it immediately after a 1000 mile weekend. Terrible.
I have *NEVER* had that problem, and also have a Sargent seat. But, then, I wear functional/quality underwear...
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I have *NEVER* had that problem, and also have a Sargent seat. But, then, I wear functional/quality underwear...
+1
You have a better chance of crushing the family jewels if you try to lean forward on a flat seat than on a sloped seat because now you are having to roll up on them. Plus, a flat seat puts more strain on your lower back when you are leaning forward for the bars.
Of course if you are putting risers on the bars then you are changing the bike to become more tour than sport. The old Voyager XII was a great sporty touring bike. The concours is a great sport touring bike. I have done 450 mile days with the stock setup and the only real complaint is that the stock foam compresses too much when on a long ride. Since I abhor riding on the interstate, and don't ride at night in unknown areas, I won't be seeing more miles than that in a day.
The beauty of this bike is that you can change it to suit your personal preferences and wants. Seems like some want to make it like a gold wing and some want to make it like a ZX14. IMO it will never be either so why not just buy one of those other bikes?
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So here's the update...it's been a while. (Sorry).
I now have about 16,500 miles. The seat is comfortable. I WANT the forward lean now...(tried a Corbin and HATED it - I don't ride with risers and kept sliding backwards...also made my back hurt). I guess it "does" break in.
The only issue I had was "pinching" on my legs where they hit the side of the seat. Came to realize it's from the underwear seam...so I bought a few pairs of the "Heat Out" shorts/underwear from Cycle Gear ($9.99) and this eliminates the issue completely.
I still would like to sit on a Saddlemen Explorer RS...but I really don't know if I can justify the expense now that I'm comfortable on stock...
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Just bought this, hope I like it. For that much money ...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300765787036 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300765787036)
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Just bought this, hope I like it. For that much money ...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300765787036 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300765787036)
You will like it
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I tried the stock, corbin, and sargent. Of those, sargent is best. In terms of the youtube, I can vouch for the fact that you can take the seat off without unlocking it. I guess it just depends on how much you worry about someone stealing your seat.
Ride safe... 8)
Dave
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9,000 miles on my Sargent, great seat, like it so much I put one on my KLR.
I had a Sargent on my KLR, and liked it so much, I now have one on mt Con14!
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Here I am boring you guys with another one of my pathetic issues. I've had two Sargent seats on my BMWs - they were great. When I bought the 2011 Connie I was delighted to see a Sargent in place saving me $400. I'm 6'2 185, wouldn't consider my backside as large. The moment my butt hits the seat I start sliding forward which in turn creates a "love knot" that is painful as hell. Was out for 200 miles yesterday and the last few hours were dreadful. The Sargents on the beemers I sat "in" not "on". They accommodated my butt and were comfortable. Given this brief description any recommendations regarding other seats or should I send this back to Sargent for "adjustment?"
Thanks...W
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I could not get comfortable on the Sargent and they could not adjust it to my liking due to the cute little storage compartment under the seat. I had them rebuild my stocker and got 95+% of what I wanted. I think you would be better off going with a Seth Laam seat or other semi custom and sell the Sargent.
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Baldwin GT. Sell the Sargent to cover most of the Baldwin cost...
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The sargent is designed for the stock riding position. Knees gripping the tank and leaned forward until your arms have a slight bend.
If you are going with risers, you might want to go with the Corbin. It puts you in more of a cruiser stance.
When I sat on a friends bike with the Corbin, my hands were about 6 inches from the grips. I prefer the stock sport riding position.
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Tried the Sargent but didn't like it. I have risers so it wasn't a good fit (very uncomfortable, even for my wife when riding passenger). I ended up with a saddle from Bill Mayer Saddles and am very happy with it!
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The moment my butt hits the seat I start sliding forward which in turn creates a "love knot" that is painful as hell. Was out for 200 miles yesterday and the last few hours were dreadful. Given this brief description any recommendations regarding other seats or should I send this back to Sargent for "adjustment?"
That sounds odd. Which seat? The World? Normal or low? Yours might actually be defective or something. I have a World Low (and use 3" bar risers) and never slide forward, and there is certainly no knot on the seat padding anywhere.
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While I don't know about the sargent I can tell you my impressions of the corbin seat.
After waiting a few months I finally got it on the bike and have been riding to work this week about 75 miles per day mostly highway. My complaint with the stock seat was like everyones, killing the boys on the tank. Well this is day 2 with corbin, now its killing my @$$! too hard! I am constantly sliding back and feel like my arms are too short now to reach the bars comfortably. I am of average size, 5-11, 205lbs and in good condition, I think tis seat is made for the jello man!
I will finish the week on this seat then most likely return to the stock or send it to Baldwin.
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While I don't know about the sargent I can tell you my impressions of the corbin seat.
After waiting a few months I finally got it on the bike and have been riding to work this week about 75 miles per day mostly highway. My complaint with the stock seat was like everyones, killing the boys on the tank. Well this is day 2 with corbin, now its killing my @$$! too hard! I am constantly sliding back and feel like my arms are too short now to reach the bars comfortably. I am of average size, 5-11, 205lbs and in good condition, I think tis seat is made for the jello man!
I will finish the week on this seat then most likely return to the stock or send it to Baldwin.
Hey Jeep, I have the exact same ride to work...ride it every day! I have heard that the Corbin takes a long time to break in and that you'll feel like you made a mistake for a while. That's what I've heard but don't know how "universal" that statement is! Unless you have risers on the bike to sit you more "upright" the custom seats like Corbin and the one I'm on (Bill Mayer Saddle) won't be comfortable. I ride with 2" risers and my seat is comfy! I pulled the risers one day and rode to work and back and HATED it! I couldn't ride on the Bill Mayer Saddle with stock height bars and be comfortable. Legs fell asleep, butt hurt...everything was wrong with it!
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My Sargent was very comfortable until it had about 16,000 miles on it, then it got a bit uncomfortable. Of course to put it in perspective, it was still much more comfortable than the stock seat. I had a Sargent on my RC51 and it was very comfortable over long distances.
I bought a Corbin to try, for the most part to see if it would be cooler than the Sargent on long hot days, and it was. The position was horrible though, for the reason others have stated, it is dished so much that when you lean forward, you crush things you would rather not crush. (Proper motorcycle underwear and even riding pants were used, not animals were hurt other than the ones in my pants.)
My Corbin is back at the factory after about 11,000 miles for softer foam and a reshape. I am having the rear dished area filled in for a flatter seating area. For a larger person, with the accompanying larger rear, the dished seat may be fine, you would be lifted off the rounded nose area of the seat. I believe someone shaped like Kim Kardashian would have no issues with it. As a test, maybe Kim can take Bruce's jewels as a test and ride on the Corbin when he is finished with them.
I am really looking forward to getting my seat back. After a lot of thought, I think I figured out what I need in a seat.
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hellbender....what risers did you go with? I didn't want to turn this bike into a Goldwing, but I guess its starting to head in that direction.
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hellbender....what risers did you go with? I didn't want to turn this bike into a Goldwing, but I guess its starting to head in that direction.
Just PM'd you
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That sounds odd. Which seat? The World? Normal or low? Yours might actually be defective or something. I have a World Low (and use 3" bar risers) and never slide forward, and there is certainly no knot on the seat padding anywhere.
Love knot means I was crushing my jewels...