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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: LesaKing on August 10, 2006, 04:49:59 PM

Title: Custom seats?
Post by: LesaKing on August 10, 2006, 04:49:59 PM
Greetings all!

I've put 6000+ miles on my '05 GS500F since May 6 and the seat is *really* becoming unbearable. I've tried sheepskin, a Butt Buffer, sheepskin on *top* of the Butt Buffer, and meditation all to no avail.

I called Corbin today and they don't make a seat for my bike, and it doesn't look like Mustang does either. Any other ideas?
Title: Re: Custom seats?
Post by: Codger on August 10, 2006, 05:15:16 PM
Don't waste your money on an Airvent cushion.  Didn't help me any. 
On long haul, I wear cycling shorts to take the edge off of the problems.
I don't mind the cushion hardness, the forward slope of the seat kills me.  If the seat was level, it would work for me.
I'm waiting for someone to put up an +01 seat carcass so I can build one to fit.
Title: Re: Custom seats?
Post by: RVertigo on August 10, 2006, 05:31:16 PM
You have a few choices:

1)  Modify the seat yourself.
2)  Send the seat to a custom seat guy like Rich (http://www.richscustomseats.com)
3)  Gain weight.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Custom seats?
Post by: LesaKing on August 10, 2006, 05:47:20 PM
Damnit man, this bites!
Title: Re: Custom seats?
Post by: CirclesCenter on August 10, 2006, 06:00:55 PM
I'm going to be having a foray into seat modification in the next few weeks, so just hold tight. I fully understand that the seat sucks. (500+ mile days make you VERY aware of that.)
Title: Re: Custom seats?
Post by: annguyen1981 on August 10, 2006, 08:59:41 PM
Quote from: RVertigo on August 10, 2006, 05:31:16 PM
3)  Gain weight.  :laugh:

I didn't GAIN weight (I'm already 205lbs), but I can vouch for this statement.  'Tis VERY comfy!

:laugh:
Title: Re: Custom seats?
Post by: sanjay on August 10, 2006, 09:29:13 PM
Check the wiki:

http://cgi.stanford.edu/~sanjayd/gs500/Upgrades/Seats


Title: Re: Custom seats?
Post by: blue05twin on August 10, 2006, 09:59:00 PM
Try here http://www.sargentcycle.com/default2.html  they don't make a seat for the GS but you can send them your seat and they will install a gell pad in it.  If you want to go that route.
Title: Re: Custom seats?
Post by: Wrecent_Wryder on August 11, 2006, 03:32:57 AM
x2
Title: Re: Custom seats?
Post by: LesaKing on August 11, 2006, 09:16:11 AM
Quote from: Wrecent_Wryder on August 11, 2006, 03:32:57 AMNo one seems clear on why Corbin won't make seats for the later GS.
And it really doesn't make sense considering they make a seat for the '04 GS500E which doesn't look any different; at least not from the picture on their web site. Darn them :)
Title: Re: Custom seats?
Post by: Wrecent_Wryder on August 11, 2006, 10:05:42 AM
[3
Title: Re: Custom seats?
Post by: Bill_46 on August 11, 2006, 10:28:45 AM
I believe the only way around this is to do major modification.  I am going to attempt this soon, and will also drop the rear end.  I believe that leveling the seat position and then adding a new seat will resolve the issue.  I have ridden many bikes over the years, but this thing is the most uncomfortable so far.  But it won't be much longer, and I will post pictures when I am finished.


Bill
Title: Re: Custom seats?
Post by: LesaKing on August 11, 2006, 10:38:02 AM
Doh! You're right about the GS500E, and the seat certainly does crawl up the tank more.

I've no idea what Corbin makes their seats out of, but I'm not sure merely adding a gel layer to the seat would do much to help. The Butt Buffer feels like gel and it only adds about 30 minutes of pain-free riding time, at least for me.
Title: Re: Custom seats?
Post by: vags500 on February 19, 2007, 12:56:51 PM
Has anyone tried converting a seat from another bike? I'm not even sure what would work here. Just curious.
Title: Re: Custom seats?
Post by: videosilva on January 11, 2008, 05:29:01 AM

You could put ME under it :bowdown:
Title: Re: Custom seats?
Post by: The Antibody on January 11, 2008, 05:35:49 AM
I have talked to Corbin. They will make it, they just need a seat pan to build a seat off of. Then they can make them all we want. I just didn't have a second seat to send them. So if anyone has a beater 2001 + seat. Give them a call.

  -Anti  8)
Title: Re: Custom seats?
Post by: Jared on January 11, 2008, 05:50:39 AM
 You may also want to try a local upholsterer if you can't find anything online .

What do you mean by unbearable pain/ fatigue wise? Is the seat foam crushing down / becoming dead so it's no longer giving any support ? Is it the riding position and it's cutting off circulation/ hurting your back? How long can you ride before it's an issue?




Have you tried those beads like on taxi drivers seats??   JUST KIDDING.... heheheh...
Title: Re: Custom seats?
Post by: ohgood on January 11, 2008, 06:13:33 AM
Quote from: LesaKing on August 10, 2006, 04:49:59 PM
Greetings all!

I've put 6000+ miles on my '05 GS500F since May 6 and the seat is *really* becoming unbearable. I've tried sheepskin, a Butt Buffer, sheepskin on *top* of the Butt Buffer, and meditation all to no avail.

I called Corbin today and they don't make a seat for my bike, and it doesn't look like Mustang does either. Any other ideas?

Have you tried upgrading your suspension ?

Maybe wear cycling shorts ?

I've seen a few folks with those bead things on their seats. I have no idea if they do anything.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Custom seats?
Post by: RobTheTyrant on January 11, 2008, 07:52:08 AM
Uncomfortable?... plop down on an FZ6 and tell me the the GS is uncomfortable.  I haven't had any issues with the seat being too ungodly uncomfortable.  You'll take notice of 500+ mile days on anything.  I always thought the seat was pretty plush... but all I've ever compared it to was an 83 550 vision, an FZ and a 750 gixxer, all of them were like sitting on a rock.
Title: Re: Custom seats?
Post by: Teek on January 11, 2008, 12:54:04 PM
Wow, this is an old thread but useful. I have a 2001 that a short young guy had, and the front foam was scooped out to make a secondary pocket; good thing or I'd be tippy toeing it. Even with foam gone my helmet or sunglasses hurt WAY before I even think about if my butt is sore. I find the seat really comfortable, at least for 3 hours, as long as I've sat in it at one time. Much nicer than my last bike, which most owners on its forum regularly complained about. Probably I just have too much of my own padding back there. When I was skinnier everything was uncomfortable to sit on; chairs, bikes, the ground...

I would like to be an inch closer to the ground though.
Title: Re: Custom seats?
Post by: GI_JO_NATHAN on January 11, 2008, 04:38:04 PM
Put the 2" lowering links on and the ride is 100% better. No more crotch on the tank, and for short guys like me it's much more comfortable when you have your feet on the ground.