Corbin report

[D-Rider]

Thought I'd share my Corbin experience...

Ordered: 7/28
Arrived: 8/6

Packaging: Giant box (wouldn't fit in Camry trunk). Extremely well packed with form-fitting foam chunks (I don't know what that stuff is called. The seat is in a clear plastic bag. Nice touch-I was about to get my knife to open the plastic bag when I noticed the end was closed with a twist tie instead of yards of clear plastic tape.

Appearance: Everything seems nicely done. The leather and vinyl look great. The bottom of the pan has a couple scuffs but no big deal.

Fit: Like others on this board I needed to shim up the seat latch with some thick washers. The seat itself is a very tight fit front and back. You have to kind of wriggle it into place. To unlatch I need to slap the seat cushion while turning the key. (Thanks to all who have gone before me for these tips!)

Comfort: There's a storm rolling in so I only got a quick ride in this morning. I have had some tailbone problems so this is a critical issue for me. The stock seat is a torture rack and even with the airhawk it was very difficult for me to get comfortable. On my first Corbin ride I had to remind myself to think about the seat. I can't ask for more than that. Hope it holds for long rides.

This is my third Corbin (HD Road King, ZRX1200 and now R1200R), and first ordered from the factory. I've heard all the horror stories and am leary each time I buy one but so far nothing but good luck.

I can post some pictures if anyones interested...

Looking forward to some nice weather!

[r12gecko]

I bought mine used with a Corbin on it. Looks and feels pretty good.

[HowFast]

I could not spend more than 45 mins on the stock seat without pain, like it was prying my pelvis in two. I ordered the Corbin. The seat looks really nice, and quality was good, but for one weird seem at the front left, where the suede backing shows a bit. It was hard like a brick, and the pillion sloped forward so my passenger slid into me all the time. I road it the required 2000 break-in miles, and used the Corbin leather softener liberally, but was still pretty unhappy about the firmness. I think my 5'10", 170lbs boney butt was just not heavy enough to squash the thick leather and dense foam.

I emailed Corbin and they took it back for a re-do with no argument. They turned it around for me pretty quickly. They did not fix the weird seam, but they softened the seating area a tad, and built up the front of the pillion seat to make it more level, with a slight dip across the middle. My wife and daughter love the pillion comfort now. The rider seat is still a little firm, but better. I have tried the new BMW touring saddle, and the Corbin is better and similar in cost.

At first, the front/back distance bothered me, as I like to press my butt back into something with support. But after a while, I found my self sliding forward or back depending on the riding situation, sport/tour/urban/windshield or not/etc., and now i really like that feature. It makes a versatile bike even more so.

I have an Aerostich sheepskin that I can use for really long days, but generally like the feel and breathability of the Corbin leather for all but the longest days in the saddle.

All in all, I recommend it.

Howard

[TT RDHS]

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How about some photos???
Please.

[goo]

here's mine...like it a lot.

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