BMW Comfort Seat vs. Sargent Seat

[badbs101]

I'm looking for opinions on the Sargent seat, particularly those who have ridden on the stock BMW Comfort Seat that is standard on newer R1200Rs. Has anyone tried both?

One post I've read indicates that the Sargent tends to slide the rider forward when compared to the stock Comfort Seat. The stock Comfort seat is pretty good for a stock seat, but there is room for improvement. The idea of a heated Sargent seat is appealing but I don't like seats that slide the rider forward, even a little.

Thanks,

Barry

[1200bc]

I have a 2013 with the regular comfort seat. I find myself pushing my butt back all the time. Still always sliding forward. I can't think of one BMW I've owned where that wasn't the case.

[badbs101]

Thanks for the reply. I already have the Comfort seat and don't find sliding forward to be a huge problem.

I'm interested in the comparisons of those who have used both the Sargent and the BMW Comfort Seat. In comparison does the Sargent seat push you forward? Does it put more pressure on your wrists? How about overall comfort? Those types of things.

Barry

[deilenberger]

I've owned and ridden on both. My current seat is probably the first R1200R rebuild that Sargent did, back in mid 2007. The seat has roughly 60,000 miles on it. I've never experienced a problem with sliding forward with the Sargent, and I also didn't have an issue with the Comfort seat. The comfort of both was about equal. The reason I didn't stick with the BMW Comfort seat was even in the "standard" (low) height version (it only comes in two heights, unlike the un-comfort seat which comes in three) - it raised me up just a tiny bit too much, and the seating area on it was a tiny bit too far forward for me.

The Sargent was less expensive, but does require building it on your seat pan. My only complaint with it was they didn't use stainless (or monel) staples to hold the cover on and the staples have rusted a bit (mostly surface rust, none have fallen out.) I believe they now use stainless staples (worth asking for it when you order..) The heated seat option is a very nice one if you're in an area where it gets chilly (below 40F or so..) I have a heating pad I made for mine that I put on in the winter and a warm butt is a happy one.

BTW - I also do use an air-cushion on any seat I use. The one I use is a FreedomAire - more popular is the AirHawk. Either is good and will extend your seat time if you have butt pains.

[roadfool]

I've used Sargent Cycle seat on several bike and have always been happy with the results, but those were all built on their custom seat pan. Sargent and Madstad sure my go-to guys for comfort mods.

Tomorrow I leave SW Florida and head to Charlotte NC, for Fathers Day, the to the Smokies for a week or two of road theropy. Thursday I plan to visit Sargent Cycle in Jacksonville, Fl to check out this modification for my seat('11 R12R). If I like what I see I'll have them make the modification while I wait. They allow ride in service Tuesday - Friday.

When I get to Charlotte, I'll post in update here.

Regards, Paul

[waynemathews]

I have both seats for my 2009, and I prefer the Sargent. My Sargent does not slide me forward, and, especially on long rides, has more comfortable foam. Another half inch in seat height would be nice, but for most of my riding this is not an issue.

My bike came with the standard uncomfort seat, and I bought the comfort seat after about a year. I sent the original seat to Sargent about 1 1/2 years back, and wish I had gone with Sargent initially.

Good luck!

[badbs101]

Wondering if the standard Sargent (not the low) seat sits the rider much higher than the Standard Comfort seat (not the high comfort seat)? I read it is similar to the High Comfort Seat?

[waynemathews]

Wondering if the standard Sargent (not the low) seat sits the rider much higher than the Standard Comfort seat (not the high comfort seat)? I read it is similar to the High Comfort Seat?

My standard height Sargent conversion is essentially the same height as my standard comfort seat. My recollection is that the Sargent is supposed to be about a quarter inch taller, but I can't detect it.

[Anyname]

My 2011 came with the low comfort seat which I found cramped. I replaced it with a high comfort seat which provides more leg room and also lets me slide back about an inch further. It's works OK for me.

[roadfool]

I'm at Sargent Cycle now waiting for the seat conversion to be completed, then I hit the road for Charlotte. This should provide a good test for the new seat

My knees suffer from the angle of the OEM standard height seat, even though the Sargent conversion will raise the seat about .25 inches I wanted a bit more height....... Added another .50 inch for only and additional $85.

Total price, minus 10 % ride in discount, shipping old foam and cover to my home, tax, FREE baseball cap, ... $433.90. Note sure what the final price would be had I sent the seat in for this work.

Regards, Paul

[badbs101]

I look forward to your review.

[dbrick]

I look forward to a picture.

[David R]

I'm at Sargent Cycle now waiting for the seat conversion to be completed, then I hit the road for Charlotte. This should provide a good test for the new seat

My knees suffer from the angle of the OEM standard height seat, even though the Sargent conversion will raise the seat about .25 inches I wanted a bit more height....... Added another .50 inch for only and additional $85.

Total price, minus 10 % ride in discount, shipping old foam and cover to my home, tax, FREE baseball cap, ... $433.90. Note sure what the final price would be had I sent the seat in for this work.

Regards, Paul

Interested in how it turns out.

I find the comfort seat fine. I did lower my pegs an inch since I have not dragged one in 12,000 miles. Much better on the back of my knees.
David

[roadfool]

I didn't make it to Charolette yesterday but did put 265 miles on the new seat.

The bottom line is ........ This seat just disappears under my butt, and that's a very good thing. No pressure points, no pinching, and the boys do not slide up into the tank, there's room on the seat to move and shift sitting positions, wider and more supportive across the width of my butt but more narrow at the front for better knee grip on the tank and ease of flat footing when seated or standing the foam feels a bit softer then the OEM comfort seat but is firm enough to provide good support for me. Once again the folks at Sargent Cycle have put a big smile on my face. I'll try to post pictures in the next few days.

When they first fitted the seat on the bike the front wings of the seat didn't hug the tank. I could have lived with this and was ready to ride on but Dade (maybe the manager of shop?) wouldn't have it. He asked if I would mind a 30 minute delay in my departure so they could recover the seat and make it right..... And they did.

I've used several Sargent Cycle seats and have always been pleased with the product and with their customer service. Disclaimer..... YMMV.

I'm 5'11" and weigh in at 205 lbs with a 32" in seam, so ya know.

I bought this bike used and it had the Wunderlich seat installed. That seat was of very high quality and comfortable but I felt like I was perched on top of the bike and it was wide at the front making it more difficult to flat foot when seated or straddling the bike. That seat was sold to an inmate here and I hope it works well for him.

Regards, Paul

[dbrick]

I find the comfort seat fine.

David,

Would you post of pic of the comfort seat?

[Las]

I have both the comfort seat and the Sargent. I did find the comfort seat pushing me forward. It was the principal reason I made the switch. The Sargent is as comfortable as the comfort seat- I never found the comfort seat to be uncomfortable- and it doesn't push me forward. Mine was made for my r12r Classic; so I ordered it with wetting to match the stripes-Alpine White. Looks great. I also took the heated seat option; but havent had the need as of yet to try it. i commute through the winter in the northeast; so I will have plenty of opportunity to try it out come next winter. Glad I spent the cash on the Sargent.

[badbs101]

Las,

Is your Sargent the low or standard height?

Interesting that you find it pushes forward less than the Comfort seat. Also, what height was your Comfort seat?

Thanks,

Barry

[Las]

Barry, both my comfort seat and the Sargent are standard height.

[badbs101]

How does the heated seat hook up? Where does the controller sit?

Post pics of the seat if you have them Las. I would be getting the same seat for my Classic (heated with alpine white piping.)

Thanks,
Barry

[Marcin]

I own my sargent seat for about 12k, it looks great, it's very comfortable for longer rides. Only think I can complain about is that is a bit slippery, especially for my wife. When I break little harder she slides forward and I slide all the way to the tank
No doubt it's a great seat I just wish I could do something about being that slippery.