Seat comfort on long trips

[johngellis]

I just returned from a 3 week, 6000+ mile trip around around the western US states.

I acquired the 2004 R1150r in May and based on recommendations from this board I purchased a Sargent seat. Being a bit of a cheapskate I only purchased the rider seat. The problem was that no matter what position adopted, during the trip, I could only manage between 60-100 miles before I was forced to dismount and stretch my legs because of excruciating butt pain.

Having arrived home again I am considering what can be done. Looking at the seat again I am wondering if the high front lip on the standard pillion seat is preventing me from positioning my ample butt in the optimum position to get the best from the Sargent seat. I notice the Sargent pillion seat also has a high front lip.

It occurred to me that the whole set up may be more comfortable using a pillion cover (BMW part 71607658542). Basically allow me to move my behind further back on the Sargent.

I am wondering if anyone has tried this. I am also trying to figure out if the 71607658542 is actually is a direct replacement for the pillion seat or if additional parts are needed.

Thanks
John

[chibbert]

Hi - not trying to be a smart A** here but can't you remove the pillion and try it without? I know it will look goofy but it should be mechanically sound and safe. That way you can decide if you want either the sargent pillion or the bmw luggage rack (which will provide the extra room for your ample derriere)

This is the rack I refer to - the grey part which replaced the pillion.:



It's an inexpensive solution if you ride alone most of the time.

[johngellis]

Good idea. I will try the seat without the pillion - just need to make sure the seat cant slide backwards.

I was carrying camping gear on this trip. (tent and helen2wheels bag fastened to the rear carrier). One of the challenges was being able to "get my leg over" the bike - especially later in the day when tired. The pillion carrier should reduce the height of the camping gear and make mounting and dismounting easier.

I like it.

[jcridge]

The seat is only one part of rider comfort.
Are you in a comfortable riding position to start with? Elbows slightly bent, knees not at a tight angle?

Bar backs and peg lowering kits are very popular add-ons to the R's. The addition of these components allows your spline and butt to be reposoitioned to remove pressure points thus extending comfort.

I have the Sargent seat and stock pillion, and find the lip on the pillion to help keep me on the bike when dropping to 5th and pinning the throttle at higher speeds. The factory foam in the pillion is of low density, and I don't find it to be a nusance when repositioning.

The bar-back and peg lowering kit helps the knees, elbows and butt. I can ride the 160-200 miles in comfort before the yellow "get off the bike" light comes on. I typically get off the bike when long riding at fuel stops and get something to drink, etc... but then I'm not 22 and bullet proof anymore.

John

[chibbert]

One of the challenges was being able to "get my leg over" the bike - especially later in the day when tired.

I have had the same issue - I found that if I place the bike on the center stand and then step up (left foot on left peg) you can then easily throw the leg over whatever is obstructing you wile trying to mount on the sidestand. Only issue is you then have to rock the bike forward off the center stand but it's not a big deal.

[deltoro]

Hi.
What peg- lowering kit and bar back brand (url?) should I try?
I've got a Cobin- saddle on my old R80ST. What about a Corbin on a R1150R?

Tor, Norwegian newbie.

[keithbw]

MV makes nice stuff and they are in your area, so to speak. The risers may be a bit drastic though, the model they sell now really moves the bars back a lot it looks like.

http://www.mv-motorrad.de/lshop,showdet ... 26321,.htm

http://www.mv-motorrad.de/lshop,showdet ... 26321,.htm

I loved the Corbin I had on a Suzuki 1200, but I've never tried one on the BMW

Brian

[revtexdave]

Airhawk seats see: http://www.rlmotorcycles.com/cgi-bin/eS ... 7559.60481 Amazing and very affordable. Most comfort ever for your butt.
Also will raise you position to a better angle on the knees!

[wncbmw]

The plate is a direct replacement of the rear seat and does not affect the front seat at all, except to give you more room. My plate has been Rhino-lined for additional friction when I strap my camping gear on the back.