Upgrading the Stock Seat

RiderOnTheStorm · August 6th, 2012, 04:03 AM

Hey all!

I'm curious how many of you have replaced or upgraded your stock seat? I've heard of Corbin (and I'm sure there are others), but is it worth dropping that kind of money on a seat? I've also heard of people talking the seats to an apholstary place and having it repadded and covered in a new material. Anyone done something similar?

I know the ergos are what they are but a little more comfort never hurt anyone!

Somchai · August 6th, 2012, 05:54 AM

Brian do you think about anything like this?

http://www.kawiforums.com/ninja-250r...-seat-mod.html

RiderOnTheStorm · August 6th, 2012, 11:04 AM

Thanks for the link Roland!

I think I could consider it but I'm curious if upgrading all of the padding would be better or if it just is the seat position? I'm not totally sure, but I figure that different/additional padding would make distance riding easier.

LoD575 · August 6th, 2012, 01:21 PM

http://www.greatdaytoride.com

That is the home of Spencers Motorcycle Seat Mods.

I sent my stock seat off to him for some work which included material replacement and some reshaping.

Took about two tanks of fuel to break the seat in but it's night and day difference compared to stock.

cuong-nutz · August 6th, 2012, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoD575

http://www.greatdaytoride.com

That is the home of Spencers Motorcycle Seat Mods.

I sent my stock seat off to him for some work which included material replacement and some reshaping.

Took about two tanks of fuel to break the seat in but it's night and day difference compared to stock.

What kind of reshaping? I may be interested in the future. Any pictures?

RiderOnTheStorm · August 6th, 2012, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoD575

http://www.greatdaytoride.com

That is the home of Spencers Motorcycle Seat Mods.

I sent my stock seat off to him for some work which included material replacement and some reshaping.

Took about two tanks of fuel to break the seat in but it's night and day difference compared to stock.

I know you said it made a night and day difference - what makes it more comfortable? I'm curious just because I feel like what makes the seat so uncomfortable is just the padding. So I'd figure whatever you do to it wouldn't change that... But it sounds like it's not the case!

LoD575 · August 6th, 2012, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuong-nutz

What kind of reshaping? I may be interested in the future. Any pictures?

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiderOnTheStorm

I know you said it made a night and day difference - what makes it more comfortable? I'm curious just because I feel like what makes the seat so uncomfortable is just the padding. So I'd figure whatever you do to it wouldn't change that... But it sounds like it's not the case!

The forward slant going towards the tank was eliminated. With the shaping of the seat additional material was removed and replaced with Supracor material. The material provided comfort which took care of areas of pressure and discomfort I was experiencing compared to stock.

I do not have any pictures of the process. Contact Spencer @ Spencersmotocare@aol.com

Spencer provided information on the entire process and material used. Unfortunately his website seems to be causing me problems. A lot of information is normally available about the material and process.

mikecronis · September 9th, 2012, 07:26 PM

My wife, Becky Cronis, makes some rather neet seatcovers for all Ninja 250 models (even the '86 ones) at http://www.bonanza.com/booths/customseatcreations if you're interested. This site and Ninja 250 Rider's Club give some fantastic reviews. There's an installation vid on YouTube. She's been doin' it for 8 years so it's pretty legit.

Bob2010 · September 9th, 2012, 07:37 PM

Wow Those look sweet. I like the scorpion one. Hardest part for me is removing and re attaching the wrap.
I might be buying a set soon

jmisto · September 16th, 2012, 06:17 AM

My bike had a Corbin seat when I bought it. The owner also gave me all of the stock accessories as well. I had intended to sell the Corbin seat to recover some of the money spent on the bike. I put the stock seat on for about 3 days. I was ready to put the Corbin back on after 1 hour. I thought I'd get used to it but after 3 days, I was still hating it.

I think it's definitely worth it, especially if you're spending any significant length of time planted on the seat

headshrink · September 20th, 2012, 01:52 PM

Although expensive, IMHO Corbin seats are definitely worth the money. You could also watch the marketplace section and ebay for a used one. They come up occasionally.

RiderOnTheStorm · September 30th, 2012, 07:48 AM

I know Corbin's a big name, but are there other alternatives for nice drop in seats?

headshrink · September 30th, 2012, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiderOnTheStorm

I know Corbin's a big name, but are there other alternatives for nice drop in seats?

I don't recall the names, but other custom seat makers are at least as expensive. There are also covers, etc., but personally I see that as a band-aide. But to be fair, I only have personal experience with the OEM and the Corbin seat.

Jiggles · September 30th, 2012, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiderOnTheStorm

I know Corbin's a big name, but are there other alternatives for nice drop in seats?

You can also take off the stock seat, remove the padding and put your own on and reupholster it.

I just ordered a corbin though

eddiekay · September 30th, 2012, 03:09 PM

Try the cheapskate keep it simple eddiekaymod:
Take out the first 10 or 15 staples on each side
Take some carpet which can be found lying in any gutter or basement or junk repository.
Fold it 3 layers thick and trim edges so you can stuff it UNDER the foam.
It levels the front of the saddle about 1/2".
The only problem it solves is slidiing into the tank but it solves it for almost nothing...the only tools you need are pliers to pull the staples ( a wide blade common screwdriver works too) and a big staple gun with...I think I used 5/16 chisel point staples)

c717905 · September 30th, 2012, 05:28 PM

I bought the Corbin a couple of years ago and I absolutely love it. Immediately behind adding a Yoshimura exhaust, I would say getting a Corbin seat would my next most important mod in order of priority. In fact, if and when I get either a 300 or a 600 (or preferably both), I will order a new Corbin seat as soon as possible (maybe even before I pick it up).

I other words, get a Corbin.

polokid699 · February 23rd, 2013, 07:50 AM

I've had my Corbin seat for months and simply love it! Rides are a lot more fun now without my ass killing me!

SMman · February 23rd, 2013, 09:08 AM

I have a Corbin on my '03 636 and had one on my '99 SV650S. They are very good seats which make a huge difference in comfort, especially the one I had on my SV.

I had read about people buying gel seats from Suzuki and then replacing them with Corbin because the gel seats did not make that big of a difference (same flat shape as the stock one).

Corbin seats are actually firmer than stock but are shaped to eliminate "hot spots", unlike the flat stock seats.

My '05 GSX-R600 had a soft seat which you would think would be comfortable but it was the complete opposite. I sold that bike after one year because I hated so many things about it.

Sorry that I do not have any experience with the 250 seats, but from the look of the pics, Corbin did a great job. I'll be shopping for one soon.

Another manufacturer that is popular is Sargent but I do not see any listed for the 250. They were typically a bit cheaper than Corbin, but not much. You could try contacting them to ask about 250 seats.

http://www.sargentcycle.com/

polokid699 · February 23rd, 2013, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMman

I have a Corbin on my '03 636 and had one on my '99 SV650S. They are very good seats which make a huge difference in comfort, especially the one I had on my SV.

I had read about people buying gel seats from Suzuki and then replacing them with Corbin because the gel seats did not make that big of a difference (same flat shape as the stock one).

Corbin seats are actually firmer than stock but are shaped to eliminate "hot spots", unlike the flat stock seats.

My '05 GSX-R600 had a soft seat which you would think would be comfortable but it was the complete opposite. I sold that bike after one year because I hated so many things about it.

Sorry that I do not have any experience with the 250 seats, but from the look of the pics, Corbin did a great job. I'll be shopping for one soon.

Another manufacturer that is popular is Sargent but I do not see any listed for the 250. They were typically a bit cheaper than Corbin, but not much. You could try contacting them to ask about 250 seats.

http://www.sargentcycle.com/

in my opionion, the Corbin's are worth every cent!

SMman · February 23rd, 2013, 12:18 PM

I agree. I bought the one for my SV new from a local bike dealer and scored the one for my 636 used on eBay for $90!

tfkrocks · February 23rd, 2013, 09:51 PM

+1 on getting a Corbin. My ass has never been happier during long rides. I spent a good many hours in the saddle today and didn't have any butt discomfort. Previously, I'd start getting an achey/numb ass after 45 minutes or so. It's not a soft cushy seat by any means but the way it cups and supports your ass perfectly is what makes it work.

August 6th, 2012, 04:03 AM	#1
RiderOnTheStorm ninjette.org member Name: Brian Location: El Paso, TX Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): Blue 08 250 - Blue Magic Posts: 162	Upgrading the Stock Seat Hey all! I'm curious how many of you have replaced or upgraded your stock seat? I've heard of Corbin (and I'm sure there are others), but is it worth dropping that kind of money on a seat? I've also heard of people talking the seats to an apholstary place and having it repadded and covered in a new material. Anyone done something similar? I know the ergos are what they are but a little more comfort never hurt anyone!

September 9th, 2012, 07:37 PM	#9
Bob2010 ninjette.org sage Name: Bob Location: NY Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 730	Wow Those look sweet. I like the scorpion one. Hardest part for me is removing and re attaching the wrap. I might be buying a set soon __________________________________________________ 2010 Red Ninja 250 2009 Black Ninja 250 -If you ride like lightning,you're gonna crash like thunder-

September 20th, 2012, 01:52 PM	#11
headshrink ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Bob Location: CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r, '14 CBR500r Posts: A lot.	Although expensive, IMHO Corbin seats are definitely worth the money. You could also watch the marketplace section and ebay for a used one. They come up occasionally. __________________________________________________ Honda Interceptor VFR800 DLX (2014, 8th gen) Honda CBR500r (2014) - FOR SALE Kawi Ninja 250r (2008) - Restored and passed-down within family, only to be abandoned

September 30th, 2012, 05:28 PM	#16
c717905 ninjette.org member Name: Aaron Location: Kansas City, MO Join Date: Jul 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Black Ninja 250, 2009 Black ZX-6r Posts: 80	I bought the Corbin a couple of years ago and I absolutely love it. Immediately behind adding a Yoshimura exhaust, I would say getting a Corbin seat would my next most important mod in order of priority. In fact, if and when I get either a 300 or a 600 (or preferably both), I will order a new Corbin seat as soon as possible (maybe even before I pick it up). I other words, get a Corbin. __________________________________________________ Black '09 250R: Bridgestone BT-021s-Yoshi CF Slip-On-Fender Eliminator-Corbin Seat-Seat Cowl-Proton Flushmounts-BikeLiteZ Taillight-LED Glow-HIDs-Reflective Rimtape-Yoshi Rearsets-MRA DB Windscreen

February 23rd, 2013, 09:08 AM	#18
SMman ninjette.org guru Name: Danger Location: Canada Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): 15 CBR300R, 14 BWS50, 09 FZ1, 09 Ninja 250, 06 CRF450R Motard, 03 ZX-6R Posts: 422	I have a Corbin on my '03 636 and had one on my '99 SV650S. They are very good seats which make a huge difference in comfort, especially the one I had on my SV. I had read about people buying gel seats from Suzuki and then replacing them with Corbin because the gel seats did not make that big of a difference (same flat shape as the stock one). Corbin seats are actually firmer than stock but are shaped to eliminate "hot spots", unlike the flat stock seats. My '05 GSX-R600 had a soft seat which you would think would be comfortable but it was the complete opposite. I sold that bike after one year because I hated so many things about it. Sorry that I do not have any experience with the 250 seats, but from the look of the pics, Corbin did a great job. I'll be shopping for one soon. Another manufacturer that is popular is Sargent but I do not see any listed for the 250. They were typically a bit cheaper than Corbin, but not much. You could try contacting them to ask about 250 seats. http://www.sargentcycle.com/ __________________________________________________ 15 CBR300R, 14 BWS50, 09 FZ1, 09 Ninja 250, 06 CRF450R Motard, 03 ZX-6R 636

August 6th, 2012, 05:54 AM	#2
Somchai Freedom for Germany Location: This World Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R-FI Posts: A lot.	Brian do you think about anything like this? http://www.kawiforums.com/ninja-250r...-seat-mod.html

August 6th, 2012, 11:04 AM	#3
RiderOnTheStorm ninjette.org member Name: Brian Location: El Paso, TX Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): Blue 08 250 - Blue Magic Posts: 162	Thanks for the link Roland! I think I could consider it but I'm curious if upgrading all of the padding would be better or if it just is the seat position? I'm not totally sure, but I figure that different/additional padding would make distance riding easier.

August 6th, 2012, 01:21 PM	#4
LoD575 ninjette.org sage Name: Steve Location: Valdosta GA, US Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 2006 Ninja ZX6R-636 Posts: 661	http://www.greatdaytoride.com That is the home of Spencers Motorcycle Seat Mods. I sent my stock seat off to him for some work which included material replacement and some reshaping. Took about two tanks of fuel to break the seat in but it's night and day difference compared to stock.

September 9th, 2012, 07:26 PM	#8
mikecronis ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Colorado Springs, CO Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R-J, 2005 Honda Superhawk VTR1000 Posts: 95	My wife, Becky Cronis, makes some rather neet seatcovers for all Ninja 250 models (even the '86 ones) at http://www.bonanza.com/booths/customseatcreations if you're interested. This site and Ninja 250 Rider's Club give some fantastic reviews. There's an installation vid on YouTube. She's been doin' it for 8 years so it's pretty legit.

September 16th, 2012, 06:17 AM	#10
jmisto ninjette.org member Name: Jessica Location: Newnan, GA Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250r Posts: 57	My bike had a Corbin seat when I bought it. The owner also gave me all of the stock accessories as well. I had intended to sell the Corbin seat to recover some of the money spent on the bike. I put the stock seat on for about 3 days. I was ready to put the Corbin back on after 1 hour. I thought I'd get used to it but after 3 days, I was still hating it. I think it's definitely worth it, especially if you're spending any significant length of time planted on the seat

September 30th, 2012, 07:48 AM	#12
RiderOnTheStorm ninjette.org member Name: Brian Location: El Paso, TX Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): Blue 08 250 - Blue Magic Posts: 162	I know Corbin's a big name, but are there other alternatives for nice drop in seats?

September 30th, 2012, 03:09 PM	#15
eddiekay ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: eddie Location: Lawnguylind Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 300, WeeStrom Posts: A lot.	Try the cheapskate keep it simple eddiekaymod: Take out the first 10 or 15 staples on each side Take some carpet which can be found lying in any gutter or basement or junk repository. Fold it 3 layers thick and trim edges so you can stuff it UNDER the foam. It levels the front of the saddle about 1/2". The only problem it solves is slidiing into the tank but it solves it for almost nothing...the only tools you need are pliers to pull the staples ( a wide blade common screwdriver works too) and a big staple gun with...I think I used 5/16 chisel point staples)

February 23rd, 2013, 12:18 PM	#20
SMman ninjette.org guru Name: Danger Location: Canada Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): 15 CBR300R, 14 BWS50, 09 FZ1, 09 Ninja 250, 06 CRF450R Motard, 03 ZX-6R Posts: 422	I agree. I bought the one for my SV new from a local bike dealer and scored the one for my 636 used on eBay for $90! __________________________________________________ 15 CBR300R, 14 BWS50, 09 FZ1, 09 Ninja 250, 06 CRF450R Motard, 03 ZX-6R 636

February 23rd, 2013, 09:51 PM	#21
tfkrocks ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rebecca Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13	+1 on getting a Corbin. My ass has never been happier during long rides. I spent a good many hours in the saddle today and didn't have any butt discomfort. Previously, I'd start getting an achey/numb ass after 45 minutes or so. It's not a soft cushy seat by any means but the way it cups and supports your ass perfectly is what makes it work.

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