Any Corbin Saddle Experience Out there???

[doctorj]

I'm not totally unhappy with the stock saddle with my Alaska Butt Pad, but will be considering aftermarket saddles maybe. I've had some great Corbins and some not so great. But one person had a Russell they didn't like to much IIRC. I would likely do a Corbin or Russell (is the front seat only a S1 or S2 BTW?). If anyone has the new Corbin, jump in and tell us what you think of it--I know everyone's experience is like tires and oil but can't hurt to hear. I hate to send my saddle off of extended time to Russell but will if it comes to that.

doctorj

 

[bvail]

I had a leather solo seat I picked up real cheap on my 1997 Yamaha RSTD. Didn't care for it. Was like sitting on a board. I later went with a Mustang seat, which made my butt happier. But them's apples and oranges.

The OEM set on my VEE was absolutely horrid, so I fitted it up with a Sargent seat and rode it to Alaska with no bottom end issues. I also wore and highly recommend LDComfort shorts.

As of now, I am waiting on Sargent to make a seat for the ST.

 

[Maxified]

I also have had Corbin seats on my Vmax, ZZR1200, FZ1, Bandit 1250 & Vstrom 1K; some were better than others. My longest ride on a Corbin seat so far has been ~800 miles. I also had a Sargent seat on my ST1300. I found the Sargent mostly comfy, well constructed, but softer than the Corbin. My longest ride on the Honda was 1100 miles.

My new Corbin on my new XT12Z is still in the break in stage and is still conforming to my posterior, making me fidgety around 350-400 miles. I think a Corbin needs 5K miles to full "seat" itself. Corbin's do wear well if properly taken care of.

My unscientific survey on seats is pretty much anecdotally gathered & limited in scope, but my conclusion is that smaller, lighter individuals tend to prefer a softer seat and larger, heftier people gravitate toward a firmer seat if the ride willk be longer than just a couple of hundred miles. Of course, YMMV

 

[bvail]

Speaking of seats ::002:: I was talking to fellow member Colorider today who was indending on 'playing the waiting game' for a Sargent seat, which is in the 'development stage' and should be released for sale spring of 2012. Hey! That's just around the corner ::012:: Anyway, they mentioned a pre-sale registration for purchasing a seat at discount and notification via e-mail when it is available. "To be notified and offered a special introductory price, please pre-register below."

Anyone interested can go here: http://www.sargentcycle.com/yamwstenere.htm to pre-register. No strings attached - do not need to purchase. So I've joined the que and again became a 'waiter'

 

[keeponriding]

I've got the Corbin solo on mine. Not terrifically happy with it.

It's my 4th or so...and the others were all great...not this. I still get hot spots after a couple of hours. I called Corbin and expressed my dissatisfaction...they said they would be happy to take care of it, but wanted me to put more miles so I could tell them precisely what the problem was. It's either been too cold or I've been too busy to ride much since that conversation so haven't had the chance to do much more.

My feeling is the seat needs a bit stuffing in the center...as hot spots are frequently caused when seats are too soft (which was the case on my last bike....the replacement Corbin was good for 12 hour days, where I couldn't take more than 2 hours on stock.

 

[Kevhunts]

I'm considering the Corbin seat mainly because you don't have to send in your stocker. I figure if it doesn't work out for me, I'll sell it and go for a Russell or Sargent.

I feel the stock seat is too soft, with all my weight focusing right down the center. I've been using a Airhawk cushion which helps a lot but it's not perfect.

 

[Bigbore4]

I will probably try the Corbin. I am a larger rider and they are a bit more firm. I have one on my FJR, my 2 long rides are a shade over 1200 miles with many in the 6 to 800 mile category. It works for me.

 

[doctorj]

Yes, I know they are all kind of a gamble. I had great Corbins on my V-Stroms but didn't like one on another bike. Of course, any custom saddle maker (even Russell) have some customers not happy. I may go with the Corbin and sell if doesn't seem to be leaps and bounds better than the stock seat and then try another option. Thanks for all the replies.

doctorj

 

[JohnB]

A Corbin completely transformed my Street Triple from a torture rack to the perfect platform. But, I was also very pleased with a Sargent on my FJR. Decisions, decisions ...

 

[keeponriding]

Bottom line (pardon the pun)...your mileage may vary....none of us are built the same, same weight or shape

 

[colorider]

Speaking of seats ::002:: I was talking to fellow member Colorider today who was indending on 'playing the waiting game' for a Sargent seat, which is in the 'development stage' and should be released for sale spring of 2012. Hey! That's just around the corner ::012:: Anyway, they mentioned a pre-sale registration for purchasing a seat at discount and notification via e-mail when it is available. "To be notified and offered a special introductory price, please pre-register below."

Anyone interested can go here: http://www.sargentcycle.com/yamwstenere.htm to pre-register. No strings attached - do not need to purchase. So I've joined the que and again became a 'waiter'

Ah yes, nothing like a saddle thread! As Bob mentioned, I'm in the wait for the release of the Sargent saddle. I've owned a couple Corbins over the years and happy with each of them. Had one Russell (not made for me) and did not like the wings. I've ran Sargent saddles on all my recent bikes (KLR, DL, ST1300, FJR) and more than pleased with them.

 

[switchback]

Only had a Corbin on my DR650. Comfortable enough (better than stock) but fit was terrible and it was ad least twice the weight of stock. If I change seats again I will try a Sargent. Reviews are very positive for most.

 

[Buelligan]

I've had corbin seats on a couple of my bikes.
But I would highly recommend a Baldwin seat. This guy makes them one at a time by hand to your specifications.
Customer service is excellent. I think his website is Baldwin saddles dot com.

 

[doctorj]

I've had corbin seats on a couple of my bikes.
But I would highly recommend a Baldwin seat. This guy makes them one at a time by hand to your specifications.
Customer service is excellent. I think his website is Baldwin saddles dot com.

Hmmm, never heard of this one. BTW, I did hear from Russell that if you send in just the front seat on the XTZ it is an S1 price code ($375 if all vinyl not counting shipping). Corbin is $387 but is leather. Yep, decisions, decisions.

doctorj