OEM Low seat option.

[888bart]

There's probably been a lot written about seat height options and all to do with, feel free point out any I've missed. But before I go part with my hard earned cash........... the OEM Low seat option (not seat position), is there really much difference to the stock seat. Or would I simply be better off, removing my seat cover, carving some foam off and reshaping it and stapling the cover back on ?
any opinions guys ?
any-one tried it ?

 

[Goldwing]

I sat on a 2015 at the MC show this year that had the low seat and it was noticeably lower. I'm 5'9", 32" inseam and I had a bend in my knees where with the stock height seat I have almost no bend in my knees. It seemed just as comfortable as the stock height seat but I was only on it for 5 mins.

Remember that your knees will be more bent while your feet are on the pegs so that may not be comfortable on longer rides!

 

[cornishtenere]

Bought a white 2013 world crosser with the intention of getting the low seat but after three months yamaha could still not provide a low seat in the correct matching colour so decided to modify my own along the lines of what you are thinking. Used a couple of images of the low seat as a guideline and went for it. Ended up with a seat close to the profile of the low seat although its probably a few mm taller still .Was quite happy with the result, a little bit of jiggling with the seat height rubbers and i have been very happy since.If you are confident to cut the foam it may be worth a go.

 

[VgnSTRider87]

I'm quite fond of my stock OEM low seat. It really made the bike rideable for a short rider like myself (29" inseam)

 

[888bart]

VanSTGrider,
is there any difference in the underside of the seat base on the low seat option ? any chance you could post a picture of both ? I just wondered if Yamaha had gone for less foam on the seat, or a base with shorter rubbers and the catch (and rear hook) shorter too.
cheers
Bart

 

[The Ferret]

When I went for a test ride on a 2012 I tried the low seat. It has less foam, and is harder than the stock. I finally went for lowering the suspension. After 2 years I'm now ocnsidering putting the suspension back to stock and narrowing the seat to allow me to get my legs down easier as you can't lower the front forks enough to get the handling dynamics.

 

[offcamber]

I have the low seat.....I made it even lower by putting shorter bumpers on the bottom. I used to for a couple of years. Defiantly helped getting my feet down. I have a 30" inseam. This season I bought a Russel Day Long seat and put the shorter bumpers on it. Still can't get both feet down execpt the tips of my toes. For less money you could lower the suspension....

 

[GearheadGrrrl]

I've had the low seat on since new, 900 miles ago. Definitely helps, with boots on I can flat foot, which means I can tippy-toe on slanted ground. It feels hard, but I've done a 400 mile day with no posterior discomfort (shoulders and wrists a little sore though, I'm used to low bars). All in all, the low seat is a good deal if you need it, and I may try the thinner bumper trick.

 

[VgnSTRider87]

VanSTGrider,
is there any difference in the underside of the seat base on the low seat option ? any chance you could post a picture of both ? I just wondered if Yamaha had gone for less foam on the seat, or a base with shorter rubbers and the catch (and rear hook) shorter too.
cheers
Bart

I think the only difference is the foam, no difference to the underside. I can try to post pictures later this week.

 

[offcamber]

I think the only difference is the foam, no difference to the underside. I can try to post pictures later this week.

Agreed, the pan is the same....the foam is just thinner...

 

[eram310]

I see that the Sargent seat is half an inch lower on their web site. Anyone has experience the Sargent seat? Does it really put your feet lower to the ground? The seat could be lower, but wider so in reality doesn't lower your feet.

 

[offcamber]

No experience with the Sargent for the S10 but I tried one on my Versys and didn't like it....I felt it was very hard and cut and my thighs funny. I ran the OEM low with an airhawk that was pretty good but still only good for about 250-300 mile day.

 

[oldbear]

The OEM low seat is (I believe) some 30mm lower than stock. I like mine -a touch hard but no worse than a Sargent I had on a Ducati or the Corbin I had on my FJR.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

My wife has done many 400+ mile days on her OEM lowered seat. 16 days, 4500 mile on the ride to Newfoundland, no seat issues. She's about to head out on a 17 day, 5000+ mile trip, and there is no thought about changing the seat.

 

[Goldwing]

The Sargent I had on my 2008 FJR ws the worst seat ever!!
But I know folks who love and swear by them.

 

[Checkswrecks]

The Sargent I had on my 2008 FJR ws the worst seat ever!!

::026::

Same on my FJR and Ducati ST2.

 

[TRUBRIT]

Had the low seat for awhile. Too hard and too much slant. I removed the cover from the regular OEM and carved off foam so it was level. I then installed a Gel pad from Saddleman. I also added Memory foam at the front part, more comfort for my Twig and Berries ;D Re-stapled the cover, done. The seat is now level and comfortable. When on long trips I add an Air hawk for adjustability and breathability. Recently added Lowering Links from Jaxon and raised the forks 13 mm . I have 30 " inseam.