Sheepskin vs. New Seat?

[RidingUpandDown]

I'm wondering if a sheepskin(along w/ the: lowering-back-end-of-front-seat mod, (already done here)) may be a good, easy/less expensive, way to get a more comfy ride, for those of us having any of the monkey butt issue that's been talked about a bit now... i.e. chaffing, seat angle, riding up into/onto the tank, shape/size of seat, non-slip seat material... ::002::

I’ve done a cpl 800 mi long treks and find the antsinthepants; Worse in just mc jeans, not nearly as bad w/ jeans and lined mc pants, and my experience is the extra layers/padding/’slippage’ is a big help.

Just wondering if anyone is using a SheepSkin on the ST, and is finding it helps/Fixes comfort issue(s) some folks have been sitting on? Or what your experience w/ one is as I’ve not had one b4.

To me it Seems w/ a sheepskin it may nicely subdue or overcome some of the angle, shape/size, and material, issues, and w/ 2k mi trek upcoming am considering value of purchasing one.

I'd be interested in any experience w/ adding a sheepskin, esp w/ extended miles in the saddle on the ST, and if it helps, esp vs. buying a new/custom seat altogether.

Appreciate the feedback.
Thnx, d ::001::

 

[bonzer2u]

I got the alaska sheepskin medium front with nose strap. Cool in the summer warm in the winter and prevents the sweaty nad syndrome, no stickin to the seat either. No change in the seat angle but definetly a big improvement. I think it would be worth the modest investment as opposed to a new $eat....

 

[colorider]

I will be trying a sheepskin pad on my saddle later this week on my trip to Texas. Hopefully, I will have good things to report back!!!
::001::

 

[bonzer2u]

If you do any 2-up with the better half and want a pad for the pillion seat, use the same alaska sheepskin model as listed for the gs1200, fits perfectly and the wife is happy, so Im therefor more happy.......DOH. I keep it in my tank bag for when she wants to ride and the mounting strap stays in place under the pillion when the pad removed. If you keep it installed you will notice it flappin around like a bad toupey......I found out by shadow method after Im sure many looked at my dumb ass riding down the road lookin like a spaz.

BIG PS, use the promo code 'deadsheep' to get 10% off your order from alaska sheepskin.........

 

[RidingUpandDown]

I got the alaska sheepskin medium front with nose strap. Cool in the summer warm in the winter and prevents the sweaty nad syndrome, no stickin to the seat either. No change in the seat angle but definetly a big improvement. I think it would be worth the modest investment as opposed to a new $eat....

bonzer, Thanks for the info and advise! Sounds like it did the trick for you, and I will pursue also. ::008::

I will be trying a sheepskin pad on my saddle later this week on my trip to Texas. Hopefully, I will have good things to report back!!!
::001::

ColoRod, Yes pls lmk how this works out for you. And All the best/safe on your TX trek. ::012::

Cheers, dean ::001::

ps - I now have on order one of these: http://eglifarm.com/product_info.php/cPath/49/products_id/52/osCsid/b721b817a46eb7bebc56b3dd081fcfee ::26::

 

[Boondocker]

I have to toss in a vote for sheepskin covers. I've had one on my DL650 for several years. It's kind of ugly, looks like a cheap afterthought, and my butt misses it when I ride without the cover. On those rare days when I'm expecting to park in the rain, I leave the pad home or in my top box because it will soak up a good deal of water and I'd rather not sit in a puddle. What it does is increase seat height. Even if it's only a few millimeters, it's noticeable and better for my 34" inseam. It's slightly padded. Most importantly, it is breathable. Breathability helps is both very hot, very cold conditions and humid conditions, and reducing moisture is what prevents the malady of monkey butt.

If you have a choice of colors, get black. Unless they offer white with a brown racing stripe O0

 

[Dirt_Dad]

I'm a long time user of both sheepskin and beaded seat covers on my DL1000. Sometimes both at the same time. Both were a big help on the Strom. I tried both on the S10 along with the leveling seat mod. Both did make some improvement, but neither increased ride time significantly. The thing that made my 2 week, 4,600+ mile ride possible was an Air Hawk. While it's not as good as a well designed aftermarket seat, it did make consecutive 10 hour days a non-issue. Until a good aftermarket seat is available the Air Hawk is staying on the bike.

http://www.airhawkseatcushions.net/p-242-airhawk-2-medium-cruiser.aspx

 

[Buckeye56]

The thing that made my 2 week, 4,600+ mile ride possible was an Air Hawk. While it's not as good as a well designed aftermarket seat, it did make consecutive 10 hour days a non-issue. Until a good aftermarket seat is available the Air Hawk is staying on the bike.

+1! I have yet to find either an OEM or aftermarket seat that fully cured bun burn as well as the Airhawk. I guess I have a boney butt and that is why "I can't get no satisfaction". The down side is it adds to the seat height but it is a tradeoff I can live with.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

+1! I have yet to find either an OEM or aftermarket seat that fully cured bun burn as well as the Airhawk. I guess I have a boney butt and that is why "I can't get no satisfaction". The down side is it adds to the seat height but it is a tradeoff I can live with.

I will purchase an aftermarket when available. I appreciate the Air Hawk, but the need to frequently adjust air pressure is more effort than I care for.

 

[Buckeye56]

Another option is a hunter's cushion that has a foam core similar to a thermorest pad. I used one of these for many years and it works pretty well for less than 20 bucks. I got mine from Wingz Supply. It has an air valve so you can adjust the amount of air volume and with the foam core you do not have to manually reinflate it. Since most have camo covers it may not suit your aesthetic senses but it does work very well.

 

[motocephalic]

the answer!

 

[bonzer2u]

I will purchase an aftermarket when available. I appreciate the Air Hawk, but the need to frequently adjust air pressure is more effort than I care for.

I had an airhawk many years back on a small cruiser that worked great, however the added seat height is the killer for me on my s10, i gotta 30" inseam.......DOH

 

[bonzer2u]

the answer!

Nice, cant argue with that.......richboy. if yah dont mind, what was the savings account damage???????

 

[motocephalic]

Nice, cant argue with that.......richboy. if yah dont mind, what was the savings account damage???????

Really, of all the farkles on this bike, to me the seat is the most important of them all. If I had nothing else, I'd be totally happy. I paid $580.00 for it including shipping. The worse part of it was waiting for 1 month. I hate sending out my pan, but love the results when it comes back.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Really, of all the farkles on this bike, to me the seat is the most important of them all. If I had nothing else, I'd be totally happy. I paid $580.00 for it including shipping. The worse part of it was waiting for 1 month. I hate sending out my pan, but love the results when it comes back.

Clem, is everyone going to need to send a seat pan, or was yours the model for every future one? How about a link to the review. I'm sure you've already covered a lot of it, but for some reason I'm not finding it. Thanks!

 

[motocephalic]

Clem, is everyone going to need to send a seat pan, or was yours the model for every future one? How about a link to the review. I'm sure you've already covered a lot of it, but for some reason I'm not finding it. Thanks!

The way Russell does it, they make your seat exactly to fit you. That means you must submit your seat pan to them. That is the worse part, the pan is gone for about 1 month, and you ride on the frame. I would pick a time you plan on not riding mid Winter.

As far as a review, I have not really done one yet. I really wanted to ride it for about 3K miles first, and that's coming up. The seat sits me about as high as I can reach. I got a 31" inseam, and I am at limit. That said, there is a very comfortable pocket that lets you sit back into it. The seat is made so that I can slide down to the front at lights for in town riding. My feet are much more comfortable on the pegs now as a result of sitting 1.25" higher. The width of the seat is the magic, allowing the wings to support a greater surface area. Great for those that do long days in the saddle. It does not impede me moving anywhere on the saddle because of the "pocket". I got the rectangle pattern as this bike has lots of angles to it, I don't think there is a curve in the bike anywhere except the tank. The seat has no need for a backrest, due to the way it is made, it forces you into a slightly anterior tilt, putting your back in a position that is favorable for long distance riding. A key ergonomic position for a standard bike. I made mine of vinyl, and I have had them for over 5 years, in all kinds of weather, with little wear. (They recommend covering it in heavy rain, and make covers for it, though, I am far too lazy for that.) I cannot imagine using another seat, as Russell has made a perfect seat for me each time. I have not sent one back, but that is always an option after the break in period. I have owned other name brands, and while they are an improvement over stock, not good enough for me. Hence riding the frame is part of the price. ;D

 

[Dirt_Dad]

The way Russell does it, they make your seat exactly to fit you. That means you must submit your seat pan to them. That is the worse part, the pan is gone for about 1 month, and you ride on the frame. I would pick a time you plan on not riding mid Winter.

Hum, I usually ride all winter. Not sure I have enough blue foam to give it up for a month.

Thanks for the update. Gives me something to think about.

 

[motocephalic]

I've got some loaner blue foam for ya. I'll bring it to ironhorse!

 

[Dirt_Dad]

I've got some loaner blue foam for ya. I'll bring it to ironhorse!

Still don't know what's going to happen there. Trying to figure out a family thing that same weekend. I haven't give up on the idea yet, but probably won't know until the date arrives.

 

[colorider]

ColoRod, Yes pls lmk how this works out for you. And All the best/safe on your TX trek. ::012::

Cheers, dean ::001::

ps - I now have on order one of these: http://eglifarm.com/product_info.php/cPath/49/products_id/52/osCsid/b721b817a46eb7bebc56b3dd081fcfee ::26::

Arrived down in Fredericksburg today about noon. Short day today, but yesterday was about 700+ miles. The sheepskin worked VERY well.

::003::