Here is a link to pictures of a versys in the R&D phase at Corbin. They e-mailed me back and said it should be on the market in a few weeks. Sure hope they address the sliding forward issue. My boys will be grateful.:clap:
http://www.corbin.com/news/

That's good news, the Kawasaki "gel" seat wasn't that great I had one and sold it quickly, and put the stock one back on.

That should make for a better ride.

I've had a few different corbin saddles on previous bikes. Very high quality. They actually go ride their prototypes. I love bike products, made by bike riders.

This is great news. Kind of curious to see what the price tag will be, The kawa gel seat price is just not realistic.
Had a Corbin on my previous KLR and loved it!

OOOOOOOOOOO! I have to have it!

I will guess at 400 USD.

I mentioned in the e-mail to them that "I will buy instantly!" Hope that motivates them. I would say Paladin is pretty close on price.

I just sent my seat off to Spencer in Florida for modifications and to also add the Flex Gel to it. He did wonders for my ST1300 seat, and I expect him to improve the V's seat too. I have that problem too, with sliding to far forward and in an email sent to him, he said that is common. I will report back week after next, but for $75, I am going to see if he can improve this seat like he did on the ST1300.

Just fyi, his web site is www.greatdaytoride.com

David

I just sent my seat off to Spencer in Florida for modifications and to also add the Flex Gel to it. He did wonders for my ST1300 seat, and I expect him to improve the V's seat too. I have that problem too, with sliding to far forward and in an email sent to him, he said that is common. I will report back week after next, but for $75, I am going to see if he can improve this seat like he did on the ST1300.

Just fyi, his web site is www.greatdaytoride.com

David

Checekd out their website, they sound pretty good. Let us know the outcome and how the seat feels after the mods. If the vercit is good, might send mine this winter.

the only part of the bike that is not up to snuff

Checekd out their website, they sound pretty good. Let us know the outcome and how the seat feels after the mods. If the vercit is good, might send mine this winter.


I'm interested in the results myself. If good, mine is on it's way to him...

the only part of the bike that is not up to snuff

Versatility is an understatement. Love to tell you all about my trip last month . 5300 k. To the smokey mountains Deals gap, onto Helen, Georgia. 7 guy,s 1050 tiger, vfr, 1098 ducati, 2 1200 gs,s . 1250 bandit And of course the cream of the crop, my 07 versys. Love riding computer skills hm-------. maybe more later.

Versatility is an understatement. Love to tell you all about my trip last month . 5300 k. To the smokey mountains Deals gap, onto Helen, Georgia. 7 guy,s 1050 tiger, vfr, 1098 ducati, 2 1200 gs,s . 1250 bandit And of course the cream of the crop, my 07 versys. Love riding computer skills hm-------. maybe more later.

sounds like a fun trip....taking mine to the gap next month...can't wait

Here is a link to pictures of a versys in the R&D phase at Corbin. They e-mailed me back and said it should be on the market in a few weeks. Sure hope they address the sliding forward issue. My boys will be grateful.:clap:
http://www.corbin.com/news/

I hate my seat. I love the bike. But I hate the seat. The longer I use it the more I hate it. The other day I was riding on my folded up rain jacket stuck under a sheepskin cover. It gave me an hint of how much more comfortable I'll be at the proper ride height, although of course as cushioning it was too heinous to leave there. Oh please let the Corbin be a reality!! Checked the site, it's not listed in new products yet...

Here is a link to another thread about the upcoming Corbin saddle. Some actual pics of the prototype, sent to me by Corbin. Looks like what were all looking for. http://forums.kawasakiversys.com/showthread.php?t=498

The seat is good for about 4 or 5 hours to me. Right now I'm returning from a 1,500 mile trip and that slope forward is aggravating. I did a mod that made the slope less but I see it is not enough.

ST, I may very well have my seat done by Spencer.

Thanks for the site.

Will this new seat add any more room for you sit scoot back a bit? AT 6'3" I wish I had an extra two inches to move my ass backward.

From the pictures it looks like it might add something but not sure.

After a long wait the Corbin saddle is online. It looks as though they have addressed the sliding issue and as all Corbin saddle there is an option of a backrest. Looks like it could be worth the $439 they are asking for it.

linky!

http://www.corbin.com/kawasaki/kvrs8cds.shtml

Ouf! Am I the only one who is not thrilled with the looks?

I agree to be honest, but that looks like its all leather and Corbin does work with other materials and colors upon request. As far as I am concerned I bought a Versys for the functionality, not the looks, so I would buy a more comfortable saddle for the same reason.

I agree^^^^ but the leather with the lines just doesnt seem to fit the bike. Maybe without the stitching, or perhaps in a different material I would like it.

Same here, the shape looks very well thought and confortable but it looks like it was taken off a 1975 Honda and would make the Versys look like an old bike.

I was wondering about getting the seat without all of that stitching as well (looks too cruiser-ish)?

it looks like it was taken off a 1975 Honda

:exactly:

no thank you ....

it does look like a old Honda seat . IMO they are mixing up the look

Ouf! Am I the only one who is not thrilled with the looks?

You're not the only one, but I ordered mine anyway! :yeahsmile:

Alex, when you get your lets us know how it feels. I'm sure it will follow suit with most Corbin's hard and firm until broken in. Has anybody contacted Corbin to see if it can be done sans stitching (I ask as if it has been out for more than a day)?

I don't think it looks too bad. It looks comfortable. Looks like a man might even be able to slide back a little...

I think I will wait.

Ordering as we speak. It's funny how everyone is concerned with the looks, yet we'll put huge aluminum side cases that are very functional, yet ugly as sin. I bought my V to ride, not to care what it looks like to someone else. As long as my twigs and 2 berries are happy, it can look like it came off an old Honda step through 50.

Alex, when you get your lets us know how it feels. I'm sure it will follow suit with most Corbin's hard and firm until broken in. Has anybody contacted Corbin to see if it can be done sans stitching (I ask as if it has been out for more than a day)?

Actually as part of my order I asked if it could be made without the stitched patterns. I'll report back as soon as I get a response from them.

As far as Corbin's being firm, this will be my 4th Corbin seat on 4 different bikes. I find the firmness more comfortable than any other seats I've tried, including a Russell DayLong that I tried on the Trophy--although to be fair I bought that one used so it wasn't custom made for me.

Alex

linky!

http://www.corbin.com/kawasaki/kvrs8cds.shtml

This seat looks like the banana seat I had on a Murray bicycle as a kid in the seventies. All it needs is a long white pole and a flag. At least this time you won't have to put a baseball card in the spokes to make it sound like a motorcycle.

I'm not sold on the "looks" either..........i'll wait until someone gets one, and see what the opinions on the comfort, seat height etc. are.

This seat looks like the banana seat I had on a Murray bicycle as a kid in the seventies. All it needs is a long white pole and a flag. At least this time you won't have to put a baseball card in the spokes to make it sound like a motorcycle.

:funnypost:

Ah yes, the banana seat and the slick rear tire. Slide contests to see who could lay the longest darkie. And then on day I inherited my brother's Raleigh Chopper and suddenly was above all that dross...

My brother had a blue Raleigh and come to think about it, the Corbin looks a lot like it. You know what they say about things coming back in style.
:funnypost:

Ah yes, the banana seat and the slick rear tire. Slide contests to see who could lay the longest darkie. And then on day I inherited my brother's Raleigh Chopper and suddenly was above all that dross...

I guess this realy dates myself, but I remember mr Raliegh Chopper back in the day. What a concept a five speed chopper bike with a suspension. Jumps were fun then. :D

What were really cool and very rare were the "Apple crates" by schwinn.
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://bp2.blogger.com/_yVamCRS-UUs/RotJoTsMy8I/AAAAAAAAASY/1f8ZYM5xJ4s/s400/schwinn_apple.JPG&imgrefurl=http://redsaffron.blogspot.com/2007/07/july-4th-fireworks-bikes.html&h=266&w=400&sz=35&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=U9aduUfAZQjtpM:&tbnh=82&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dapple%2Bcrates%2Bschwinn%26um%3D1%26h l%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN

What were really cool and very rare were the "Apple crates" by schwinn.

Very cool.

My Raleigh Chopper had a cable-actuated "groin-catching" three-speed stick-shift mounted on the frame. There was a little clear window that showed the gear it was in. Didn't know they made a five-speed. That would have been fun.

As with so many other things, there apparently is an owner's club: http://www.rcoc.co.uk/

BTW...got an answer from Corbin. You can order the seat without the stitching. So...I ordered. Won't get it for a month or so, as they are making them custom per order for a while til they get the initial influx of orders filled. I know one thing...no more having to stop every 100 miles to un-numb my butt. lol

Stone, Please post a pic of your seat sans stitching when you get it. I am really into the idea of the saddle and might get the stitching in it just to be different, but I wanna see what it looks like without it before I go that route.

Versatility is an understatement. Love to tell you all about my trip last month . 5300 k. To the smokey mountains Deals gap, onto Helen, Georgia. 7 guy,s 1050 tiger, vfr, 1098 ducati, 2 1200 gs,s . 1250 bandit And of course the cream of the crop, my 07 versys. Love riding computer skills hm-------. maybe more later.

Iwould love to hear more about your trip and how the V did
around the big guns. I hope I havent messed up this thread
I am trying to figure how to respond.
dmc51

Oxifer, I'll for sure post a pic. I never really thought the stitching looked that bad in the first place. At this point, looks mean nothing. All I care is about comfort on the road.

I just sent my seat off to Spencer in Florida for modifications and to also add the Flex Gel to it. He did wonders for my ST1300 seat, and I expect him to improve the V's seat too. I have that problem too, with sliding to far forward and in an email sent to him, he said that is common. I will report back week after next, but for $75, I am going to see if he can improve this seat like he did on the ST1300.

Just fyi, his web site is www.greatdaytoride.com

David

Any update on how the seat mod worked out? I too am looking at trying something different but balk at $400.

Thanks,

Zeniac

BTW...got an answer from Corbin. You can order the seat without the stitching. So...I ordered. Won't get it for a month or so, as they are making them custom per order for a while til they get the initial influx of orders filled. I know one thing...no more having to stop every 100 miles to un-numb my butt. lol

I don't understand, I just spoke to them about my seat, and they told me they had to make it with the stitching. They said it had something to do with a change in glues that the EPA forced on them, so they needed the stitching in the seating area to ensure adhesion. :huh:

Whatever, I'll probably still be putting my trusty old sheepskin pad on it anyway, so it won't be visible! I hope whatever this glue change was doesn't result in less durable seats though. Definitely remain curious to see what you get--mine's due to to ship the 21st. :yeahsmile:

Alex

Hello, I am a new member. I have put 3000 miles on my Versys and love it. I added the Give luggage and am about to order a hugger and a fender extender. I agree with most people that the only true "flaw" this machine has is the sloping seat. I was as excited as anyone to see the annoucement that Corbin was offering a seat, and as shocked as anyone that they created such a retro-looking piece for such a modern-looking bike. I wonder if Corbin has a staff counselor?

I hope everyone will share all new information regarding appearance/finishing options for the Corbin Seat.

So we got to see a close up shot of the Sargent saddle, any news from you guys that have ordered from Corbin?

True to what AlexDz says, they don't prefer to make the seat without the stitching. However, the guy I talked to said they would do it but the cover (leather) might seperate from foam. I thought about it, but I want it to last, so I ordered it with the stitching. The more I look at it, the more I like it anyway. Besides the stitching creates a channel for air to circulate. A cool ass is a happy one.
BTW...My ship date is 8/9/08.

Has anyone purchased the corbin seat? And if so how is it working out? It looks like a really nice seat. I really need to give my butt a break!

I have 2000 miles on my Versys that I bought in November of 2007. I couldn't wait any longer so I shopped around for a custom seat place to replace the stock seat. Sent my seat off to www.ceebaileys.com/seats/seatservmain.html. They have a questionnaire that you fill out with your measurments and build a seat from that. I was a little nervous about doing that but I figured that would be better than spending the same amount of money for a generic seat designed for everyman. I received the seat last week and have put about 300 miles on it and am very satisfied (no more sliding forward). The turn around time was about 3 weeks, Virginia to California and the shipping cost $66.00 so in all it cost about $100.00 more than the stock gel seat and $66.00 more than the Corbin minus their shipping charges. I got just standard marine grade black vinyl but they offer many choices. Check out the pictures.

That looks nice. Only thing i wonder is if the passenger pad is sloped too far forward.

When I was ordering the seat I told the guys the comfort of the passenger was of no concern because I rarely have one, however I did have my daughter sit on it and she said it was more comfortable than the stock seat. Will have to take her out for an extended ride to tell for sure.

Any update on how the seat mod worked out? I too am looking at trying something different but balk at $400.

Thanks,

Zeniac

I forgot to post an update after I got the seat back from Spencer and now have just over 600 miles on it. I had two main problems with the seat before I sent it off. It seemed like the crotch area and inside of my thighs would start getting uncomfortable after about 15 minutes. It definitely improved this. In the big butt area, it improved some, I think partly to the upgraded long distance gel added. The other problem I seem to have is the back of butt, were it presses up against the front of the pillion area, that little lip where it starts up on to the rear seat. Part of this is just beacause of long legs and my sitting postition, presses me back against it. I am not sure much would help that problem, short of taking that out of the mold.

Overall, in my opinion, I think it was worth the $75 + shipping costs. I can tell a difference, but it's not as comfortable as my ST1300 seat, which is a completely different animal anyway.

For the cost, I think it would be interesting to see what others with the modification think. I had ask him if he had done work on a Versys before I sent it off to him and he said yes, that Kawasaki gave him a good seat pan to work with, so there must be others out there who have tried it.

David

I also had the spencer seat done. He said it was best not to mess with the back of the seat. He was wrong. I went crazy last week and took the seat apart and pulled the rear piece out and went to town. I shaved off the hump and rounded the front and tapered it down. Now my butt fits in the seat nicely. Way better. So if anybody sends the seat off tell him to mess with the back peice.

I specifically told CeeBaileys that I didn't want the hump because I wanted to be able to slide back as far as possible. There is still a small hump there but not as pronounced as the original. I took my daughter out for a ride yesterday and she liked the seat better than the stock one, however I did notice that she was right there at my back which was uncomfortable as it was 90 degrees out and my back got hot.

Just placed order for the Corbin seat, will report on ride when I get it and put some real miles on.

:thumb:Has anyone bought one of these seats? I looked at the Corbin site and they looked like they addressed the tilt in the seat which is my biggest complaint. Really liked the looks of it also. I am trying to decide if I want to go with the corbin or the sargent saddle. Price difference is not that big but I really don't want to send my seat in as you have to do with the sargent. I also don't want to pay 439.00 for a seat unless it really is a more comfortable seat. Much more comfortable. Not that that would take much. I love the bike but when you have that noassatall affliction like I do a 100 mile trip can get uncomfortable. I really would like to hear from anyone who has either seat and get there feedback on them. If you have either seat and have ridden on them for a while please give me your feed back. Thankyou!

I've only got 78 miles on my VerSys, and my berries hate this seat. I'll be ordering the Corbin in the morning. I switched to a Mustang 2-piece saddle on my Road King and that lets me ride 500 mile days. My beemer has the stock banana seat and even THAT is more comfortable than my spankin new VerSys. The price becomes much less painful than the alternative.

:thumb:Has anyone bought one of these seats?

I've been wondering the same thing. The other thing that I have wondered about is custom seat development in Europe/Canada where they had the V long before we did. Were any alternatives available there? If there was, I would love to be able to make the comparison to the Corbin.

Ed

I've been wondering the same thing. The other thing that I have wondered about is custom seat development in Europe/Canada where they had the V long before we did. Were any alternatives available there? If there was, I would love to be able to make the comparison to the Corbin.

Ed

I love love love the look of the Bagster seat (available in Europe with only 1 distributer here in the states)...I had considered getting one for my old Ninja 650 as I just happen to have a sister who lives in Paris...but with the sad state of the US dollar, it just wasn't feasible. I also hadn't heard much from those overseas as to the comfort of the seat...so if there's anyone here from across the pond who's owned a Bagster, please let me know what you thought of it!

Wow...
That Bagster seat is absolutely gorgeous!
Any idea how much it costs? (Euro, Dollar, etc... doesn't matter)
There isn't any pricing info on their website :(

Thinking about maybe going with Spencer, too...
Any more feedback from his work? Anyone?

Well, here it is. Pretty nice looking and solidly built (might be a few pounds more than stock). Goin' for a ride to try it out. I'll follow up with a ride review later on tonight.

How long after your order did it take? Mine is being built hopefully and will be here soon! Looks great!

It was supposed to be shipped on 8/08/08. Came today! woohoo!! roughly a month, give or take.

Hey! There's no embroidery on the seat! It looks good.

Ed:thumb:

Did you ask for no stitching on the seat? Or did it just come that way?
That looks great!

Nice...daddy is going to have to have one...

yeah thats sweet ... If I start feeling the monkey butt I 'll look into getting one

I asked them to leave off the stitching.
Just got back from a 40 mile ride. It is everything we hoped it would be. No sliding forward (my boys are thankful), about an inch or 2 room to slide back. It is firm, but well contoured to my behind. So, given the GIVI windscreen, Kaoko throttle lock and the new seat, I'm sitting here on google earth, trying to decide where my next trip is going to be to. The possibilities (farther away) just got more numerous. Woohoo! I REALLY love this bike now!

It was supposed to be shipped on 8/08/08. Came today! woohoo!! roughly a month, give or take.

Dayum! Where's mine??? Are you out west?

about an inch or 2 room to slide back.
Looks great Stoned GP. What is your height/inseam?

Ok here is a huge favor to ask, and remember we all bought he same bike so freaks alike we be........ Can you take a few bikes of the seats next to each other you know for the perspective point of view? I had a Corbin on my HD, a Mustang on my previour to that HD HD, and the a Sargent on my ST 1300 (which was replaced by the Versys). I have to say that the Corbin looks chunky but with no compare etc it could be me... I will say though as that Corbin broke in it was very very sweet to ride on!

I'm 5,11" with a 34 inseam. I think it's about a 1/2 inch or so lower than stock. Also, keep in mind that the top panels (what you sit on) are actual leather. So when I wash it I'll put a plastic bag over seat. I also ordered the saddle conditioner (cream), and put 2 coats on. BTW..AlexDz...I'm in Ann Arbor, MI.

I love love love the look of the Bagster seat (available in Europe with only 1 distributer here in the states)

I was looking at the Kawasaki UK website and lo and behold, I noticed that the tall gel seat offered for the V has more than a passing resemblance to the Bagster seat.
http://www.kawasaki.co.uk/product.asp?Id=340445DF773&Sub=5&SId=3404AF5ABBC

I've read in some posting that Kawasaki will start importing the seats in Sept 08. Maybe I will wait.

Ed

I've read in some posting that Kawasaki will start importing the seats in Sept 08. Maybe I will wait.

Ed

OOOOO! I think I may wait a while longer! I like that!

I want one too, hopefully the US $ will be a little better than the $500+ that the converted $ exchange.

Hey StonedGP!
I'm in Burton just about an hour away! Got my bike Saturday and have only managed to put 200 miles on it. I'm still waiting for my freakin owners manual from the dealer! I just got off Corbins' website (ordered the new saddle.) Keep us posted on the comfort level.

- S

I was looking at the Kawasaki UK website and lo and behold, I noticed that the tall gel seat offered for the V has more than a passing resemblance to the Bagster seat.
http://www.kawasaki.co.uk/product.asp?Id=340445DF773&Sub=5&SId=3404AF5ABBC

I've read in some posting that Kawasaki will start importing the seats in Sept 08. Maybe I will wait.

Ed

Oh, that'd be sweeeeet! When I first saw the gel low seat for the Versys, I did a double take as it also has a few things in common with the Bagster seat.

When I looked at the Bagster for the Ninja 650, I want to say that, with the current state of the US$, the seat would have been around $500...and that didn't include a way to actually get it to me. ;)

I hope the rumors are true!

Steve08, here is a link to a pdf copy of the service manual. Very handy. http://rapidshare.com/files/14466166/versys_manual.pdf

we'll have to meet up for a burger and a frosty one some day.

Ordered the Corbin. Got a response from order department today. 4 to 5 weeks delivery time. The more I ride it, the more I like the bike, and dislike the seat. It's actually OK in the city, because I stop, kinda stand up for a sec, then ride off. Monday I did about 100 miles and after 35 straight, it was crunch berrries, and it sucked. I actually slid all the way back up onto the passenger seat to get relief. (I'm about 6'1" so this really wasn't a stretch.)

You hold out about the same length of time as I do. While rideing in the city and stopping. I can go for a while. But when riding straight time after about 35 miles it starts getting rough.
I have also tried the sitting on the passengers seat and also laying down like a crotch rocket. Helps only slightly.

I've found that wearing athletic compression shorts on rides helps the monkey butt.

Yeah the undergarments make a big diff on the long rides. I switched to a synthetic boxer brief for longer rides because it doesn't have a seam right at the bottom of the buttock. I found them at an outdoor store (REI) under the brand "ExOfficio." Seamless bicycle shorts work well also. The synthetic fabric wicks the moisture and doesn't have seams in poor locations like regular briefs. Even the best saddle will have you squirming with the wrong underwear.

I bought a pair of compression bicycle shorts with moisture wicking fabric and a padded crotch area with no seams. Went on a 90 mile ride today in 100 degree humid weather and was fairly comfortable. The right underwear will make a bad seat tolerable and and good seat better.