Adding seat padding

At the request of one of our members, I'll post this little write-up I did a while back about adding padding to my stock seat for my Vstrom 1000. Yeah, I know it's not an XJ but the steps are the same and it's easier then you think!

First, the write up as originally written;

As some of you know, I rode out to the VMD in Ohio last weekend. Before leaving I knew that I had to do something about my seat. I weigh 185 and am in pretty decent shape for reference. My butt aches at about 30 miles and it's painful for any ride past 50. The way I fit on the stock seat puts all of the pressure on my ischiums and creates a miserable condition. I had ridden out to southern Ohio last summer which was 100 miles less each way at 340 miles and my butt burned so badly that I was actually standing on the pegs occasionally while riding...not something I recommend at 80mph.

I didn't have 3-4 weeks time to wait for a Corbin seat so I did a bit of research and made the following mods to me seat. I should have taken pictures but I didn't think about posting this until afterwards so I hope that you'll be able to get the idea of what I did through the following;

First thing was to contact Chris at Beadrider to order a "ultimate" beaded seat cover. We did everything over the phone and since he lives about 50 miles from me, on the way to Ohio, he left it for me under the doormat at his home for me to pickup since I couldn't wait for him to ship it...a class A guy(I stopped at his house, pulled my repadded seat and installed his beaded pad in 2 minutes, then back on with my seat then back out to route 70W). Next, I took my stock seat inside to the kitchen table and removed all of the staples from the front to the rear two thirds of the way back, just about 3 inches past the "hump". The pros will tell you to use a side grinder for best results as a knife just won't work very well. I have a very, very good set of shears which I used with good results. I cut and laid a piece of some 3" closed-cell foam rubber that I had over the front "nose" and "seat" part of the riders section of the seat being careful to match it up the rear section, then I CAREFULLY cut down the "hump" section about 1-1/2" being sure to use a fade cut so it rolled into the new, now equal height foam. I undercut it a tiny bit to allow space for my tailbone to sit without pressure. I used 3M spray adhesive to secure the new foam to the existing. Then after I was satisfied that everything was positioned properly, I pulled the cover back over the foam seat keeping everything in place by sliding my hands under the cover to help guide and "form" it. I pulled the cover taught over the very front of the seat and secured it in place with a couple of Stainless staples. Then I worked from the back and pulled the cover nice and snuggly to each side and secured with staples. I made sure to actually compress to new foam as I pulled the cover over tightly and simply worked my way to the front.
The idea was to partially compress the new foam so it would fill the cover and make it look "tight".

When I was done, you couldn't tell that the seat had been revamped by looking at it...that's how easy it is to do a pro looking job.

The next morning (1:30am) I took off on my trip and had absolutely no seat issues all the way out or back. 450 miles each way and I could have gone a few hundred more! I can move around on the seat without being held into a single position and the New York taxi drivers are really on to something with the beaded seat cover! So for the 55 bucks Chris charged me and the hour of work that I did, I have a very comfortable seat now. I will warn you that the mods added an inch or so to the seat height so @ 6 FT, it's a little more difficult to flatfoot my bike then it used to be.

looking back;
And here my thoughts a year or two later. I should have used better quality padding. It began to "give" after about a year or so and began to feel like the stock seat again. I have since, replaced the padding and the second time, it only took about 25 minutes start to finish!

Don't be afraid of doing it yourself...the key to making it look good is to stretch the cover over the padding then staple it in place...it comes out looking factory but feeling 10 times better!!

jeff

 

Atomic Foam. Check out "foam alterations and upgrades:" http://www.sargentcycle.com/custserv.htm

 

I got a piece of "memory" foam and replaced the top portion of my seat with it. Now that's he answer. It molds to your butt, giving a more even support and so comfortable. I got the foam out of a back support pad I bought at a fleet farms store for $8.

 

That's a good idea, I've just been replacing the foam with new foam cut from the same piece as the original mod was taken from....I'm gonna check that out. I did look at the various pillows and pads at Wallyworld last year but they were all cheap, easily compressed junk.

jeff

 

I'm currently have the atomic foam installed on my seat by Sargents. I should have it back next week and will let you know my impressions.

 

Personally, I love it (Sargent's Atomic foam upgrade.) It may seem a bit stiff at first, but after 3 or 4 hours in the saddle with absolutely no discomfort whatsoever, you'll be sold.

It turned my 550 Seca into an "all day rider."

 

I agree, a good firm saddle will "sink in" ad allow the kind of distances that I enjoy. Putt putting is good during the week but come free time, I like being able to go where ever and not be bound by the comfort of my ride.


I made a bunch of mods after limping home after my first 300 mile ride. Bars, forward pegs, seat, mirrors, aux lghts, radar, crampbuster and one of the most important mods, a box full of ear plugs in the topcase(greatly reduces getting tired)....the works.....now it's nice and comfortable. No more painful butt, knees, wrists, back, headaches or tickets<LOL>!!


jeff

 

The single most important factor in all-day rideability is a seat that allows you the ability to change your position periodically. It really doesn't matter how "comfy" it is, if it pins you in the exact same position you won't be spending 10-hour days in the saddle.

 

Yes, one must move a bit while riding or your other body parts will suffer. With the dished out seat like most cruisers have, this can be a bit of a challenge being stuck in one position. Just being able to move your legs/feet to a different position makes a big difference also and changes your seating positon just a little and keeps your butt from falling to sleep.