So my FJ is my second bike. I really dont want to pay full price for a corbin seat but want one. I see from time to time on ebay for around $100-$200 but funky colors. I have the dark blue FJ that almost looks black with gold accents. I also see covers for the stock seat for around $50-100. Can i just buy the two and have some local install it? Or do they come up often enough that I should jst be patient(which i dont mind).
Just buy the corbin seat. Any color and take it to a local shop. And have them make it any color you want. A stock cover won't work. Well it could be made to work. But it would probably be cheaper and alot better to have them do the whole tbing
Corbin seats show up from time to time. I just bought a cover for a stock seat and installed. The material is not stock and to tell you the truth I really like it. I have had aftermarket seats on other bikes and wasn't to impressed. ALL bike seat suck at some point. Mine is about 150 - 200 miles... Then I get off for fuel and ass rest :)... No panacea. The stock FJ seat is actually a pretty nice seat. Hard core sport bike riders see the FJ as old and clunky but they invariably comment on how they wish they had our FJ seat... Here is the only photo I have on file of mine and it's not a complete view but will give you the idea.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/4/1651_06_12_12_7_37_45.jpeg)
George
Corbin will also recover their own seats.
Quote from: movenon on March 19, 2013, 08:00:18 PM
The stock FJ seat is actually a pretty nice seat.
George
I'm with you George, I have no complaint with the standard seat. As you say, they all suck at some point, but I can do a 1000km day with a lambswool and be pretty comfortable. They are also easy to move around on in the corners.
I'm sure there are better seats out there but there's nothing about mine that makes me want one.
An aftermarket seat is not even on my wish list, and it's a very long list.
A new rear shocker?, now you're talkin'.
I've always found the car seats that make you go "wow" when you first sit in them are never the seats you still want you arse in 20 hrs later.
Noel
I am actually am ok with stock seat too BUT I want more of a pronounced lip where the butt sits like the Corbin so I sit more "into" the seat. Is this something a local foam shop could do?
Quote from: ribbert on March 20, 2013, 04:02:43 AM
Quote from: movenon on March 19, 2013, 08:00:18 PM
The stock FJ seat is actually a pretty nice seat.
George
I'm sure there are better seats out there but there's nothing about mine that makes me want one.
An aftermarket seat is not even on my wish list, and it's a very long list.
Noel
That's exactly how I feel. Especially the "long list" part :good:. Damn, I don't even want to think about it.... Everything was fine in my FJ life until I put that oil filter adapter on, then it all got out of control... Got to do this, well why don't I do this, while its apart lets check this, well if I gone this far I might as well do this,....... Geeez. Then the clean and polish..... "While this is apart I should at least clean this up", "that 20 plus year old factory clear coat is a bit yellow, it's AL. so why don't I just strip and polish it"................ It needs some engine work but hell it will look clean........ :dash1: :dash1:
Yes and upholstery shop can recontour and cover. They do it all the time. The out come varies a lot. Let us know how it turns out. If you buy a used seat make sure the foam is in good shape, the covering is replaceable in a variety of materials and colors. It has been my experience that even upholstery shops have a hard time duplicating the factory quality of the foam. Either it is to hard or to soft etc..
Design note:
There is a reason the bike manufactures put smooth no or minimal seams it the seats. They expect that they will be outside and get wet. When that happens a seat with seams at some point the foam will get wet, not good. If you have seams in your seat (as I do) then my advice is try to keep the seat dry. I plan on making a plastic "shower cap" for my seat to slip over it when caught having to park out in the rain while on the road. Hopefully it will be small enough to pack up it the tail area with the tool kit. Or stuff under the seat. While going to school I worked in an upholstery shop and did a fair amount of upholstery related to street rods and classic cars. "Poverty is a great teacher" :bye: :bye:
George
Quote from: movenon on March 20, 2013, 10:24:00 AM
Design note:
There is a reason the bike manufactures put smooth no or minimal seams it the seats. They expect that they will be outside and get wet. When that happens a seat with seams at some point the foam will get wet, not good. If you have seams in your seat (as I do) then my advice is try to keep the seat dry. I plan on making a plastic "shower cap" for my seat to slip over it when caught having to park out in the rain while on the road. Hopefully it will be small enough to pack up it the tail area with the tool kit. Or stuff under the seat. While going to school I worked in an upholstery shop and did a fair amount of upholstery related to street rods and classic cars. "Poverty is a great teacher" :bye: :bye:
George
If getting new foam, request closed-cell foam. I am sure that is what OEM seats are made with. Minimal water absorption, does not act like a sponge.
You guys that like the stock seat must be crazy... I actually stopped riding my bike when I bought it because I hated that thing so much, just waited for my Corbin. Love my new seat, extremely comfortable. I like seats with firm foam, soft squishy seats don't belong on street bikes...
OK my nit wit brother in law tells me there's an ass for every seat . :rofl2: I had to say that. :sarcastic: I have had stock and over priced aftermarket seats that were good and bad. It's an individual thing. I spent years trying to find the perfect seat and was unable to locate or build one. For me the stock seat on the FJ is pretty good.
George
Quote from: musicman on March 20, 2013, 04:03:01 PM
You guys that like the stock seat must be crazy... I actually stopped riding my bike when I bought it because I hated that thing so much...
You think you hate it now? Try cleaning it with a coat of Armor All, then take a spirited ride!!!
I made that mistake once, a long time ago, before I knew better.
YOW! What a surprise!
(http://goldenfrogpress.com/images/101119/ZippyCard2-240.jpg)
Quote from: Steve_in_Florida on March 20, 2013, 06:44:56 PM
(http://goldenfrogpress.com/images/101119/ZippyCard2-240.jpg)
You had get Zippy involved????
I have two of the older Corbin's, my first Corbin came with the bike along with the stock seat. The stock seat was pristine and perfect. The seat on the bike was a Lady and Gun Fighter seat with the large back rest. I put the stock seat on and it felt like the stock seat from my stock 86 CBR600. Then I switched back and OMFG the Corbin was great!! Some years later I get an older Corbin Solo Gunfighter seat and that was even better. I sold my stock seat as I was not going back, ever....I do like the newer shapes of the Corbin seats so I might have my GF seat upgraded with covering and some added loft for my longer legs. Just thought I might add a Power Ranger opinion to this mix....
The Corbin seat I bought for my FJ was night and day, one of the best things I did for my FJ. Just my opinion, hope this helps.
Kurt
Quote from: FJmonkey on March 20, 2013, 06:59:37 PM
The seat on the bike was a Lady
Unless my FJ was a pink stripe model or I bought an FJR I have a problem with a seat called a "Lady"
Noel
I have had Corbin seats on 2 of my past bikes and on the one I currently own. If you are not use to one, the first impression is that it is way too hard. They will contour to your body and once broken in. Will be a way more pleasant ride than the stock seat. I will never go back to a stock seat.
This is a photo of my 2 Hondas back in the 90's.
(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/aviationfred/Inteceptors.jpg)
Here is a Corbin Gunfighter that has been on eBay for well over a month. It would definitely need to be recovered. I would offer $75.00 and take it to a local upholstry shop.
Fred
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FJ1200-FJ-1200-corbin-Seat-pillion-assy-/321064119196?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4ac0e9ab9c&vxp=mtr (http://www.ebay.com/itm/FJ1200-FJ-1200-corbin-Seat-pillion-assy-/321064119196?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4ac0e9ab9c&vxp=mtr)
(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/aviationfred/T2eC16FHJHIE9nysd9vDBRCpBjB60_57_zps21bb4115.jpg)
Another Corbin believer here.
Corbins on both of my FJs (can't ride more than 2 hours on the stock seat).
First thing I bought for my FZ1 was a Corbin (its stock seat was even worse than the FJ stocker).
DavidR.
Yup. I agree. I've had a lot of "upgrades" done on my FJ but the Corbin seat was one of the best. Put it on my '86 FJ in '95, transferred it to my '92 in '05 and had it recovered locally a few years ago. I actually think it looks better than stock now. Can't beat it for comfort. The stock seat is just too soft and the wrong shape for my fat ass.
Quote from: aviationfred on March 20, 2013, 08:24:00 PM
I have had Corbin seats on 2 of my past bikes and on the one I currently own. If you are not use to one, the first impression is that it is way too hard. They will contour to your body and once broken in. Will be a way more pleasant ride than the stock seat. I will never go back to a stock seat.
This is a photo of my 2 Hondas back in the 90's.
(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/aviationfred/Inteceptors.jpg)
Here is a Corbin Gunfighter that has been on eBay for well over a month. It would definitely need to be recovered. I would offer $75.00 and take it to a local upholstry shop.
Fred
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FJ1200-FJ-1200-corbin-Seat-pillion-assy-/321064119196?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4ac0e9ab9c&vxp=mtr (http://www.ebay.com/itm/FJ1200-FJ-1200-corbin-Seat-pillion-assy-/321064119196?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4ac0e9ab9c&vxp=mtr)
(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/aviationfred/T2eC16FHJHIE9nysd9vDBRCpBjB60_57_zps21bb4115.jpg)
I saw that but mine is an 89. That one specifically said 86-87. Wasnt sure if it mattered
The seats are the same for all years ...... :good2:
Fred
Wow, this is like mentioning oil!
I NEVER said the stock seat was better.
I AGREE there are better seats
It's NOT a case of not knowing what I'm missing.
And, when everything else is done I may well get one.
I simply I don't have enough of an issue with the stock one to make it a priority.
While the other kids poked fun at me at school, my parents assured me that one day my odd shaped arse would be a blessing. It looks like that day arrived with the FJ.
Noel
:hi: I bought a used Corbin saddle from a member on here last year. Its a great upgrade, believe me :good2: It went in to a local('ish) upholstery company for a recover last week and the guy did a great job, infact it was ready in 24 hours!!!
John :drinks:
I got one of each and I wouldn`t put the Corbin on a higher priority than a Air Hawk cushion. The stock keeps my knees a little straighter and the Air Cell even more so. Wifey likes the Corbin Plus Air Cell when we`re two up (Which is generally not a long ride). But then again I can ride all day on the plank seat of my DR650, so maybe I am a hardarse as well as a tight arse! Once ya buy an Air Cell cushion and put the right pressure in it (almost zero for me), ya probly wouldn`t get a Corbin unless it was a steal or it came with a bike ya wanted. IMHO
Guy's the one thing you need to understand is the foam used in a stock seat is nothing more then a piece of foam injected into the mould, which is about as soft as a brick!!!
Go to someone who understands seats, get them to use high density foam make sure they fill all of the crevices and build it up into a block then shape it to your arse cover it with what ever like, Leather etc, ride it for about a 1000 ks then enjoy it.
Last yrs WCR and Colorado the bike I purchased for the rally had a Corbin it was ok but also had an airhawk on it which improved the comfort factor
or if you want a soft plush seat find an original one from an 84 1100 , at least effies original was, compared to the 88/89 ones i have
Well I suppose I should chime in as well, I remember all the talk at the first couple of spring rally's about the wonders of a Corbin seat. I recall laughing at anyone willing to pay for an aftermarket seat ($$$$) and lets face it my FJ looks great with my stock seat. It was fine for me until I began riding more than a couple hundred miles in a day. That's when the pain sets in and you realize there must be better options.
I was able to pick up a used Corbin from one of our Owners who was selling their bike. I was surprised how firm the seat was compared to the stock seat and thought I may have paid for nothing. After making a nice 300 mile loop up to the mountains and back I was convinced I made the right choice. Once you get used to a comfortable seat you wont ever want to be on the stock seat again. JMO
The following Spring I was able to tell Carey and several others I had been totally wrong and I was now a convert to comfort....
Eric M
The whole thing has been discussed over and over but what i think it boils down to is whenever you ride long distances there is always going to be a certain amount of pain involved.
the question is what level of pain !
the stock seat is good but after a 400 mile day the pain increases incrementally till it would be so bad i HAD to get off the bike and walk around.
with the Corbin the pain gets to a certain point then levels off and never gets to the point i HAVE to get off the bike.
KOokaloo!