More Corbin Seat Questions

5612 Views 14 Replies 12 Participants Last post by turbo05, Dec 8, 2005

Pirate

Discussion Starter · Oct 19, 2005

OK.. Doing my pre-purchase research.. Today I'm looking at the Corbin seat and Smuggler.. obviossly the whole package is insanely over-priced but... that aspect is secondary if I get what I want... but after looking at the pics on their website.. I am now very concerned about another aspect... The seat itself. Would like opinions from some K1200S Corbin seat owners//

I like the factory seat as it's thin up front and you can move around very easily on it.. easy to hang off.. plenty of room to move..fore and aft.. I can actually sit flat-footed with the stocker on the bike. For a short guy like me.. that's usually unheard of and confidence inspiring.

The Corbin looks like it locks you into place like a GoldWing...with that big stop at the back.. It also looks much wider which would be great for long distance touring, but horrible for corner carving.. Some of you FAST riders out there...Please tell me I'm wrong as I really want that Smuggler... If my butt is gonna be locked in.. that would be a deal breaker..

Last issue.. How is the height on it when compared with the lowish factory seat??

All opinions welcome...

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1 - 15 of 15 Posts

Razel

· #2 · Oct 19, 2005

Ya know, those oval chrome pieces with the rectangular black centers are switches for the heated seat. Just offering that as a clue to the nature of the seat...I'm betting more tour than sport.

zombiewolf

· #3 · Oct 19, 2005

Jerry, you hit the nail on the head regarding bodysteering and that's why I've held off on this as well. I love the design, looks and functionality of this saddle but am hard-pressed to give up performance because of it. BTW, I'm 5'8" on a good day, ride hard, toured on this thing 600 mile days and have zero complaints with the stock seat. Anyone offering feedback on this issue please?

mconrad

· #4 · Oct 19, 2005

I am upgrading the seat to the Kon Tour. Better materials but keeps the general shape of the stock seat. The Corbin seat is hard - at least the two I had on my Harleys were anyway. The only thing I like about the Corbin seat is the ability to add a backrest, which is handy for securing a t-bag or other luggage.

mark5lam

· #5 · Oct 19, 2005

Re:

Pirate said:
I like the factory seat as it's thin up front and you can move around very easily on it.. easy to hang off.. plenty of room to move..fore and aft.. I can actually sit flat-footed with the stocker on the bike. For a short guy like me.. that's usually unheard of and confidence inspiring.

The Corbin looks like it locks you into place like a GoldWing...with that big stop at the back.. It also looks much wider which would be great for long distance touring, but horrible for corner carving.. Some of you FAST riders out there...Please tell me I'm wrong as I really want that Smuggler... If my butt is gonna be locked in.. that would be a deal breaker..

All opinions welcome...

I would share the same concerns but I don't have any experience with the Corbin. It looks promising but I know I do like the stock seat just fine. I only wish we could find a way to rig up a nice clean looking, easily removable, backrest for the few times my wife or kids want to go for a ride. I know Pirate gave it a shot but wasn't able to develop something he felt was up to standard. If money was of no concern, I'm sure we have enough smart minds here to engineer something that fits the bill. Of course, cost is always a concern.

Pirate

Discussion Starter · #6 · Oct 19, 2005

Comfort??!! Mongo don't need no stinkin comfort..

I should have added... Comfort is the LAST thing on my mind.. All I care about it is

A. A backrest for Amber..

B. The Smuggler (which I believe completes the look of the bike and kinda takes the rear visual focus away from that abomination of a taillight)

However.. If I can't slide from side to side as easily as the stock seat.. I won't buy it...

Appreciate the reples so far.. Hope a few more chime in...

Gary

· #7 · Oct 19, 2005

Looking at the Corbin photos the biggest concern I would have is the rather sharp 90 degree looking edges on the sides compared to the more rounded appearance of the the stock S seat.

Why don't you call Corbin and see if they can modify a seat to your liking. Maybe even go down to their factory for a day and have it molded to your exact butt standards.

If you're going to drop the coin might as well make it perfect if they will work with you.

sfarson

· #8 · Oct 19, 2005

I've had Corbin Smugglers on the R1100S and XX Blackbird. Both were easy to hang a cheek over and slide around. The seat picture above does look a little more deep dished than the Smugglers on the S or XX, but from some other angles at the Corbin website, it still looks like a seat one can slide around on. Actually I can't think of a sporting ride I've owned, regardless of the bike or make of the seat, that I couldn't slide around on.

dbw

· #9 · Oct 19, 2005

backrest

Wonder if a backrest could be built to fit into where the rear grab rails are located?

bhaynnes

· #10 · Oct 19, 2005

the answer

Pirate said:
I should have added... Comfort is the LAST thing on my mind.. All I care about it is

A. A backrest for Amber..

B. The Smuggler (which I believe completes the look of the bike and kinda takes the rear visual focus away from that abomination of a taillight)

However.. If I can't slide from side to side as easily as the stock seat.. I won't buy it...

Appreciate the reples so far.. Hope a few more chime in...

Obviously, the answer is to keep the stock seat for those single rider canyon carving days and get a seat like that for when the missus is on the back.

mark5lam

· #11 · Oct 19, 2005

Re:

bhaynnes said:
Obviously, the answer is to keep the stock seat for those single rider canyon carving days and get a seat like that for when the missus is on the back.

Problem is, I think you have to install some brackets under the seat to get the Corbin to mount correctly. Those brackets would have to be removed to get the stock seat back on so basically, swaping seats at will would be a pain in the arse. No pun intended...

logoguy

· #12 · Oct 20, 2005

I love this seat

Hey Jerry - I'm the guy who bought your Fiamme horns and sent you the installation pix. I got the Corbin seat and love it. Maybe I don't hang off far enough but the thing is as soon as you slide forward a bit the big butt-cup on the Corbin disengages and you can slide as far over as you want without feeling or being restricted by any edges - it feels just like the stock seat. But when you want to settle down and cruise you just push back a bit and the thing just cradles you. And if you want it modified the guys at Corbin are great. i was there today for a slight adjustment and they are just super. Bring a book though, they aren't all that fast.

jpalamaro

· #13 · Oct 21, 2005

Without getting personal, what are your dimensions. The Corbin seat looks great and I like the comments you made about its dual-functionality. Here in FL canyon carving areas are somewhat limited and I would be more inclined towards a cruising seat with some options such as moving forward for more aggressive riding.

Pirate

Discussion Starter · #14 · Oct 21, 2005

That's good to know Sir logoguy Maybe I'll just order it.. try it (when I get the bike) and then have them modify it if necessary. I'll have to get one for the backrest anyway...

logoguy said:
Hey Jerry - I'm the guy who bought your Fiamme horns and sent you the installation pix. I got the Corbin seat and love it. Maybe I don't hang off far enough but the thing is as soon as you slide forward a bit the big butt-cup on the Corbin disengages and you can slide as far over as you want without feeling or being restricted by any edges - it feels just like the stock seat. But when you want to settle down and cruise you just push back a bit and the thing just cradles you. And if you want it modified the guys at Corbin are great. i was there today for a slight adjustment and they are just super. Bring a book though, they aren't all that fast.

turbo05

· #15 · Dec 8, 2005

corbin

You do seem to sit a bit lower and it molds better to your bottom. The only complaint is that I seem to slide around a bit more when getting aggressive. It was overpriced, but the only way my old lady would get on the bike was with a sissy bar.

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