Help Required from fellow Short Arses

[Dal]

A bit of back ground. I'm 5' 8" and have a 28" inside leg and I ride a 2008 GSA with ESA.

The height of the bike was a problem to begin with but I've now got used to it.
What I can't get used to however is the seat.

I know there are many many threads and posts regarding the hard seats but if your 6 foot something you remedy will be different to mine.

So to the short people what works for you?

Here are a few of my options.

Firstly I'm going to try bar risers, the thinking behind this being I'm getting a bit of an ache across my shoulders on rides around 200 odd miles, so I'm hoping this will cure this particular problem but it may also help with the aching arse as it will alter what part of my backside the pressure is on (at least thats the logic the practise may be something else altogether.

I could buy a Sargent Seat but not sure thats the best way to go as I like the colouring of my bike and Seat and the cost of the seat will not be kind to my pocket.

Another option is to send the seat to someone like Tony Archer to re-profile and fit a Gel pad, not sure I'm keen on someone cutting up my seat.

I could buy an Air Hawk, these are raved about and I'm sure would be a possible solution, the problem for us shorties is that is will take us even further off the ground so probably not a viable option.

Another possible cure (although again not viable) it to raise the front of the seat to the higher setting.

I could buy a second seat and either send it away to be modified or possibly modify it myself.

I have a sheepskin on order and although not the best looking option, its not permanent and is reasonably cheap.

So what has and hasn't worked for you?

Pictures would also help.

TIA Darren

 

[solidstate100]

I think the wisdom on here might be to swap the GSA seat for a standard GS seat as they have a different/lower contour - apparently rather more comfortable and a bit lower.

Im certainly gonna try this option

 

[Dal]

I think the wisdom on here might be to swap the GSA seat for a standard GS seat as they have a different/lower contour - apparently rather more comfortable and a bit lower.

Im certainly gonna try this option

The only problem with that is you end up with a plain black seat. One aspect I like about the GSA is the two tone seat. A friend of mine has loaned me his BMW low seat which to be honest I don't like. Partly because its plain black but also because its shaped like a horses saddle and you sit in rather than on it.

 

[the director]

You need to push on through the 200 mile mark!

 

[solidstate100]

The only problem with that is you end up with a plain black seat. One aspect I like about the GSA is the two tone seat. A friend of mine has loaned me his BMW low seat which to be honest I don't like. Partly because its plain black but also because its shaped like a horses saddle and you sit in rather than on it.

Yep but beware as the low seat is a different kettle of fish than the standard seat (and is not as comfortable) - If the looks are important you could maybe have it recovered - possibly with the cover off the GSA seat?

 

[Dal]

You need to push on through the 200 mile mark!

but if my arse can't take it then I will not be very good company and as me and my mates are doing a trip around Normandy next week I'd sooner try something else

 

[Dal]

Yep but beware as the low seat is a different kettle of fish than the standard seat (and is not as comfortable) - If the looks are important you could maybe have it recovered - possibly with the cover off the GSA seat?

Its an option but my issue isn't really with the height of the seat its more to do with how it feels. The first 100 miles or so its really comfy, its just as the mileage creeps up and that mileage is not done it one go

I've even read it might be down to what you wear. For example I wear lined shorts under my Rev'it Sand trousers and some have suggested the problem might be there. Others have said they get the same problem when they wear textile trousers but not when they wear Leathers.

 

[Gossy]

Yep but beware as the low seat is a different kettle of fish than the standard seat (and is not as comfortable) - If the looks are important you could maybe have it recovered - possibly with the cover off the GSA seat?

I had a BMW low seat on my 09 GS, it worked for height purposes but...like said above you sit in it, I just got used to it as the seat its self stayed firm.

Ive now got a 11 GSA and went for a tourtech low seat, also 2 tone so it doesnt stand out, its marginally more comfortable than my original GS one, as its flatter, so I'll just get used to this one as well.

Its all cash I'm afraid, even the daytona M Star boots give another 20mm so start saving!

 

[george]

moan moan

Trade it in and use the car

 

[Deleted account Cooperman]

Get this guy to meet you at the hotel

 

[Pukmeister]

He wants a comfortable seat, not his arse rubbing by a rent boy.

 

[sidestand]

Touratech Kahedo extra low seat

Fairly har, but very well designed - and you could also stick in a gel insert for added comfort

http://www.touratech.com/shops/008/product_info.php?cPath=3_42_337&products_id=5072

 

[AdamA]

Seems you've answered your own question. You want a standard look, so send the standard seat off to Tony Archer for re-profiling....

I have a standard height sargent, on the high setting and its as low, if not lower than the standard seat on low. I highly rec it.

Im same height as you and have an inch longer leg...

 

[Big Nick]

I don't think height has anything to do with it as I'm 6'1 and also find the seat uncomfortable.

As Adam says, if you want it to look standard your only option is to get the standard one modified with a gel pad or harder foam.

An airhawk would be difficult if you have a short leg length as you do sit slightly higher up, I use one but only for long distance motorway slogs as its a bit intrusive for the twisties.

 

[Dal]

Trade it in and use the car

I appreciate your input

 

[Dal]

Seems you've answered your own question. You want a standard look, so send the standard seat off to Tony Archer for re-profiling....

Your probably right, but I wanted to get other riders input before I decided on a course of action. has anyone got any pictures of a seat thats been modified by Tony Archer.

 

[iandavid]

On my 1200GS I swapped the OEM BMW low seat for the Touratech Kahedo low seat and it solved all my arse ache problems. Note: it's the Touratech Kahedo low seat NOT the extra low. I tried the extra low and there is virtually no padding and it felt like sitting on wood.. Their low seat is the same height as the OEM low seat. Changed the pillion seat at the same time and this has a slightly raised front which now stops SWIMBO sliding forward going down hill.