BigFatBoomer
Guest
Russell
Well my Russell saddle arrived in time for our South of France holiday on the GTR1000. (I am STILL waiting for this "deal" on the 1150GSA).
Cost me about £400 all up for a custom built saddle with extra suspension for my 25+Stone (I know, I'm on a diet!) and the GF's 17+Stone (and so is she).
After 3,000 miles I can honestly say that it was worth every penny and then some. After 220 miles in the saddle we stop for petrol, have a ciggie, and then we get back on for another 220 miles. No drama, no aches, nothing. Previously with the stock GTR saddle I got "fidget-bum" after about 100 miles and the GF just plain hated the pillion perch.
If/When the deal happens I will be acquiring a spare GSA saddle and shipping it to Russell http://www.day-long.com to work their magic on.
Click on the Gallery to see some examples of their saddles.
Negatives (I'm being really picky here!)
-Well, because of the bigger area (it's a tractor seat shape) you get a sweaty bum when it's hot out but since there are no pressure points it's just warm, no itches or burns.
-The saddle is about 2" taller than stock but if you specify no height increase of even a decrease they can accomodate that. I wanted the extra 2" (FnarrFnarr).
-The saddle tends to make me sit more upright but I'm told that fades with use. If I lived near Northern California I'd be tempted to get it modified a little but it's not a big deal.
-Since the saddle is now so comfy you start to notice the other aches and pains that set in over longer runs. Getting old sux!
-Climbing out of the saddle when I'm in BANZAI mode needs some thought due to the shape. Since the GTR has very restricted lean angle (it's a tourer) I just don't bother but on a GS this would have to be a consideration if yer a scratching tosser.
-You will need a spare saddle or bike. Mine took about 2 months to be built and delivered. Not riding while waiting for it to arrive would have killed me, the GF and probably demolished the house too. LOL
Positives
-I could now easily do 1000+ miles per day and given enough sleep (I'm no IBA loonie
) I could do the same the next day.
-With the current £-$ exchange rate they are a bargain. Mine cost that much because I had the heavyweight suspension in both front and rear. Shipping is £100 of that £400.
Well my Russell saddle arrived in time for our South of France holiday on the GTR1000. (I am STILL waiting for this "deal" on the 1150GSA).
Cost me about £400 all up for a custom built saddle with extra suspension for my 25+Stone (I know, I'm on a diet!) and the GF's 17+Stone (and so is she).
After 3,000 miles I can honestly say that it was worth every penny and then some. After 220 miles in the saddle we stop for petrol, have a ciggie, and then we get back on for another 220 miles. No drama, no aches, nothing. Previously with the stock GTR saddle I got "fidget-bum" after about 100 miles and the GF just plain hated the pillion perch.
If/When the deal happens I will be acquiring a spare GSA saddle and shipping it to Russell http://www.day-long.com to work their magic on.
Click on the Gallery to see some examples of their saddles.
Negatives (I'm being really picky here!)
-Well, because of the bigger area (it's a tractor seat shape) you get a sweaty bum when it's hot out but since there are no pressure points it's just warm, no itches or burns.
-The saddle is about 2" taller than stock but if you specify no height increase of even a decrease they can accomodate that. I wanted the extra 2" (FnarrFnarr).
-The saddle tends to make me sit more upright but I'm told that fades with use. If I lived near Northern California I'd be tempted to get it modified a little but it's not a big deal.
-Since the saddle is now so comfy you start to notice the other aches and pains that set in over longer runs. Getting old sux!
-Climbing out of the saddle when I'm in BANZAI mode needs some thought due to the shape. Since the GTR has very restricted lean angle (it's a tourer) I just don't bother but on a GS this would have to be a consideration if yer a scratching tosser.
-You will need a spare saddle or bike. Mine took about 2 months to be built and delivered. Not riding while waiting for it to arrive would have killed me, the GF and probably demolished the house too. LOL
Positives
-I could now easily do 1000+ miles per day and given enough sleep (I'm no IBA loonie
) I could do the same the next day.-With the current £-$ exchange rate they are a bargain. Mine cost that much because I had the heavyweight suspension in both front and rear. Shipping is £100 of that £400.
