Corbin seat - about to pull the trigger

[r12r-don]

Just came back from a ride this Saturday. Not only is the SO soar as can be, now I'm finding the seat unbearable too.
I've had it and about ready to drop some coin to give my bum a comfy place to sit while I enjoy the roads on my favorite moto.

I've been battling with this decision for a while, watching this forum and scouring the web.
I've read how several folks aren't too thrilled with Corbin's customer service but have also heard kudos to the product itself for other bikes.

I'm heavily leaning towards the Corbin seat. Basically there are two major factors pushing me towards Corbin:

1 - they are the ONLY ones that offer a back rest that does not require the luggage rack.
I am confirming that this also applies to the R1200R seat as the picture is a bit mis-leading.

2 - they also offer a full seat complete with seat pan as opposed to others who haven't gotten there yet.

I would appreciate any thoughts or experiences anyone is willing to share before I go ahead and do this.
Also, I'm leaning towards the black carbon fiber leather if anyone has feedback on this as well.

Any thoughts or info would be greatly appreciated.

---Don

[deilenberger]

Don,

My only thought is - once you get it I'm inviting you down to the NJ shore some weekend so I can try it out.. :-)

Good luck with it!

[mickyt]

Go for it Ron,
I gave up and had my standard height seat reworked locally for $300, it turned out ok and I'd estimate the height is now between a low and a standard seat, with better foam, which suits me better. It feels more like sitting in than sitting on the bike if you know what I mean. So it's not so low as to need peg lowering and the bars are at a more comfortable reach. But please let us know how you go with the Corbin,
Regards Mick

[celticus]

The luggage rack is a very practical item for your bike . I wouldn't be without mine.

Mark

[eisen]

I bought a Corbin seat for my '07 R12RT

Customer service, shipment, fit & finish were all great.
I also read about all the bad service clients received from Corbin, but i was completely satisfied with my purchase.

I have already ordered a Corbin seat (with color-coded glovebox backrest) for my R12R. Should arrive in a couple of weeks...
Not that i really need one - as i am quite comfy on the standard high seat. But i like to have the choice, plus the S/O may find it comfy as well.

Originally, i was going to buy a Sargent seat - but they ultimately decided not to bother with the R12R pan. Their loss, as far as i'm concerned.

Anyway, even if you don't like it - you can always sell it on e-bay and recoup some of your $$'s.

E

[famousperson]

Eisen,

Please post pictures and a report. There's a lot of doubt surrounding the Corbin.

[r12r-don]

I will most definitely post a running commentary to share my Corbin experience and then ultimately pictures.
My first concern was that that seat does not come flush with the rear of the bike as the stock seat does. However, this is probably the major contributing factor to SO issues.

I'll keep you all posted. It is the least I can do considering how much you've all shared with me.

---Don

[eisen]

Here are some pics of my RT with the heated corbin seats:
(comments at the end)








1) My experience with Corbin was excellent. Exactly what i expect when i spend upwards of $1500
2) Seats were heavy duty, well made and had that 'lovely' smell of new quality leather
3) They were a bit hard - BUT i never had the chance to properly break them in as i just could not get along with the RT itself.
4) Seat heating was as stated. Kept my tush toasty warm
5) Fitting the Corbin was a challenge at first, but as soon as i learnt how to click them into place, it was a breeze.

Looking forward to getting the new seat for the R12R

[r12r-don]

...

1) My experience with Corbin was excellent. Exactly what i expect when i spend upwards of $1500
2) Seats were heavy duty, well made and had that 'lovely' smell of new quality leather
3) They were a bit hard - BUT i never had the chance to properly break them in as i just could not get along with the RT itself.
4) Seat heating was as stated. Kept my tush toasty warm
5) Fitting the Corbin was a challenge at first, but as soon as i learnt how to click them into place, it was a breeze.

Looking forward to getting the new seat for the R12R

This is awesome feedback. The best I've heard since I started looking into this. Definitely gives me a bit of confidence moving forward.
Thank you.

[r12r-don]

I just got off the phone with Corbin.
They confirmed that the back rest for the R1200R is independent of the luggage rack and can be ordered (separately).

At this time they do not have any seats in stock so regardless of the material requested it is a 4 week turn around time.

Just going to ponder this tonight and probably pull the trigger tomorrow.

...to be continued...

[celticus]

That back rest sounds like something to consider for the wife.
Mark

[Radar in oz]

Go for it Ron,
I gave up and had my standard height seat reworked locally for $300, it turned out ok and I'd estimate the height is now between a low and a standard seat, with better foam, which suits me better. It feels more like sitting in than sitting on the bike if you know what I mean. So it's not so low as to need peg lowering and the bars are at a more comfortable reach. But please let us know how you go with the Corbin,
Regards Mick

Can you tell us who did your seat? Do you have any photos? A mate who has had seats redone for his K1200R and Valkyrie has recommended John Moorehouse in Qld. to me. I would like to get the pillion section improved, I am happy with the rider's part as is. My SO currently uses an airhawk cushion on the pillion seat which is OK for a few hours, then I start hearing complaints.

Cheers
Radar

[mickyt]

Hi Radar
I have met John and that is where I should have gone with mine but I went to a local marine upholster at Noosa near home. I knew John's brother years ago, he raced bikes and was killed in a tragic accident at Bathurst. Lots of my mates have had seats done by John and I would recommend you send him your seat. This is my first BMW and when I called in on John earlier this year on the way to the Gold Coast he told me he's done plenty of BM seats.
Regards Mick

[Radar in oz]

Thanks Mick,

I'll send my seat to John.

Regards
Radar

[NCGS]

The link for those who'd like to see pictures.

http://www.corbin.com:80/bmw/bmwr12r7.shtml

[lewellen]

The Corbin seat is supposed to be - from what I infer from their website - somewhere between the BMW "low" and standard seat height.

For me, if anything I want something a little higher than the standard, to help relax the thigh-calf angle. (Would rather not lower the pegs and reduce ground clearance...)

The Corbin is $439, I think; BMW lists their "comfort" seats as $361 (http://www.bmw-riders-gear.com/BMWRA_pr ... plo=&bphi=) as either "low double" or "high" style.

Just a data point; in this case, Corbin's price doesn't seem too far out of line.

Good roads,

- Lewellen

[r12r-don]

I pulled the trigger and ordered it today.
Corbin estimates no more than 5 weeks to my doorstep. Now I wait.
I went with black carbon fiber leather with black carbon fiber vinyl sides and black stitching. No piping or other colors. I wanted to look as stock as possible.
Corbin recommended the stitching as it helps prolong the life of the seat. Far be it from me to go against manufacturer recommendation.

I am holding off on the backrest just simply to spread out the purchase, but I will definitely be getting it for the SO. Corbin advised that the material used may not be an exact match but definitely will be damn close depending on when I order the backrest and if they get a batch of material from a different supplier. I didn't think that was a problem as when I'm alone I won't have it on and when I use it, someone will be in front of it.

If you do order the seat DEFINITELY ASK FOR THE BACKREST HARDWARE as their website instructs. Regardless if you ever want a backrest. It helps with resale of bike and/or seat and if you ever change your mind. Hardware CANNOT be added after the seat is made.

I will most definitely be posting pictures when it arrives for all of you to check out. I may even have a seat break-in party. Everyone can come try out my seat and help me break it in....hahahahahhaha.

Now I wait....
and wait.....
....nope, still not here.....
.....

[OlyVR]

The Corbin seat is supposed to be - from what I infer from their website - somewhere between the BMW "low" and standard seat height.

You can request to have the seat made to stock height - I did.
Again, I haven't received it yet, but will keep you guys posted...

[deilenberger]

I emailed them using the webform on their website - asking how much higher it was than the low seat.. no answer yet. If I ever get an answer I'll pass it on..

[OlyVR]

I emailed them using the webform on their website - asking how much higher it was than the low seat.. no answer yet. If I ever get an answer I'll pass it on..

Don,

Didn't you have the comparison between the stock, low and high seat - or do I remember that incorrectly?

In case it helps, the Corbin seat is 1/2 lower than the stock seat.
I wonder how much of a difference that really makes, as the stock foam compresses quite a bit, whereas the Corbin seats I've had have not compressed a lot. So I think in a real world situation the Corbin will offer a similar ride height as the stocker.
I asked for 1/2 inch additional padding as I wanted it a bit higher to get more leg room without affecting CoG etc too much.