Have you tried Sargent's "Premium Foam Conversion"?

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seangd
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Have you tried Sargent's "Premium Foam Conversion"?

Post by seangd »

I'm going to get a new seat and I'm debating between the Sargent Premium Foam Conversion and something more custom like a Rick Mayer or Day Long. When I did the search here I couldn't find anyone that had any experience with the Sargent PFC. I really wish they had a full replacement seat, but oh well. I need to be able to eat about 400 miles a day, and the regular R12R seat IS NOT CUTTING IT. If you've had experience with the Sargent, or the other brands mentioned...

Thoughts? Reviews?
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Re: Have you tried Sargent's "Premium Foam Conversion"?

Post by TT RDHS »

I have the Sargent "conversion" seat.
Right away, after getting my "new seat"(Not the "LOW" version), I felt it was pushing me too far forward. I called the folks at Sargent and explained this. They convinced me to try it out for a while longer, to see if it would feel more natural for me after some more miles.
After a couple thousand more miles I realized the foam is excellent, but that the position the seat was putting me in was not right for me. (I am 6'2", and I think the seat designers had a shorter person in mind when they made the seat.)
I called them back again, and explained the situation. They told me to take some photos of the bike with the seat and mark down on the photos what changes I would like done.
I then sent back the seat, I was afraid it would take forever to get it back, but it didn't take long at all.
Now I have a wonderful seat, that I can sit on all day!
They took very good care of me.
I would highly recommend Sargent to anyone.
Brad (TT RDHS)
Last edited by TT RDHS on Wed Feb 23, 2011 1:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Have you tried Sargent's "Premium Foam Conversion"?

Post by deilenberger »

I have a Sargent "low" seat conversion. Unlike Brad I didn't have a positioning problem (I'm short to begin with). The conversion improved the seat. It's not a Russell, but it also isn't ugly, and was WAY less money (there is a discount code floating around here someplace - if they'll still honor it - it saves you about 1/3rd.)

My only quality complaint was they used plain steel staples to put the cover on, and mine are rusting a bit. If you insist they'll borrow the stapler from the marine seat side of the house and put in stainless staples. IMHO - they should be doing this from the get-go.

My seat now has about 30,000 miles on it. It got more comfortable with miles, I guess it gradually assumes your butt shape. The vinyl is showing a bit of shine to it now, but it looks like it will last at least a few more years before it needs recovering.

They do offer a money-back program with the recovering service (with a $40 fee) - they send the old cover and foam back to you. If you hate their seat - they'll reinstall it on the pan for the $40 fee and refund you the rest of the cost of their conversion. Not a bad deal, and one I didn't feel I needed to take advantage of.

Good part about the Sargent - the pan fits since it is the OE pan. Bad part about using the OE pan is they're known to hole themselves on the front hold-down hooks off the frame. I did post a fix for this involving some JB-Weld, aluminum sheet and pop-rivets. So far my fix has held up just fine. A bit of searching will probably turn that up also. Might be worth doing this before the plastic cracks.. you could probably get away with just the JB-Weld/aluminum if you caught it before it breaks.

Any other questions - feel free to ask!
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Re: Have you tried Sargent's "Premium Foam Conversion"?

Post by Chumley »

Good information. I spent some time on the phone with the Sargent folks yesterday and they seem very accommodating.

My questions:
Will the seating position be moved forward on the low seat? I still like to sit back, even though I am short of leg my upper body is more normal in dimension. I got them Asian short legs, need a linebacker? They said no. If I might ask deilenberger if Sargent said the seat they made for huim was a mistake or was it normal, and was this in comparison with the factory seat?

I asked about leather on all surfaces and they said it would be $45 more which seems very fair. This makes it a custom seat and you can no longer return it. Still at the price this may be welll worth the gamble.

Sooo.... is that code still kicking around? I guess I can do a search.

Background:
I have had numerous Corbins which were are all fine but I wanted to try a softer foam this time and my Bill Mayer seat left me with not wanting to deal with Rocky again (attitude and some poor quality). I have not yet heard a bad comment by anyone about Sargent (is that possible?). So Sargent is really appealing to me but a big gamble since my previous opinion is that a custom seat isn't custom unless it's made to fit you personally and that is hard to do without a personal visit. Corbin and Bill Mayer are easy rides for me so that was rather callous, as true as I felt it to be. Now I am like everyone else and at the mercy of a vendor I can't easily ride to.

It sounds like Sargent is worth the risk, no?
I don't know of a break in period for life, I guess I'll just live it like I stole it.
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Re: Have you tried Sargent's "Premium Foam Conversion"?

Post by deilenberger »

Chumley wrote:My questions:
Will the seating position be moved forward on the low seat? I still like to sit back, even though I am short of leg my upper body is more normal in dimension. I got them Asian short legs, need a linebacker? They said no. If I might ask deilenberger if Sargent said the seat they made for huim was a mistake or was it normal, and was this in comparison with the factory seat?
Wasn't a one-off.. it was one of the very first R1R seats they did. It also started out life as a "low" seat (and wasn't quite as low after being done..) although since the pan is the same on low/normal/high seats that shouldn't make any difference - but that's what it's in comparison with. The factory low seat may well have a slightly more forward seating position.
I asked about leather on all surfaces and they said it would be $45 more which seems very fair. This makes it a custom seat and you can no longer return it. Still at the price this may be welll worth the gamble.
Certainly a case of personal preferences - but having had two leathers seat from the original Russell, I wouldn't bother with one again. It isn't like I can actually feel the difference when I have 3-5 layers of material between my skin and the leather (undies, pants, Roadcrafter - which is 2 layers).. The extra care and raincover - no longer needed. Sargent's "Carbon-Fiber look" material looks quite nice and seems to be grippy enough, and wears well. But like I said - personal preference. If you're in CA where it never rains, that could make a difference.
Sooo.... is that code still kicking around? I guess I can do a search.

Background:
I have had numerous Corbins which were are all fine but I wanted to try a softer foam this time and my Bill Mayer seat left me with not wanting to deal with Rocky again (attitude and some poor quality). I have not yet heard a bad comment by anyone about Sargent (is that possible?). So Sargent is really appealing to me but a big gamble since my previous opinion is that a custom seat isn't custom unless it's made to fit you personally and that is hard to do without a personal visit. Corbin and Bill Mayer are easy rides for me so that was rather callous, as true as I felt it to be. Now I am like everyone else and at the mercy of a vendor I can't easily ride to.

It sounds like Sargent is worth the risk, no?
Might be. It was a gamble for me since I did have Sargent redo a K75 Corbin seat and was quite unhappy with the results. After sending it back to them twice, they refused to work on it anymore and told me to "Sell it on ebay.." (which I did..) It looked beautiful, but for me - sat awful. I took the gamble with this one since it DID have a return policy if I hated it. Luckily, I didn't have to use that policy.

One other possibility you might look at - the BMW "Comfort" seat. It's a much nicer seat then the stock ones. It's about equal to the Sargent for comfort, my only grouse is it doesn't allow as much movement of my butt as the Sargent. I have a brand new one (about 20 miles on it..) in a box - I've really got to give it some more use and see how it works out. It's not cheap (around $550 IIRC), but if you hate it, it probably could be sold without a huge loss. It supposed to come on the "Touring" models.. and the new '11 R12R"Classic" at the MC shows was wearing one.

I always throught it was sorta funny they've sold "Comfort" seats - since that makes the stock ones "Uncomfort" seats..
Don Eilenberger - NJ Shore
2012 R1200R - I love this bike!
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Re: Have you tried Sargent's "Premium Foam Conversion"?

Post by ContraMoto »

"I always throught it was sorta funny they've sold "Comfort" seats - since that makes the stock ones "Uncomfort" seats.."

Funny...I thought the same thing! I think the Comfort vs. Regular seat is an example of what I think is a difference (and preference) between a *seat* and a *saddle*.

The R comes stock with a *saddle*. You straddle the bike and a bit of pressure with the thighs is required in turns. You slide forward and back and can move around. Dirt bikes are like this, in the extreme. Race bikes are like this. You sit "over" and "around" a saddle.

Touring bikes come with *seats*. Corbin makes seats, as does Russell and the Mayers. The seating spot is more defined and is flatter. You sit "on" or "in" a seat. It doesn't offer as much moving-around freedom as a saddle, but is pretty nice for long hours in one position (as long as it fits your butt right). The Comfort R seat is a *seat* and that's why it will be more comfortable for longer miles for most riders. It's shaped differently, for a different purpose.

I am one who likes a *saddle* on my bike. The Sargents seem to kinda split the difference, but I've had a Corbin seat and a Rick Mayer seat on a GS and didn't like them at all. I like the stock GS *saddle* better. (The Rick Mayer GS seat that came on my GS is for sale.)

My only gripe with the R saddle is that it's too soft. I think the foam needs to be firmer so that more of my weight sits on the "sitz bones" of my butt, the way a good bicycle seat works. I've done 12 hour days on a very firm (borderline "hard") bicycle saddle without discomfort, but my R is annoying after 2 hours. Softer foam can work on a *seat* but a *saddle* needs to be firm.

Just my dos centavos...
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Re: Have you tried Sargent's "Premium Foam Conversion"?

Post by Rolando33 »

To the original question--Yes, and it rocks!!!! =D> =D> =D> =D>
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Re: Have you tried Sargent's "Premium Foam Conversion"?

Post by lynnboyd »

I have the standard Sargent seat also and really like it. I've done 400-500 miles in a day with no problems. I bought my R1200R in January 2010 and replaced the seat immediately based on information on the forum and the fact that the seat reminded me of the seat on my V-Strom, which was good for about an hour and a half before causing serious aching. Based on Don's advice, I asked Sargent to use SS staples and they were happy to do it. I also got the heated option, which works great, and brings the price to about what the BMW comfort seat is without heat.

I agree with ContraMoto about Sargent splitting the difference between a seat and a saddle. The Sargent is 13.5" at its widest point, which I think might be an inch or so narrower than the BMW comfort seat. If I move to the back of the seat just before the rise, I have the full width, which kind of cradles your butt, but at the front there is more of the saddle effect like the stock seat. There seems to be a slight tendency for the seat to push me forward but not enough to be a problem. I'm 5'10" with a 32" inseam.

Ask for Rudy if you order one - very good guy to deal with.

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Re: Have you tried Sargent's "Premium Foam Conversion"?

Post by AncientMariner »

ContrMoto,

Well put!

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Re: Have you tried Sargent's "Premium Foam Conversion"?

Post by rokinrider »

You farkelers are alright!!!! I have been cruising the web all winter long sweating about WTF I'm gonna do with my seat!!! I have the order form from Sargent and I'm looking for a box now. Good feed back and I love this site, you guys Rock. Good post good info!! =D>

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Re: Have you tried Sargent's "Premium Foam Conversion"?

Post by Chumley »

lynnboyd,

Thanks for that feedback. I see that the Corbin is 12.5" wide and maybe that extra 1" will help. My biggest concern is that you mentioned sliding forward. Did it become better as the foam broke in? I know there is a desired rotation of the hips but my family stuff just hates getting jammed up. Most BMW seats I have owned did that, can you say buched undies?

ContraMoto,

I was not aware of the definition of saddle vs. seat but that is why places like this exist.

It sounds like you have had experience with Corbin but if you actually want a narrower seat with harder foam then they might still be an answer. If you are within riding distance and can do a ride in you can actually dictate the shape of your seat. If you want more convex you can have it, they will do what you want, within reason. Ask for Augusto, he has been around forever. Also, if you buy the seat at Road Rider (San Jose) in advance you get 10%off. Of course watch Corbin's initial quality and be prepared for the depleted uranium weight seat pan (but it's guaranteed for life...). My R1150R had one where I made them shape the passenger seat slightly like a cowell and it was nicely done.


I would almost be willing to spring for the BMW Comfort seat but after thinking that it was going to be included in the "touring package" and it wasn't I'm just spiteful enough not to pay BMW $571 for one now. Besides, no one has them in stock so I am at the same risk for about $100 more (dealer won't return a special order without restocking fee - 20%). I am getting more comfortable ordering a Sargent but think I will call them again with a few more questions.

All reviews here seem to say that the quality of workmanship is very good, that's half the battle.

Thanks Guys.
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Re: Have you tried Sargent's "Premium Foam Conversion"?

Post by lynnboyd »

Chumley,

I have about 6,000 miles on the seat and haven't noticed that the sliding forward problem is any better. As I said, it's not a big problem but definitely there (I can say bunched undies). Also, when I fixed the front seat bracket holes, I made a point of raising the seat as much as possible to minimize that effect and also to get a little more leg room. I would have ordered a high seat if Sargent made one. In any case, the front of my seat is 1/4" - 3/8" higher than stock.

When you call Sargent, you might ask whether they can do anything about the back-to-front tilt.

Lynn
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Re: Have you tried Sargent's "Premium Foam Conversion"?

Post by SDMAX »

I have a 2007 R1200R; bought it with about 5K miles on it; just turned 10k; about 3K miles ago I opted for the BMW "low" comfort seat. Without looking around the forum for the measurements, I know that it is the same height as the standard seat. [e.g. low, standard, high]

It replaced a low standard seat. I like the low comfort seat. First it looks "correct" on the bike. Second, I find that I don't notice seat discomfort. I think it has broken in a little and most of the time I don't think about the seat at all.

If I do think about it, I wonder if I should have gone with the higher "comfort" seat. I know it would have more padding, but I think with the height I have I am where I need to be. I can't flat foot both feet. I can put one or the other foot on the ground by leaning the bike. I had an opportunity to sit on the taller comfort seat and just didn't bother as I asked the guy and he said he had a 34 inch inseam and I am between 29 and 30 inches.

I liked that the dealer said they would take it back if I didn't like it...it was a bunch of money...the $571.00 number sounds right. But, I'd do it again.
I had some aftermarket seat on the used R1100R that preceded the R1200R and it was comfortable but didn't look "correct" on the bike.

As I said, I'm not thinking about the seat too much any more and it seems to work well. I did three rides last week of about 150 miles per each. No issues.

Seat should have come standard on the bike. The prevailing theory seems to be that they put seats on the bikes that are fine on the showroom floor. Narrow for easy reach to the floor etc. Riding a standard seat is a whole different thing.

Low comfort ....yeah that's what I think...
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Re: Have you tried Sargent's "Premium Foam Conversion"?

Post by dicebox »

hi

do any UK owners know if sargent offer the foam conversion in the UK? their UK site has no r1200r seats advertised, and the link to the foam conversion page seems to be US only.

Cheers
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Re: Have you tried Sargent's "Premium Foam Conversion"?

Post by Oaktown »

I've had my regular height Sargent conversion for more than two years and 30K miles. A huge improvement over the stock standard seat. As Don mentioned, the "carbon" cover is getting a shine and mine does not fit as tightly as when new, but I'd guess another two years remain before I'll need to do something. I have not had the "sliding forward" issue, although weighing 240 could have something to do with that. For me, the blend of seat and saddle characteristics is perfect. Highly recommended overall.
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Re: Have you tried Sargent's "Premium Foam Conversion"?

Post by mogu83 »

dicebox wrote:hi
do any UK owners know if sargent offer the foam conversion in the UK? their UK site has no r1200r seats advertised, and the link to the foam conversion page seems to be US only.
Cheers
Most likely the shipping costs and time involved make it too costly in time and money for many people. If your interested shoot (can we still say that) them an e-mail and see what it would cost, their nice guys (IMHO) and will talk to you.
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Sargent vs BMW

Post by jkhomes »

I can get a BMW comfort seat for almost exactly the same price as the Sargent foam conversion. Plus I don't have to ship my existing seat or pay shipping. Any thoughts or comparisons are much appreciated. I have not been able to find any "cons" on this board about the BMW comfort seat, and the Sargent if very popular. At this point I am slightly leaning towards the BMW just because of convenience. Definitely not willing to spring the $ for a Rick Mayer or Corbin.
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Re: Have you tried Sargent's "Premium Foam Conversion"?

Post by rockbottom »

Chumley wrote:I would almost be willing to spring for the BMW Comfort seat but after thinking that it was going to be included in the "touring package" and it wasn't I'm just spiteful enough not to pay BMW $571 for one now.

Thanks Guys.
I was in the exact same boat and found out that the comfort seat was included in the touring "special edition" but not in the regular "touring package." I finally sucked it up and bought one. I'm happy with it. It's probably not as comfortable as a Russell, but is a decent compromise between comfort and looks. I throw an Airhawk on after five hours or so, and can go another five.
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Re: Have you tried Sargent's "Premium Foam Conversion"?

Post by azimuth551 »

I bought this Foam Conversion soon after I purchased my bike and I love it. The more miles I sit on it, the better it is. I can easily do eight hours in the saddle. I don't have too many issues with sliding forward unless I am going down a steep hill, with my wife on the back pushing on me. I had the "standard" height BMW seat and the Sarget is about the same height but much more comfortable and it looks really good.

Brent
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