I have come in possession of a tall seat for the Roadster for a trial run with option to purchase from a friend of mine. The purpose for me is to give my old knees some room. I can still flat foot the bike with the tall seat (good) and it definately tapers more quickly than the stock seat, with a narrower front, helping the straddle width and ground reach (good).
But I have noticed the increased taper also reduce the width of "butt" portion of the seat. While the same width at the rear, it tapers quickly, perhaps leaving portions of some of the bigger rear ends unsupported on the sides. (bad?) I unfortunately, fall into that group. Anyone notice a problem with this on a tall or "comfort" seat.
I will probably have to decide on the seat before getting a chance for an all day ride to really test it out. Any experience would be helpful. If the height works but the butt doesn't, I can always use the old seat to send off for a custom saddle! If I ever get the $$.
'02 in black - the real BMW color! (Now gone to a new home)
Vann - Lifer No. 295
Rode the new Rockster - with its Tall seat - up the Left Coast this past weekend, about 900 slab miles. Tall seat wasn't bad! Got some butt & leg cramping at end of ride Saturday (8+ hours in the saddle), and added my beloved AirHawk set pad mid-way through Sunday.
Will swap for my Sargent seat for comparison soon.
Will also swap for Corbin double seat (with passenger seat-back) when riding with daughter.
Overall ergonomics differ a bit between Roadster and Rockster, so not sure which option will be most comfortable overall. The Sargent has been best for me on Roadster.
I have no butt, according to my wife. I am boney. The tall seat plus Alaska Leather sheepskin pad is what works best for me. However, I do think I slide into the tank more than with just a plain, regular seat.
The tall seat is just about perfect for me and I have, shall we say, a medium rear end. I tried the high model but that was very uncomfortable as the sides of the saddle had a chamfer that cut into my thighs. The tall seat has a little more spread, front and back, which is supportive without restricting me from putting my feet flat on the ground.
I probably will move to a Sargent at some point in the future but for now, the tall seat is fine. Hope this feedback helps.
Marcus
2006 Multistrada 1000s DS
1999 SV650 for track use only
However, I do think I slide into the tank more than with just a plain, regular seat.
Bob - I have a concern about that also. It appears that I will "perch" more on the narrower tall seat than the cupped standard. I worry about having a "nut cracker" moment in the event of a sudden stop.
I am going to test ride it once or twice and decide, but fair market value is about 1/3 the way to a new Sargent, so it may pay to wait. Might try the Air Hawk or Alaskan Butt pad for some extra height on trips.
'02 in black - the real BMW color! (Now gone to a new home)
Vann - Lifer No. 295
the low seat was more of a nutcracker for me. seems like all the rocksters at bob's have the low seat, so the one i test drove had it. i was very happy the one i got at roman's had the correct tall seat! i think i am going to try adding a sheepskin before shelling out for a sargent. i spent too much money on my new exhaust already!
I didnt like the tall seat either. I didnt like how it was narrow, and I'm not sure if they all are like this, but I found the material/foam to be harder.
I'm not sure which seat I have. I think it's 800mm which may be the middle size now. I found it to be wider as well as taller and nearly flat. I don't know what you guys are talking about sliding forward. That's one of the reasons I have this seat; the low stock seat slid me into the tank all the time. I don't personally think my seat makes that much difference in knee comfort, and it compromises my reach to the ground a bit. I'm thinking of buying a standard (low) just to try for while. Cheap, hopefully.
I tried the tall seat too; it didn't work well for me either. I ended up going for a sargent seat which seems to work well for my bottom. On real long days (600+ miles), I also wear moutain biking shorts.
when I recently picked up my used rockster it had the low seat on it. I couldn't get on with this at all at 5'9'' (but used to big trailies) - too cramped and poor ergos in relation to the Rockster bars. I was planning aftermarket everything - pegs, seat, bars and risers. But tried a used tall seat from a breakers and it worked straight away for me and I won't be changing anything else (might try a screen for touring). Horses for courses I s'pose.
Thanks for the replies. Like I suspected, one's man boon, the other man's bust. I will not decide without a test ride but with winter making a comeback this week, it may be a while before I get to try it out. If I don't buy it, I will let you know and how to contact the owner to buy it.
'02 in black - the real BMW color! (Now gone to a new home)
Vann - Lifer No. 295
I have a tall seat for sale in for sale. I found the seat to be comphy but a longer reach to bars and legs to ground was a little uncomfortable for me, I am 6', 30" inseem, tall torso. This is an ergo problem for me on most bikes. I'm trying a low seat, now my legs are a little cramped, I shoulda kept the stock seat. I would be willing to swap a tall for stock. I'll keep the low for now.
Anyone notice a problem with this on a tall or "comfort" seat. 
