Not sure what to do on seats

[chris vickers]

I'm a Trike newbie, Got it a couple of weeks ago. After 60 or so miles I go through a pretty uncomfortable time on the ole hiney (really the butt cheek area)getting sore, also lower back. Its a 89 Model so I'm assuming its the original seat, It has GL on it, can you tell me if its the original or an aftermarket? Anyway I been reading up on seats and there are so many choices, Im 6'1" 240 lbs, recently lost 42 lbs thanks to finding out I'm a diabetic, anyway, after reading some are getting new seats, some get a seat pad and I just found out a guy not too far from me will redo your seat custom to your butt for like $400, whats my best option ya'll think Is this an original seat? if so, being a 89 I would assume it is prolly broke down after all the years of riding

 

[TwoBye]

Yep, looks original; yes, they are uncomfortable; yes sir, there are a bunch of seat alternatives out there and GOOD LUCK trying to find the "right" one for you. I have a '99 GL1500SE and I opted for a Tom Simmons custom made seat. They are expensive but so is my desire for a comfortable ride. I am a happy customer of tscustomseats.com

Good luck and keep us updated!

 

[chris vickers]

Thanks for the reply, Ive read some on Toms seats, One question is here in Texas the heat is BAD, how are those seats in HOT weather. I would assume you would have to have a rain cover in the wetness as well which I know he sells, Does the Cloth not hold the heat too, course I know the leather does

 

[Solidbob]

Tom Simmons seat also, I'm in Texas and ride it year a round.... get the right light colored fabric and it breathes fine, Water is not a problem and he does carry a rain Cover that works... This is actually Caddy Escalade seat fabric... perforated fabric... If you get it wet it dries really quick....

 

[JaysGone]

I cant remember exactly what pad I bought. But its very similar to this one.
http://www.amazon.com/CONFORMAX-CLA...Motorcycle+Gel+Seat+Cushions+for+Honda+GL1800

Edit: I found in my Links the company I bought my pad from but they don't list the exact model I have anymore.
Very similar to this one. I guess its the new and improved model??
http://www.amspecialtiesusa.com/item/MID-SIZE-GEL-PAD-13-IN-IN-WIDE-X-11-L-MSRP-7499-100108

I can take the stock seat for about an hour no more.
With this pad I have ridden for hours and hundreds of miles.
Mine is similar but has a cutout in the rear of it for your tail bone.
Its held on with one strap.
I cant ride without it any distance at all.
With it forever almost.
That said on my Yamaha RoadStar I have an Ultimate seat.
As comfy for me as they come. But for the Gold Wing????
Too much money for me for an unknown.

 

[Ozarkryder]

It's like the joke (paraphrased a bit), "Opinions are like butts, everybody's got one." In this case it is almost true - What may be bottom heaven for one may by torture for another. We had a '95 GL1500 and the stock seat was the latter, tried pads, beads, sheepskin,etc. What made it heaven for us was a Diamond custom seat, made for our weight and measurements in cloth. Cloth is cooler in the heat here in SW MO, we don't get get the soggy bottom we used to get, and Gloria complained about sliding around on the vinyl. It is also warmer and not stiff when it is cold.

Custom made, and some "mass produced custom" like Utopia seats are spendy, but when you find one that fits you it is worth the cost. We liked the Diamond on our former trike we got one on the 1800. Comfortably added many miles to a days ride.

 

[clint44]

What made it heaven for us was a Diamond custom seat, made for our weight and measurements in cloth. Cloth is cooler in the heat here in SW MO, we don't get get the soggy bottom we used to get, and Gloria complained about sliding around on the vinyl. It is also warmer and not stiff when it is cold. Custom made, and some "mass produced custom" like Utopia seats are spendy, but when you find one that fits you it is worth the cost. We liked the Diamond on our former trike we got one on the 1800. Comfortably added many miles to a days ride.
View attachment 29827

I honestly have to say that is one of the nicest looking seats I've ever seen,Don. ThumbUpThumbUp

 

[Ozarkryder]

Thanks, I'll pass that along to the folks art Diamond Custom Seats. The picture misses some of the detail - the light lines are, according to my wife, coral and teal. Looks good with the color of the trike.

Had a thought for the GL1800 folks - The passenger backrest on the 1800 forces the passenger to lean back as it is wider at the bottom. I've seen a cushion that is triangle shaped, about 2" wider at the top and lets the passenger set up straighter, more like the 1500. Many seatmakers offer a replacement backrest that is narrower at the bottom - passenger sits in a more comfortable position and has a but more room. Most seatmakers and modifiers will sell the passenger backrest for those that are OK with the stock seat but the co-rider may not be. Lots of folks add a pilots backrest, too.

 

[gctrikeguy]

I have a Tom Simmons seat on my 2010 GL1800. It took a little bit to break it in; however, now I can ride on it all day without any problems. Would strongly recommend it to anyone.

 

[chris vickers]

I have a Tom Simmons seat on my 2010 GL1800. It took a little bit to break it in; however, now I can ride on it all day without any problems. Would strongly recommend it to anyone.

What type of and time frame for break in do they recommend

 

[Retired Army]

My wife and I ride the Russell product with each being custom built for the individual rider. We had to send a picture of us on the trike and our weight and leg length. The main draw back being an oem seat pan have to be sent, he does not stock seat pans and it does keep the cost down for a quality product and you will know it will fit your machine.

http://www.day-long.com/ I suggest purchasing a used seat and send it so you can continue to ride while waiting. Me and the wife highly recommend this seat.

 

[chris vickers]

View attachment 30715

My wife and I ride the Russell product with each being custom built for the individual rider. We had to send a picture of us on the trike and our weight and leg length. The main draw back being an oem seat pan have to be sent, he does not stock seat pans and it does keep the cost down for a quality product and you will know it will fit your machine.
http://www.day-long.com/ I suggest purchasing a used seat and send it so you can continue to ride while waiting. Me and the wife highly recommend this seat.

I ended up buying a Tom Simmons seat, I sent him my seat and he ended up bringing mine back to me, We have about 1200 miles on it as of now and it is the bomb .No pain what so ever so we are super pleased. We did the same with Tim as far as sending photos, numerous measurements as well as many phone conversations.

 

[michael2480]

Nice looking seat. I'm sure you will enjoy it, I know we do ours. Much better than stock. Tom does good work and will take care of you if you have any issues.

 

[wiredgeorge]

I can ride on the stock GL1800 saddle all day long, 3 out of 4 days. On that odd day, it kills my tail bone after riding for a few hours. I have had a couple of Gl1800s and it is the same story. Never get a sore back and don't need a backrest as the stock seat provides enough support. I have a quality sheepskin cover and when it is on, I seldom get a sore tail bone. Not sure why... and it is a lot more comfortable in the heat or cold. If it rains, you had best geet the rain cover on the seat FAST as it is a mess and takes awhile to dry if soaked.

 

[RBS66]

i honestly have to say that is one of the nicest looking seats i've ever seen,don. Thumbupthumbup

i have to agreee

- - - Updated - - -

http://www.airhawk.net/airhawk-r.aspx

You can also try one of these. I had one on my can am spyder. Comes with a nice warranty if you don't like it. A little advice the less air the better. Makes it more comfortable with less air.

 

[schiel1]

Thanks for the reply, Ive read some on Toms seats, One question is here in Texas the heat is BAD, how are those seats in HOT weather. I would assume you would have to have a rain cover in the wetness as well which I know he sells, Does the Cloth not hold the heat too, course I know the leather does

I'm in Florida and I use the "beaded seat cover". I find it greatly reduces your butt from sweating and irritation. $21.99 each. In a moment of desperation during a vacation trip a few years ago, I purchased at Wally World a black shag type toilet seat cover. Worked pretty good as a barrier between me and the seat.
http://wingstuff.com/products/22902...seat-cover?context=wingstuff-gold_wing_gl1800

 

[driver10]

Put your butt on a Tom Simmons seat and enjoy yourself. epper:epper:epper:

 

[chris vickers]

Put your butt on a Tom Simmons seat and enjoy yourself. epper:epper:epper:

I did brother, no regrets, Nothing but happy butts around here now

 

[Chazzman]

I have owned 3 Diamond seats and they are the best seats I have ever owned. I made all my purchases over the phone with Mark. He specializes in Goldwings. With a few pictures, height and weight of my wife and I along with him knowing about my L4-L5 deteriated disc he has built 3 perfect seats for Us. When I purchased the trike she insisted I order a diamond seat. i have the diamond pattern vinyl instead of the cloth. Same on all three. I am sure there are other good quality seats out there, just remember you will get what you pay for and the top quality seats are not cheap but worth every penny.

 

[Trail Blazer]

Tom Simmons seat

hi. I am another happy camper on my tom simmons seat. the honda seat just don't make it. the longest we have road toms seat was 13 1/2 hr. some parts of my old body needed a rest but not my butt. best seat I have ever had.