What seat do I have?

[Goldenboys]

Hello, all. I have a new to me 2004 R1150R. I am 6 feet tall with a 34 inch inseam and am not real comfortable after an hour or so due to the distance between pegs and seat. Given that I bought this bike secondhand, I do not know what seat the original owner equipped the bike with. Is there any way to tell by looking? Maybe a part number code printed on bottom or something? Thanks for any help. Loving the bike.

[jcridge]

Take a photo and write down any part number on the bottom, post it here and you should get an answer in short order. The factory seat is good for a 30-32" inseam, so chances are its just a factory standard seat. They did however make a low version as does just about every after-market company that has a listing for the 1150R. There are also a host of custom saddle makers.
I have a 30" inseam and ride with a Sargent ( +1" over factory height) plus Suburban peg lowering kit to keep from cramping on long rides.

John

[NoRRmad]

Just a picture will do. The part number on the bottom isn't even in the parts catalog. I think it's just an internal number by a subcontactor.

[Goldenboys]

Took two pics but having trouble figuring out how to post them is going to take me a while.

[Goldenboys]

I'd say the lowest part of the seat is 3-4 inches below the highest (front ridge) part of the seat. I really tend to think I have the low version.

[Goldenboys]

Here is my first attempt at posting pics:

[Goldenboys]

[NoRRmad]

Well, that's certainly not the tall seat. I'd say the standard (middle) one.

[page62]

Ouch! I would be folded up like an origami doll if I had to sit on that thing. Here's mine, don't know which one it is but it's almost flat...

[Goldenboys]

Yes, I am gonna need some relief.

[Goldenboys]

Anybody got a med or tall seat they'd like to trade for my apparently low seat?

[iowabeakster]

Golden,

Yes, I agree you have the low seat. Page62 has the high seat.

I've got the middle seat (sorry not for trade). But, I've also got a Bill Mayer custom saddle. If you plan on taking some longer trips... do yourself a real favor and spend the money to get an aftermarket seat. I think it is the single best, dollar for dollar, improvement you can do for the bike.

[Goldenboys]

I saw the Bill Mayer website and wondered how good the fit can be without an actual visit to his shop on the other side of the country. Did you simply fill out his order form or did you go to see him in person for a custom fit. The seat is not that much more expensive than the other non-custom offerings so I'd be inclined to go this way. Thanks

[iowabeakster]

I bought my Bill Mayer saddle used. The kind soul that sold it to me offered me the option of trying it out before payment. So, I didn't do the custom fitting thing. Even without it being custom "for me", it is much, much, better than the stocker. The only reasons that I stop riding... have nothing to do with the seat or comfort.

When placing a custom order you would provide: height, weight, inseam, and take pictures of yourself on the bike. I would think that would provide as good of a fit as being present. I would probably make a note that you have the low option currently, and it is way too low.

There is also a Rick Mayer that makes custom saddles also. I've heard nothing but good things about Rick's saddles, too.

[Goldenboys]

So, there are two Mayers? I need to look into this. I figured it was a family business. Thanks for the input.

[Dr. Strangelove]

Bentonville BMW told me that the tall seat, they called it the "rockster" seat, was a very popular option in 2004. I am 5'8" w a 31" inseam and have the tall seat. Even with that I need to stretch my legs or stand in the pegs on long hauls.

yeah, you're prob bent like a pretzel

Maybe in the rockster forum you might find someone to switch? or might have one?

John

[Boxer]

It used to be ONE family business. The father Mayer invented the technology that is now in Russel Day Long saddles. I can't remember if the old man died or just retired but his 2 sons, Rick and Bill each went off on their own to make saddles. Neither could use the original saddle style that the old man invented...He sold it to Russell.

From my understanding and investigations, both Rick and Bill make comparable saddles which are highly praised. The difference being in the individual personalities of the two guys. Bill is generally considered more dependable and easier to work with. Rick on the other hand, has a reputation of being undependable, cantankerous, lacking good customer service practices and probably drinks whiskey, smokes cigars and carouses around rallies with cheap, loose womens while his brother Bill slaves over motorcycle seats in his workshop.

[Goldenboys]

Well, I contacted Bill yesterday (on Sunday, via email no less) and he says he can build my saddle next week. So, I am taking pics tonite and shipping the seat off tomorrow to California. Looking forward to the comfort. Communications thus far have been 100% satisfying. Will update.

[jcridge]

I'm sure you will be happy with any seat you get to replace what you have now, but I have one comment. I had a Rick Mayer seat, Rick was great, no problems in dealing with him. I was happy with my custom seat from him. Until I put a Sargent seat on my bike. Whoa... what a difference from stock. And this is a semi-custom off the shelf seat. Many riders like Sargent, and I happen to be one of them. If you need special considerations then a full custom is the way to go. You can have added material added to raise the seat height over factory, you just need to shove enough towels under your butt and measure the height from the pan! All the saddle guys do a good job, if they didn't would they still be in business? Some just have personality!

Enjoy,
John

[bmwdave52]

Save yourself a lot of looking...get a Russell Day Long. You will never regret it. http://www.day-long.com