There are 4 seat options for the new R LC. Standard, High, Low & Sport. The standard came on my bike and it felt to low and scooped for my style of riding, so I ordered the Sport seat. It is a very comfortable seat and is the highest of the the 4 options at 33.1". The Standard seat is 31.1". In the past, I never got comfortable on the stock 1150 R seat, so I used the Sargent on both the '02 and the '05 models I owned. So far the Sport seat feels great, but my longest ride so far was 4 hours with a 20 min. break. With the 4 options, I don't think you would have to purchase an aftermarket seat. If you order the R, you can get either of the 4 seats as part of the purchase. I couldn't wait, so I had to add on the price of the Sport seat.
BMW describes the Sport seat. "High & narrow for sport riding and also for riders of large stature".
Here are some pics comparing the Sport to Standard. The white stitching is kinda cool.
