New Russell Seat

[irhawk]

Well I bit the bullet and bought a Russell Seat w/ driver backrest.  Just arrived.  Very nice.  It's too cold to ride here in Iowa so I'll have to wait until the spring to try it out.  I've had 2 other Russell seats and really like them.  I've also had corbin (too hard for my bony derriere) and Sargeant seats.  Russells are the best IMHO but  a bit pricey.  Like the saying goes, you get what you pay for!

Cheers.

I don't know if this is the right way to post photos here.  I just copied the link from photobucket.  Hope it works.

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah266/Mark_Pedersen/valkyrie_zpsdmpzsnju.jpg

[idcrewdawg]

Aesthetically, the Corbin looks better for sure. At least I think so. What's the strap for at the rear wheel?

[hubcapsc]

[hubcapsc]

I'd love to get a Russell seat... they say they can attach the backrest hardware to "most" driver
seat pans, I don't know if they can do it to the flimsy little seat pan on the new Valkyrie...
I would only go for a Russell if I could get the comfort + the ability to run solo...

The Corbin seat is very comfortable, but kind of hard after a while... I think I'm getting used
to it and the hardness is less of an issue...



-Mike

[irhawk]

Thanks for the tip.  I added a smiley face to the end of the url. I'll try again.

[Skinhead]

[bscrive]

Well, I was set on sending my seat to Russell to get done next month, but now I am a little hesitant to do so.  I am not a fan of the look of that seat.  The seat lines do not flow nicely.  The back seat is very thick, and I do not know how they would be able to incorporate my Utopia backrest with it.  The Utopia bar to attach the backrest to does not stick up that far.  The seats do look comfy, and I may have to weigh function over looks.  What really bothers me is the look of the seat after the driver seating area.  There is a huge void that I do not like.  I sit all the way back on my seat, so this may change the look of the Russell seat.  I am looking at @ $1200 CAD to get mine done, and I am worried now that I may not like the look.  I will have to do some thinking on this.

irhawk, do you sit close to the tank?  What is your inseam?  Mine is 32"

[hungryeye]

I had my Riders section only done at Mean City Cycles local to me in NC. The seat looks stock, they redid the cushion and removed some cushion (hollowed out)  in the tailbone area. It was a nice improvement for $165, they have a website and do mail order. I don't like the dish the Mayer people use, (Russel was once Mayer I believe) I think they work well for long legs and slim but, that ain't me.

Most of these seat guys are raping us, you can do a ride in and wait 1-2 hrs to redo a seat. There may be 40 $$ +- in material and $300+- in labor. A few years ago I was going to have a P/U seat recovered, price was $350. Go Figger. I know a seat guy in Gilbert AZ, his shop has been in his house in a spare bedroom since 1952 (in several different houses)! His prices are also reasonable.

[dans2014]

  How do I get ahold of the AZ seat dude?  Thanks

[hungryeye]

Last time I had Don do a seat for my 2012 NC700X was about 3 years ago. He is 80ish years old but you wouldn't know it. His Daughter helps him and will take over if he ever gets old. You have to call to make sure he will be home when you drop off, turn around 1-7 day. If this number isn't working, check with just about any M/C dealer in the Valley, Apache Honda, Buddy Stubs HD, North Valley Honda. Don is one of the nicest people you will ever meet.

Don Hendrickson, Motorcycle Seat Shop Gilbert Az. 480-839-2735

[Kidd]

Did you go from a Honda 700 to a Valkyrie ?

I am riding a   BMW R1200R   and thinking of buying another ( I have had 2 ) Valk,, a  2014.

Man , the weight difference is what I am a little afraid of

Kidd in Sedona

Last time I had Don do a seat for my 2012 NC700X was about 3 years ago. He is 80ish years old but you wouldn't know it. His Daughter helps him and will take over if he ever gets old. You have to call to make sure he will be home when you drop off, turn around 1-7 day. If this number isn't working, check with just about any M/C dealer in the Valley, Apache Honda, Buddy Stubs HD, North Valley Honda. Don is one of the nicest people you will ever meet.

Don Hendrickson, Motorcycle Seat Shop Gilbert Az. 480-839-2735

[hungryeye]

I have owned more than 100 M/C's since 1968, I have an interest in all brands,  along with the NC700 I had an R1200ST, I have owned several R1150's, R1100, K750, K1100, 2005 R1200RT, 2012 R1200RT, every gen of Goldwings including a 1500 Valk and 1800. 27 HD's including a home brewed by me 74 Shovel head chopper, a built from scratch by me 47 Servi-car to original spec with parts from all over the country. Too many to go on.

But back to what you asked, I have damaged nerves in my neck, I like to keep a light weight bike around to cater to my weakness in hands, knees and feet from the nerve crap. Last spring I sat on a Valk and was shocked to find out it felt lighter than my 2013 Bonneville, I think due to low seat and low COG. I was so happy to get on a big bike again. I also have an 09 Super Glide that also feels heavier than the Valk.  Go sit on one down at Goaz (Go Daddy) in Scottsdale, BMW and Honda right there, You can jump from bike to bike over there and get a good feel. They also do road tests!

[Kidd]

Been there . go az ,   , I did sit on a Valk  and lifted it upright  and it reminded me  of may last Valk .
Did  not  try another bike to see the difference   , although , a few years ago , I did try a Kawasaki cruiser and could not believe how light it was to get upright  , incredibly easy , just saying .

There's a boat load of Valks on Craigs list   for around $6K with low miles  , having a hard time justifying
a new 2014 for $10.500  plus ttl  .

Have you had the chance to go from a older Valk to a newer one in the same day  ??
 

[TallRider]

Russell custmizes the seat to the rider and that seat looks like it was set up for someone who may be short or small in stature. I am 6'4. My seat for the VTX was somewhat different in design. It does look strange and seems to have moved the saddle forward for the rider in this picture. Not seen in any post of their seats on the web sit. Does look unusual for a typical Russell. None of the seats displayed have that filler between the front and back seat like yours. Just wondering. They had me send them a side view of me on the bike when doing mine.

[irhawk]

Aesthetically, the Corbin looks better for sure. At least I think so. What's the strap for at the rear wheel?

I agree that the Corbin looks better.  But I like The feel of the Russell better. The Corbin is too hard for my skinny butt.  Also I don't like the Corbin backrest.  My Russell backrest swivels to accommodate whatever lean angle I prefer. The Corbin backrest I used to have was in a fixed position and dug into my back.

I use the strap to secure my camera bag.

Mark

[irhawk]

Well, I was set on sending my seat to Russell to get done next month, but now I am a little hesitant to do so.  I am not a fan of the look of that seat.  The seat lines do not flow nicely.  The back seat is very thick, and I do not know how they would be able to incorporate my Utopia backrest with it.  The Utopia bar to attach the backrest to does not stick up that far.  The seats do look comfy, and I may have to weigh function over looks.  What really bothers me is the look of the seat after the driver seating area.  There is a huge void that I do not like.  I sit all the way back on my seat, so this may change the look of the Russell seat.  I am looking at @ $1200 CAD to get mine done, and I am worried now that I may not like the look.  I will have to do some thinking on this.

irhawk, do you sit close to the tank?  What is your inseam?  Mine is 32"

I do sit fairly close to rhe tank and my inseam is only 30".  I think they position the backrest based on the seating position on the photo you send them.  I have no idea if the utopia backrest would be compatible with the seat.  They would probably tell you if you call.

Mark

[irhawk]

Russell custmizes the seat to the rider and that seat looks like it was set up for someone who may be short or small in stature. I am 6'4. My seat for the VTX was somewhat different in design. It does look strange and seems to have moved the saddle forward for the rider in this picture. Not seen in any post of their seats on the web sit. Does look unusual for a typical Russell. None of the seats displayed have that filler between the front and back seat like yours. Just wondering. They had me send them a side view of me on the bike when doing mine.

I'm very pleased with the position of the backrest. It fits me perfectly. The Corbin I had on my other bike was too far back. I had to completely straighten my arms to reach it.

Mark

[bscrive]

irhawk, It's good to hear that you do sit so close to the tank.  I guess that is why there is that void after the seat.  I did contact them a couple of months ago, and they said that they can incorporate the Utopia backrest into their seat.  Not sure how they will, but they are the experts.  I guess they will cut out a section in the front of the back pilot seat.

After thinking it over, and talking with my wife.  I guess I will be going ahead, and getting a Russell.  She says that I have been whining long enough for one, and that I should just get one, so that she doesn't have to hear me anymore.  .  Hopefully, it will come out nice.    I had thought about the Corbin again, but with my handlebars 8" longer than standard.  I am afraid that it will put pressure on my tail bone, and make riding uncomfortable.

I will contact them again, and see if they have any pictures of other seats they did for the new talk.

[irhawk]

irhawk, It's good to hear that you do sit so close to the tank.  I guess that is why there is that void after the seat.  I did contact them a couple of months ago, and they said that they can incorporate the Utopia backrest into their seat.  Not sure how they will, but they are the experts.  I guess they will cut out a section in the front of the back pilot seat.

After thinking it over, and talking with my wife.  I guess I will be going ahead, and getting a Russell.  She says that I have been whining long enough for one, and that I should just get one, so that she doesn't have to hear me anymore.  .  Hopefully, it will come out nice.    I had thought about the Corbin again, but with my handlebars 8" longer than standard.  I am afraid that it will put pressure on my tail bone, and make riding uncomfortable.

I will contact them again, and see if they have any pictures of other seats they did for the new talk.

bscrive,

In my view, it's hard to go wrong with a Russell seat.  This is my third one and I've been very pleased with all three.  In addition they are somewhat adjustable.  I readjusted it back farther and am reposting another photo to show that.

I would guess that for a taller rider, they will shorten the passenger seat to allow the backrest to be positioned farther back.

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah266/Mark_Pedersen/MC5A4035%201_zpswplbcptf.jpgjavascript:void(0);

[TallRider]

In case anyone is interested here is a picture of my Russell on the VTX I had. Thought it was a great looking seat and road well.

[TallRider]

Well that didnt work. Finaly got it.

[bscrive]

Tallrider,
That is a really nice seat, and I love the colour combination.  I guess that will be more like the one I will get.     I also see how they installed your backrest.  That will probably be how mine is installed.

[irhawk]

Tallrider that's a great looking seat.  Makes mine look plane Jane by comparison.  Oh well I bought it for comfort not looks.

I finally figured out how to post pics

[TallRider]

Finally figured out how to post pixs myself with a little help from the post above. Took me two tries as you can see. You have no idea how much I miss that seat. They did put the backrest a little to forward for my taste. They offered to fix it if I returned it but could not part with the seat again at the time. I removed a wedge they had for an adjustment and I got used to the back rest the way it was. Ironically the Russell seat is designed like a saddle100+ year design tried and true.