Seat question...

[Captain Bob]

Has anyone tried the optional gel seat for the R3T? Just wondering if it is an improvemetn over the stock seat or what. The stock seat seems OK but also seems cheaply made compared to the classic touring seat I had on my old R3.

Not sure if upgrading to the gel seat is really worth it.

 

[snuffcityrider]

I've tried the gel seat on my Classic and was not impressed. But maybe they improved the one for the R3T

 

[HeR3tic]

I've used the 1/2" gel pad and the black ceramic bead alternatives.

The gel pad was a magnet for engine heat, on my 07.07.07 RAAII trip, and the ceramic beads don't cool down anytime soon, after day long absorption of July sun baking. I suspect the wood beads would have been better but I was looking for longevity. I expect neither are even marginal substitutes for a high dollar Russel Day Long saddle; although Ive not had the pleasure of a Russel seat, yet.

The gel pad is however a great bun warmer in February. I lay it over oil filled space heater for 30 minutes before launch, then off I go into the 28F degree morning air, to work. 28F is my limit to cold weather riding. And I can toss the gel pad in the fridge for 20-30 minutes for some comfort in the blazing heat. Caution though: An icy cold gel pad will bring up warts
As long as the ceramic bead pad starts off cool under the bum then it doesn't feel like a hundred hot pokers and the ride is then comfy for awhile. Again neither are substitutes for a day long saddle, from whomever. As neither will substitute for broader distribution of weight. And the beads are only slightly better than the 1/2" gel pad.

 

[tdragger]

Bob, don't waste your money on another Triumph seat. Pony up the $500 for a custom job by Rick Mayer or Russell for a few bucks more. IMHO

 

[HeR3tic]

Ive never owner a set of inline recliners on two wheels disguised as a highway vehicle. But for a barebones stock cruiser, the Virage 1100 had a great long ride saddle. It was not a day long fitted glove though. And Ive not found another stock crusier with such a comfy butt cradle as the stock Virgo. I think Russel took a lesson there.

theres a flaw in the Yamaha v-twin design It cant handle my abuse Ive always looked for raw torque. the rocket III has more of what ive always needed in a motor vehicle. ripping torque! It is fun to ride tractors as well

CAUTION, RANT:
Q: What is a Commonwealth?
A: Peace

 

[Captain Bob]

So far the stock seat seems to be "just" OK. I do not like how the "leather"? is fitted to the seat. The foam seems softer then the classic touring seat I had on my R3. Overall, my impression is that it is a cheaper facsimile of my other seat.

I will look into the other makers seats as suggested. I like a leather covered seat versus the gel seats "fabric". Never really sat on a gel seat however, so I cannot comment on how it is.

Thanks for the replies!

 

[STRIPES]

I have an Air Hawk but my but feels the same after 500 miles whether I use it or not.

 

[Tazshido]

theres a flaw in the Yamaha v-twin design It cant handle my abuse Ive always looked for raw torque. the rocket III has more of what ive always needed in a motor vehicle. ripping torque! It is fun to ride tractors as well

HeR3tic, There's a flaw with EVERY V-twin design, they're V-twins! I have a 920 midnight Virago, I decided that's going to be my custom bar hopper. It doesn't have to go fast, it doesn't have to carry more than me, all it has to do is the two things V-twins are good for, LOOKING good and turning dead dinosaurs into noise.

 

[KingOfFleece]

I have the stock seat, gel seat, and two up touring seat with drivers backrest. the stock seat and gel seat are both fine for me-max. I've done is 560 miles in a day and I was fine.

I've always forund www.greatdaytoride as the best for seat mods. They did my America and both Bonnies and it is better than any stock Triumph seat. I'll send my solo out this winter to get done. And it's 75 bucks!

 

[anhouck]

Gel for me

I liked the bike looks as is - so opted for the Gel from Triumph (I know - 'way overpaid- but with a Hardley in the family - you get used to that sort of thing). I don't have many miles on the stock seat so can't advise. After 25,000 miles - I did order up the back rest from Utopia and used it a week ago in Southwestern Colorado on a four day weekend. VERY NICE addition and simple to install.

Utopia Products - Motorcycle Driver Backrest - Motorcycle Seat

Picture of the back rest:

Link Removed