Shaving the seat down

[Avboden]

Cross posting this here for my father.

A replacement stock seat for the S1000RR is pretty reasonable (all things considered) so I brought one in to ""lower" it, by removing some of it's foam. It appeared to me that there was about 1 1/2 inches in the main seat area that could be removed. Risk would be a rock hard seat, properly contoured and lowered. Benefit would be a comfortable seat, properly contoured and lowered. Can always send it out to a seat maker and put in a thin gel pad, and do it in proper material (leather?). Meanwhile, removing the stock seat staples everywhere but the very back of the seat gives lots of access and a sharp knife will do the job. Note well this stuff shreds and makes a mess ! I have put the seat back on the bike, for now without re-stapling the cover, just to get a feel for the "fit". Will update when I get to ride hopefully tomorrow. (BTW: I am 5'7" and like a slightly lower seat than stock).


He went out and rode with it today and said there is 0 noticeable difference in comfort cushiness but he's a full inch lower or so.

[gely]

Please post a picture with the cover on.

[kismetcapitan]

I like that seat, and it seems simple enough to do. I only worry that, although being lower may be more comfortable for 95% of my riding situations, this time around, I want to be high enough to really yank the bike around corners and bring my cornering skills up a couple of notches.

[gely]

Originally Posted by kismetcapitan

I like that seat, and it seems simple enough to do. I only worry that, although being lower may be more comfortable for 95% of my riding situations, this time around, I want to be high enough to really yank the bike around corners and bring my cornering skills up a couple of notches.

Shaving the will not effect the geometry of the bike.

[Avboden]

update from my father

"The stock seat actually has at least 1 1/2 inches to shave down, especially in the front, and can be narrowed and reshaped for a smoother contour easily. Worked out well. My sit on the bike is much better and my comfort likewise.

For now I am recovering with the stock seat cover. This is the interesting part. The stock seat material is very thin and very flexible. Hence it contours easily to the new shaping. BUT: it shows all the defects in the foam and any remaining ridges, etc.

I am going to try a couple new techniques on the foam, including power sanding with a course grit and maybe even heating to see how it melts. I will run some of that on the trimmed off pieces.

Reminds me of the commercials and shows " do not try this at home. This was done by a professional idiot..."

None the less, I recommend anyone that wants to lower their seat and sit lower in the tank by a couple inches to try this. Especially if you are in a big city with a professional seat maker, they can always salvage the stock seat with a good gelpad and cover material of your choice."

sorry no pics recovered, but you should get the idea.

[kismetcapitan]

Originally Posted by gely

Shaving the will not effect the geometry of the bike.

true, but it will affect handling because this 70kg mass called the rider has just moved down over an inch. But being mobile, can probably maneuver around it well; hell, rearsets have a lesser but similar effect in how and where a rider can shift their weight onto the bike.

[Avboden]

update, sounds like this foam is a real PIA to work with. The suggestion is to just get it done at a seat maker.

"I had previous seats done by Riche's in Seattle and loved them. The choice of material was great and the finish detail incredible. I just wanted a fast go at this one to see if it was a worthwhile effort. I will probably finish up this riding season on this selfmade deal and then send it off for a real pad and cover during our winter.

BTW, I watched some of the foam shaving at Riches and the most handy tool is a long electric knife, like the kind to cut turkey. I really butchered mine with what I thought was a sharp enough kitchen knife.

Remember the foam on this seat really shreds easily and makes quite a mess, so do it without the spouse/significant other home if possible. Not to sure how the dogs digest the stuff, either, so you may want to keep them outside !"