Corbin Or Sargent Seat

I am a new VFR Owner and I'm trying to find out which seat is best for my VFR. Well, I'm looking for a seat that will put me in a lower riding position, so I can relieve some tension off my hands. I have come to realize that Corbin and Sargent seats are the two most widely used seats by VFR riders. Which one sits the lowest? I am 5' 11", and 250 pds. Also, is the heli bars a must even after you switch out your seat? Any help you guys can give me would be greatly appreciated :biggrin:.

I have a Sargent and I am 5'7". I think I gained closed to about an inch in reduced height which helps me get both my feet on the ground. I don't use heli bars so I don't think it is a must but that's just me.

More importantly is your core muscle conditioning. Use your body to take some of the weight off of your hands. It's what I do when my hands start to hurt. Works great for longer rides and even helps keep the back and neck from getting stiff as well.

[image: View Post]solo, on Jun 8 2009, 11:27 AM, said:

I am a new VFR Owner and I'm trying to find out which seat is best for my VFR. Well, I'm looking for a seat that will put me in a lower riding position, so I can relieve some tension off my hands. I have come to realize that Corbin and Sargent seats are the two most widely used seats by VFR riders. Which one sits the lowest? I am 5' 11", and 250 pds. Also, is the heli bars a must even after you switch out your seat? Any help you guys can give me would be greatly appreciated :biggrin: .

Sargent can make seats with less padding to be lower. But with your height, you really don't need the seat lower, the main reason for doing so is so that your feet can touch the ground.

Helibars will help, yes, but the main thing you need to do is to consciously adjust your riding position to take the weight off of your hands.

Squeeze the tank with your knees, push your lower back forward, bend your elbows in, and straighten your neck. It takes a while to get used to, but it will make a huge difference.

Leather pants with knee padding makes squeezing the tank much more comfortable, too, and having had one accident, I'm never riding without them.

Just keep in mind that the Sargent seat allows you to keep using your solo seat cowl. If you get a Corbin you will NOT be able to use your cowl. My advice would be to find someone with aftermarket seats and see if they will let you sit on the bike to get an idea of the feel. I find my Sargent seat much more comfortable than the stock seat but when wearing my riding pants I feel like I am always sliding up toward the tank.

Regards,
Rollin

[image: View Post]RollinAgain, on Jun 8 2009, 11:58 AM, said:

My advice would be to find someone with aftermarket seats and see if they will let you sit on the bike to get an idea of the feel. I find my Sargent seat much more comfortable than the stock seat but when wearing my riding pants I feel like I am always sliding up toward the tank.

Regards,
Rollin

You're more than welcome to try mine out if you're anywhere near West Michigan.

Squeezing the tank with your knees keeps one from sliding up towards the tank.

[image: View Post]vanion2, on Jun 8 2009, 11:45 AM, said:

I have a Sargent and I am 5'7". I think I gained closed to about an inch in reduced height which helps me get both my feet on the ground. I don't use heli bars so I don't think it is a must but that's just me.

Did you order your Sargent cut lower? Just asking because my Sargent added almost 3/4 of an inch to my seat height, somthing I needed at 6foot4

corbin seat WILL work with solo seat cowl

I have a Sargent and I love it. It was the first (and probably my favorite) mod on my VFR. My rear seat cowl doesn't fit well on the Sargent but I don't care. I strap stuff down to the rear seat too often to use the cowl anyway. ;)

From what I've seen, you seem to sit more ON and Sargent and more IN a Corbin. They usually look a little wider than OEM seats to me on the bikes I've seen with Corbins installed. Also, with your height, I'm guessing any slightly added seat height would probably not be an issue with being able to flatfoot the bike while stopped.

You do not have to buy bar risers if you change seats. If it's just more comfortable for you to be upright, that's one thing. But like vanion2 said above, learn to hold yourself up by using your back and abdominal muscles instead of your wrists, elbows and arms. Bend your elbows and try to keep your forearms more horizontal than vertical. Doing this will also help your upper body absorb some of the shock when you go over bumps, potholes, etc. If you don't try riding with this form, long rides are going to be very hard for you.


Also - Congrats on your VFR and welcome to the forum!! :)

[image: View Post]Ryanme17, on Jun 8 2009, 11:10 AM, said:

[image: View Post]RollinAgain, on Jun 8 2009, 11:58 AM, said:

My advice would be to find someone with aftermarket seats and see if they will let you sit on the bike to get an idea of the feel. I find my Sargent seat much more comfortable than the stock seat but when wearing my riding pants I feel like I am always sliding up toward the tank.

Regards,
Rollin

You're more than welcome to try mine out if you're anywhere near West Michigan.

Squeezing the tank with your knees keeps one from sliding up towards the tank.


Ryanme17, Thanks for the offer, but I moved away from home (Michigan, GO BLUE!). I sure wish I could take you up on that offer! Right now, I'm currently living in Tennessee. Thanks for your advice

Solo

I have a Sargent on my 6th Gen and am extremely happy with it.

I have a Corbin on my V-Max. After an hour riding on the Corbin, you stop and find some nice soft concrete to sit on. I do believe Corbin seats are the hardest seats known to man.

[image: View Post]TimC, on Jun 8 2009, 12:05 PM, said:

I have a Sargent and I love it. It was the first (and probably my favorite) mod on my VFR. My rear seat cowl doesn't fit well on the Sargent but I don't care. I strap stuff down to the rear seat too often to use the cowl anyway. ;)

From what I've seen, you seem to sit more ON and Sargent and more IN a Corbin. They usually look a little wider than OEM seats to me on the bikes I've seen with Corbins installed. Also, with your height, I'm guessing any slightly added seat height would probably not be an issue with being able to flatfoot the bike while stopped.

You do not have to buy bar risers if you change seats. If it's just more comfortable for you to be upright, that's one thing. But like vanion2 said above, learn to hold yourself up by using your back and abdominal muscles instead of your wrists, elbows and arms. Bend your elbows and try to keep your forearms more horizontal than vertical. Doing this will also help your upper body absorb some of the shock when you go over bumps, potholes, etc. If you don't try riding with this form, long rides are going to be very hard for you.


Also - Congrats on your VFR and welcome to the forum!! :)


Tim C,

Thanks for your advice, so is the riding form in for Corbin and on for the Sargent. Well, I am kind of leaning towards buying a sargent. I have found out that Sanhill has the best offer for a Sargent seat at $320.00. Is this the best offer out there!

[image: View Post]Ryanme17, on Jun 8 2009, 10:51 AM, said:

[image: View Post]solo, on Jun 8 2009, 11:27 AM, said:

I am a new VFR Owner and I'm trying to find out which seat is best for my VFR. Well, I'm looking for a seat that will put me in a lower riding position, so I can relieve some tension off my hands. I have come to realize that Corbin and Sargent seats are the two most widely used seats by VFR riders. Which one sits the lowest? I am 5' 11", and 250 pds. Also, is the heli bars a must even after you switch out your seat? Any help you guys can give me would be greatly appreciated :biggrin: .

Sargent can make seats with less padding to be lower. But with your height, you really don't need the seat lower, the main reason for doing so is so that your feet can touch the ground.

Helibars will help, yes, but the main thing you need to do is to consciously adjust your riding position to take the weight off of your hands.

Squeeze the tank with your knees, push your lower back forward, bend your elbows in, and straighten your neck. It takes a while to get used to, but it will make a huge difference.

Leather pants with knee padding makes squeezing the tank much more comfortable, too, and having had one accident, I'm never riding without them.


Ryanme17,

Thanks for answering the call. So, do you suggest just buying heli bars instead of purchasing the seat first or does it really matter! I guess I probably need to purchase both of them, due to the fact that my butt starts to hurt after a hour of riding on the stock seat.

[image: View Post]Pete McCrary, on Jun 8 2009, 12:32 PM, said:

I have a Sargent on my 6th Gen and am extremely happy with it.

I have a Corbin on my V-Max. After an hour riding on the Corbin, you stop and find some nice soft concrete to sit on. I do believe Corbin seats are the hardest seats known to man.


Pete,

I believe that you are right! I had previously owned a Corbin that was purchased for a 2006 Kawaski 650 R. I really did not like the Corbin for that bike due to the hardness of the saddle and it kind of pushed me foward into the tank. I am kind of leaning towards buying a Sargent, especially from the views of most of the guys who responded to this post. Thanks again and have a blessed day!

Solo

[image: View Post]vanion2, on Jun 8 2009, 10:45 AM, said:

I have a Sargent and I am 5'7". I think I gained closed to about an inch in reduced height which helps me get both my feet on the ground. I don't use heli bars so I don't think it is a must but that's just me.

More importantly is your core muscle conditioning. Use your body to take some of the weight off of your hands. It's what I do when my hands start to hurt. Works great for longer rides and even helps keep the back and neck from getting stiff as well.

Vanion2,

Thanks for your advice, I think that I might be leaning towards buying a Sargent seat.

I'm 5'10" and around (cough)235(cough) and have tried all three.

The Corbin seemed to sit a bit higher than stock or Sargent and is certainly built to withstand a nuclear explosion. I didn't care for the "tractor style" seat of the Corbin or the weight of it. The Corbin does offer a backrest too.
Corbin
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e81/Dutch9090/VFR%20Misc/Pazzo021.jpg

The Sargent is very similar to the stock except that it's wider, has better padding, includes a small storage box, and of course looks a lot better. Sandhill should have the best price on the Sargent.
Sargent
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e81/Dutch9090/VFR%20Misc/PhotoMisc042.jpg

[image: View Post]solo, on Jun 8 2009, 01:29 PM, said:

Ryanme17, Thanks for the offer, but I moved away from home (Michigan, GO BLUE!). I sure wish I could take you up on that offer! Right now, I'm currently living in Tennessee. Thanks for your advice

Solo

Where in TN?? Maybe there are other listers that would let you try their seat. I'm in Athens, GA and have a Corbin you are welcome to try. The shape fits me better then a friends Sargent that I tried. The Corbin is hard, but the shape is better for me.

Just a side note...........

I did 1000 miles on a Sargent this weekend. You know that sexy looking piping they use on the seams? It wore a nice set of welts on the underside of my legs. Oh well, I guess you gotta pay to play, right? (cheezy cliche thrown in for the benefit of my new friend achmed)

[image: View Post]wera803, on Jun 8 2009, 01:00 PM, said:

[image: View Post]solo, on Jun 8 2009, 01:29 PM, said:

Ryanme17, Thanks for the offer, but I moved away from home (Michigan, GO BLUE!). I sure wish I could take you up on that offer! Right now, I'm currently living in Tennessee. Thanks for your advice

Solo

Where in TN?? Maybe there are other listers that would let you try their seat. I'm in Athens, GA and have a Corbin you are welcome to try. The shape fits me better then a friends Sargent that I tried. The Corbin is hard, but the shape is better for me.

I'm located in Memphis. I kinda like the good weather all year round, but do miss the changing of the season back home in Michigan. I guess you have to give up something to get something.

Corbin has been for sale for quite a while, FWIW. Check it out in the Wall Street Journal. That's where I get all my motorcycle news..... :laugh:

[image: View Post]dutchinterceptor, on Jun 8 2009, 12:59 PM, said:

I'm 5'10" and around (cough)235(cough) and have tried all three.

The Corbin seemed to sit a bit higher than stock or Sargent and is certainly built to withstand a nuclear explosion. I didn't care for the "tractor style" seat of the Corbin or the weight of it. The Corbin does offer a backrest too.
Corbin
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e81/Dutch9090/VFR%20Misc/Pazzo021.jpg

The Sargent is very similar to the stock except that it's wider, has better padding, includes a small storage box, and of course looks a lot better. Sandhill should have the best price on the Sargent.
Sargent
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e81/Dutch9090/VFR%20Misc/PhotoMisc042.jpg


Dutcinterceptor,

Thanks for the post reply and pictures, they really help me to be able to visualize the two products. I think that I'm leaning towards the Sargent seat. What do you think about the Heli bars?

[image: View Post]dutchinterceptor, on Jun 8 2009, 01:59 PM, said:

The Corbin seemed to sit a bit higher than stock or Sargent and is certainly built to withstand a nuclear explosion. I didn't care for the "tractor style" seat of the Corbin or the weight of it. The Corbin does offer a backrest too.
Corbin
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e81/Dutch9090/VFR%20Misc/Pazzo021.jpg
I think this photo of the Corbin does a nice job of showing the concave shape of the seat, vs. the slightly flatter shape of the Sargent, which is more similar to the OEM seat than the Corbin IMO.

Most people have a Corbin butt or a Sargent butt. If you don't know which you have, I'd try the Sargent first. I think it will sell more easily for closer to the price you paid if it doesn't work for your rear end.

Also, the $320 price at Sand Hill Powersports is a pretty good price IMO. I got mine for a little less from them during a VFRD group buy 2 years ago.

[image: View Post]solo, on Jun 8 2009, 01:50 PM, said:

Dutcinterceptor,

Thanks for the post reply and pictures, they really help me to be able to visualize the two products. I think that I'm leaning towards the Sargent seat. What do you think about the Heli bars?

Heli bars for me are a waste of money cause to me the stock bars are plenty tall. I can see using them on a CBR or a Gixxer if you do a lot of miles though. I had sore wrists, back and butt back when I first got my VFR but I just kept improving my position and riding more. Before long I could do 300+ mile days with no issues.

Quote

Thanks for answering the call. So, do you suggest just buying heli bars instead of purchasing the seat first or does it really matter! I guess I probably need to purchase both of them, due to the fact that my butt starts to hurt after a hour of riding on the stock seat.

I can't tell you that. Helibars are a must for some people and a waste of money for others. I like the extra lift, but they are expensive, and if a seat and better riding posture help, then maybe you should try an hour ride, being conscious of keeping the weight off of your wrists, and see how you feel?

A member here makes his own bar risers that others like, you can do a search to find it.

If your butt hurts, then a new seat will definitely help. I like my Sargent seat, but have not tried a Corbin.

Personally, I would get the seat first.

[image: View Post]Ryanme17, on Jun 8 2009, 02:52 PM, said:

Quote

Thanks for answering the call. So, do you suggest just buying heli bars instead of purchasing the seat first or does it really matter! I guess I probably need to purchase both of them, due to the fact that my butt starts to hurt after a hour of riding on the stock seat.

I can't tell you that. Helibars are a must for some people and a waste of money for others. I like the extra lift, but they are expensive, and if a seat and better riding posture help, then maybe you should try an hour ride, being conscious of keeping the weight off of your wrists, and see how you feel?

A member here makes his own bar risers that others like, you can do a search to find it.

If your butt hurts, then a new seat will definitely help. I like my Sargent seat, but have not tried a Corbin.

Personally, I would get the seat first.

Thanks Ryanme17, I'm going to buy the seat first and go from there. I did notice that the last few times I rode my Viffer, my hands and arms are getting less tired each time that I ride. Oh, get this! I met a guy who has a viffer with a Sargent seat on it and he let me sit on his bike. I really like how the Sargent seat feels, it seemed to lower me a little into the bike also. I think the Sargent seat will be my first purchase. I'm asking questions about what products to buy, because I just came off a 2008 Goldwing 1800. I had to get rid of the Goldwing due to the weight of the bike. It was very troublesome driving back and forth to work and inner-city riding. I felt that a VFR would suit me better because I'm usually riding by myself.

Wow! That's quite a switch. No wonder the VFR feels like all your weight is on your hands. Even with the Sargent seat you aren't going to have as plush or as comfortable as a Goldwing. But for a sportbike it's pretty good. The Helibars will help, but mostly it will be an adjustment to sportbike riding style. It took me a while before I got used to keeping my weight off of my hands.

Glad you like the Sargent.

After almost 2 years I picked up a Sargent 2nd hand. I like it, but I think I am so short that I miss out on a good bit of the benefit. I tend to sit closer to the tank than the seat is designed for.

I am 5'8", 170lbs. I did 870 miles one day on the stocker, and my knees were what hurt, not my butt. I am hoping the seat still helps the position a bit, and I have looked at risers out of curiosity and may try them some day just to see. Rogue is the member who makes them, they aren't terribly priced either.

Solo,

lowering you seat will only stress your legs more, why not raise your clipons, they raise quite far

[image: View Post]Ryanme17, on Jun 8 2009, 02:52 PM, said:

Quote

Thanks for answering the call. So, do you suggest just buying heli bars instead of purchasing the seat first or does it really matter! I guess I probably need to purchase both of them, due to the fact that my butt starts to hurt after a hour of riding on the stock seat.

I can't tell you that. Helibars are a must for some people and a waste of money for others. I like the extra lift, but they are expensive, and if a seat and better riding posture help, then maybe you should try an hour ride, being conscious of keeping the weight off of your wrists, and see how you feel?

A member here makes his own bar risers that others like, you can do a search to find it.

If your butt hurts, then a new seat will definitely help. I like my Sargent seat, but have not tried a Corbin.

Personally, I would get the seat first.


Ryanme17, Well, switching from the Goldwing to a Interceptor is quite big, but I formally had a Kawasaki 650R (first bike), VTX 1300 (second bike wish I kept it) and the Goldwing (third bike). I decided to go with the Interceptor due to the fact that I thought it had a sport edge, which I really like, but it also would be good for commuting back and forth to work. I know the Interceptor will be a bike that I keep in the stable. I just want to add the right accessories without wasting a lot of money. Thats why I am seeking VFRD members for their advice. I truly thank you and the other guys who have responded. Do you guys have any other accessory suggestions?

[image: View Post]dweese, on Jun 8 2009, 10:48 AM, said:

[image: View Post]vanion2, on Jun 8 2009, 11:45 AM, said:

I have a Sargent and I am 5'7". I think I gained closed to about an inch in reduced height which helps me get both my feet on the ground. I don't use heli bars so I don't think it is a must but that's just me.

Did you order your Sargent cut lower? Just asking because my Sargent added almost 3/4 of an inch to my seat height, somthing I needed at 6foot4
Nope. Stock form from Sargent. I think it is the way the seat is shaped more than the actual height that gave me more foot contact. I hope that clarifies what I was trying to say... :blink:

[image: View Post]ECX585, on Jun 8 2009, 02:36 PM, said:

Just a side note...........

I did 1000 miles on a Sargent this weekend. You know that sexy looking piping they use on the seams? It wore a nice set of welts on the underside of my legs. Oh well, I guess you gotta pay to play, right? (cheezy cliche thrown in for the benefit of my new friend achmed)

I'll tell you what... my stock seat in combination with those riding pants and 300 miles was enough to make the backs of my legs sore as hell. Dumped the riding pants and the last 40 miles was very pleasant... Don't know which way I want to go now - Sargent or Corbin. Not a fan of Burns' Corbin - couldn't get comfortable. Liked Timmy's Sargent, but don't need welts on my legs neither.

Pay to play: it ain't man...

I have a Sargent and a Corbin. I think the Corbin is a bit more comfortable, though it feels slightly more sloping to the front. I also use a gel seat/lambs wool pad for long rides. It helps, but raises me up about an inch. My problem is that I have no meat on my arse, just bones. I have plenty of meat on my gut, but it's hard to ride that way. (J/K)

I've had both and I prefer the Sergeant. It's not quite as stiff and rides a tad bit lower than the Corbin. Both are very well made and have a strong following. You can't go wrong with either one. For me the choice was simple because I wanted something I could add/adjust as need be without paying shipping at the a$$.....so Sergeant is right here in Jacksonville.......try them both on and make a choice...imho.

[image: View Post]RollinAgain, on Jun 8 2009, 11:58 AM, said:

Just keep in mind that the Sargent seat allows you to keep using your solo seat cowl. If you get a Corbin you will NOT be able to use your cowl. My advice would be to find someone with aftermarket seats and see if they will let you sit on the bike to get an idea of the feel. I find my Sargent seat much more comfortable than the stock seat but when wearing my riding pants I feel like I am always sliding up toward the tank.

Regards,
Rollin
Same here

Plasma

A friend of mine put a Corbin on his bike. When we put it on the instructions said it wont be broken in for 2500 miles and it softens up and conforms to your shape. Any reports on this?
He sold the bike before ho got the 2500 on the seat.

[image: View Post]SkeeBoy, on Jun 10 2009, 09:07 AM, said:

A friend of mine put a Corbin on his bike. When we put it on the instructions said it wont be broken in for 2500 miles and it softens up and conforms to your shape. Any reports on this?
He sold the bike before ho got the 2500 on the seat.

I've had mine on for approximately 5K miles and I wouldn't say that it "softens" up...but it does become more comfortable.

I tried the Sargent first and I found that it was only marginally more comfortable than the stock.
I bought a Corbin and haven't looked back.
I sold the Sargent last week.

That being said, I ordered a Corbin for my 2001 ZX-9R and it lowers my riding position too much.
So much so that my reach to the bars is now uncomfortable.
So off it went and I now have a Sargent on order for it.
Fun!
:-)

[image: View Post]robertv19, on Jun 10 2009, 10:02 AM, said:

I ordered a Corbin for my 2001 ZX-9R and it lowers my riding position too much.
So much so that my reach to the bars is now uncomfortable.
So off it went and I now have a Sargent on order for it.
Fun!
:-)

Having had a couple of Corbin's (FJ1200 and 3G VFR) I've managed to put my finger on why they don't work for me; you may find some similarities. I don't mind the firmness and I find that the butt shape of the Corbin works well for me, HOWEVER the focus on lowering the seat (Corbin does this to provide the 'neutralized seating position') has the unintended consequence (on bikes where the seat comes over the edge of the tank) of pulling the rider back in the saddle and lengthening the reach to the bars. Not as comfortable for someone my height (5'11) and decidedly inferior for sporting work where you want to be over the bars.
On a 5G VFR where Corbin did not build an exaggerated 'snout' on to the front of the seat I liked it much better. I did not find a Sargent as supportive (and it did not have the firm 'step' that I liked to keep me from sliding back under acceleration) however I liked the riding position of the Sargent a lot more and would buy one of these next time for any bike where the Corbin has this 'snout'. Email if you want pics of what I mean by the 'snout'.

[image: View Post]SkeeBoy, on Jun 10 2009, 09:07 AM, said:

A friend of mine put a Corbin on his bike. When we put it on the instructions said it wont be broken in for 2500 miles and it softens up and conforms to your shape. Any reports on this?
He sold the bike before ho got the 2500 on the seat.


I don't care for my Corbin. Yes it is a nice seat and well made. It is crowned to high in the center and it does push you forward. More miles do not help I have had mine for 5 years with 2000-5000 mile of riding per year. It is still as hard today as it was when I bought it. My wife hates it also. When I have had the money to replace it something always comes up and I can't get a new one. I would ratherhavet a Sargent two piece seat. But I will trade my bike in before then.

[image: View Post]ImLost, on Jun 10 2009, 03:34 PM, said:

[image: View Post]SkeeBoy, on Jun 10 2009, 09:07 AM, said:

A friend of mine put a Corbin on his bike. When we put it on the instructions said it wont be broken in for 2500 miles and it softens up and conforms to your shape. Any reports on this?
He sold the bike before ho got the 2500 on the seat.


I don't care for my Corbin. Yes it is a nice seat and well made. It is crowned to high in the center and it does push you forward. More miles do not help I have had mine for 5 years with 2000-5000 mile of riding per year. It is still as hard today as it was when I bought it. My wife hates it also. When I have had the money to replace it something always comes up and I can't get a new one. I would ratherhavet a Sargent two piece seat. But I will trade my bike in before then.

I cant imagine, the corbin pushing you forward more, the stock seat is a straight down slope. Is your corbin leather, maybe its to slidey. I was thinking of corbin, but definitely dont want leather.

Do these corbins actually fit the bike correctly, fastening wise?

This thread has me more confused than before. I plan on a new seat as my first big change then maybe the risers and last if needed lowering the foot pegs.

Just for arguments sake lets pretend you are 6 foot tall and weigh 220. What seat would be best for you. I would like to hear from people around my size thinking maybe that would make a difference.

Just to help you out on the choice of seat. If you are comfortable with the stock seat (IE no sore arse from riding) then you are good to go. Otherwise pony up as it will be one of the best comfort upgrades you can do.

If I had it to do all over again...I would get neither. I'd get the stock seat re-worked and have the long distance mod done by Spencers Seats. His work is really good, turnaround is very fast and the seat looks 100% stock when finished...oh and it's a lot cheaper than a Sargent or Corbin. Abount 2/3rd's cheaper.

I know because a friend of mine had her Moto Guzzi Breva 750 seat re-done by him...good work and a comfy seat.