2007 VFR. I'm getting ready for TMAC and a little nervous about heading out with my stock seat. Does anyone do long rides with a stocker? Am I going to be miserable after I get 4 or 5 hours from home with this? I still have time to get something, but can't really afford 400 for a seat unless absolutely necessary. Opinions please?
Does anyone do long rides with stock seat?
51 posts Started 8 May 2011 Last recovered post 10 May 2011 Wayback Machine snapshot 22 Jun 2012
Sure..................Once.
Dont sweat it.... You will be fine, although you would be more comfortable on a sargent or corbin your bike is designed for such riding. Also consider that some riders prefer the stock seat over aftermarket. Take the trip and see what fits you :)
whooo....that first reply freaked me out there timmy. I sure hope I can deal with it as the funds aren't really available for options...
Go buy a sheep skin and lay it on your seat you can ride all day.
[image: View Post]Backonavfragain, on 07 May 2011 - 09:44 PM, said:
whooo....that first reply freaked me out there timmy. I sure hope I can deal with it as the funds aren't really available for options...You will be fine.
[image: View Post]Backonavfragain, on 07 May 2011 - 09:44 PM, said:
whooo....that first reply freaked me out there timmy. I sure hope I can deal with it as the funds aren't really available for options...sorry bout that. I shoulda mentioned that the 6th gen stock sear is much better than my awful stock 5th gen.
Get a pair of those spandex bicycle shorts...I wear mine under the leathers...with the corbin and the shorts I'm good all day!
[image: View Post]Backonavfragain, on 07 May 2011 - 09:32 PM, said:
2007 VFR. I'm getting ready for TMAC and a little nervous about heading out with my stock seat. Does anyone do long rides with a stocker? Am I going to be miserable after I get 4 or 5 hours from home with this? I still have time to get something, but can't really afford 400 for a seat unless absolutely necessary. Opinions please?Dood!
Relax...
Glenn
[image: View Post]Monk, on 07 May 2011 - 09:48 PM, said:
Go buy a sheep skin and lay it on your seat you can ride all day.+1
What's the farthest you've ridden on this bike so far?
[image: View Post]Backonavfragain, on 07 May 2011 - 09:32 PM, said:
2007 VFR. I'm getting ready for TMAC and a little nervous about heading out with my stock seat. Does anyone do long rides with a stocker? Am I going to be miserable after I get 4 or 5 hours from home with this? I still have time to get something, but can't really afford 400 for a seat unless absolutely necessary. Opinions please?You're about 300 miles? Take a 15 min break every 100 miles.
I did a ride from Eaton Rapids Michigan all the way down to the Tree tops resort on the southern side of the Cherohala Skyway in one go last year. That was just over 600 miles and it was bearable with the stock seat.
[image: View Post]CHUCK2, on 07 May 2011 - 10:35 PM, said:
What's the farthest you've ridden on this bike so far?100-125 miles and was ready for a break..
I'll pick up some bike shorts too just to be on the safe side
Thanks everyone. Feel better about staying stock...for now. :-)
When I had my sixth gen, I much preferred the oem than my corbin. Even for long rides, I liked better the oem. I used the corbin when I doubled because of the back rest.
Stopping after 150-200 miles is a good thing!
ride for 2 hours, have a short break, stretch your legs, eat and DRINK something.
Take picture where you are
repeat
post results here on VFRD
:fing02:
ride for 2 hours, have a short break, stretch your legs, eat and DRINK something.
Take picture where you are
repeat
post results here on VFRD
:fing02:
i'm never sure what these guys are talking about.
stock seat on my 5th gen, and i've been using it for long trips since i first got the bike 7 or so years ago. 2-up trips as well. 135,000km on it, at this point.
at the very least you can see that the experience isn't universal. don't worry about it. get out there and ride. see how you do.
stock seat on my 5th gen, and i've been using it for long trips since i first got the bike 7 or so years ago. 2-up trips as well. 135,000km on it, at this point.
at the very least you can see that the experience isn't universal. don't worry about it. get out there and ride. see how you do.
Of course an aftermarket seat is going to provide more support but the main factor for comfort over long distance is riding posture! Simply put if you aren't postured correctly you are going to be sore even if you have the best seat in the world. You aren't going very far so a stock seat shouldn't be an issue if you follow the advice above!
Rollin
Rollin
More than 5000 km in less than 15 days... and I'm 6'4"... the seat's more than good enough... but if you're tall, get some lowered footpegs...
http://www.knightdes...ts.htm#Products Motorcycle
http://www.knightdes...ts.htm#Products Motorcycle
[image: View Post]Backonavfragain, on 07 May 2011 - 11:35 PM, said:
[image: View Post]CHUCK2, on 07 May 2011 - 10:35 PM, said:
What's the farthest you've ridden on this bike so far?100-125 miles and was ready for a break..
I'll pick up some bike shorts too just to be on the safe side
Thanks everyone. Feel better about staying stock...for now. :-)
Chuck asked the right question, leading to the right answer: "Maybe"
Stock seats are fine for some, not so much for others. Would you be MORE comfortable on a Corbin or Sargeant.... Maybe (for me, it was a definitely re: my Corbin). But that's something you're going to have to figure out after riding longer tours.
If you're going to TMAC (hate all you bastages, BTW), you should be out getting the rust knocked off your game anyway. So, get out there and ride, brother.
Bike shorts: good idea. And, you should be figuring out what you can do to avoid swamp-ass during your ride. One day trip that a handful of us went on was enough for me. Had overpants on that didn't breathe, with jeans on underneath. By the time we were headed for the shed it was really uncomfortable.
I've ridden thousands of miles on stock seats.
One thing you do NOT want between you and the seat, though, is seams... :ohmy:
Ciao,
One thing you do NOT want between you and the seat, though, is seams... :ohmy:
Ciao,
I did a few 750 mile days and a 950 mile day on the stock seat just a few years back and I am in the same chronological class as Monk. The stock seat isn't all that bad.
I rode 550 miles only stopping for gas, the OEM seat was never a problem, however my knees hurt bad. Thing is I am very limber and dont have any joint problems.
You will be fine, when you get fuel get a water and snack. The Spandex with gel in them will make you much more comfortable! the OEM isn't bad the Sargent is better IMHO. But don't sweat it!
You will be fine, when you get fuel get a water and snack. The Spandex with gel in them will make you much more comfortable! the OEM isn't bad the Sargent is better IMHO. But don't sweat it!
The most I've done so far is about 200 miles. I preferred the stock seat over the Corbin, that's why I sold the Corbin. I wouldn't worry if I was you. It's not like the VFR seat is that bad. Would you prefer something like a CBR seat? :laughing6-hehe:
[image: View Post]tincan1200, on 07 May 2011 - 10:06 PM, said:
Get a pair of those spandex bicycle shorts...I wear mine under the leathers...with the corbin and the shorts I'm good all day!I'm sorry but there is never a good reason to buy spandex bike shorts. Or chaps if you were considering it, not that they would help long range comfort, just putting it out there.
It's been a while,. but I've done several 1000 to 1500 mile weekends on the stocker and 1 or 2 800 mile days on a sargent. My big problem on all of them was swampbutt. My solution(s) - bikeshorts, sheepskin, and (no Pakistani cab driver jokes please) a wooden bead seat "pad."
Try the stocker with a sheepskin and bike shorts. I'd bet they will be just the ticket.
Try the stocker with a sheepskin and bike shorts. I'd bet they will be just the ticket.
[image: View Post]OliverTwisted, on 08 May 2011 - 07:58 AM, said:
[image: View Post]tincan1200, on 07 May 2011 - 10:06 PM, said:
Get a pair of those spandex bicycle shorts...I wear mine under the leathers...with the corbin and the shorts I'm good all day!I'm sorry but there is never a good reason to buy spandex bike shorts. Or chaps if you were considering it, not that they would help long range comfort, just putting it out there.
Have you even tried them? :blink:
I'll usually wear some compressions shorts if I'm out for a serious ride or a long haul, and they do make a noticeable difference. They're not the cheapest thing, but they are MUCH cheaper than an aftermarket seat.
Back when I was a young lad, I did an 800-900 mile day on the 4th gen stock seat no problem. Have done 500 mile days on it easy as well. Haven't done too long of a haul on the 5th gen, but 300 miles of twisties at a moderate pace, and I think a 400 mile day without too much issue. Then again, I'm a featherweight.
I think one thing that is not being mentioned is how subjective this all is. Would a Sargent seat feel better on your butt? Maybe. Would a Corbin seat feel better? Maybe. Everyone is different and different shaped seats put pressure in different places.
What you should do is go to TMAC, find someone with a Sargent seat and someone with a corbin seat and sit on them temporarily.
Heck, you're welcome to borrow my modified Sargent seat for a few hours and go for a ride to try it out.
On the way down just take plenty of breaks. Make sure the group you're with will be taking breaks as well, you should be fine.
What you should do is go to TMAC, find someone with a Sargent seat and someone with a corbin seat and sit on them temporarily.
Heck, you're welcome to borrow my modified Sargent seat for a few hours and go for a ride to try it out.
On the way down just take plenty of breaks. Make sure the group you're with will be taking breaks as well, you should be fine.
[image: View Post]Backonavfragain, on 07 May 2011 - 09:32 PM, said:
2007 VFR. I'm getting ready for TMAC and a little nervous about heading out with my stock seat. Does anyone do long rides with a stocker? Am I going to be miserable after I get 4 or 5 hours from home with this? I still have time to get something, but can't really afford 400 for a seat unless absolutely necessary. Opinions please?I rode the stock seat 20,000 miles, and said Heck with this. I made a custon seat cushion, and rode it another 60,000 miles, not perfect but far better than stock. I took the cushion off last week, its back on this week, Lesson learned>G
why have i not gotten a sargeant or other, I need a custom one made 1 inch taller than stock, and $500 is expensive. Being the bike is getting close to 100,000 miles, I may forego ever getting a seat.
Holy crap! Thanks for all the feedback. Your right about getting out there and riding before TMAC, I've been so busy lately I haven't been on the bike much at all, which is bad. I just installed a SHAD topcase and I'm adding an extra brakelight for more visibility, but I should have been riding instead. I would love to at least sit on a few others VFR's with custom seats so I have an idea of what that offers, so thanks for the offers. I'm really looking forward to TMAC, It's my 1st one!
While I'm certainly no "iron-butt" rider, nor wish to be, I've logged plenty of 500+ mile days on my current 5th gen and my previous 4th gen, all with a stock seat.
As we're all different physically, and age-wise, with varying riding styles, what works for one may not work for another. I'm a light weight, at 150# without gear (and old, too), which may explain why I'm still on a stock seat. Sure it gets uncomfortable after many hours in the saddle, but frequent breaks and proper riding clothes can and do make a difference.
As we're all different physically, and age-wise, with varying riding styles, what works for one may not work for another. I'm a light weight, at 150# without gear (and old, too), which may explain why I'm still on a stock seat. Sure it gets uncomfortable after many hours in the saddle, but frequent breaks and proper riding clothes can and do make a difference.
While I'm certainly no "iron-butt" rider, nor wish to be, I've logged plenty of 500+ mile days on my current 5th gen and my previous 4th gen, all with a stock seat.
As we're all different physically, and age-wise, with varying riding styles, what works for one may not work for another. I'm a light weight, at 150# without gear (and old, too), which may explain why I'm still on a stock seat. Sure it gets uncomfortable after many hours in the saddle, but frequent breaks and proper riding clothes can and do make a difference.
As we're all different physically, and age-wise, with varying riding styles, what works for one may not work for another. I'm a light weight, at 150# without gear (and old, too), which may explain why I'm still on a stock seat. Sure it gets uncomfortable after many hours in the saddle, but frequent breaks and proper riding clothes can and do make a difference.
Maybe time to re-surrect the "nut powder" discussions.......... :laughing6-hehe:
[image: View Post]Dutchy, on 08 May 2011 - 11:13 AM, said:
Maybe time to re-surrect the "nut powder" discussions.......... :laughing6-hehe:Step away from the keyboard... :comp13:
:beatdeadhorse:
Anti-monkey butt powder is indispensable once it starts to get really warm. :biggrin: http://www.antimonkeybutt.com/
[image: View Post]Dutchy, on 08 May 2011 - 11:13 AM, said:
Maybe time to re-surrect the "nut powder" discussions.......... :laughing6-hehe:Anti-monkey butt powder is indispensable once it starts to get really warm. :biggrin: http://www.antimonkeybutt.com/
[image: View Post]bryan217, on 08 May 2011 - 11:47 AM, said:
:beatdeadhorse:[image: View Post]Dutchy, on 08 May 2011 - 11:13 AM, said:
Maybe time to re-surrect the "nut powder" discussions.......... :laughing6-hehe:Anti-monkey butt powder is indispensable once it starts to get really warm. :biggrin: http://www.antimonkeybutt.com/
What's the difference from this and talcum powder?
I picked up my 6th gen last year in May. Since then, I've pulled 6 300+ mile days including 2 400+ mile days. The stocker on my 02 has seen almost 32k. (Yes I know, its valve check time...)
My 5th gen stock seat starts hurting after about 150 miles,After 250 I'm done.When you have a sore ass riding stops being enjoyable.
I put 6,000 km on the stock seat within a week of picking up the bike (driving it from North Carolina to Alberta). I found it very comfortable - actually more comfortable than the stock seat on a BMW F800S. I have plans for more long rides, and no plans to replace the stock seat.
Everyone is different when it comes to seating arrangements. I agree with the suggestion of putting on a few long days with the stock seat and seeing how you make out.
Everyone is different when it comes to seating arrangements. I agree with the suggestion of putting on a few long days with the stock seat and seeing how you make out.
[image: View Post]Backonavfragain, on 07 May 2011 - 09:32 PM, said:
2007 VFR. I'm getting ready for TMAC and a little nervous about heading out with my stock seat. Does anyone do long rides with a stocker? Am I going to be miserable after I get 4 or 5 hours from home with this? I still have time to get something, but can't really afford 400 for a seat unless absolutely necessary. Opinions please?Miserable, no but uncomfortable, yes. You would be the best to know, it's just like everything else your body adapts to it. Sure you can think of something to put on the stock seat to make it more comfortable. If I had to do a five hundred mile day, would be hesitant to do it now but if it was built up to think it could be done on stock seat. Most I have done in one day is about two hundred fifty miles to three hundred and yes monkey butt was there. Your call!!
http://www.cruisercu..._ID=1&sblid=228
Sport riding friend of mine has one of these for all his long rides and swears by it. I see some for as low as $99.
You may be fine with leathers and some sort of spandex biker shorts. I've done 400 mile days with the stock seat on my 5th gen with no problem like this.
Sport riding friend of mine has one of these for all his long rides and swears by it. I see some for as low as $99.
You may be fine with leathers and some sort of spandex biker shorts. I've done 400 mile days with the stock seat on my 5th gen with no problem like this.
as a rule of thumb, i will take a few ibuprofen before and after i ride for an extended period of time, especially if i will be riding on the slab and wont be able to move around much. I have a sargent seat to.
simply preventative. You'll be fine though. i did many long trips before i got my sargent.
simply preventative. You'll be fine though. i did many long trips before i got my sargent.
I've got a 2000 with stock seat and have done two long trips in the last 2 years. One was 3,500 miles and the other was 4,500 miles. I've also ridden it on a bunch of 300+ day rides.
That being said, I try to keep the days sub 400 miles. From time to time I've ridden 500-600 miles in a day though not comfortably. By the end of the day the ole bee-hind is pretty sore.
Have a great ride!
That being said, I try to keep the days sub 400 miles. From time to time I've ridden 500-600 miles in a day though not comfortably. By the end of the day the ole bee-hind is pretty sore.
Have a great ride!
I say try out the stock seat first. It may just be fine!
Who knows other parts of your body may hurt first. I did several long tours on my 5th gen seat before I opted for a Sargent. In my case the weakest link was my ass after multiple 300 plus twisty miles in a row. There are workarounds that you can try first which others have mentioned such as sheepskin, bicycle shorts, posture etc.
Who knows other parts of your body may hurt first. I did several long tours on my 5th gen seat before I opted for a Sargent. In my case the weakest link was my ass after multiple 300 plus twisty miles in a row. There are workarounds that you can try first which others have mentioned such as sheepskin, bicycle shorts, posture etc.
I bought a set of BeadRiders for my Spyder, but my wife didn't like hers and I transferred it to my VFR. For me, it has completely changed the stock into an all-day comfortable perch for 400 to 500 mile stretches.
75,000 kilometres and counting. The stock seat is fine. I've only just bought a Sargent seat this year. It's comfy but slippery.
Really long days like 500 plus miles I wear bike shorts under my riding gear to help protect my bony ass.
Really long days like 500 plus miles I wear bike shorts under my riding gear to help protect my bony ass.
[image: View Post]AZTraveler, on 08 May 2011 - 08:28 PM, said:
I bought a set of BeadRiders for my Spyder, but my wife didn't like hers and I transferred it to my VFR. For me, it has completely changed the stock into an all-day comfortable perch for 400 to 500 mile stretches.+ 1. The Beadrider is very helpful, and, to me, is the poor man's Sargent saddle. It helps to prevent swamp-ass in Summer by lifting you ever so slightly off of the seat to provide air flow under your butt, and you can move around on it to massage your backside on distance journeys. Plus, it's cheap and available here: http://beadrider.com/. I bought one for a trip to Alabama last Fall and haven't removed it since.
This Saturday the wife and I did a 300 mile ride around New Mexico and I have a Sargent seat. My backside is still sore but I haven't done much saddle time to "build" up my tolerance. I am seriously thinking about one of these sheep skin covered gel pads with memory foam. They say the medium will fit most sport bikes and it's easy on/easy off. For $90 and some padding for my arse I think I would give it a whirl. :fing02:
A recent group buy saw me purchase an Airhawk 2, delivered yesterday for $82.
I've yet to touch the bike in 3 weeks, so thought I better go downstairs bearing gifts.
I'll do pictures and a little r/v when my genuine Nikon charger comes in.
I've yet to touch the bike in 3 weeks, so thought I better go downstairs bearing gifts.
I'll do pictures and a little r/v when my genuine Nikon charger comes in.
Airhawk works for me. Steer clear of the cruiser sized items. And take careful note of the minimalist inflation instructions
[image: View Post]swas, on 09 May 2011 - 06:53 PM, said:
Airhawk works for me. Steer clear of the cruiser sized items. And take careful note of the minimalist inflation instructionsSwas, I went off their site in terms of sizing, they recommended a medium.
By itself it looks cruiser size and shape, but it fits the length good with the rear cowl and the tabs line up well on the seat edge.
Though I can see they could have trimmed half an inch off the wider flared section.
Minimal inflation noted. I was told to have it set so you could just feel the seat under you. Bit like the pressure area care devices used in aged care places.
I've seen nurses pop these cause of high inflation, or have the patient start rolly-polly.
Not to sure what the main differences are with 1 and 2, maybe when I get around to making a r/v post someone will know
Here's to some longer, more comfortable rides :beer:
End of thread · 51 posts recovered Wayback Machine snapshot 22 Jun 2012