Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 Apr 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: london
Posts: 12
my saddle is too soft

hello all,
the seat on my cb500 is very soft, and although great for 50 miles or so it starts to be a pain in the butt after that.

is ther an easy way to make it a bit harder?
i was thinking about a sheet of cardboard over the top. has anyone tried this?

let me know what you think,
thanks
rich.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Apr 2007
mattcbf600's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: London, England
Posts: 706
Never thought I'd hear anyone complain thier seat was too hard!

I've been looking for a way to soften my up - my poor bum get numb after 100 odd miles.... I guess you can do the same as me - look for a custom seat maker and get them to sort one out to your specifications - I'm still looking for someone - so let me know if you sort something out :-)


m
__________________
------------------
http://thelondonbiker.com/blog

Watch some of my camp cooking videos

AIM: mattcashmore
SKYPE: matthewcashmore
MSN: matthew@matthewcashmore.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Apr 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: london
Posts: 12
yeah, i know weird complaint but after 100 miles it gets uncomfortable.
poke the saddle and you'll see its really soft- it can't possibly be too hard.

i'm going over to france at the end of the month, and i want to head for moscow. its quite a target, especially considering the seat isn't all that comfortable. i'm hoping someone here can help with a solution, or its 4'000 miles standing up!

i might try some cheap solutions before i leave.

rich.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Apr 2007
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
Take off the covering and add " memory foam " it's the kind of foam that they use in medical equipment .
Then put on a sheepskin covering .
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 Apr 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: london
Posts: 12
i was just reading the old posts about sheepkin, with those non-slip dashboard nets underneath. off to ikea first thing tomorrow.

if i don't make it back from ikea i suggest sending an rescue force into ikea north london at 1200hrs prompt. will release distress flares on the hour.

rdjc.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 14 Apr 2007
mattcbf600's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: London, England
Posts: 706
Hey you're heading the same was as us - Journey To Russia - let us know how you're getting on....

Just gone back to read the posts about sheepskin.... interesting.... may pop into ikea myself -even though my little CBF600 will look a little odd and I'll have to put up with the endless Welsh Sheep jokes (like I don't have enough as it is).

m
__________________
------------------
http://thelondonbiker.com/blog

Watch some of my camp cooking videos

AIM: mattcashmore
SKYPE: matthewcashmore
MSN: matthew@matthewcashmore.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 14 Apr 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: montana usa
Posts: 547
Seat too soft

Some seats are too soft. If you are male a too soft seat can push up and irritate the prostrate. One thing I have tried on saggy worn out car seats is to get some spray foam like they use in the building indrusty. In the states it comes in a areosol can for less than 5$. Thru a small slit at the base of the seat inject the foam into the parts of the seat you want to firm up and then before it firms up sit on the seat lightly to give it the right shape. I have also used garden kneeling pads sometimes shaped like a butterfly and about 25mm thick. Just sit on it and maybe bungie it so it doesn't fly away when you stand up.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 14 Apr 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dodger View Post
Take off the covering and add " memory foam " it's the kind of foam that they use in medical equipment .
Then put on a sheepskin covering .

Yep.
Confur (or Confor) is one widely known brand name. Also used in airline seating.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 15 Apr 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 33
on advice from this site, I recently bought a Royal Enfield sprung solo seat...made by Le Pera in LA (I think)...they use some kind of booger-snot biker gel layer, and between that and the springs, it's way up there on my list of favorite things to do with my ass. that extra spring bounce is very forgiving, and even tho I raised it 2 1/2" from the stock Bonneville seat position, I can still flatfoot stops both feet with a 30" inseam.




I'm in the process of making a sprung seat for mz. modre...the old guys with rigid frames used these for very good reason...and thanks to the guy who hipped me to it.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 16 Apr 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: london
Posts: 12
modre: you have a list of things to do with your ass???? for all involved please do not explain any further!!!

i managed to find my way out of ikea. don't take any shortcuts, its designed to keep you on the one path, past every item. i don't think i've been any where else i despise so much (except maybe starbucks).

Having said that they do a cushion cover from real sheepskin for £12, strangely called 'alleby'.
i'd call it 'sheepskin cushion cover'.

being a cover you can put whatever you want inside:
foam, cash & documents, warm jam or even a cushion!

i'll do a decent ride this week and let you know if its more comfortable than before.

rodger & out.

rdjc
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 16 Apr 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 33
>modre: you have a list of things to do with your ass????<

Things to do with my Ass:
1. save
2. haul
3. motivate
4. cover
5. discern if it should be kissed
6. keep from freezing
7. park
8. keep from getting kicked

...more guidelines actually...
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
The dangers of soft luggage locodog Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 20 23 Jun 2009 13:08
Soft Luggage Advice... JFL Yamaha Tech 21 11 May 2009 10:46
Soft or Hard Saddlebags for the KLR? gberelovich Kawasaki Tech 12 5 Dec 2005 07:42
Cumft saddle Mark Yamaha Tech 6 17 Aug 2004 21:18
secured (?) soft luggage in asia peerke Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 4 12 Dec 2003 00:38

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 17:46.