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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 Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 13 Apr 2007
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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.
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  #2  
Old 14 Apr 2007
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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 :-)


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  #3  
Old 14 Apr 2007
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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.
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  #4  
Old 14 Apr 2007
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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 .
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  #5  
Old 14 Apr 2007
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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.
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  #6  
Old 14 Apr 2007
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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).

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  #7  
Old 14 Apr 2007
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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.
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  #8  
Old 14 Apr 2007
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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.
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  #9  
Old 15 Apr 2007
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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.
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  #10  
Old 16 Apr 2007
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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
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  #11  
Old 16 Apr 2007
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>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...
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