Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 28 Jan 2008
kentfallen's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
XT600E - A Gel Seat or Sheepskin?

Can anyone please advise me which way to go -

1. Gel Seat
2. Sheepskin

I understand (having not ridden my new XT any real distance yet) that the existing standard seat is well, very very uncomfortable. Which above option would you recommend and where exactly can I get the work done in the case of the gel seat...

British Sheepskin or NZ? Which is the softest???????

Ride safely (and comfortably)
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 28 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 212
P & P Seats

Hi Neil,

A sheepskin is cheeper, but you won't want to use it in the rain.

I had a gel pad fitted into the saddle of my girlfriends XT600E last year, plus new foam and a sculptured shape. P & P seats in Birmingham, UK did the work and I am pleased with the result.
Initially the cover wasn't waterproof, but after a quick phone call they assured me that it should be, had me retur the saddle and sorted it out quickly. You can find them on the web.

I'm planning to have similar done to my Tenere saddle, but without the sculpting. Without it the rider can change their position in the saddle, but with the gel pad it shouldn't be necessary for cumfort.

Having said that, sheepskins work well too.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 28 Jan 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Hants UK
Posts: 23
Have you considered an Airhawk? (http://www.airhawk.co.uk/)

I use one on my XT600E and it's delightfully comfortable over long distances.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 184
sheepskin....a compromise or the way forward?

Well of course a NZ sheepskin will be softer!!!! (Being a kiwi, i would say that! )

I was going to ask what it would be like in the wet!?!?! but Mark answered that one.. dust/dirt??? not sure how practical they'd be on that front? but then again plenty of people use them.... But is this a compromise (costs???) for fitting a decent aftermarket seat??
__________________
'99 R1100GS - In a suitable shade of black

It's not that life is so short, It's just that we're dead for so long....
"The world is a book, those who do not travel read only one page." ~ Saint Augustin
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Jan 2008
kentfallen's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
Am I right in saying that this gel material is the same stuff that "Tempur" matresses are made from - Visco elastic memory foam or summit? I must admit to liking the NZ sheepskin idea... I have seen one for £30 in Maidstone as I understand it our Kiwi cousins use them to wrap babies in... Big K - The link doesn't work.
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).

Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Jan 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Middletown, PA, USA
Posts: 52
The quick answer - it depends on your butt. It could be that the OEM seat just is not right for your anatomy and neither cover will be the solution. [FYI - the visco-elastic "memory" foam is not the same as the gel pad.] You might need a wider seat than OEM, or a different shaped seat base for your butt/legs, or a different seat foam density due to your ischial bones and your surrounding "padding". Softer is not necessarily better - sometimes offering a firmer foam that spreads the weight feels better than softer foam (e.g., Buell Ulysses, Ducati MultiStrada). Motorcycle Consumer News had a short article on this some time ago. There is some schetchy info on the Web that gives some insight, but nothing real conclusive for individuals to do some self-determination (looks like the seat construction "guild" has that info locked up right now ). There is one person who has an innovative solution for most dual-sport seats in that it is a canvas "sling" that holds two 1-liter plastic bottles on either side of the OEM seat to create a wider perch that can be tailored somewhat with the air pressure in each plastic bottle (see the "Sweet Cheeks" info at Site For Sale). Most Corbin dual-sport solutions include wider seats. You might want to take a visit at a couple bike dealers and sit on a variety of bikes just to get a better feel as to which way you want to go. Then you can try some inexpensive experiments (e.g., custom plywood seat base; layers of firmer, closed-cell sleeping/kneeling pads; "memory"/"NASA" foam) and either go to a custom seat maker or try it yourself.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Jan 2008
kentfallen's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
Visco-Elastic Memory Foam!

Now thats made me fink - I have a large NASA/ Visco-Elastic Memory Foam pillow that I don't use (cost £15). I wonder how comfortable it would be to cut the existing OEM seat and replace a small moulded area (honestly, I only have a small Arse) with some of this stuff. Then all I need to do is cut a replacement cover and staple it back on.... I would lose the White YAMAHA bit on the sides though...
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).

Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Jan 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Oosterhout, Holland
Posts: 36
saddles

Hello, Neil! Neither! I also had trouble with my original saddle on long runs, so I had it redone by a saddleman: Rayz zadels - Motorzadels: Look for the black XT600E in the example-section: it's now wider, higher a little bit flatter and harder, the top surface is anti-slip. What a difference and that for only 350,- euros. Now I can ride all-day long and no pain in the butt!! Greets, Hans van Langen.
__________________
XT rules! XT660Z Tenere '08
make the world beautiful, get a tattoo!
http://dallastx.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 29 Jan 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Middletown, PA, USA
Posts: 52
Quote:
Originally Posted by kentfallen View Post
Now thats made me fink - I have a large NASA/ Visco-Elastic Memory Foam pillow that I don't use (cost £15). I wonder how comfortable it would be to cut the existing OEM seat and replace a small moulded area (honestly, I only have a small Arse) with some of this stuff. Then all I need to do is cut a replacement cover and staple it back on.... I would lose the White YAMAHA bit on the sides though...
I'd try some add-on experimentation to validate what would really be an improvement before I'd tear apart my seat. In addition to what I said earlier, check out what Bierdo did with his XT225: MONKEY BUTT SOLVED!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 30 Jan 2008
motorbike mike's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Reading
Posts: 76
Hi Neil, I wouldn't write off the sheepskin option till you've tried one. I use one on my XT600E ( 2002) and last year did a 420 mile day followed by a 200 mile day and it was comfort all the way. I do also wear leather bike trousers with padded cycle shorts underneath so that also may help. The sheepskin also doubles up as a comfortable pillow ( bit tickly) or just something to sit on to save sitting on hard ground. You can also easily transfer it to another bike and the one i use covers the pillion part of the seat as well.The rain hardly gets on to the sheepskin when in use and a quick shake sees most water flicked off, the only down side is they are quite "nickable" - I always roll mine up and take it with me or stick it in a pannier. Hope this view is of some help.
Cheers Mike
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 30 Jan 2008
kentfallen's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
Mike,

Doesn't it tend to also flap about a bit in the wind (not that I ever travel very fast or ever above 70 Mph).
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).

Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 30 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
velcro & elastic......

Neil, with a sheepy you can make some elastic straps that go under your seat and you cut the sheepskin to hang about 3" bigger all round seat then tuck front n rear under the elastic straps ( flat elastic like webbing about 30mm wide in black is available from haberdashery shops) you can either make em velcroable or just loops and fit them to your seat.
This stops the sheepy from flapping about

Martyn
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 31 Jan 2008
kentfallen's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
I'm going to buy the sheepskin. It seems the best idea bearing in mind the limited cost involved - £30 from a rug shop in Maidstone, Kent.

Cheers lads.
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).

Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 31 Jan 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 68
Not to muddy the waters, but after reading this thread and doing some online research there are also gel pads with sheepskin and memory foam availble too:confused1:
Cheers Steve
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 31 Jan 2008
motorbike mike's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Reading
Posts: 76
Hi Neil, On my XT I use 2 bungees, that holds it perfectly in place - the only time mine flaps at all is when I'm being stupid and stretching my legs standing up on the pegs doing 50+, then I sit back down and the two front corners sometimes have folded back, but you just flick em forward again and they stay put.
Mike
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

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
seat solutions... jeff akins Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 6 10 Mar 2008 16:08
Corbin Seat for XT600E - Any good ?? *Touring Ted* Yamaha Tech 18 8 Jan 2007 16:01
Free seat for a XT600 (43F) Matt Cartney Yamaha Tech 1 21 Feb 2006 02:33
Is the stock KLR seat really uncomfortable? gmarch Kawasaki Tech 18 12 Apr 2002 05:05

 
 

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

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

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...

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 13:49.