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My
Corbin Experience
by
Steve Long
So you think you have it bad with the stock Concours seat from Big K? Try logging a few hundred clicks on the paltry seat of the CBR600F4! Now that is a test!
Since I turned the little sport bike into a sporting-tourer, I decided to add an aftermarket seat. I have enjoyed the saddle mounted to my Connie and, in my opinion, Corbin is the only way to go. The quality, comfort, fit and finish have always impressed me about Mike Corbin’s products. The new $199 price for the F4 (sorry, the Connie is still higher) was just icing on the ‘ol cake. For my money, the Corbin is a much cleaner look and better feel than other aftermarket seats.
The folks at Corbin were able to squeeze me in with about a week’s notice, so off I rode from Sacramento to Hollister…about 2 hours 15 minutes via the most direct route. Needless to say that Corbin is a bit off the beaten path. It was cold at 5AM when I left that November morn, but I was excited which took the edge off a bit. By 7:30AM, I was there and ready to get my seat custom fitted, a service which Corbin offers at no extra charge! Today seemed to be Big Bike day as Goldwings and Hogs that collected in the soft morning light surrounded my little F4.
Waiting in line with the big boys
Gustavo, the cruise director of my Corbin voyage, greeted me. He walked me through the stages of seat building, what to expect and the time frame of the process. Since he is bi-lingual, I also learned a few new words and phrases. He said the seat would take about four hours, which seems like a long time, but it goes quickly with test rides, complimentary lunch or breakfast and you may tour the factory to while away the hours.
Since there was no base pan to build on, one was build from scratch of fiberglass and pressed into shape from the F4 master mould.
Expanding dense foam was then poured over the base to create the basic seat from which Gustavo would create his masterpiece (emphasis on the “ass”). This foam is much better than stock foam with its ability support comfortably over time, while remaining relatively low volume. We riders get suckered into thinking softer is better. When more support is what is key! Soft is the devil!
Once the foam sets up,
the basic seat is lightly trimmed and contoured.
Then the fun begins! This picture has Gustavo in it.
Gustavo good, Gustavo
friend (said in my best Frankenstein voice).
Gustavo shapes the foam
The seat is then fitted to
the bike and any hardware adjustments made to ensure the stock locking
mechanisms work properly. After
that, get your gear on! Time for the first of as many test fittings as you need.
The black fabric swatch protects the foam as applied by the “Big
G”
Gustavo beckons to Steve for test ride #1
Getting ready for test ride #2
I tested my seat about
four times. It was hard at
first to know where to go from the basic seat since it alone is far
superior to a stock one. Gustavo
offered guidance and what to feel for on my rides.
We opted to add about 1-1/2” to the lateral driver’s area to
stop sliding back. Once I was
comfy with the seat, the
master made a final clean up trimming and created a custom template for my
seat’s cover.
I chose to have smooth black leather accents with the carbon fiber ‘look’ seating areas. I passed on the piping, however, I added the signature “Corbin” patch at the back of the seat. I did not need the rear passenger back rest support built into the base, but it was available without extra charge so I may choose to add this passenger creature comfort in the future. Any combination and customization can be selected to suit your imagination. Since I lack one, it was easier for me. The FABULOUS seamstresses used Gustavo’s template to trace the fabric components onto large rolls of fabric, then cut them out. Talk about fast and accurate! It is amazing to see how skilled these women’s’ hands were!
Marking the pattern and cutting the fabric
The cut parts were then stitched together. Again, these women were amazing and made things look ridiculously easy. All the lines were perfect. I felt like a moron at how long it took me to stitch my COG patch on my jacket and this gal put together and entire seat cover in ˝ the time!
Stitching the cover
After the cover was stitched together, it was stretched over the seat and riveted in. My seat began to come to life and I was giddy. OK, so I am easily amazed, though it pays off in this club!
Installing the cover
The final product was great.. and it rides sweet. Great support, no sliding back and no tender butt bones!
The finished product
I can only HIGHLY recommend all of the people at Corbin and their products and workmanship. Gustavo did such a great job for me, that I would ask for him personally to handle my next seat.
Gustavo with his finely crafted creation
Corbin stands by its work in that you can have your saddle re-worked if you need so within a year of its manufacture. The only charge may be if the modifications are enough to require a new cover be made. I left my stock seat to be shipped home free of charge and finish its life in my garage.
You can see examples of their many saddles and other specialty products at www.corbin.com.
Take care and happy riding!
© 2001, 2002, 2003 SW COG