SE Seat is Torturous

[HouTexH2SX]

$315 including shipping. About 3 1/2 weeks from when I shipped it to them to when I got it back today.

[Burmashave]

HouTexH2SX, did you do a drawing for them, or did you just describe what you wanted done? I guess what I'm asking, is, what instructions did you give them to get what you got?

I've been holding off on this thread until I saw the results, but the pics you posted look like the move in the right direction. The seat on my Kawi Versys 1K is also sloped forward, as are the seats on many Japanese bikes to accommodate folks with shorter legs. Some rides -- especially rides with lots of hills -- left me feeling pinched in the crotch. I got a custom seat done by a small outfit and had the seat leveled. It was a huge improvement for me. I find the same is true for my SE. Some rides leave me feeling pinched in the crotch.

Also, part of the problem with the SE seat is the flatness. Lee Parks argues in his book that seat shape often has more influence over comfort than type of foam. He points out that farmers can sit on a tractor seat made of steel all day long in relative comfort (I've done it) because the seat is shaped to distribute the load. That said, I'd believe that cupping the seat should improve comfort.

I don't find the SE seat torturous, although I consider myself a bit wimpy in the iron butt department; however, I would pay for an improvement, if only to level out the front.

[HouTexH2SX]

If you read the entire thread you'll see how I described to them what I wanted. You are 100% correct about flatness vs. dished.

[Burmashave]

Thanks. I've been following this thread all along. The reason why I asked is that the Sergent site recommends sending drawings, specific dimensions, etc. The instructions in your post ("raise the nose a little," etc.) seemed a bit more offhand than what Sergent asks for on their site. But I think I get it now.

[Zdude]

If the seat turns out as comfortable as it looks. I would probably call them and ask to have that specific seat of Houton's duplicated on mine. I'm pretty sure when I had my Streetfighter seat done I had it patterned off another Forum member's seat that was previously done by Sargent's. You might even ask for the same technician to do it.
I have followed this thread from the start and continue so that I get a good idea how it feels on a lengthy ride. Looking forward to the review.

[HouTexH2SX]

Thanks. I've been following this thread all along. The reason why I asked is that the Sergent site recommends sending drawings, specific dimensions, etc. The instructions in your post ("raise the nose a little," etc.) seemed a bit more offhand than what Sergent asks for on their site. But I think I get it now.

I just sent them some pictures of the stock seat along with my description of what I didn't like about it--no dimensions or drawings. Probably the most helpful thing I told them was to make it similar to the one they make for the Ninja 1000 since I had one of them and the stock seat had the same problems as the H2 SX and their seat cured these issues. I also called them and discussed what I wanted at length with their customer service rep Dane. These guys are really good at what they do.

[Champ87]

Like others I'm interested to hear your thoughts when you get a chance to try it out. I don't have any issues with my SX SE seat but that doesn't mean it can't be improved.

[HouTexH2SX]

I finally got out for a long ride today to test out the Sargent modified seat. It makes a HUGE difference for me! I no longer slide forward toward the tank and I sit in a slightly dished "pocket" that spreads out the pressure points. The longest stretch I went without a break was about 120 miles and I no longer felt any pressure in the perineum area--before modification I would be in pain after about 40 miles. The seat works best if I stay sitting further back in the pocket--if I had any complaint about what Sargent did it would be that the nose is still a little too flat. It would be better if the pocket extended a little more forward but I'm okay with it as is. I'm not going to be going on any 600 mile days with this bike--I have my FJR with a Russell Day Long saddle for that.

This was also my first ride with the accessory lower smoke windshield. The higher stock SE windshield put the wind blast on my helmet with a lot of buffeting--the lower one puts it at my upper chest with the helmet in clean air and the pressure on my chest takes some of the weight off my arms. I also ordered the 10mm clip on risers that should also help--we'll see.

I also installed the Yoshimura slip-on. It looks WAY better than the cartoonish stock can and sounds better too, especially in the higher RPM's.

[Burmashave]

Thanks so much for the update and the description. I really wanted to know what to tell Sargent when I order mine.

[jjscsix]

First of all I'm jealous....well, mostly because you are out riding and I'm still grounded. I can't wait to see it....and ride it!