CORBIN VS ULTIMATE SEATS

[tmcquain]

Thinking about trying to get a more comfortable seat. kind of an informal poll, which is the best and why ? I am a big guy 295. The standard seat is ok, but I like the thought of sitting down in the seat a little more. Can anyone give me any pointers on this ?
Thanks,
Tim

[Brian Kay]

Thinking about trying to get a more comfortable seat. kind of an informal poll, which is the best and why ? I am a big guy 295. The standard seat is ok, but I like the thought of sitting down in the seat a little more. Can anyone give me any pointers on this ?
Thanks,
Tim

I'm 250, and have the ultimate tall boy...I actually sit up higher than the stock seat, about an inch. Although I definitely have more padding, that is firmer, with the ultimate...I love it. Never sat on a Corbin

[tmcquain]

Thanks ! The other Question is, are there any seats that would let my wife sit a little higher, she says that I block her view...can't believe that...but any ideas ?

[samewok]

I have had both the Ultma is better of the two.

[pitzerwm]

read all of the problems with Corbin, there isn't a choice, Ultimate is the only way to go.

[tehrlich]

I currently have all three in my garage: BRP comfort seat, Corbin, and Ultimate Tall Boy. I have the Ultimate on right now. I'm going to do a write up with pictures on all three very soon. I want to do this because it is SO confusing on what to buy. Plus, I hate the standard answer of: "go to a motorcycle event and sit on them." Well, I am unable to do that.


I've ridden all three in the last couple of months with the idea of figuring out what is the best for me, and maybe someone else that is not sure either. Well, in summary, they each have their pros and cons, and there is nothing perfect.

In my opinion as of right now:
1. BRP Comfort seat. I think if you're riding here and there and nothing of long term, it is awesome. Its a soft seat. So it is comfy for short term, but not long. However, because it is soft, you can press into the little back wall of the driver's seat. I have long legs and it makes it easier to stretch them out. Corbin and Ultimate have hard boundaries. Now that I've ridden the Ultimate and Corbin seats, I've actually surprised that I like the BRP seat for other reasons. I figured that throwing money at something would make a huge difference. Again, it depends. Of all three seats, I feel like it gives me the most room for my legs.

2. Corbin. I loved the ability to customize the seat. I really liked the website and interaction. The seat has a PERFECT shape for a "butt." It reminds me of my very expensive custom saddle for my horse. It kind of has a tractor style shape. The craftsmanship is great. Big rivets hold the material down. The appearance is awesome. Love the look. It is very firm. Not hard, just firm. It rides lower and firmer. It really bothers me for two reasons: it is at a forward position, like a stock seat, and it is very slippery with vinyl. With my long legs, I felt very cramped with the position and more bend at the knees. It is the heaviest of the three, by a lot. It also does not use the seat prop from the stock seat, and it has weird hinges for the gas door. They look like they should go on your kitchen cabinets. Because of this, if you want to open the seat, you have to open the door. The hinges catch the side if you don't. I think if the seat was a bit back like the BRP Comfort seat, this would be a great seat for me. Someone told me that the "Lamonster" Corbin version is farther back. Well, I couldn't find that information on their site anywhere, and I don't particularly want the logo on my bike. I like his store and efforts around here very much! But, just saying.....

3. Ultimate Tall Boy. I bought the black with black crock inlay. It looks a LOT better in person than on their website. I chose not to buy it first because it is not presented well on their website, in my opinion. The craftsmanship is excellent as well. The leather reminds me of a fine German car's upholstery. Its firmness is right between the Comfort seat and Corbin. It is the tallest of the seats. It may be as far back as the BRP Comfort seat, but it doesn't quite feel that way because of the rigid perimeter, but it is further than the Corbin. It's not nearly as heavy as the Corbin, but is more "solid" than the Comfort seat. The gas door is metal and hinged very well. It has a look like it should be a door for a gas tank. Tough. The seat uses the stock seat hardware, so it uses the seat prop. I haven't quite put on enough miles to give it a recommendation, but I'm pretty sure I'll be riding this one.

After all of this, I think the Corbin seat would have been perfect for me because I liked the lower position and firm ride. However, the forward and cramped feeling are deal breakers for me. I'm going to have to sell it. Someone will get a great deal on a lightly used custom Corbin seat. (Message me if you are interested.)

But the Ultimate doesn't completely win either. I think it would be a perfect seat for me if it was a little lower ride, and I could position myself back more like the BRP Comfort seat. But, I haven't had enough break-in period, and maybe it will change.

While the Ultimate seat is esthetically fantastic, and what I'll be riding, I probably would've kept riding my BRP Comfort seat if I knew the others wouldn't be perfect. Esthetically, it is kind of plain, and it is too soft, but I really like how I can stretch out on it. I would've added some firmness to it somehow.

I've taken a lot of pictures to show the differences of each and will put them together soon to show.

[garb55]

I have the Corbin and it took a couple thousand miles for it to shape to my bottom
It is hard but now I really like it
People have complained that the seat will not allow the glove box to open
But if you look under the rear of the seat there are 3 bolts on the hinge bracket that bolt to the seat bottom
They are slotted so you can move the seat backwards
then I had to drill larger holes for the seat lock so it would line up with the seat pin
I also took a 90 degree bracket and made a mount for the seat strut had to get a stronger strut from auto parts store
Now the seat is just as convenient as the OEM but more comfortable and has a gas door
Don

[Chupaca]

I can only comment on the comfort seat. I feel pretty much the same as tehrlich but will add that the comfort does raise the passenger and the wife was happy about that.

[Bobleach45]

Check with Motorcycle Dave a And see what he thinks he coils do for you by customizing the OEM seat. He's a sponsor on tHe home page.

[JkRbbt]

I have had Corbin and Ultimate in the past. My choice for another would be Ultimate! YMMV! Good luck!

[MEP]

There was a thread here not too long ago regarding wide ranging problems with Corbin's customer service, and a number of people weighed in with their own negative experiences. Based on those comments and reviews I would not buy a Corbin product.

[TXrider]

Just ordered a Corbin for my RT - our MC shop is a dealer for Corbin - we've had superb customer service and repairs/reworks done promptly & correctly. Corbin does take a few thousand miles for it to conform to your posterior but for long distance riding it is well worth it. I like the Corbin ride - I have one on my FXR4, my husband has Corbin on all his FXRs; his Norton Commando and his Buell. I'm thinking about getting a Corbin for my Triumph too.

Personally, I like to ride out to Corbin in Hollister to get the seat fitted - can't do it this time but it's a great ride....

I have not ridden an Ultimate, so I cannot comment.

[tmcquain]

Thank you to all that gave me info on this. I went by the Can Am dealer today, they had a comfort seat in stock, I looked at it and measured it. It pushes the driver back exactly 2 inches. Well that comes from the rider, and well to tell you the truth the wife said " You're not taking any of my real estate" So after looking and listening to the feedback here I ordered the Ultimate Midrider today. It sounds like a seat that everyone that has tried really likes, it is not pushing me back, so I'm leaving the misses alone, and her backrest is sculpted, so it may actually give her a little more space. Plus they have a 2 week return policy if it just don't work.
spyder-rt-seat-yellow-1-750x565.jpg
Thanks for all the input !

Now if someone can tell me where to get the U.S. Flag thingy showing the states I've ridden in.........

Tim

[Bob Denman]

Why listen to all of us asses in here, when you've only got to listen to your own.
We can't tell you what it'll take to make your butt happy.
Get with other riders, and ask to test out their aftermarket seats; your bottom will tell you which one is THE one!

[Peteoz]

Why listen to all of us asses in here, when you've only got to listen to your own.
We can't tell you what it'll take to make your butt happy.
Get with other riders, and ask to test out their aftermarket seats; your bottom will tell you which one is THE one!

Easy for you to say, Bob, but there aren't that many Spyders (apart from deadly poisonous ones) out here in Oz to try, so we HAVE to rely on you "asses" to point us in the right direction. . It's worked well so far as you guys are very knowledgable......well, MOST of you

Pete

[JkRbbt]

If you ride that Ultimate for 2 weeks, you will NOT be sending it back!! Ride on!

[tehrlich]

I currently have all three in my garage: BRP comfort seat, Corbin, and Ultimate Tall Boy. I have the Ultimate on right now. I'm going to do a write up with pictures on all three very soon. I want to do this because it is SO confusing on what to buy. Plus, I hate the standard answer of: "go to a motorcycle event and sit on them." Well, I am unable to do that.


I've ridden all three in the last couple of months with the idea of figuring out what is the best for me, and maybe someone else that is not sure either. Well, in summary, they each have their pros and cons, and there is nothing perfect.

In my opinion as of right now:
1. BRP Comfort seat. I think if you're riding here and there and nothing of long term, it is awesome. Its a soft seat. So it is comfy for short term, but not long. However, because it is soft, you can press into the little back wall of the driver's seat. I have long legs and it makes it easier to stretch them out. Corbin and Ultimate have hard boundaries. Now that I've ridden the Ultimate and Corbin seats, I've actually surprised that I like the BRP seat for other reasons. I figured that throwing money at something would make a huge difference. Again, it depends. Of all three seats, I feel like it gives me the most room for my legs.

2. Corbin. I loved the ability to customize the seat. I really liked the website and interaction. The seat has a PERFECT shape for a "butt." It reminds me of my very expensive custom saddle for my horse. It kind of has a tractor style shape. The craftsmanship is great. Big rivets hold the material down. The appearance is awesome. Love the look. It is very firm. Not hard, just firm. It rides lower and firmer. It really bothers me for two reasons: it is at a forward position, like a stock seat, and it is very slippery with vinyl. With my long legs, I felt very cramped with the position and more bend at the knees. It is the heaviest of the three, by a lot. It also does not use the seat prop from the stock seat, and it has weird hinges for the gas door. They look like they should go on your kitchen cabinets. Because of this, if you want to open the seat, you have to open the door. The hinges catch the side if you don't. I think if the seat was a bit back like the BRP Comfort seat, this would be a great seat for me. Someone told me that the "Lamonster" Corbin version is farther back. Well, I couldn't find that information on their site anywhere, and I don't particularly want the logo on my bike. I like his store and efforts around here very much! But, just saying.....

3. Ultimate Tall Boy. I bought the black with black crock inlay. It looks a LOT better in person than on their website. I chose not to buy it first because it is not presented well on their website, in my opinion. The craftsmanship is excellent as well. The leather reminds me of a fine German car's upholstery. Its firmness is right between the Comfort seat and Corbin. It is the tallest of the seats. It may be as far back as the BRP Comfort seat, but it doesn't quite feel that way because of the rigid perimeter, but it is further than the Corbin. It's not nearly as heavy as the Corbin, but is more "solid" than the Comfort seat. The gas door is metal and hinged very well. It has a look like it should be a door for a gas tank. Tough. The seat uses the stock seat hardware, so it uses the seat prop. I haven't quite put on enough miles to give it a recommendation, but I'm pretty sure I'll be riding this one.

After all of this, I think the Corbin seat would have been perfect for me because I liked the lower position and firm ride. However, the forward and cramped feeling are deal breakers for me. I'm going to have to sell it. Someone will get a great deal on a lightly used custom Corbin seat. (Message me if you are interested.)

But the Ultimate doesn't completely win either. I think it would be a perfect seat for me if it was a little lower ride, and I could position myself back more like the BRP Comfort seat. But, I haven't had enough break-in period, and maybe it will change.

While the Ultimate seat is esthetically fantastic, and what I'll be riding, I probably would've kept riding my BRP Comfort seat if I knew the others wouldn't be perfect. Esthetically, it is kind of plain, and it is too soft, but I really like how I can stretch out on it. I would've added some firmness to it somehow.

I've taken a lot of pictures to show the differences of each and will put them together soon to show.

I've ridden all three seats this month now. My opinion has changed greatly from this post, and I'll be posting later today with pictures and details. I can switch out seats and back rests fast now, too!

[Kraut]

Thanks ! The other Question is, are there any seats that would let my wife sit a little higher, she says that I block her view...can't believe that...but any ideas ?

My Navigator and I bought the Ultimate Midrider; the height differential between the rider and passenger allows her to see forward without effort.

[Bob Denman]

You might want to contact Russell about their "Day-Long" seats.
They take special care, in measuring you up, and can custom-tailor the ride heights for each person.

https://www.day-long.com/

[retread]

I agree on the RDL, best seats available.

john

[Pirate looks at --]

That is a beautiful seat. We have the same one in black and white! You will love it! Great choice!

[robhowen]

I just put an Ultimate Seat on my 2015 RT Limited and I really like it. I don't have the numbness in my tailbone like I had in the factory seat. I've had a variety of Corbins through the years on a number of bikes. Some of them I liked and some I did not. I generally stay away from Corbin now as I think their quality has decreased through the years. You really should consider a Russell (www.day-long.com) seat as well. I've only had one of theirs in my lifetime and it was the best seat I ever had. The only reason I didn't get one for my Spyder is I just didn't want to wait so long for one and I'd never had an Ultimate Seat.

The best to you in your selection.

Rob

[trikerbiker645]

tmcquain,
Sorry not a Corbin or Ultimate seat but also take a look at Russell Day Long seats, they are custom built and the best I've ever had. Tried a Corbin, Ultimate and some others- may be good seats, didn't fit me for comfort, but everyone's ass is different though. Had a Russell on three bikes. They will custom build it to fit you and your wife via pictures and your info. You do have to send in your seat though as they use your pan. Look over their website. I've had 3 of theirs and will have one made for my RTS this winter when I'm snowbound. I'll be having them raise the passenger seat on this one also like the other seats I had as my wife likes to look over me and not around me. It sounds like your wife is the same. Also, be aware that the Russell seat will raise you about an inch normally by the time they are done building it.
I do also always put a larger windshield on my bikes as well to keep her in "the bubble" as well as can be expected.She will always trade the wind for the view. Right now she is sitting on about 3" of cushions and say's its great back there as far as wind turbulence and noise and view. [I'm 5-8 and she's 5-2] I put a F4 Customs- XL width and height on it for a shield with vent. I like the shield as well, I sit in a nice little quiet air pocket. I've always looked thru my shields so that is no problem for me. YMMV. Good luck on your choice. Safe riding!