Need more Rider room - can I modify the pillion seat on RT, 2024?

[flapjackandbeans]

Hi. As I'm new to this 3-wheel scene, I've only done 100 miles (most of it very painful) on my new 2024 Spyder RT. The reason I bought the Can Am is that I am suffering leg injury and sciatica/hip probs. Now when I sit on the rider's seat, my arse needs to go back further maybe 2 - 3 inches... as right now, it is so painful.

So, has anyone here had similar probs?

I thought if I could get a motorbike upholsterer to cut the pillion seat back to just past the slot for the back rest (which I will never want) and then shape it back, it may work. What's the consensus of opinion from you chaps who are far more into this than little me? Will this be of any help?

Ps: The wife will come out on the back seat occasionally, but she won't mind losing 2 - 3 inches.

 

[RayBJ]

You may want to try an air cushion (Airhawk, Wilda$$) to relieve your pain. It works for me and a typical day in the saddle for me is 6-8 hours.

 

[FrogmanDave]

... Now when I sit on the rider's seat, my arse needs to go back further maybe 2 - 3 inches...

How tall are you and what is your inseam?

 

[flapjackandbeans]

How tall are you and what is your inseam?

Im a fatty 6foot 1inch and inside leg is 29"

 

[FrogmanDave]

Im a fatty 6foot 1inch and inside leg is 29"

I thought maybe you were taller. It is strange you are having these troubles given that your legs aren't that long. I suppose the only answer is going to be a custom made seat or, like you said, a rework of the original seat. I have had great success in the past with a local upholsterer reworking factory seats. I am a similar size to you, although of normal weight, and I find the factory seat perfectly acceptable.

 

[TheMariner]

I'm similar size to you as well.

I'll ask a silly question, but are your footpegs adjusted far enough forward? Likewise... are the bars angled back too far? Those 2 things would make you feel cramped & feel you want to sit further towards the rear.

 

[flapjackandbeans]

I'm similar size to you as well.

I'll ask a silly question, but are your footpegs adjusted far enough forward? Likewise... are the bars angled back too far? Those 2 things would make you feel cramped & feel you want to sit further towards the rear.

Hi, I wasn't aware that I could adjust the floorboards. They're 24" long and seem fine, although as a motorcyclist I would prefer the option of a handlebar brake lever. I am aware I can buy one, but I'm waiting to see if I start to feel the love on the Spyder. Not feeling the 24 mpg so far, but the engine has only run 159 miles!

 

[Peteoz]

Hi, I wasn't aware that I could adjust the floorboards. They're 24" long and seem fine, although as a motorcyclist I would prefer the option of a handlebar brake lever. I am aware I can buy one, but I'm waiting to see if I start to feel the love on the Spyder. Not feeling the 24 mpg so far, but the engine has only run 159 miles!

No, you can’t adjust your floorboards on your ‘24 RT, flapjack. TheMariner looks like he rides an F3, where you can change the foot position, but has missed the fact you are not on an F3.

Pete

 

[Peteoz]

Flapjack, I had similar issues and went with a custom seat from Russell Daylong to cure my ills. BUT I am 6’7” and 300+ lbs, so raising the seat for me worked. I doubt that option would work for someone as short as you. Daylong was unable to get more than 1” of extra length for me in the driver's seat due to the seat structure, so I doubt others could get any more.

Just out of interest, is your Nottinghamshire in the UK or in the US? I would have thought UK, but then Flapjackandbeans sounds more US in origin. If you are in the US, I would consider contacting Russell and discussing your issue with them, as they are bound to have come across it previously. They get you to send photos of you on the Spyder and build your seat to address seating position comfort. They guarantee all day comfort with their custom seats. Russell have not let me down on my 5 previous rides. :thumbup:

However, if you are in the UK, the shipping costs of a Russell on top of the purchase price of around $1300 USD would probably preclude using them.

Just some food for thought.

Pete

 

[TheMariner]

No, you can’t adjust your floorboards on your ‘24 RT, flapjack. TheMariner looks like he rides an F3, where you can change the foot position, but has missed the fact you are not on an F3.

Pete

Correct... my mistake. Sorry

 

[Spyderc9]

At 5’10” 270lb and 29 inseam I understand. I have been riding 2014 for two years and still wish I could sit back more. I just installed a gel seat insert, so I’m going to give that a chance. I am thinking of removing some of the harder padding on the back of the seat and replacing it with a soft foam. The seat would maintain shape when off the bike, but allow a little more room.

 

[Peter Aawen]

At 5’10” 270lb and 29 inseam I understand. I have been riding 2014 for two years and still wish I could sit back more. I just installed a gel seat insert, so I’m going to give that a chance. I am thinking of removing some of the harder padding on the back of the seat and replacing it with a soft foam. The seat would maintain shape when off the bike, but allow a little more room.

You can get a BRP optional Comfort Seat for the 2010-2019 RT's that gives the rider an extra 2" of space by taking 2" off the front of that lumbar hump... And juuust by chance, it looks like there's a Forum Member just a State over from you (altho admittedly, it's NE Tennessee) who has a Comfort Seat they want to trade for a Stock seat - check it out here:

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums...eat-Swap!-Comfort-for-Stock&highlight=Comfort

 

[flapjackandbeans]

Hi Pete, yes I'm in Nottinghamshire UK, a little village called Blyth. Check out us lot on youtube@flapjackandbeans Thanks for the suggestion, my idea would be to shorten rear seat, but sculp it to same shape so my arse just goes back 3 inches or maybe 2. I'm going to ride it more first, before I decide, as I'm not yet feeling the Love.

 

[Spyderc9]

You can get a BRP optional Comfort Seat for the 2010-2019 RT's that gives the rider an extra 2" of space by taking 2" off the front of that lumbar hump... And juuust by chance, it looks like there's a Forum Member just a State over from you (altho admittedly, it's NE Tennessee) who has a Comfort Seat they want to trade for a Stock seat - check it out here:

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums...eat-Swap!-Comfort-for-Stock&highlight=Comfort

If I hadn’t just modified mine by adding the gel pad.

 

[ned64]

.....
I thought if I could get a motorbike upholsterer to cut the pillion seat back to just past the slot for the back rest (which I will never want) and then shape it back, it may work. .....

I had lower back surgery, and I couldn't ride more than an hour or two without a backrest. Once I put a backrest on, I can ride all day. Once you get your Spyder set up for you to fit on it, you might find that a backrest is what you're going to need to help you ride.