Firefly
Active member
Installed my Corbin seats & backrest today - along with the NMN 3" risers.
The seat:
Install was very straight forward, but one of the front welded bolts that is used for the handrails was broken - as in the weld holding the bolt to the frame busted off. Had to tear more of the bike apart - remove the unwelded bolt and replace with nylon lined one (stole if from the stock seat shock).
The Corbin fit is great, feels great - looks great. Still trying to get used to having a backrest. Makes getting off and on the Spyder a bit different!
The seat feels great when riding, but might have me sitting a bit more forward - and for sure is more slippery!
The quality seems really good, but I was a bit shocked at how the bottom of the seats look. Not a nice finish - just looks really rough - like not finished. I know that's being picky, but heck - the two piece seat and backrest was $800 !
Also one small thing that irks me - they tell you to use Loctite when installing - but don't provide it. Okay, sure - Loctite is cheap - and I already have some - but it's a nice touch when it comes with the product. The NMN risers came with Loctite - and they were only $200!
__________________________
NMN risers :
Install was trickier than I thought it would be. Main issue is getting in and cutting zip ties to free those cables up. The reverse one seems to be the tightest. I have the 1" BRP riser, so went with the 3" NMN risers - and it is VERY obvious that you could NOT use their 4" if you have the BRP riser. No way will that reverse cable reach.
Install went pretty good, but the directions were somewhat lacking. Nowhere in them, or out here did I see any mention of allen set screw in the bottom of the riser brackets. Didn't know if they wanted it tightened first or second, loctite? I winged it and it seems fine - used loctite.
I re-routed the reverse cable a bit to have more room.
I got the black anodized version - and man are they SHARP looking! The black doesn't stand out as much as the others - blends in nice and really looks like a factory part of the Spyder!
First ride was really strange! I had them pretty far back - rode for an hour and it just didn't feel right. My palms felt like there was a lot of pressure on them - like I was wedged between the Corbin backrest and the bars.
Went back to shop and made a change - forward this time. Still felt strange, but in a different way that before. Went back and found a spot in the middle that feels pretty good - not too much pressure on my palms, etc. Nice to have the option to adjust. Does anyone know if there are any 'standard' riding postures to look for when adjusting these?
The Spyder handles VERY differently with these on. It was like the first day I had the Spyder all over again - learning to ride from scratch. Turning is easier and response seems quicker. You're really at a different angle and if you turn using the same forces as before - you'll oversteer.
Overall I think I'm really gonna like these - just have to get used to them now - nothing a few hours of riding won't cure I'm sure.
Took some twisties at 80 and nothing fell apart - but you can bet that the thought going through my mind was : Did I tighten that bolt? If that came off - it would be ugly!
One thing - does anyone know how to attach the upper bolt covers? They look sharp - just not sure best way to attach them.
So far I would highly recommend both the Corbin and NMN risers.
The seat:
Install was very straight forward, but one of the front welded bolts that is used for the handrails was broken - as in the weld holding the bolt to the frame busted off. Had to tear more of the bike apart - remove the unwelded bolt and replace with nylon lined one (stole if from the stock seat shock).
The Corbin fit is great, feels great - looks great. Still trying to get used to having a backrest. Makes getting off and on the Spyder a bit different!
The seat feels great when riding, but might have me sitting a bit more forward - and for sure is more slippery!
The quality seems really good, but I was a bit shocked at how the bottom of the seats look. Not a nice finish - just looks really rough - like not finished. I know that's being picky, but heck - the two piece seat and backrest was $800 !
Also one small thing that irks me - they tell you to use Loctite when installing - but don't provide it. Okay, sure - Loctite is cheap - and I already have some - but it's a nice touch when it comes with the product. The NMN risers came with Loctite - and they were only $200!
__________________________
NMN risers :
Install was trickier than I thought it would be. Main issue is getting in and cutting zip ties to free those cables up. The reverse one seems to be the tightest. I have the 1" BRP riser, so went with the 3" NMN risers - and it is VERY obvious that you could NOT use their 4" if you have the BRP riser. No way will that reverse cable reach.
Install went pretty good, but the directions were somewhat lacking. Nowhere in them, or out here did I see any mention of allen set screw in the bottom of the riser brackets. Didn't know if they wanted it tightened first or second, loctite? I winged it and it seems fine - used loctite.
I re-routed the reverse cable a bit to have more room.
I got the black anodized version - and man are they SHARP looking! The black doesn't stand out as much as the others - blends in nice and really looks like a factory part of the Spyder!
First ride was really strange! I had them pretty far back - rode for an hour and it just didn't feel right. My palms felt like there was a lot of pressure on them - like I was wedged between the Corbin backrest and the bars.
Went back to shop and made a change - forward this time. Still felt strange, but in a different way that before. Went back and found a spot in the middle that feels pretty good - not too much pressure on my palms, etc. Nice to have the option to adjust. Does anyone know if there are any 'standard' riding postures to look for when adjusting these?
The Spyder handles VERY differently with these on. It was like the first day I had the Spyder all over again - learning to ride from scratch. Turning is easier and response seems quicker. You're really at a different angle and if you turn using the same forces as before - you'll oversteer.
Overall I think I'm really gonna like these - just have to get used to them now - nothing a few hours of riding won't cure I'm sure.
Took some twisties at 80 and nothing fell apart - but you can bet that the thought going through my mind was : Did I tighten that bolt? If that came off - it would be ugly!
One thing - does anyone know how to attach the upper bolt covers? They look sharp - just not sure best way to attach them.
So far I would highly recommend both the Corbin and NMN risers.