seat skins ??

[baxter2215]

just wondering if anyone has any feedback on the seat skins that are offered for the spyders. are they worth the money? is it better off to upgrade to a different brand of seat? what are the benefits of putting a skin on the factory spyder seat?
:cheers:
thanks,

chad

 

[dicko]

Skin not really cheap but as I'd managed to rub a hole thru my original with some incorrectly packed luggage, I really had no choice. Black windscreen sealant works but you can still see it. The skin does look good.

The skin was all creased and twisted but as soon as I fitted it and left it in the sun, it all smoothed out. Taking the seat off is the hardest, and that wasn't real difficult. Fitting it as per instructions was easy. If you don't stretch and fit the skin itself in the sequence that is suggested, it could prove difficult.

 

[jeuchler]

Skin not really cheap but as I'd managed to rub a hole thru my original with some incorrectly packed luggage, I really had no choice. Black windscreen sealant works but you can still see it. The skin does look good.

The skin was all creased and twisted but as soon as I fitted it and left it in the sun, it all smoothed out. Taking the seat off is the hardest, and that wasn't real difficult. Fitting it as per instructions was easy. If you don't stretch and fit the skin itself in the sequence that is suggested, it could prove difficult.

:agree:

I had planned on the skin before I purchased the Spyder, 'cause from the test ride, I thought the stock seat was a bit tacky. I tend to ride more like I'm on a snowmobile, shifting my butt around a bit, and the textured cover did the job nicely allowing movement.

Also, on the demo models I rode, there were quite a few scratches from keys and such I imagine. This cover has held up quite well.

(I know I'd appreciate one of those several new seat replacements out there, but this was a bit less expensive.)

Anyhow, an extra pair of hands I found was also helpful, in addition to dicko's suggestion of baking it in the sun first (I installed in the winter!)

As far as the ride and the look, you won't regret the purchase. In my top five of things I've added to the vehicle (highway pegs and windshield were #1 and #2 but may get the bump form MM's bar risers!)

 

[IdleUp]

Save your money up for a real seat like a Corbin - the Spyder seat is like a saddle there's no place for your A$$. (inverted V)

On a bike with a lot of lateral CG change (turns) you want a pocket in the seat with hopefully a rise on each side to keep you well planted. If you look at the Corbin seats you'll see they have a pretty good design.

After I looked at the price of the back rest and sport plate & a skin - I was at the same money as a Corbin seat so it was a no-brainer!

 

[NancysToy]

On a bike with a lot of lateral CG change (turns) you want a pocket in the seat with hopefully a rise on each side to keep you well planted. If you look at the Corbin seats you'll see they have a pretty good design.

Actually, this depends a lot on the individual rider. If I sit in a seat that is "dished", my legs go pins and needles in a heartbeat. The "telephone pole" seats of the Spyder and my BMW RT are perfect for me. I also prefer the ability to slide my caboose across the seat to shift my weight, probably a remnant from my roadracing days. The tacky seat of the Spyder makes this difficult, and a seat with a pocket would do the same. Depends on the rider's riding style, I guess. I will say that the Spyder demands shifting your weight in a corner, whether by bending at the waist, or sliding off the seat. If you are not used to doing this, you will want a pocket to help hold you in place.
-Scotty

 

[Way2Fast]

I'm hoping that one of the aftermarket PWC (personal watercraft) seat cover manufacturers (Hydro Turf, Jet Trim etc) will come out with a seat cover for the Spyder. They make good use of different color inlays and stitching designs. The factory covers are outright bland looking.

 

[IdleUp]

Actually, this depends a lot on the individual rider. If I sit in a seat that is "dished", my legs go pins and needles in a heartbeat. The "telephone pole" seats of the Spyder and my BMW RT are perfect for me. I also prefer the ability to slide my caboose across the seat to shift my weight, probably a remnant from my roadracing days. The tacky seat of the Spyder makes this difficult, and a seat with a pocket would do the same. Depends on the rider's riding style, I guess. I will say that the Spyder demands shifting your weight in a corner, whether by bending at the waist, or sliding off the seat. If you are not used to doing this, you will want a pocket to help hold you in place.
-Scotty

I think it all boils down to preference - if you like to sit on a jet-ski seat that has no center, I guess it's fine. No one else makes seats like that for any other touring vehicles that I know of.

When I lean into a turn - I lean with my body and not by re-positioning my seat.

 

[NancysToy]

I think it all boils down to preference - if you like to sit on a jet-ski seat that has no center, I guess it's fine. No one else makes seats like that for any other touring vehicles that I know of.

When I lean into a turn - I lean with my body and not by re-positioning my seat.

I certainly agree regarding preference. We are all built differently, with different habits, preferences, and techniques. My BMW R1000RT seat is certainly a sport-touring machine, and the seat is contoured in a convex shape, much like the Spyder. Their later "comfort seat" is more dished, and doesn't suit me well. Neither do their dedicated touring bikes like the K1200LT. Aftermarket seats on my vintage bikes never did, either. Guess I am one of thse jet-ski people...although I have never ridden one of those.

When I ride the Spyder, I do tend to lean, but only because I can't readily shift my weight on the tacky seat. I would love a slipperier one with the same shape. On a race bike, or crotch rocket, I am constantly sliding my seat off center to shift the weight to get through the turn. Go with what suits your style and technique the best, and provides sufficient comfort. A bike has to ""fit" to be a good match.
-Scotty

 

[IdleUp]

Scotty, Whats the longest ride you've been on and did you have any problems with the seat and or stretching out your legs. My other bike is a Goldwing and for the most part don't have much problems with my legs bent over like the Spyder.

 

[mrb]

Hi
You may want to check theses Spyder seat skins out first
http://motosplus.com/khxc/index.php...DERSKINS&sid=m7kl1l515z893908krli0iv3aan0938m

They look really nice color matched to the Spyder

 

[NancysToy]

Scotty, Whats the longest ride you've been on and did you have any problems with the seat and or stretching out your legs. My other bike is a Goldwing and for the most part don't have much problems with my legs bent over like the Spyder.

On the Spyder, I have only ridden about 100 miles at a stretch, and maybe 225 in a day. That means at least two gas stops. Most comfortable motorcycle I ever rode. On the RT I have done 500 mile days, again with two gas stops. I'd have to rent a butt, so my backside does start to ache, even with my sheepskin. Squirm about a bit, but nothing excrutiating.

The arthritis does set in with the knees sometimes, but I just stretch my legs, and change my riding position a bit. The Spyder, even without highway pegs, is great for that. Very stable and safe. You can even do both legs at once. On a slow stretch in the City I will stand occasionally, especially at a stoplight or under 30 mph. BTW, my legs are probably bent more on my BMW than on your Wing.
-Scotty

 

[IdleUp]

Ok Scotty, I know this going to sound strange - but have you or anyone tried laying your legs straight out on top of the forward side panels? It's so Comfy but a bit dangerous since there is no hand brake should you need to stop!

Try it while your parked sometime!:2thumbs:

 

[dltang]

Ok Scotty, I know this going to sound strange - but have you or anyone tried laying your legs straight out on top of the forward side panels? It's so Comfy but a bit dangerous since there is no hand brake should you need to stop!

Try it while your parked sometime!:2thumbs:

Both my husband and I do it on the long rides. I did it quite a bit to and from Quebec. I even showed the BRP rep that was asking questions about improvements that I was putting my feet up there and maybe they could figure out some sort of cruising peg. It is nice for a change but my legs are shorter than my husbands and I have to "hold" them up there and it get tiring after a bit. If I scoot way up on the tank, it works a lot better for me. You are right though, it is kind of comfortable and a nice change.

 

[NancysToy]

Ok Scotty, I know this going to sound strange - but have you or anyone tried laying your legs straight out on top of the forward side panels? It's so Comfy but a bit dangerous since there is no hand brake should you need to stop!

Try it while your parked sometime!:2thumbs:

Not sure exactly what you mean. I never lay back and put them up high. I do put them either on the spoiler tips, or beside them. I expect I will eventually reinforce the spoiler for this purpose, or make some small, inboard foot straps. I agree that you certainly need to pick your times and places to do this, without secondary braking ability. Not much more delay than taking your foot off the gas and hitting your car brake pedal, however.
-Scotty

 

[jeuchler]

I certainly agree regarding preference. We are all built differently, with different habits, preferences, and techniques. My BMW R1000RT seat is certainly a sport-touring machine, and the seat...When I ride the Spyder, I do tend to lean, but only because I can't readily shift my weight on the tacky seat. I would love a slipperier one with the same shape. On a race bike, or crotch rocket, I am constantly sliding my seat off center to shift the weight to get through the turn. Go with what suits your style and technique the best, and provides sufficient comfort. A bike has to ""fit" to be a good match.
-Scotty

Agreed, again.

Also, my 2 cents one more time regarding the BRP seat cover:

The Trip to Valcourt was a nice, long ride, but my recent round trip from Masschusetts to western NY and back (550 miles in 22 hours) was another good test of the seat skin, and it passed the test.

Everyone who has posted here has implied it--besides comparing seats and prices, you kind of have to compare butts!

 

[NancysToy]

Everyone who has posted here has implied it--besides comparing seats and prices, you kind of have to compare butts!

Now I'm going to have to go rent one, to have something to compare! :joke: