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Lapchik · 08-12-2013, 09:39 PM

I know Sleddog will have lots of helpful information on this. I want to get a Russell Day Long seat for my Concours (seating mods for driver and passenger). I want to keep it cheaper by just getting the vinyl cover, unless that is just a bad idea. Do I just save up and get leather? I am worried that leather will create problems with rain water and leaking back up to the seating surface after rain when I sit on it. I see that they offer several stitching patterns for the cover; wondering what the general consensus is on that too. My auxiliary fuel cell hose lays under the seat when not in use, but as long as the factory seat pan fits with the hose underneath, the Russell will work too right? Nothing is added under the factory pan for a Russell mod, right? I know there is a waiting list and a two week or more build time, but I'm not too worried about that because I have a Sergeant seat to use while the factory pan is out to Russell.

MikeH · 08-13-2013, 06:54 AM

I went with vinyl cover on mine and it has worked out real nice. It was slippery for the first 200 or so miles but after that no problem. I also sent them photos & measurements of my fuel cell mounted above the passenger seat to make sure there wouldn't be clearance issues with that (I didn't get the passenger part dished out).
The seat is taller than stock so you might need a taller windshield.
I seem to say this about almost every farkle I add but its one of the best things I did to my bike.
You can check mine out at the buffalo if you like

opt8low · (This post was last modified: 08-13-2013 07:14 AM by opt8low.)

I have a vinyl Russell with the small square stitching and have had no issues for the last 7 years. As Mike stated above it is the one of the best investments I have made to the motorcycle. It made my bike as easy to sit on as my recliner at the house.

If I got another one it would be the half moon stitching and in vinyl. You can't really go wrong with that.

Just remember to ride it for 500 miles on a couple different rides before you decide something needs changed. It takes a while for the seat and your a** to break in. :-)

Just my 2 cents,

**Frump** · 08-13-2013, 09:33 AM

I have had 3 of them and a couple Mayer brother seats too. I like leather on top and vinyl sides. Vinyl will soak in rain just as easy as treated leather - its the stitching that really matters. Half moon pattern for less holes (diamond pattern sucks). Light grey on top (cooler in sun), black on sides for color-neutral resell. Put on leather conditioner just a couple times a year and don't worry about it. Nylon seat cover is not needed, your either on it in the rain or just use a bike cover. Leather is tougher if you are kicking over a high seat.

Little guy like you (<225) won't like heavy spring suspension. A friend convinced me to spend the money the first time. Joked it was worth it because it was "going to change my life"... he was right.

MikeH · 08-13-2013, 11:38 AM

I'm not a fan of my Mayer seat or his customer service, can't remember which Mayer it was.

Yes it does take a bit to break in. I didn't like the seat at first, can't remember how many miles it took though.
Day 10 of the ibr was the first time I felt slight discomfort with the seat.

paper · 08-26-2013, 06:42 AM

I've got a Russell on my KLR and I had one on my old R1100R.. They're wonderful!!!

That said, I was going to get one for my R1200GS until I talked to Tony Delorenzo a couple years ago.. He mentioned that I should consider Sargent.. I can't remember who he was talking about, but they had both and used the Sargent for the Iron Butt Rally instead of the Russell due to comfort.. I had a 10% off coupon for Revzilla and they had a good price already, so I figured if I didn't like it I could always sell it slightly used for what I had in it..
It's still on the bike.. Smile

But I wouldn't replace the Russell on the KLR.. If I replace the KLR, the seat goes with me.. Smile

Lapchik · 08-26-2013, 10:23 AM

I have a sergeant seat on my Concours right now, and it's not very comfortable. It's been 2000 miles, so it should be broke in by now. It's lower, which is nice, but it doesn't fit me very well. I'll end up selling it after I get my Russell done.

paper · 08-26-2013, 10:31 AM

(08-26-2013 10:23 AM)Lapchik Wrote: I have a sergeant seat on my Concours right now, and it's not very comfortable. It's been 2000 miles, so it should be broke in by now. It's lower, which is nice, but it doesn't fit me very well. I'll end up selling it after I get my Russell done.

I hear ya.. I think a lot of it is the seating position of the bike.. With my GS, the seat's adjustable, both front and back.. I had it flat and didn't like it. I tipped the front down and it was perfect..

The cool thing about the Russell is that they make them for your butt.. They've been around for a long time and really know what they're doing.. Smile