I just got the following e-mail from Corbin:

"Thanks for the inquiry. We have the Street Rod in R&D now. We just have
received the bike, should get started on it in the next few weeks. I will
save your e-mail and try to update you as we progress."

Alan

i guess its who you talk to! my email from corbin in daytona last week stated they had nothing on the horizon for our bikes.

Alan,

If you hear anything about projected dates for the Corbin seat availability, please post the info. The stock seat won't get me even three hundred miles a day. I had a Corbin seat on a Buell X1 and I could ride all day - I need one for the R.

If you hear anything about projected dates for the Corbin seat availability, please post the info.Will do. I will also be at Americade in June and Corbin will be there. Those guys seem to have reliable information about what is going on at the factory.

Like Dave, when I called Corbin the day before the lady on the phone said they need a bike to make a seat and didn't have one. The informed e-mail I got was in response to one I sent them on their web site link for "product requests". Apparently the sales force isn't kept in the loop by product development.

Alan

Alan,

Just to update the discussion, I also got email from Corbin today that they had a bike in the shop, were working on the design, and a seat would be available in a couple weeks.

George

Thanks for checking. I've always been the most pleased, and comfortable on Corbin Gunfighter seats on my previous 883 and FXDX.

Another update on Corbin.

Yesterday's copy of the Corbin newsletter included a pic of the Street Rod in their shop being prepped for seat design. I've repeatedly ridden two hundred mile days and know a week of four hundred plus days would be impossible. I sure love my Street Rod other than that.

Tell Corbin that I will be among the first Street Rod owners to buy their new seat.

I just got back from Americade where I spoke to the guys from Corbin. The seat should be available in a couple of weeks and they took an order from me. I asked whether the seat would work with the sissy bar and luggage rack and was told it would. Being the skeptical guy I am, I asked if he was sure. He said yes because he bought the bracket and bar for the bike.

I was told there will be a bracket that bolts onto the bike above the tank and the seat will latch to that. He said the seat will look like the Hollywood Solo and pillion they offer for the V-Rod.

Alan

Does anyone of you have the Sundowner seat that H-D offers for the R? If so, how do you like it?

I was out riding today with some Forum members and my ass went numb after a while. I am not sure if I want to wait for the Corbin seat to come out (could be months from what I have been reading ...) and I am looking for alternatives to get some relieve for my backside ... :hmm:

not sure if I want to wait for the Corbin seat to come out (could be months from what I have been reading ...) and I am looking for alternatives to get some relieve for my backside ... :hmm:

One option is sheepskin. Its a huge improvement, especially with some closed cell foam attached. I've done a couple of 400 milers with sheepskin on my R and it makes a huge difference.

Its easy to remove when you're just stylin', but once you feel how comfy it is you might not care how it looks.

He is right about the sheepskin (Thanks Val!). Don't leave home (on a long ride) without it.

Does anyone of you have the Sundowner seat that H-D offers for the R? If so, how do you like it?I don't have the Sundowner but I rode on one at Americade. While it is wider and has more foam, I found myself sinking into it after 10 minutes and don't think it will add much to long range comfort. I recall seeing a post by a Forum member who had one and he didn't think it was much of an improvement.

Alan

One option is sheepskin. Its a huge improvement, especially with some closed cell foam attached. I've done a couple of 400 milers with sheepskin on my R and it makes a huge difference.

Its easy to remove when you're just stylin', but once you feel how comfy it is you might not care how it looks.

Just as a sidenote to this - I have no vested interest in the company - but alaskaleather.com has black sheepskins that match very nicely. Bunch of different sizes to - all the way up to full pelts.

Compared to a new seat - great bargain.

I don't have the Sundowner but I rode on one at Americade. While it is wider and has more foam, I found myself sinking into it after 10 minutes and don't think it will add much to long range comfort. I recall seeing a post by a Forum member who had one and he didn't think it was much of an improvement.

Alan
I rented a V-Rod with a stock seat. Compared to my Sundowner, its a torture device. 6 hours and I would confess to anything. JMHO

I rented a V-Rod with a stock seat. Compared to my Sundowner, its a torture device. 6 hours and I would confess to anything. JMHOYou’re a better man than I. I start to get very cranky after an hour in the stock seat.

Alan

Hey Gang,

Out of respect for the group... Since you're kinna making an exception to allow me to post to this forum, I'm going to leave the sales pitch behind and just let you know the status of our developments. I will gladly answer any questions you have and/or point you at our website for a full blown, shameless sales pitch. Not trying to be evasive, just respectful.

We've got our first molded parts back from the shop. Patterns have been made and it is ready for production. However, all versions & options of the items are not available. We are promised to have the Street Rod in the photo studio tomorrow which means we should have something online to look at Thursday (barring incident).

Hollywood Solo (front) saddle is done in the Regular/Tall formation. A closer, lower version of the seat is still in the works.

Matching pillion pad is available, but only the "no-rack" version. I see that Alan talked to Chance out at Americade and ordered one for use with the rack. Sorry Alan, that one is still a little ways away. I'll try to find out how long for you and letcha know.

Let's see... there is also a Smuggler trunk that will be coming along. Eventually a Touring version of both front and rear seats I would think, but haven't actually heard anyone say it (again, I can ask if y'all are interested in finding out) Saddlebags w/ some form of quick disconnect and an adjustable fairing similar to the one we make for the Softail.

Sorry for the mis-information earlier, but sometimes people aren't paying attention to our internal info. We will have to pummel them repeatedly.
Thanks,
Greg

Oh yeah and as a part of the R&D process we're going to make TX_VRod (Scott) ride out to our factory in California non-stop on the stock seat without a pee break so he can ride back to Texas on the Corbin one and tell you all how much better it is.

"Oh yeah and as a part of the R&D process we're going to make TX_VRod (Scott) ride out to our factory in California non-stop on the stock seat without a pee break so he can ride back to Texas on the Corbin one and tell you all how much better it is."

OUCH! No pee break! Not even when I stop for gas....... :biker: ..........Now that is harsh!
Although, that would cover my 1000 mile break-in................. :rofl:

I'm going to leave the sales pitch behind and just let you know the status of our developments.While I won't give a sales pitch, I will give a personal endorsement. I have been buying Corbin seats since 1994 and they really work. They may feel hard to some people when you first sit on them but after a couple of hours on the road you realize that you aren't thinking about your butt. It becomes a non-issue. That is why I ordered the seat for my Street Rod sight unseen. I know it will be a big improvement over the Harley seats. The stock seat on the Ducati 996 was basically an upholstered piece of plywood. While there wasn't much room for foam, whatever Corbin was able to put in made a world of difference on that motorcycle. The Corbin seats are heavier than stock and if you are looking to reduce weight for racing, look elsewhere. If you are looking for maximum comfort in a saddle that doesn't look like an orthopedic shoe, Corbin is the way to go.

Alan

I agree Corbin seats are excellent for long term comfort, firmer feeling initially but 2 hours later your rear isn't numb, actually seem to get more comfortable the longer you ride..

But as for buying sight unseen..well, from the pictures they have done something I Hate..
They have decided I need to carry yet another KEY..Screw that, plus I hate the look of the cutout for the key as well..
..and with rear not being able to fit the Base Plate, well that sucks as well!!

If they don't get their $h!t together quick I will simply buy the Sundowner and deal with it..

Corbins seats are too expensive to simply accept such flaws..IMO..

I do really like the Corbin Seats and backrests on my Valkyrie..but at nearly $1200. including tax..I would not have accepted such styling either..

Come on guys, in the tell Corbin what you would like threads, did ANYONE ASK for a Damn key cutout and another dang key?..

Oh well, Sorry about that, just after having anxiously awaited a seat from them, I personally am very dis-appointed from the pic..REALLY REally Really, Hate that they have decided to make my quick and easy fill-up's a Locking affair, personally I don't even take off my gloves to run my credit card thru the machine and head on down the road, now though I will have to fish around in my pocket for a key..

..all in all, am pretty sure now I will be ordering a sundowner..whether I am in the minority on this or not, It's the little stupid stuff like the key slot they decided to add that turns me off and makes the decision for me.. :tmbsdow:

But as for buying sight unseen..well, from the pictures they have done something I Hate..
They have decided I need to carry yet another KEY..Screw that, plus I hate the look of the cutout for the key as well..
..and with rear not being able to fit the Base Plate, well that sucks as well!!

I have to agree with this one. Those of us with Sundowner components have already put $$$ into our seats/ backrests, etc. I don't think that I'd dump now $$$$ into a seat that makes me carry another key just to fill the gas tank. It wouldn't surprise me if H/D comes out with a seat lock for the Street Rod in a year or two. It's not a small key either. H/D barrel locks are small enough not to be intrusive in your pocket. It's not going to be a secure area anyways - if someone wants to rip your seat off enough, they're going to.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding what I'm reading too, but it seems there's going to be two different seats - one standard one that moves me back two inches (why do I want to move back on a Sporty bike that's already huge?) one that moves me down and forward. What's the matter with the stock riding position?

I do want to say that I like the look of the hard saddlebags - will enjoy seeing those from the side. I hope they're as sleek as the lines of the bike - they look like they're going to hold a lot of stuff. Again - I'd urge Corbin to make the locks on them compatible with H/D locks. Even if it's just an option.

..and with rear not being able to fit the Base Plate, well that sucks as well!!


I don't have a problem with the key but if I can't use the baseplate and sissy bar I have just put on then thats the end of the decision making process on this one.. I am not going to throw out parts for the sake of another part..

We may all be jumping the gun here and it may work with the base plate, guess we will just have to wait and see..

I don't have a problem with the key but if I can't use the baseplate and sissy bar I have just put on then thats the end of the decision making process on this one.. We may all be jumping the gun here and it may work with the base plate, guess we will just have to wait and see..Like the V-Rod seats, Corbin will be making two different pillions: one for the luggage rack and one for bikes without it.

I also agree about there not being a need to move the rider's pocket back 2". They will move the rise back to the stock position if you ask them. They can also make your saddle higher, lower, etc. on a special order.

Alan

I too would rather not be carrying another key...and really dont want the seating position moved either, just looking for a more comfy seat that will accept the Harley Base plate......

And Wipeout, any chance of any pics showing your bike with the sissy bar???

Mitch.

I agree Corbin seats are excellent for long term comfort, firmer feeling initially but 2 hours later your rear isn't numb, actually seem to get more comfortable the longer you ride..

But as for buying sight unseen..well, from the pictures they have done something I Hate..
They have decided I need to carry yet another KEY..Screw that, plus I hate the look of the cutout for the key as well..
..and with rear not being able to fit the Base Plate, well that sucks as well!!
<snip>


OK, as Alan mentioned we will have one that works with the baseplate. Problem with this model is you can't have a seat that looks good both ways... it leaves an insightly gap.

Now the key issue is unfortunate and you're right... nobody asked for it. However, here's our take on the situation: You go out and spend a lot of dough on a new seat setup. You walk away from your bike for half an hour and when you come back your new seat is gone. Why? Because there wasn't even a single screw holding it in place. Whether or not you are a fan of Corbin products or not, thieves are. We hear this a lot... "I came out and someone had stolen my backrest, etc, etc."

Not a huge issue with the stock seat because everybody already has one of those. Now a lot of people have secure parking at work and at home, but sooner or later you're going to walk away from your bike. At a rally, lunch break on a weekend ride, whatever. Really, we didn't add a key lock to annoy anyone.

For what it's worth, the brackets won't be yellow either so there ins't a big glaring bracket and cutout in the seat.
Greg

While I won't give a sales pitch, I will give a personal endorsement. I have been buying Corbin seats since 1994 <snip>

Alan, thanks mucho for the endorsement. We try!
Greg

Not a huge issue with the stock seat because everybody already has one of those. Now a lot of people have secure parking at work and at home, but sooner or later you're going to walk away from your bike. At a rally, lunch break on a weekend ride, whatever. Really, we didn't add a key lock to annoy anyone.

Greg

Greg,
You have a very good point, one I certainly hadn't thought of.. Not that the extra key bothers me at all but now it would bother me less.. :)

And Wipeout, any chance of any pics showing your bike with the sissy bar???

Mitch.

Mitch,

I will try and get some for you.. :thumb:

Ooooohh Greg, good point!!!! I never even thought about a nice new shiney Corbin seat WITHOUT a key lock being stolen......Can i change my mind now and say that i really really wanna new Corbin seat COMPLETE with lock :D

And cheers Wipeout, i'll look out for ya piccies soon....Thanks.....

Mitch.

OK, as Alan mentioned we will have one that works with the baseplate. Problem with this model is you can't have a seat that looks good both ways... it leaves an insightly gap.

Now the key issue is unfortunate and you're right... nobody asked for it. However, here's our take on the situation: You go out and spend a lot of dough on a new seat setup. You walk away from your bike for half an hour and when you come back your new seat is gone. Why? Because there wasn't even a single screw holding it in place. Whether or not you are a fan of Corbin products or not, thieves are. We hear this a lot... "I came out and someone had stolen my backrest, etc, etc."

Not a huge issue with the stock seat because everybody already has one of those. Now a lot of people have secure parking at work and at home, but sooner or later you're going to walk away from your bike. At a rally, lunch break on a weekend ride, whatever. Really, we didn't add a key lock to annoy anyone.

For what it's worth, the brackets won't be yellow either so there ins't a big glaring bracket and cutout in the seat.
Greg

..I have never seen or heard from any of my friends about a seat (attatched to a motorcycle) that was stolen..I am sure it has happened, some people will steal anything..

..I still will not turn my gas stops into a search for the key affair..I'm sorry but that is just how I feel about it, if your companies seat design calls for a catch/levered type of latch, Fine..put a small Lever on the outside as well, offer an option for both depending on what the customer wants..

..For the record, as I stated earlier, I have been using your seats on my Valkyrie for the last 7 years..and I love it..my comments are not about the quality of your product..it's always been excellent IMHO.. Just your peoples decision on what I needed on this one..

..as for the passenger pillion not fitting the base plate, My question is will riders seat work with OEM pillion, or must one buy the pillion as well then purchase 2nd pillion down the road to use with base plate..

..anyway Thanks for responding to my issues with new seat..David :biker:

<snip>
..For the record, as I stated earlier, I have been using your seats on my Valkyrie for the last 7 years..and I love it..my comments are not about the quality of your product..it's always been excellent IMHO.. Just your peoples decision on what I needed on this one..

..as for the passenger pillion not fitting the base plate, My question is will riders seat work with OEM pillion, or must one buy the pillion as well then purchase 2nd pillion down the road to use with base plate..


Hey Man, sorry if I sounded defensive, that wasn't my intent... just raising the issue as we perceived it. As far as skipping the lock, it would be a simple thing to "disable" now that you mention it. There is a stainless steel latch pin on the seat that would just need to be unscrewed.

If somebody wanted to go that route, we could probably have the front seat done as a special order and have them close the area where the lock is for a cleaner look on the side. I'm not sure of that one folks, just thinking out loud. Of course the drawback to that is order time. Generally speaking, special order seats can take twice as long as standard production. Just to clarify... different colors & / or leathers is NOT a special. Changes to the shape is what we call a special.

A pillion to fit with the sissy bar plate should be long in another two weeks acording to Vince (our main R&D guy).
Thanks mucho.
Greg

Hey Gang,

I'll be out of the office pretty much all of next week, so if you drop me any questions or anything, I'll be late in replying. Probably won't be back on top of things until the following Tuesday (July 5th).

Happy Fourth all!
Greg