My newly acquired 2011 FJR came equipped with a Russell seat in leather. While a vast improvement over the stock seat, I don't think it is all it could be. The previous owner was a bit lighter than me (maybe 175 vs my 200 lb) but more to the point, he was built differently (half a foot shorter or more than my 6'3"). I have the seat in the "High" position (34" inseam) and I am finding that I have a feeling of being pushed forward into the tank. I think he rode with a less upright posture based upon the setup as well as having the seat in the "low" position.
I don't think Russell offers cheap adjustments to second owners so I am wondering if anyone has run into this and how they handled it. Basically, I think I need to create a "pocket" or depression further back so I am not sliding forward. I might see if I can find an upholsterer who has worked with motorcycle seats and see if he can remove the cover and carve out a bit of the seat foam - hopefully without butchering it!! (I think I may write to Russell for suggestions as well). Has anyone successfully modified a Russell for a better fit?
Handlebars have a simple GenMar riser block. A bit of pullback on the bars might help but that gets into other significant changes in riding ergos (maybe an improvement but maybe not).
Edit: Here is a photo of the seat on the bike. Seems that the "butt pocket" is a bit far forward but I haven't really compared to others...
Years ago I bought a second hand Russell that did not fit me as well as it should. I pulled out the staples that held the cover on and exposed the foam. From there I was able to add a little in some places and trim a little from other places. I used a bread knife to trim the foam. It took several iterations for me to get the seat the way I like it. I used aerosol adhesive to stick the new pieces of foam onto the existing foam, and the same adhesive to hold the cover onto the foam after I was done. My work is not as pretty as the original, but it is comfortable.
My wife asked me why I speak so softly around the house. I said that I was worried that someone was listening. She laughed, I laughed, Alexa laughed.
It is worth asking a few upholstery places if they do motorcycle work.
I had an old XS11 seat which, back in 81 was nesrly comfortable enough to sit on for at least 20 minutes, maybe 25. I found a local shop that said they could help and I asked to see some of their work. The guy took me to the shop and introduced me to "Tiny" who was tye full antithesis of his nickname. Tiny had photos of his work and his bike at the shop that day. His work was very good. The seat was absolutely amazing once complete. Plus, the price was really good.
So, yes, call a couple shops and see.
There's just too much what the f@$k in this thread to know where to begin...
--BikerGeek
If I decide to try the local guys, I would like to get some photographic examples of Russell seats configured for a taller driver and with the seat pocket further back. Also figure out if I should remove foam from the back or add to the front (or both). The leather cover will have some stretch but not a bunch. I don't want it to end out with a wrinkled or creased cover. If anybody has such photos, please post them up. Thanks.
Not sure if it's the picture or not, the angle of the section on the back looks different than mine. Wish I was at a spot I could share pic easily. From the front of the seat to where it starts to angle up is about 8 1/2 inches. Hope that helps.
To get a faster visual of what I have, go on to Russell's site and look for the half moon stitch.
deang wrote: ↑Tue May 29, 2018 2:07 pm
Not sure if it's the picture or not, the angle of the section on the back looks different than mine. Wish I was at a spot I could share pic easily. From the front of the seat to where it starts to angle up is about 8 1/2 inches. Hope that helps.
To get a faster visual of what I have, go on to Russell's site and look for the half moon stitch.
I can make that measurement and check but I really need the visual comparison. I heard back from Russell and they said that they MIGHT be able to improve it but a complete rebuild is likely to be better. I sent them some pictures and waiting a further response.
On the four panels on mine, it starts to go up between the second and third whereas it is between the third and fourth panels on the picture you linked. The wings are back further as well.
A little bit the same with me, the pocket isn't big enough... was going to ask Russell to lower the entire rear edge and wings by 1/4"... expensive, so I think I'll mark it and take an angle grinder to it to lower it, again if I have to. I have seen others that fit me better, and that was the area needing lowering. The other option was to put some more foam in the middle and blend it to the wings and rear. OR all the above.
Keep yer stick on the ice........... (Red Green)
Duct tape can't fix stupid, but it can sure muffle the sound.
