New Russell Saddle

[Fireball18]

Just got home from Russell's with my new Day Long Saddle. Unfortunately, due to weather, I had to trailer it down there, but man o man! They got it right the first try. It's really comfortable. Now all I need to do is ride my bike. Looks like the weather is going to cooperate for Saturday. They gave me a great-looking baseball cap, too. BTW, Russell now has custom made rain covers for the ST1300 seat. Great crew there. :03biker: :o: :D

[Putt]

That's the one farkle that I really lust after... You lucky dog you.....

Putt...

[John Anthony]

Good choice! I've had my Russell with a bunz warmer for 2 years. It warms my heart just thinking of it.

John

[Keith_UK]

My intention up until very recently was always to get a set of Russell Day-Long saddles. With me living on this side of the Pond, the acquisition costs were always going to be high, e.g:-

$615 base cost of Day-Long saddles (with leather inserts)
$100 for shipping (return delivery from Russell)
$715 - converts to:

£374 Sterling; plus

£90 shipping the stock saddles across to Russell in CA
£66 UK re-import tax (estimated)
£25 UK Post Office 'handling fee'
£555 ($1,047 USD)

And wait at least a month to complete the whole exercise!

So I decided to get a new Melvin Hunter (UK-based) saddle set-up, at a cost of £220 ($415 USD), which meant a saving of around £335 ($632 USD). See example pic below.

But unfortunately there does not seem to be much of an improvement, comfort-wise, with this new seating arrangement when compared to the Honda stock version. Bugger!

Perhaps the new Gelastic Pad inserts will take time to bed-in, I hope so. Meanwhile, I must face the fact that my new Hunter saddle(s) might not prove to be the 'wise-buy' I had hoped for. If the initial lacklustre comfort persists, then perhaps I can get Melvin Hunter to re-shape it a little here and there. After all, he did offer to do just this when we struck the bargain a couple of weeks ago.

But the bottom line is, right now I wish I had gone for Plan A, and bitten-the-bullet and bought the Russell Day-Long combo. In short, the moral of the story is: at the end of the day, 'You get what you pay for!'

Ride on guys

KEITH (UK)

[Fireball18]

Just got back from a nice 150 mile ride and I'm pleased to say that my new Russell seat is very comfortable. I kept waiting for my butt to start hurting, but I never did. If I have a complaint, if in fact it is a complaint, it's that it seems to be a bit tall. At least I feel like I'm sitting higher on the bike, and that's with the seat in the lowest position! But, then, the Russell's are a tad thicker than the stock seats. It'll take some breaking in, so all I can say is that I'm quite pleased with it. :03biker:

[curmudgeon]

Well Keith I know exactly how you feel. For my ST1100 I had an expensive seat made by Rich in Seattle (hated it). Then a Rick Mayer seat (not much better). The ***** of it is I had originally thought about getting a Russell. I'm too embarrassed to say what those two seats cost me. When I finally bit the bullet and had a Russell made I finally realized why they are the best. Look, think about the way the Russell is made, and you can intuitively see why it's better then other seats. No other seat has the side wings supported by a spring. By supporting the side of the seat they create a tractor seat shape that spreads the pressure out over the entire butt. This is still the gold standard for seat shapes. Even if you create tractor seat shape out of foam it will not be the same. The reason, of course, is the sides will collapse when you sit on it. There is a down side to this shape. When you are stopped there is pressure under the thighs and it's harder to put your feet down. If you are already inseam challenged you could have a problem. The seat also is higher. This shouldn't be a problem on the 1300 due to the adjustable windshield. I called Russell within days of getting my 2005 and have a ride-in appointment for May. I'll not make the mistake of choosing any one other then Russell again. YMMV, IMHO, Yada Yada Yada.

Phil :biker:

[curmudgeon]

By the way Greg how about a photo? I'm still trying to decide what pattern and material to use. I'm thinking of just having the Front done with leather insert. That would be $410 + $80 ride-in fee. In vinyl if would only be $345. Not sure I can see any reason to have the back half of the seat done since I always ride solo.

Phil

[beastie]

Ok guys, I may as well jump in since I have talked with both Curmudgeon and Keith_UK about this before. I got mine back from Russell around the first of the year but weather being what it is in Ohio and me being a 61 year old wimp when it comes to riding in the cold, I haven't gotten to ride that much. Maybe a total of 10-15 hours so far. But I have to tell you, like Fireball18 said, it just keeps getting better. It is high because it is wide, but once your feet are on the pegs and you are rolling down the road, it is soooooo comfortable you can't believe it. Of course I did drop it in the driveway the other day. Being 5'8" on a tall bike makes it easy to drop it.

And Keith, I have to admit to you (don't tell anyone) I wanted the Honda top box but bought a Givi. Later I saw several STs (including your picture) with the Honda box and finally I broke down and paid almost $1000.00 US for it. I did sell the Givi for $250 which means the Honda box really cost me around $1200. But I do those kind of things, you know, cheap out and then end up paying more. So if you do finally get the Russell, it may cost a lot but I won't laugh, I'll congratulate you.

Here's a picture of my seat and me and the beaST.

[curmudgeon]

I'm thinking that I'm going to get exactly the same as you Don with the exception of not having the back done. That stitch pattern looks good with the ST1300

Phil

[Fireball18]

Mine looks like Don's, except I had the receiver for the back rest installed, just in case I feel the need to use it. The Russell on my wife's bike has the same stitch pattern, but we only had them do the front portion and just cover the rear seat to match the front. I had them do the passenger's seat on mine in the event we decide to go 2-up sometime. BTW, I'd recommending spending the extra $$$ and get the leather seat with vinyl sides. The leather breathes and is cooler in the summer, and just all around more comfortable. It's worth the extra expense, in the long run. If I could figure out how to do it, I'd take a photo and post it as a thumbnail. I'll work on it tomorrow.

[Keith_UK]

Hi again Don (aka: Beastie1943) -and- Phil (aka: curmudgeon)

Thanks for your kind words of comfort, which are appreciated.

There is some small consolation, however, in the fact that my SO reckons the new rear saddle is a 100% better than the stock version.

I've recently booked a Channel ferry crossing to France (Plymouth <~~~> Roscoff). Leaving July 24th. I shall being touring through France to central Switzerland, before returning home via Germany & Holland; reckon I should clock-up close to 3,000 miles overall.

This summer's trip will mean a 'make or break' decision for the new saddle set-up. An aching butt can ruin a tour like this. If I get any serious discomfort, then I'll definitely be 'pulling-the-trigger' on a new Russell Day-Long - just like yours Don - this Autumn ('Fall' in US speak).

I wonder what the currency exchange rate will be by October time though?

But what the hell? If you want it, and have got the dough handy, then buy it! After all, we only pass through this transient life once [probably!]

Ride on guys - and keep the shiny side up.

Regards

KEITH (UK)

[Keith_UK]

Hi again Don (aka: Beastie1943) -and- Phil (aka: curmudgeon)

Thanks for your kind words of comfort, which are appreciated.

There is some small consolation, however, in the fact that my SO reckons the new rear saddle is a 100% better than the stock version.

I've recently booked a Channel ferry crossing to France (Plymouth <~~~> Roscoff). Leaving July 24th. I shall being touring through France to central Switzerland, before returning home via Germany & Holland; reckon I should clock-up close to 3,000 miles overall.

This summer's trip will mean a 'make or break' decision for the new saddle set-up. An aching butt can ruin a tour like this. If I get any serious discomfort, then I'll definitely be 'pulling-the-trigger' on a new Russell Day-Long - just like yours Don - this Autumn ('Fall' in US speak).

I wonder what the currency exchange rate will be by October time though?

But what the hell? If you want it, and have got the dough handy, then buy it! After all, we only pass through this transient life once [probably!]

Ride on guys - and keep the shiny side up.

Regards

KEITH (UK)

[John Anthony]

Well Keith I know exactly how you feel. For my ST1100 I had an expensive seat made by Rich in Seattle (hated it). . . .
As noted above, I'm a big Russell fan and while I've never dealt with Rich, my wife has, a lot (she likes to trade bikes before she has to have the oil changed). For one of her Harleys (can't remember exactly which one), she visited Rich four or five times until everything was just right. He was as insistant as she was that they get it right.

[curmudgeon]

Let me say some good things about Rich's custom upholstery in Seattle.
1. Some of the best craftsmanship you'll find. beautiful work
2. If you have a cruiser his seats might work well for you. Cruisers have the advantage of much larger and wider seats.

I don't believe that gel pads work that well, and that is his big selling point. These are just my experiences and others may totally disagree. My cousin had Rich make a seat for his 03 ST1300. He has a hard time riding more than an hour on that seat. We would have to stop even though I was feeling fine on my ST1100 with its Russell seat. I certainly don't have an iron butt, and had a hard time riding more then 400 miles in a day. The day after having my Russell made I rode 660 miles back to Seattle with no problem. I envy those who can ride 1000 mile days on seats that would turn me into an whimpering invalid.

Phil

[Fireball18]

Here's a couple photos I took of our Russell seats. The one on the blue ST is my wife's. It has the leather seating panels and only the rider's seat was redone. The passenger's seat is stock foam, covered to match the front seat. The seat on the silver ST is my new one. I had both the front and rear seats done, just in case we decide to ride two up sometimes. Both have the insert for receiving the backrest.


My Russell Her Russell

[LDMike]

OK, I gotta jump in here. I spent 16,000 miles on the stock seat last year and regretted the better portion of it. After 3-4 hours, that "saddle" felt like a piece of teak. I resolved to get a Russel over the winter and did exactly that - got it in February, but given the "conditions" here in the upper Midwest, I couldn't get going until recently (Read: temps finally above freezing...)

I purchased the basic vinyl seat in rectangular pattern and it looks and feels great - not only on the bike, but also on my arse. I've only been in the saddle for a few hours to date, but I already know that this seat will take me many, many miles down the road without the previous pain and discomfort.

Yes, the Russell is quite a it different from the stock saddle in that it is wider and has wings. This makes putting your foot down a little more difficult, because it feels and is a bit taller than the stocker, but you can adjust.

The great part about the Russell is that you can get off the bike after a few hours and look forward to getting on it again. I couldn't do that with the stock seat/saddle.

I'm planning a series of IBA rides this summer (BB 1500, Great Lakes 100 and 48-10) and don't think I would even consider any of these rides without the Russell.

YMMV

LDMike
Milwaukee

[Fireball18]

Charlie,

The Sargent is $645 from them--gets you their guarantee--about $90 less from Cal Sport Touring.

Depending on what you have done for the Russell, it's $615 with vinyl sides and leather seating panels, if you have both front and rear seats done. About $50.00 less if you only have the front done. They recover the rear to match the front. If you have the whole thing done in vinyl, it about $50.00 less than that. For the money, I'd go with the Russell. If you're in the area, or want to ride out there, I'd also recommend a ride-in. It costs $80.00 to do that, but worth it cuz you can really get it customized.

[ligito]

This is the Russell that I got last winter.
My only problem with it is not enough ballroom.
Painful too move the bike off of the centerstand,
but I understand that is a simple fix.

Mine is leather with vinyl sides.

My 3rd Russell seat. I like them.

[CruisingDog]

I have a question about the materials used for the various saddles listed:

Sargant = Plastic/Vinyl ?
Corbin = Leather ?
Russel = Leather & Vinyl ?

I'm after a leather seat since I find them to be more comfortable and more wear resistant.

[Fireball18]

Cruizn--When I had my first Russell seat made, I asked them the same question, and Jim (the saddlemeister/doctor of buttology) advised going with the leather seating panels and vinyl sides. He said the leather sides tend to distort and crease after the seat has been sat on for a period of time, and looks unsightly. He said the vinyl holds its shape much better and won't crack over time, either. When you look at a leather/vinyl seat, you just about can't tell the difference between the two until you actually touch the material. He further told me that the velour seat top is nice, but when it gets wet, it stays wet for days, and that the vinyl is pretty hot when the weather is hot. My personal preference is the leather top and vinyl sides. Looks nice, too.

[rljudge]

This is the Russell that I got last winter.
My only problem with it is not enough ballroom.
Painful too move the bike off of the centerstand,
but I understand that is a simple fix.


Please elaborate on the "fix". I had ballroom problems on the VTR and wound up buying an extra seat and a gel pad. I carved a spot out of the seat foam and installed the gel with a "cod pocket" in the front of the seat for the "boys" to havre a place to stay. It worked pretty well. Will Russell make a place for them to stay? I ordered my Day-long two weeks ago. Production date June 1. My butt can't wait.

BTW, my ST1100 Day-Long is up for bid on ebay at http://tinyurl.com/5edp6

Sorry for the plug.

Rick STOC671

[LDMike]

First LD ride on a Russell saddle...

Went 450+ miles yesterday on my new Russell saddle and I simply can't describe in words how much nicer it feels - I've forgotten how hard the stocker was.

Support from the "wings" of the Russell are excellent although it does make putting a foot down and getting on/off a little more interesting for those of us who are "inseam challenged" For me, this is less of a problem and I have corrected for it.

Originally I had the seat set at low(f) and med(r) and I felt like I was sliding forward slightly toward the tank. 1/2 way thru the ride, I stopped and put the forward part to medium and the rear to medium. This stopped the moving forward tendency and actually starts to create a "cup for your arse" in the saddle. This position is very comfortable and I can ride for hours without getting monkey butt.

I found that the Russell is a bit warmer than stock because there is less air circulation. Standing up, moving around, etc helps, but I think I'll try using my sheepskin for even more circulation. Maybe it's my riding suit, too - Aerostich Darien pants - but I don't remember my butt being as warm on the stock seat.

All in all, the Russell is an excellent, excellent upgrade from the stock saddle and well worth the price. If you ride LD or simply want a MUCH more comfortable saddle, Russell is an option well worth considering.

LDMike
Milwaukee

[beastie]

We rode 370 miles this past weekend on our new Russell. I have it in low front, middle rear. Extremely comfortable for me. Swambo sufferred a little butt burn (actually upper/inner thigh), but I think she is adjusting. I could go on and on. Two straight hours and I felt fine. At 5'8" I do slide forward at a stop and need to move back into the pocket after getting going. The seat is so comfortable even in the forward position that I sometimes forget to move. And then after a few miles I will scoot back into the pocket and be even more comfortable.

I do feel that I am sitting high in the saddle, but that might be an illusion.

[Actionfigurejoe]

Production date on my Russell seat is June 1st. I'm going with leather inserts and backrest. Can't decide if I really need it heated. I'm thinking not. :confused:

I will have my stock seat for sale following arrival of the Russell.

Shameless plug :p:

[allniterider]

Well everyone, I've been lurking here for a a while enjoying all this positive information on the Russell. The reason is I'm having one built as I type and hope to receive it next week. Up here in the Great White North there's not a lot to do but prep STranger for for the coming season. I was concerned about making extended rides on a new saddle but everybody here has made me feel a lot more comfortable about using the Russell. Hey LDMike are you goig to Hyder on your 48/10?

[number9]

I am interested in a Russell seat for my ST11. Can you get a good made seat by ordering over the phone or is it best to do a ride-in. I am in KY so a ride-in would have to be when they were at an event over here on the east coast - or atleast in the middle somewhere.

Another question, does the seat have to be sooo tall? I sat on one another ST'er had and it was way tall - felt like I was sitting in a booster chair on the stock seat. I don't know if I could hanlde sitting up that high. I know, ride it and get used to it, but I am the type that if I don't like something right off, or VERY soon, I write it off and forget about it. I don't have a good tendancey to learn to like it.

[Fireball18]

#9--The great thing about a Russell is that they will make it any way you want it, so it is truly a custom-made saddle. If you don't want it so tall, they will make it lower for you. Your friend's seat was, no doubt, made to fit his exact measurements and requirements. Yours would be made just to fit you perfectly. (or close to it) Russell, by the way, doesn't do rallies, to my knowledge, so you have to go to them. I recommend going there if at all possible. Definitely worth it.

Greg

[beastie]

Number9 - I am in Ohio so I was not about to do a ride-in. Russell has you take pictures of yourself (and Swambo if applicable) on your bike. Then you can call and talk to them at length about how you want it done. They will do as you ask. HOWEVER, you still will have a seat taller than STock. I don't think there's a way around that due to the way the Russell is constructed. I am 5'8" and 29" inseam, so I am reaching for the ground. You will grow to love this seat. At first you think it's hard - and it is compared to the STock seat. But whereas the STock seat is painful after an hour or two, the Russell feels as good as when you first climbed aboard. Not the first time maybe, but it gets better each time you ride. I have about 600 miles on mine now.

We will be riding in the hills of KY tomorrow (leaving Hamilton, OH and passing through S.E. Indiana, across the Markland Dam, then on to where ever the road goes). After al on a day like tomorrow, the ride IS the destination.

[Fastraveller]

Hey No.9, I understand there is a limit as to how short Russell can cut the seat hieght down to. It's because they have a metal spring in the "Day Long" seat and they must leave enough foam between the spring and your rear end to provide the cushion. I have a friend with a Connie and he had the foam shortened as much as Russell would allow. The seat still feels remarkable, but the seat height is still taller than stock. I think he said it was about one inch taller than stock, but the other issue is the increased width of the seat that effects your ability to get your feet down. He got used to the height pretty quickly. I've ridden his bike several times now and I know I could get used to the height pretty easily. I'm 5'10.5" with a 29-30" inseam. My next bike will definitely have a Russell seat shortly after purchase.

[dond]

Re: "ball room". If a seat has pocket that's very deep in the center and/or has narrow high 'wings' it can roll the thighs inward putting pressure on the equipment. I drive commercial and sometimes I'll get a truck with a badly broken down seat and this is the same problem. You sit in a deep pocket. I have flat, closed cell pad that solves this problem on the trucks. My Rich's has nice butt pocket but doesn't put any major presssure on my thighs. I spent the day at Rich's getting it right. The saddle has about 50K miles on it and I can ride to my son's non-STop...930 miles.

Food for thought :eat2:

[farblue1]

Hey all
For all of you looking for a comfortable seat and butt there is a new player to consider . Just received my new seat from Corbin in black faux snake skin leather , firST class STitching , firST class quality and it looks great ! All for the amazing price of $239. with the choice of around 15 different leather patterns . JuST sitting on it I can feel that pain spot from the STocker gone . Others with more than 200 miles logged report excellent results .
The price of $239 leaves a lot of sheckels left over for more farkels . The combo of the Corbin Smuggler trunk and seat look over the top ;) Check it out , your butt and wallet will thank you . :D
Dan :04biker:

[Actionfigurejoe]

I looked closely at the Corbin. The two up version is available only in a one piece seat pan. That eliminates adjustability. As for looks, the Corbin has the Russell beat. I'm not sure about comfort on the long rides though.

[MNwing]

My new Corbin arrived yesterday, and first impression after riding to and from work today, is it's fantastic! Granted riding only 17 miles one way is not a true test, but what a difference between it and the stock seat. I don't have a lot of padding left back there. but sure did feel better.

Hope to put some serious miles on over the weekend, but so far I'm more than happy with the seat, and the service I received from Corbin.

[farblue1]

Got a short ride on the new Corbin this morning .... what a difference from stock !! I had looked at the Corbin duel seat but did'nt like the lack of adjustment . Not so with their new single . This combo of seat and Smuggler trunk really improves the look of the whole bike . The GM at my local Honda shop was impressed ;) Now if I can just get the time for a looong ride :D
Dan :04biker: