Cheap solution to butt burn - Seat Beads

[ALANT]

Like many I suffer from butt burn after being on the ST for a long while. I've probably read all of the posts concerning custom seats and never could decide what would be best for me. I'm hesitant to spend a ton of money on something I'm not sure would work for me so I took a tip from a friend and put a modified wooden bead car seat cover on my seat. I may buy a custon seat in the future but for now this works for me and the cost was under $10. It makes for a really firm seat and I think it helps the blood circulate better in this all important area. It also allows some air to circulate which is an added bonus in the summertime. I gave it a thorough test earlier this year on an 8 day trip to NC and back and my butt was happy for 6-1/2 days. I guess this 50 year old butt of mine just has it limits.:eek:
To make the cover I bought the beads at Walmart and removed beads until the size closely matched my seat then relaced them with some heavy vinyl string (fishing line would probably do just as well). I then took a long shoe string and wove it through the bead and tied it around the seat near the front. It's quick and easy to put on and take off. Sure it doesn't look as good as a Mayer or ride as nice as a Russell but you get what you pay for and in my book I'm getting a lot for $10. Just my 2 cents...

AlanT :04biker:

[Kennedy]

Good idea, may give that a try.

[CruisingDog]

Like many I suffer from butt burn after being on the ST for a long while. I've probably read all of the posts concerning custom seats and never could decide what would be best for me. I'm hesitant to spend a ton of money on something I'm not sure would work for me so I took a tip from a friend and put a modified wooden bead car seat cover on my seat. I may buy a custon seat in the future but for now this works for me and the cost was under $10. It makes for a really firm seat and I think it helps the blood circulate better in this all important area. It also allows some air to circulate which is an added bonus in the summertime. I gave it a thorough test earlier this year on an 8 day trip to NC and back and my butt was happy for 6-1/2 days. I guess this 50 year old butt of mine just has it limits.:eek:
To make the cover I bought the beads at Walmart and removed beads until the size closely matched my seat then relaced them with some heavy vinyl string (fishing line would probably do just as well). I then took a long shoe string and wove it through the bead and tied it around the seat near the front. It's quick and easy to put on and take off. Sure it doesn't look as good as a Mayer or ride as nice as a Russell but you get what you pay for and in my book I'm getting a lot for $10. Just my 2 cents...

AlanT :04biker:


Good idea. You could always spray paint them black so that they won't stand out.

[Louie Louie]

Gtreat STuff!
Thanks

[SToler]

Dad; +5 for not calling them "butt beads"!

Sorry, had to do it.

Scott

[dbst1300]

Ditto.....I did the same thing with a $7.00 Wal-Mart car seat bead set. I was able to make a beaded seat cover for the ST1300 and my VStrom. What a difference, and yes you can paint them black.

Dennis

[ALANT]

Ditto.....I did the same thing with a $7.00 Wal-Mart car seat bead set. I was able to make a beaded seat cover for the ST1300 and my VStrom. What a difference, and yes you can paint them black.

Dennis

Dennis,
I thought about painting them but thought the paint would rub off on the seat and my clothing. What kind of paint did you use?

Alan

[Tor]

http://www.motorcyclelighting.com/beaded-seats.html

[gershon]

I've found the bead seats to work well. It's probably personal preference, but they are cheap enough that it's worth a try.

[Blrfl]

For a more finished (and black) version, try the Bead Rider (http://www.beadrider.com) at around $35.

--Mark