Russell seat question

[STnAV8R]

First of all, thanks to whoever put together the group buy that saves us 10% on orders placed during December (still 2 days left to fax your order in).

Second, I intended to order just the front seat since I seldom have a passenger and when I do it's not a long ride. But since the rear seat is only $100 more ($90 with discount) I'm springing for both. At least they'll match now. It may have looked odd with two different seats.

Third, I ordered 12/19 and the build date is Feb 16. No problem as it's cold here and I'm bikeless anyway ('04 was banged up by a thief, getting an '06 in spring).

My question is... can anyone comment on the quilting patterns? I ordered the vinyl seats with rectangle pattern ( http://www.day-long.com/new_pages/rectangle_pattern.html ) based on looks and perceived better fit of the cover on the foam, but I see the advantage of the half moon pattern ( http://www.day-long.com/new_pages/halfmoon_pattern.html ) due to fewer seams and needle holes to leak water through to the foam. On the other hand, they say more seams feels "cooler", though the OEM seat has NO seams. Has anyone got the half moon type and can comment on this? Since my build date is way out I can change it if I want.

Question 2... I can get the seats in black or charcoal...what will look better on my '06?

[CrashTestDanny]

First of all, thanks to whoever put together the group buy that saves us 10% on orders placed during December (still 2 days left to fax your order in).

Second, I intended to order just the front seat since I seldom have a passenger and when I do it's not a long ride. But since the rear seat is only $100 more ($90 with discount) I'm springing for both. At least they'll match now. It may have looked odd with two different seats.

Third, I ordered 12/19 and the build date is Feb 16. No problem as it's cold here and I'm bikeless anyway ('04 was banged up by a thief, getting an '06 in spring).

My question is... can anyone comment on the quilting patterns? I ordered the vinyl seats with rectangle pattern ( http://www.day-long.com/new_pages/rectangle_pattern.html ) based on looks and perceived better fit of the cover on the foam, but I see the advantage of the half moon pattern ( http://www.day-long.com/new_pages/halfmoon_pattern.html ) due to fewer seams and needle holes to leak water through to the foam. On the other hand, they say more seams feels "cooler", though the OEM seat has NO seams. Has anyone got the half moon type and can comment on this? Since my build date is way out I can change it if I want.

Question 2... I can get the seats in black or charcoal...what will look better on my '06?

The group buy was put together buy Paul from the Concours Owners' Group.

If you don't get responses from people here (unlikely), you might want to call Katy and ask her. So far she has been very helpful, informative, and easy to work with.

[Medicine Bear]

The group buy was put together buy Paul from the Concours Owners' Group.

If you don't get responses from people here (unlikely), you might want to call Katy and ask her. So far she has been very helpful, informative, and easy to work with.

+1 for Katy. She sounded pretty harried the couple of times I talked to her but answered all of my questions. I went with the rectangle pattern and black for my '03. I think black would look great on a '06 ST. Just my 2 cents...

I did read this on the Day-long site concerning covering solo seats:

"Solo Price on a two-piece seat pan includes recover of rear seat."

Not sure but it looks like you could save yourself $100 for other farkles unless you wanted the extra padding. Something to consider...

I sent my order in yesterday so it looks like late February or early March for me.

Fred :03biker:

[BeemerBill]

As for your first question, I have the half moon pattern and a good friend has the rectangle pattern (both of us ride R1100RTs but are planning to get ST1300s). We have never been able to notice any difference in water seeping into the foam, and to be truthful, we would probably have to take the seats apart after sitting in the rain to see if there is a difference. Also, no difference in feel when we switch bikes on a long ride.
Bottom line advice: buy the pattern that you think will look best on the bike.
Black vinyl will probably look best on the new ST.

[STnAV8R]

As for your first question, I have the half moon pattern and a good friend has the rectangle pattern (both of us ride R1100RTs but are planning to get ST1300s). We have never been able to notice any difference in water seeping into the foam, and to be truthful, we would probably have to take the seats apart after sitting in the rain to see if there is a difference. Also, no difference in feel when we switch bikes on a long ride.
Bottom line advice: buy the pattern that you think will look best on the bike.
Black vinyl will probably look best on the new ST.

Thanks, and welcome to the ST forum. I was hoping someone with exposure to both would reply.

As for "both of us ride R1100RTs but are planning to get ST1300s"... that comment is sure to start a thread all by itself :). I've ridden both and both have their pros & cons, but overall I agree with your and your friend's decision.

[STnAV8R]

+1 for Katy. She sounded pretty harried the couple of times I talked to her but answered all of my questions. I went with the rectangle pattern and black for my '03. I think black would look great on a '06 ST. Just my 2 cents...

I did read this on the Day-long site concerning covering solo seats:

"Solo Price on a two-piece seat pan includes recover of rear seat."

Not sure but it looks like you could save yourself $100 for other farkles unless you wanted the extra padding. Something to consider...

I sent my order in yesterday so it looks like late February or early March for me.

Fred :03biker:

I may call Katy, but will likely just accept BeemerBill's adivce and go with what looks best. Since I have no judgement in such matters, that means I'll go with what Mrs. STnAV8R thinks looks best, which is the rectangle pattern.

I did see the note about recover of the back seat being included in the solo price, but figured it's worth $90 to have it remade with the side wings for better comfort. Since both old and new seats are in black vinyl, not sure what the purpose of recovering the back one would be, unless the new vinyl looks different then they will both match.

[John Anthony]

I've got the rectangles and they look great. I'd spring for leather over vinyl and if you ride in cold weather, spring for the heater as well. Definitely worth it in my book. Russell makes a great seat. My wife had Rich's seats on all of her other rides until she finally rode my bike for a couple of hours. She got her Russell a few weeks ago, sent it back in for a tweak and it came back earlier this week and she's a happy camper.

Good luck. John

[Actionfigurejoe]

Last year I bought the Russell with rectangles and backrest. Leather over vinyl. It's held up very well. 13,000 miles and it still looks like new. Leather is somewhat of a headache when it rains. But unlike vinyl, it does breath.