First of all, a big thank you to whoever re-categorized this thread. I hadn't seen the farkles forum.
Second, a big thank you to all who have commented, without yelling at me for missing the other threads on the same topic.
Thanks in particular to UnclePhil, who seems to be everywhere at once!
Here's something to consider, since you did not tell us how tall you are. The ST is sized for bigger riders and if you are average sized, you might be leaning forward reaching for the handlebars. If this is the case, sitting more upright mike make the difference. A helibars or mcl spacer plate might solve your problem more cheaply than a 400 to $600 custom seat. Spencer is the cheapest way to go as far as seat mods go. Best to go to an STOC rally and sit on other guy's bikes.
I'm 56 years old. I'm 6' 0" (okay, I'm 5' 11-1/2") with a 34" inseam. I stand over the bike very easily, but I do lean forward about 9 or 10 degrees to reach the bars and I have a slight yet chronic lower back pain. I think a more upright position would help a lot. I'm going to have to get rid of my VFR. [sniff]
I had actually already ordered a 13x13 BeadRider a few days ago and it arrived today. I can't wait to try it out because it seems to get great bang-for-the-buck reviews. Before I heard about it, I'd been thinking along the same lines. I was looking around HomeDepot for some kind of stiff mesh foam to sit on, something like the foam used as rain-gutter inserts to keep leaves out-but the stuff I found there was much too soft. I have high hopes for the BeadRider to help with the monkey butt problem.
But there's still the big crunch. Some of you younger riders, you're not there yet but take heed ... one day you
will sit on your own testicles.
Next steps, in no particular order:
- Russell Day Long --- with the added back-rest, this sounds great
- Spencers mod --- this sounds like another great buck-bang
- LD Comfort Shorts --- perhaps a jock strap would do something similar?
- Other gel seats, with Wedding Tackle channel/groove ---
- Some kind of handlebar risers
It's sensible to try all those. Not being very sensible myself though, I'm inclined to play around with modifying the seat myself. I could do some tests just using styrofoam and double-sided tape to re-shape the seating area. When I got it where I want it, maybe it could be moved under the existing cover.
Another thought: fill up an appropriately-sized plastic bag with Great Stuff, wait for it to start firming up, then place it on the seat and sit on it to make a mold! I like that idea. Have to be careful not to get uncured GreatStuff on the seat. It does
NOT come off.
If that works, I'll post some pictures.
Thanks again for all the great comments!