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Jaimec
| Posted on Monday, September 11, 2006 - 03:52 pm: |
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It arrived today! I'll take photos tomorrow when I can visit my favorite "Kodak Moment" spots. I think it looks GREAT. The orange isn't a PERFECT match with the rest of the bike, but that's because on the vinyl it isn't nearly as shiny as it is on the wheels and bodywork. It's VERY close, though. The saddle foam feels a little firmer than the original seat, which is a good thing (I find firm saddles more comfortable on a long ride than soft ones). The lines compliment the rest of the bike, too. I'll get photos up tomorrow (and more detail after I've put a few miles on it). |
Jaimec
| Posted on Monday, September 11, 2006 - 05:02 pm: |
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Okay, the lighting isn't ideal... the sun is setting and casting some long shadows... but I took some quick snapshots anyway. First, two shots of the right side of the bike:
Then two shots of the left side of the bike:
And finally an overhead shot:
And if I ever wanted proof that I'm not as young as I used to be, that last photo clinched it. I sure remember tree climbing to be an awfully lot EASIER than it was today! And after I took the shot, it took me awhile to figure out how to get back down again. |
Jaimec
| Posted on Monday, September 11, 2006 - 10:02 pm: |
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Okay, I put some miles on the new saddle. Here are my observations: The Sport Saddle is slightly taller than the standard saddle. I noticed slightly more weight on my hands, but my legs were not kinked up as tightly on the pegs. I was also on the balls of my feet instead of flat footed at stops. This is a GOOD thing, as I find the new seating position more comfortable than the old. The foam is definitely firmer. It was comfortable and felt like it would be very supportive during a longer ride. It's MUCH easier to slide side to side and back and forth on this saddle. That alone makes it easier to handle the bike through the twisties; I don't have to lift myself up from the seat to slide from side to side. I also like the two-tone look. All in all, it was a worthwhile expense for this bike. I recommend it. |
Brucelee
| Posted on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 08:52 am: |
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Where did you buy this? Looks great by the way. |
Jerseyguy
| Posted on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 09:03 am: |
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Thanks for the honest evaluation! Are you planning to come down to Liberty next week for the demo? I'd like to see it in person. In all honesty, taller, firmer and a less than perfect color match have me thinking I don't want it at this point. |
Jaimec
| Posted on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 09:19 am: |
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Unfortunately, I was planning on attending the Liberty Open House, but I have a prior engagement for that date. Don't let the photos fool you, the color is a good match, the difference in appearance comes from texture. All of the rest of the Sunset Orange pieces are glossy plastic and powder coating. On the saddle itself, it's vinyl, so it doesn't reflect the light in the same way. I should've taken the photos in the shade where the difference isn't as pronounced. Brucelee: It is a Buell part that has an MSRP of $211.95US, but Daves sells them to Badweb members for $190.95. There is also a monotone (all black) version for the same price. Buell also makes a "Touring" saddle for the Lightning Long. Go to http://www.buell.com to see the available seats, prices, etc. |
Jerseyguy
| Posted on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 12:23 pm: |
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Jaimec - I think I'm liking that touring seat. My inseam is 30" and I'm almost flat footed with the stock seat. An inch lower might be good for me. |
Josh_cox
| Posted on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 12:48 pm: |
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I have all three seat mentioned in stock if you are needing one. 51914-06Y Black Sport Seat MSRP $211.95 BadWeb $190.75 51915-06Y Sunset Orange Sport Seat MSRP $211.95 BadWeb $190.75 51916-06Y Lightening Long Touring Seat MSRP $221.95 BadWeb $199.75 I've sat on both, and the tour seat is the around the same firmness as the sport seat. It is more cupped around the rider though, like a Corbin. This makes hanging off of the seat a little more difficult, but it is much more comfy. |
Mikemax
| Posted on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 03:44 pm: |
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Are the touring and sports seats not gel like the stock one then? After almost 11,000 miles since the end of May, I find the stock seat fine for up to an hour, and longer if I can slide back on the wider section, but touring with bags keeping me forward causes pain by around 1 1/2 hours (less than a tank of gas). I was thinking about the touring seat, but the other issue on long rides is leg cramping due to the high pegs (I'm only 5'10" and my Ss has the 1" lower pegs) causing my knees to be bent. A lower seat height seems like it might not be helpful though the wider, cupped seat would be. Anyone switch who had similar issues? |
Jaimec
| Posted on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 04:55 pm: |
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I'm also 5'10" with a 32" inseam. I find the TALLER Sport Saddle to be more comfortable because my legs aren't as bent up as they are with the stock seat. If I stretch I can flatfoot the bike, but I'm perfectly comfortable on the balls of my feet and I usually stop with the left foot solidly on the ground and my right foot on the brake anyway. I find the sport seat very easy to slide around on so I can find different positions while I ride, too. Plus, it makes it way easier in the twisties. |
Jaimec
| Posted on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 07:58 pm: |
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With better lighting:
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Jaimec
| Posted on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - 08:09 am: |
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Okay, SERIOUSLY now... here it is with better lighting. You can see the color is VERY close. As I said earlier, I attribute any differences to the texture of the material. If you really want the "solo seat" look, I'd suggest getting a color matched seat cowl from Trojan:
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Jerseyguy
| Posted on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - 08:59 am: |
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Thanks again for the pics. Those orange accessories are quite nice! I'm not using the chin spoiler so I'm not so sure how it will look on my bike. Plus I've bobbed the tail and painted it sunset orange. FYI - I've had the belt covers off from day one with no problems & I often ride a dirt road. |
Jaimec
| Posted on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - 09:32 am: |
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Hey, I just spent a FORTUNE on that carbon fiber hugger and lower belt guard. No WAY am I taking them off! |
Jerseyguy
| Posted on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - 09:41 am: |
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Now you need a Drummer CF to go with them!
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Bodyshot1
| Posted on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - 10:41 am: |
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..ok, so the sport saddle is taller?..that maybe the way to go for me too. I'm 6' tall. ..my legs start to cramp from the bend to the pegs... thanks! |
Frankfast
| Posted on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - 12:44 pm: |
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Where does that windscreen come from? |
Jaimec
| Posted on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - 03:10 pm: |
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Yeah, I love those "Orange Accessories" myself. Sometimes I think I buy orange motorcycles just so I can accessorize where I eat. The little "windscreen" is called a "Laminar Speed Shield" and you can order them directly from the manufacturer: http://www.laminarlip.com/speed3.htm and scroll to the bottom. |
Mikemax
| Posted on Thursday, September 14, 2006 - 02:45 pm: |
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Does the Uly seat fit an Ss? Anyone know how it compares with the Ss sport and touring seats? I believe it is 1" taller like the sport seat. |
Jaimec
| Posted on Thursday, September 14, 2006 - 02:57 pm: |
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No, the Ulysses saddle will NOT fit on the XB12Ss, not without major surgery anyway. Not cost effective at all. |
Mikemax
| Posted on Thursday, September 14, 2006 - 11:54 pm: |
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Yeah, I thought about it and figured the supports must be different at least to handle the back support. Oh well, I thought the yellow two-tone might work with my blue/gold Long. |
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