Corbin Seat....Finally!

[Netnorske]

Well I finally got my seat back from Corbin late last week. If you remember I had to send it back so they could make some modifications to it to better fit me. They did a good job and it does in fact fit me pretty darn well now. I opted for the larger (Ovalbac-Tee) backrest as it had a larger surface area for better comfort. On their website, the photo of that paricular backrest showed it to be real slim, but they had to add about two inches of padding to move it forward enough to fit me personally. That makes it seem REALLY big. It is comfortable for me, but as you can see by the photos, their is not much room for momma back there. Just sitting on it, she says it is not real comfy for her back there now....and I knew it wouldn't be just because when we ride two-up...she is pretty well right up on me.

I have a sneaky suspicion that I will only be using this backrest when I am riding solo, and removing it when we are two-up. I understand she needs to be comfortable, but I am kind of bummed that I can't use it all the time as it really makes a huge difference in my riding comfort. It is so nice to roll on the throttle and not have to hang onto the bars just to keep from falling off...:yep:. That is one area the 1600's have it all over the new 1700's...there is a ton of room back there. Even with my Mustang backrest, the wife had all kinds of room on the old steed.

There have been some tradeoffs with this new bike compared to my old one, and I guess this is just one of them. Some things I liked better on my old Nomad and some I like better on this Voyager. I guess there is no such thing as the perfect bike. The old bike had more room and sounded awesome, but the Voyager has it all over the old Nomad when it comes to 50+ mph cruising....especially at the 70+ range.

We'll see how it goes, but I wanted to at least post an update....

[fammdw]

Glad they worked it out for you Kris. That is one honkin' backrest! I can certainly see why you would have to pull it for the Mrs. to ride. I would like to have an oval backrest for my Corbin for my trip next week, but too much money and not enough time. I leave on Monday!

[Top Cat]

I have a sneaky suspicion that I will only be using this backrest when I am riding solo, and removing it when we are two-up. I understand she needs to be comfortable, but I am kind of bummed that I can't use it all the time as it really makes a huge difference in my riding comfort.


Kris,
your a big guy and I know we are going to meet in person someday. Probably at the National next year but I am going to take a chance you will not take this the wrong way http://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/images/icons/ornwink.gif
I have seen pics of your wife on here and if you would rather lean back on a backrest than lean back on your wife, well, you see where I'm going with this.......................:D

[Netnorske]

Kris,
your a big guy and I know we are going to meet in person someday. Probably at the National next year but I am going to take a chance you will not take this the wrong way http://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/images/icons/ornwink.gif
I have seen pics of your wife on here and if you would rather lean back on a backrest than lean back on your wife, well, you see where I'm going with this.......................:D

:tup:...trust me TC....I get it! The back support is not quite the same...but not bad either. We have yet to ride with it....and I may see if Corbin can work a little more magic on this backrest. You can see in the photo below how skinny this backrest first appeared. In making their modification, they simply added more padding to move it forward 2" (pic 2). I might see if they can use the skinny backrest and move it 2" forward by modifying the post itself instead of adding the padding. That would create more room for a passenger, but whether they can do that or not I have yet to find out. Pic 3 (although a different style backrest) shows how much the original seat needed to be modified....both in the bucket and the backrest.
BTW...I look forward to meeting you in Colorado next year...I think....:cheers:.

[ponch]

I wonder if you can move the topcase back a couple inches? The thing is, the corbin seat's pillion size is small. They would have been better off offsetting the post on the backrest, although that would have required more work.

[Monkeyman]

Kris --- You know you weren't sitting all the way back on the seat, right? And why would they need to add foam to the back of the backrest? I know the Utopia (on order!) has a no cost option (?) to move the entire backrest forward a bit. That looks like one of those pillows you sit on when you've got 'roids. :)

[VulcanE]

Kris, that Corbin looks good, I like the way the Corbin's look. The wife and I have ridden a couple of Voyagers, and although the front was not as spacious as the 1600, I thought I could adapt to it, but the back was cramped for my wife. I looked the bike over good and noticed that the backrest on the trunk was very thick, and thought about if I got one, the first thing I would do would be to take the backrest off and carry it to an upholstery shop and get at least 2" of the padding removed. This could be an option for you.

[Netnorske]

Kris, that Corbin looks good, I like the way the Corbin's look. The wife and I have ridden a couple of Voyagers, and although the front was not as spacious as the 1600, I thought I could adapt to it, but the back was cramped for my wife. I looked the bike over good and noticed that the backrest on the trunk was very thick, and thought about if I got one, the first thing I would do would be to take the backrest off and carry it to an upholstery shop and get at least 2" of the padding removed. This could be an option for you.

That makes sense too. I would think it an easy thing to offset the post two inches forward as well. I have a call into Corbin and am waiting to hear back from them.

[Netnorske]

Kris --- You know you weren't sitting all the way back on the seat, right? And why would they need to add foam to the back of the backrest? I know the Utopia (on order!) has a no cost option (?) to move the entire backrest forward a bit. That looks like one of those pillows you sit on when you've got 'roids. :)

That pic was of the original seat. If I sat all the way back in the seat...I was 2" too far back to be comfortable. That was a photo Corbin had me take so they could see how much they needed to move the bucket and backrest forward.

[blowndodge]

Kris,
your a big guy and I know we are going to meet in person someday. Probably at the National next year but I am going to take a chance you will not take this the wrong way http://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/images/icons/ornwink.gif
I have seen pics of your wife on here and if you would rather lean back on a backrest than lean back on your wife, well, you see where I'm going with this.......................:D

Thinking of a "reach around" are ya Tim?? :yep:

[waterman]

If I sat all the way back in the seat...I was 2" too far back to be comfortable.


In other words, "You couldn't reach the bars!!!".:P

[Top Cat]

It looks to me like they added padding to the rear of the backrest also. Don't know why they would do that :hmm:
I think the best solution would be to modify the post on the original backrest to bring it forward to where it is comfortable for you, like you or someone said.
If they can't or won't do it I would have them give me an original backrest and take it to a fabricator and do it that way.

[Monkeyman]

I would think (2) 90* bends (with some heat treating after) would do it. One bend towards the front just as the upright clears the seat and another 2" forward of that pointing up. I couldn't fabricate a piece of paper but I can figure that one out. You still retain most of the original geometry, too. A plus to this is the OL gets MORE room.

[Netnorske]

A plus to this is the OL gets MORE room.

That's basically the main
point of this discussion...how to make more room for her overall.

[highwayman2011]

I moved the trunk back 3 inches and now my wife has plenty of room. There is a thread on here some where with pictures of it. Let us know how the seat is, I sat on one on another Voyager and thought it was very stiff.

[Netnorske]

I moved the trunk back 3 inches and now my wife has plenty of room. There is a thread on here some where with pictures of it. Let us know how the seat is, I sat on one on another Voyager and thought it was very stiff.

I am interested on how you moved your trunk back 3"...! The Corbin seat is for sure firm...but that is what you want for longer trips...more comfortable in the long run believe it or not.

[highwayman2011]

http://s1150.photobucket.com/albums/o611/Highwayman2012/ Here are pictures.

[ponch]

There has to be a prettier way to do it. Kawasaki shouldn't have made the trim in such a way to make repositioning inflexible.

[highwayman2011]

I got a piece of 1.5 square tubing at Lowes and raised it up and back. You could get solid tubing since the holes don't line up on the perforated tube. You'll need a couple metric bolts and nuts. Took me a couple tries, made the first spacers out of wood to see if it would work and if my wife would like it. Yes to both!

[highwayman2011]

You know from a couple feet away you can't see it. Sometimes function(wife happy)over form wins out. I'm sure in the future I will make something to trim it out or some one will come up with a more elegant solution.

[blowndodge]

Hey Kris, if your wife has another baby you could use that backrest for one of those sit down rings!!!:lmao:

[Netnorske]

In other words, "You couldn't reach the bars!!!".:P

That is why my fishing friends call me Capt. Squatty....:ohno:. BTW.....:bird::bird:.



Hey Kris, if your wife has another baby you could use that backrest for one of those sit down rings!!!:lmao:

No more babies around here....and I'll save the rings for the ones I will be running around you in Colorado on my new Voyager....:lmao::lmao:!

[ponch]

That is why my fishing friends call me Capt. Squatty....:ohno:. BTW.....:bird::bird:.





No more babies around here....and I'll save the rings for the ones I will be running around you in Colorado on my new Voyager....:lmao::lmao:!

By then Brad will probably have a new ride. :yep:

[Netnorske]

By then Brad will probably have a new ride. :yep:

That's true....he is experiencing a bad case of "penis envy" and is drooling at the thought of a new GW....:D. He very well could roll in on some new wheels and have us all kissing his bling....:wtf:.

[blowndodge]

Just sayun.

[Jared]

They aren't re-working the same seat. The new seat is a completely different seat. You can tell by the embroidery on the side, which is different on your new seat.

I can see why you'd want the new backrest re-worked. It looks like there's barely any space on the passenger seat.

[nomadtom69]

kris looks like they moved the bucket where you sit foward but left the backrest mount in same place just added padding to get it to match the bucket they should have kept the same backrest and moved the mounting point on the seat thus solving both problems.

[Netnorske]

They aren't re-working the same seat. The new seat is a completely different seat. You can tell by the embroidery on the side, which is different on your new seat.

I can see why you'd want the new backrest re-worked. It looks like there's barely any space on the passenger seat.

kris looks like they moved the bucket where you sit foward but left the backrest mount in same place just added padding to get it to match the bucket they should have kept the same backrest and moved the mounting point on the seat thus solving both problems.

It is the same seat. I put some extra washers underneath to help it lock into position better and they were still there, so I know it is the same pan...they just added extra material to move the bucket forward and may have had to use some different material. They say they cannot move the post-hole for the backrest, as it basically only fits in that one spot. That being the case, they simply added 2" of padding to the front of the backrest, making it seem overly large.

I have spoken with Corbin regarding a different modification to the backrest by off-setting the post and using a slimmer backrest. I sent them the attached drawing. I won't hear back from them until today as their fab guys give it some thought. I can't imagine that they can't/won't do this ...but if for whatever reason they won't, I will ask them to send me the slimmest backrest they have in that style and I will take it to my local welding shop for the post modification. I'm sure they could do it in less than an hour....:hmm:. I mean, how strong does it have to be, you are only leaning against it.

[nomadtom69]

been trying to get Grasshopper to build me a brackett for the mustang seat I got so I can use my bakup backrest has been building it for 3 weeks hope he gets it done soon weather is just right for some long rides it is like yours just some small mods to the brackett and everthing will work just fine.

[cactusjack]

Kris, if they can't move the backrest forward, maybe you can move the tourpak back a like amount? I'm guessing the problem is to give your wife more room on the passenger seat? I added a Kuryakyn tourpak relocation kit to mine so I can move the tourpak back 3" from stock so my large Tbags bag will fit on the passenger seat without pushing me forward. It was a simple job to add to my tourpak, since it uses the stock holes, etc. It might work in your case with a little ingenuity. Just a thought.

[Netnorske]

Kris, if they can't move the backrest forward, maybe you can move the tourpak back a like amount? I'm guessing the problem is to give your wife more room on the passenger seat? I added a Kuryakyn tourpak relocation kit to mine so I can move the tourpak back 3" from stock so my large Tbags bag will fit on the passenger seat without pushing me forward. It was a simple job to add to my tourpak, since it uses the stock holes, etc. It might work in your case with a little ingenuity. Just a thought.

The way the trim piece on the Voyager is around the trunk...you don't have many options in that regard. I could probably have some padding removed from the passenger backrest though as it is real thick too.

[redjay]

The padding on the backrest is not as thick as you think. Take off the backerest and you will see what I mean.
Most of what you are looking at is a moulding.
The actual backrest padding is not very thick.

[ponch]

Just sayun.

I think you are waiting for the new Goldwing. :yep:

[ponch]

It is the same seat. I put some extra washers underneath to help it lock into position better and they were still there, so I know it is the same pan...they just added extra material to move the bucket forward and may have had to use some different material. They say they cannot move the post-hole for the backrest, as it basically only fits in that one spot. That being the case, they simply added 2" of padding to the front of the backrest, making it seem overly large.

I have spoken with Corbin regarding a different modification to the backrest by off-setting the post and using a slimmer backrest. I sent them the attached drawing. I won't hear back from them until today as their fab guys give it some thought. I can't imagine that they can't/won't do this ...but if for whatever reason they won't, I will ask them to send me the slimmest backrest they have in that style and I will take it to my local welding shop for the post modification. I'm sure they could do it in less than an hour....:hmm:. I mean, how strong does it have to be, you are only leaning against it.

Just bisect the shaft and weld each end to a 3/16" plate that offsets the backrest by the required amount.

[ponch]

Kris, if they can't move the backrest forward, maybe you can move the tourpak back a like amount? I'm guessing the problem is to give your wife more room on the passenger seat? I added a Kuryakyn tourpak relocation kit to mine so I can move the tourpak back 3" from stock so my large Tbags bag will fit on the passenger seat without pushing me forward. It was a simple job to add to my tourpak, since it uses the stock holes, etc. It might work in your case with a little ingenuity. Just a thought.

And that's why it's a HD. :yep:

[Netnorske]

Corbin says they won't offset the post for liability reasons. After speaking with them at length today....they tell me to take the backrest to my local welding shop for a post modification....then return the backrest to them for a one-time padding modification, then they are out after that. I'm not especially happy with them right now. The guy I spoke with was a welder in his past employment and says it is an easy fix, but that Corbin will not do it and assume liability....pretty weak on their part....:ohno:.

[Monkeyman]

I'd tell them to take it back and buy something else.

[Top Cat]

I think they are telling you since you got that new bike you are too much of a pain in the butt for them and they have had enough. :lmao:

[ponch]

Should have gone custom. Rich's is in your state, Russell does ok too...

[Netnorske]

Should have gone custom. Rich's is in your state, Russell does ok too...

Coulda Shoulda Woulda.....hindsight makes us all geniuses. I read through their policies before buying from Corbin. Summarizing what it says is.....they do not do refunds, but will modify the seat however they need to make it work for you. Essentially they have done that....the seat now fits me great. They have also modified the backrest once to fit me...which again...it does. My assumption was that the entire backrest would move forward 2"...not just have 2" of padding added to it....my bad for not getting that clarified ahead of time.

I try to look at things objectively, and for all intent and purposes they have fulfilled their intial obligation. The fact that I would still like some additional modification to the backrest (and why) is understood on both sides, and they are at least willing to re-modify the padding once I have the post modified.

I honestly don't think it will be a big deal for my local shop to modify the post to where I would like it and once done, Corbin will take that extra padding out and life will be good. It would have been a couple less hoops to jump through had they just done the whole thing themselves...but I can see both sides. Winter is almost here and our main riding season is over anyways...so I have plenty of time to work on it before next spring.

[ponch]

All I will say is that considering the already limited space behind the rider and what appears to be an even smaller than stock pillion, what were they thinking by putting more padding behind the back rest?

[redjay]

I suggest you get a hump sewn into the back of your riding jacket and use that to rest against the wife when riding two up.
Then get another jacket with an even bigger hump so you can rest against the trunk for when you are riding solo.

Then you can ditch the 4 inch thick backrest (g).

[Netnorske]

All I will say is that considering the already limited space behind the rider and what appears to be an even smaller than stock pillion, what were they thinking by putting more padding behind the back rest?

They added the extra padding to the front side of the backrest. The post and back of the backrest are in the very same position as when I first got the seat. They moved the seat bucket up 2" and simply added 2" of padding to the front of the backrest so it too would fit me better, rather than move the entire backrest forward. They say they can't move the location of the post within the seat framework....:shrug:.

I will find a way to get it done....then Corbin can remove that 2" of extra padding....and all will be well with the world again....unless of course we get another four years of Obamunism....:cry:.

[ponch]

Don't let that SOB dictate your comfort on the bike. Shoot, you're most of the way there already. :yep:

[redjay]

Maybe Chuckster will come up with a kit to move the trunks back on the Voyagers ???

[ponch]

Maybe Chuckster will come up with a kit to move the trunks back on the Voyagers ???

With the trim the way it is, I wonder how it could be done a still look good?

[redjay]

There is not really a way to make it look good with regard to the trim, but who cares if you are both comfortable ?

[ponch]

There is not really a way to make it look good with regard to the trim, but who cares if you are both comfortable ?

I'd care if it was mine, but then if that is the design, I probably wouldn't have bought it. May be there is a way to tweak the trim. I don't fancy taking a $17K bike and turning it into a hooptymobile.

[ponch]

There is not really a way to make it look good with regard to the trim, but who cares if you are both comfortable ?

Judging from the schematic, the mounting points for the rack that the topcase mounts to would have to be moved/lengthened so it sets back the topcase the desired amount. The side trim on the topcase is bolted to the filler trim that goes between the fender and saddle bags. If these pieces were left unbolted and the mounting points changed/mounting frame lengthened, it might not be so bad. You'd have to be hand with metal fabrication/welding, or know exactly what needs to be done and have someone do it. There are probably a couple more options with modifying the mounting rack, but I wouldn't bolt square stock to it to move it back as it would look terrible.

[highwayman2011]

I don't know about it being a Hooptymobile. The best way to move it is to modify the trunk mount under the trim but I'm not so god on metal fab. I was hoping an aftermarket bolt on would be available soon.

[redjay]

Chuckster are you listening ???

[ponch]

I don't know about it being a Hooptymobile. The best way to move it is to modify the trunk mount under the trim but I'm not so god on metal fab. I was hoping an aftermarket bolt on would be available soon.

If someone made replacement trim, a sliding plate could be used.

[Netnorske]

I took my backrest to Glenn's Welding today for a post remodel. They did a fantastic job (I knew they would) and it is just what the doctor ordered...moving the entire backrest forward by 2". It fits perfectly. The wife can sit much more comfortably on the pillion seat now...and if the wife is happy....everyone is happy. I will be returning the backrest to Corbin for one last modification to remove that extra 2" of padding. After that...all should be well. I love the Corbin seat and the backrest feels great too, so I will be glad to get this behind me and move on to other things...:tup:.

I will post some pics next week as I am leaving for the coast first thing Thursday morning for four days of fishing. Hopefully, I'll have a few good pics from our trip as well...:yep:.

[Top Cat]

the backrest feels great too, so I will be glad to get this behind me and move on to other things...:tup:.


Pun intended http://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/images/icons/icon55.gif:D

[Netnorske]

Here are a few pics from my backrest post modification, including before and after pics. Now I will send it back to Corbin for one last padding modification and I should be set. I will post a final pic once it is all finished....

[petenomad]

Too bad that Corbin felt they had to make you go somewhere else to get something like that done. That will look really nice when half the foam is gone.

[blowndodge]

It must be the name "Kris" or "Chris" that makes someone f*ck with their bikes so much it looks like something Cheech & Chong would ride!!:lmao:

sorry, I just had to take a cheap shot at somebody tonight! :cheers:

[Netnorske]

It must be the name "Kris" or "Chris" that makes someone f*ck with their bikes so much it looks like something Cheech & Chong would ride!!:lmao:

sorry, I just had to take a cheap shot at somebody tonight! :cheers:

Brad, glad to know that I could be of service...:bird:....:cheers:.

[Netnorske]

Too bad that Corbin felt they had to make you go somewhere else to get something like that done. That will look really nice when half the foam is gone.

I just don't think they are set up for those kinds of mods...but they could certainly outsource them to a local welding shop if they chose to. They at least understood my issue and are willing to do a second modification on the backrest padding at no additional cost. The seat itself is awesome, so once this is done it should be a real nice total package....and the wife can/will still ride with me...:tup:. I'm shipping it off tomorrow (Tuesday). I hope to get it back before too long and will post some final pics when I do.

It can seem like a bit of work getting your new ride all pimped out for your personal liking and/or comfort, but in the big picture...it's just a few hoops to jump through to get to a place you know you will enjoy for a long time.

[landman]

that looks like it should work out for you kris.the comfort of the corbin seat is worth the bother but i too think corbin needs to rethink thier backrest to make them more adjustable and also allow them to lay flat to make it easier for people to get on the
bike.

[Netnorske]

that looks like it should work out for you kris.the comfort of the corbin seat is worth the bother but i too think corbin needs to rethink thier backrest to make them more adjustable and also allow them to lay flat to make it easier for people to get on the
bike.

It's does fold forward for ease of access. When it's all said and done I will send a letter to the Corbin brass to give them a few of my thoughts...but it should be a real comfortable setup when complete.

[Netnorske]

When the wife is happy....well... You know the rest....haha!

[Netnorske]

I finally got my backrest returned from Corbin. This is the final chapter and I am putting this one to bed. Been a long ordeal. I will be sending a letter to the owners of Corbin to let them know my thoughts, but for now...one more thing checked off my list!

[Jared]

That looks much better than the thick one they sent you!:tup:

[fammdw]

Now you might as well finish it out with the Corbin backrest for the trunk!

[Netnorske]

Now you might as well finish it out with the Corbin backrest for the trunk!

I think the armrests on the Corbin trunk backrest would present a problem for the wife. The armrests stick a lot farther forward than the OEM Voyager one and I think she would have more trouble getting on and off.


http://www.corbin.com/kawasaki/kv17v9dt.shtml

[BC RED VAQ]

The backrest looks alot better than the fat one.

[Netnorske]

The backrest looks alot better than the fat one.

Ya think....:yep:?

[Hugh Thompson]

Well I finally got my seat back from Corbin late last week. If you remember I had to send it back so they could make some modifications to it to better fit me. They did a good job and it does in fact fit me pretty darn well now. I opted for the larger (Ovalbac-Tee) backrest as it had a larger surface area for better comfort. On their website, the photo of that paricular backrest showed it to be real slim, but they had to add about two inches of padding to move it forward enough to fit me personally. That makes it seem REALLY big. It is comfortable for me, but as you can see by the photos, their is not much room for momma back there. Just sitting on it, she says it is not real comfy for her back there now....and I knew it wouldn't be just because when we ride two-up...she is pretty well right up on me.

I have a sneaky suspicion that I will only be using this backrest when I am riding solo, and removing it when we are two-up. I understand she needs to be comfortable, but I am kind of bummed that I can't use it all the time as it really makes a huge difference in my riding comfort. It is so nice to roll on the throttle and not have to hang onto the bars just to keep from falling off...:yep:. That is one area the 1600's have it all over the new 1700's...there is a ton of room back there. Even with my Mustang backrest, the wife had all kinds of room on the old steed.

There have been some tradeoffs with this new bike compared to my old one, and I guess this is just one of them. Some things I liked better on my old Nomad and some I like better on this Voyager. I guess there is no such thing as the perfect bike. The old bike had more room and sounded awesome, but the Voyager has it all over the old Nomad when it comes to 50+ mph cruising....especially at the 70+ range.

We'll see how it goes, but I wanted to at least post an update....
I have an 11 vaquero. My wife was almost in tears when we arrived home from our first long ride. We went to Corbin and had a seat made. I had the top part of the seat where my belt is brought forward about 2 inches and straight up, kinda like a Goldwing. To be able to get the backrest post properly positioned Corbin moved the mounting of the post forward. It took them about a week and a half to get the seat to us. This did give my wike more room. So Corbin can make the change. They didn't charge any extra to do this. My wife is soooo happy. This is a great seat.

[Netnorske]

I have an 11 vaquero. My wife was almost in tears when we arrived home from our first long ride. We went to Corbin and had a seat made. I had the top part of the seat where my belt is brought forward about 2 inches and straight up, kinda like a Goldwing. To be able to get the backrest post properly positioned Corbin moved the mounting of the post forward. It took them about a week and a half to get the seat to us. This did give my wike more room. So Corbin can make the change. They didn't charge any extra to do this. My wife is soooo happy. This is a great seat.

Lol....who do you know there....?? I beat them up but got no such love.