Pillion seat height

[ken]

Hallo Guys and Gals from north Germany,
I have a small problem and I’m hoping you wrenchers out there can help me. I recently had installed
1-1/2 in risers which puts me in a more upright and comfortable riding position. I also have a Grasshopper backrest installed. Now my wife is fairly tall for a female and during two recent rides, she complained that before the risers, she could look over my helmet, but now she can only stare at the back of my helmet which makes her unhappy and you know how that works . I need comments (ha) or suggestions on how to resolve this problem and looking past me on the right or left side is not a solution. Anyone ever boosted the pillion seat height somehow?
Thanks for your time - Ken

[peterdarby]

Perhaps a small periscope that mounts to the back of your helmet?
Seriously is sounds like you are sitting up straighter because of the risers. Short of taking the padding from your seat or slouching down I don't see much you can do.

[paul]

A friend and riding bud had that problem. His solution was to find someone that could rework the seat and have the pillion heightened by adding material. Now his wife is happy with her seat and has moved on to find other ways to make his life uncomfortable.

[leadbelly]

Feed her chocolate & wine, she will naturally gain the required height... although you may not be to pleased with the "end" resault! :)

[ringadingh]

I think your only alternatives are to build up the pillion seat with foam, or make a base for it so it sits a little higher, or cut a bit out of the front saddle to lower it a little. You could do a combination of both as well. I would probably raise the rear seat first since it won't effect your riding position at all, and see how that works.

[cactusjack]

Your problem is nothing about 6" of duct tape won't fix.

[GIBBY]

What CJ said! Or you could get a gel pad for her to use which would elevate her about an inch or so, just in case the duct tape flies off.

[waterman]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

Your problem is nothing about 6" of duct tape won't fix.

The new HD solution???? ::) ::) ::)

[waterman]

Originally Posted by Ringadingh

I think your only alternatives are to build up the pillion seat with foam, or make a base for it so it sits a little higher, or cut a bit out of the front saddle to lower it a little. You could do a combination of both as well. I would probably raise the rear seat first since it won't effect your riding position at all, and see how that works.

This is probably your only solution.

[mobandy78]

Try using a folded up towel first. Have her sit on that and see if that will be enough height for her to see over you.

[coacha]

Phone book? Or duct tape a couple 2 X 12's together with black duct tape and tell her it is a Corbin seat, specially made for her.

[Bull Durham]

..........or she could just marry someone shorter?............

[ve3hzz]

I have seen a king/queen seat setup one piece done on a Nomad in the past that put the passenger seat about 6" higher then stock height so that maybe the solution, which is what others have suggested already.
Dishing out the drivers seat and adding to the pillion is the only way I know to solve your problem. You may want to try a pillow or cushion under her seat to see if that helps and get the amount required to redo the seat. Or convince her to get her own bike and then you don't have to worry about her seeing over your head
But then she will likely want to lead all the time ::)

See there IS no pleasing women is there

Good luck, we feel your pain ;)

[ken]

Originally Posted by MO

Try using a folded up towel first. Have her sit on that and see if that will be enough height for her to see over you.

Mo, great suggestion. I'll give this a try and it certainly can help me determine how high to build up the seat.

To all - thanks for the other suggestions. Getting a divorce is out of the questions...been married far to long and she would get half of my pension :'(. Seriously, thanks for the advice...much appreciated.

[dank]

I agree with trying something temporary before adding inches to her seat height. Make sure raising her head the amount that is needed doesn't cause an issue with the wind flow coming over the top of the windshield. Memory is that the rush of wind over the top of the windshield on the Nomad wasn't very far above my head. Couple of inches a best. My ST has and adjustable windscreen, and it is amazing how much wind blast there is when the edge of the wind flow off the windshield is hitting your face shield. Much more noticeable than when I ride a bike with no windshield.