[Classic11]

In an effort to make my bike a little more comfortable I decided to take my seat apart and investigate.

My biggest gripe about the seat is the lack of cushion and how it slides you forward.

It took a while to pull all the staples out of the cover. Removed the foam to move the back of the seat back and to level off the seat. We did it on bike so I could sit on it and diagnose the areas that needed to be modified. Next was the gel insert. I had some real thick gel also but it felt like I was on a waterbed and not in a good way.

Altough this insert was fairly thin it wasn't over the top. Next was a couple layers of foam that I cut with a turkey slicer. I dropped the seat with the original cover off at a local upholsterer and they got to work. They ended up just modifying the stock cover and adding a piece in a couple spots.

I also picked up a set of panniers this week so I got to finally adjust the esa for luggage

I changed the oil ahead of schedule because next week I am going down to the smoky mountains to ride the tail of the dragon again, blue ridge parkway, and explore the areas around. By the end my 5500 mile service would be close so I figure why wait? Also installed a cigarette lighter outlet underneath the seat so I can charge my phone, ipod etc.

Next I think it's time for some rizoma mirrors, possibly some risers, and a new set of pegs (I hate rubber covers on pegs).

 

[Clem]

Padding & Panniers

Good Post, Classic!
Like the job you did on the seat.
Consider opening a side business ?
Let us know how your backside likes it.

Hard cases sure beat soft luggage for long trips.
Looking sharp to go there, Sport.

 

[Classic11]

Thanks, the seat was much improved. Put about 1500 miles on in the last four days and only thing that really bothered me was the lack of wind protection. My trip was cut short and re routed to western Missouri from Nashville after getting rained out on the parkway. It was very disappointing. As far as the luggage goes I am going to have to get a set of liners for them because trying to make other bags fit is a huge headache. I wish they were top loading like most other hard luggage I've seen.

 

[Clem]

That's great about the seat being comfortable.
First the seat, then a windshield seems to be
the first two mods many riders choose to do.
Are you looking at a CeeBailey or something larger than a sport screen?

Not so many riders have commented on the ESC with panniers.
What was your experience with them on such a long trip.
Is the ESC worth it for you? How did it perform?

 

[Classic11]

That's great about the seat being comfortable.
First the seat, then a windshield seems to be
the first two mods many riders choose to do.
Are you looking at a CeeBailey or something larger than a sport screen?

Not so many riders have commented on the ESC with panniers.
What was your experience with them on such a long trip.
Is the ESC worth it for you? How did it perform?

Are you meaning the ESA? I don't really notice the luggage now when it is on. It cuts the wind a little differently but as far as suspension seems about the same without.

 

[Clem]

Yeah, ESA. Sorry. BMW has sooo many acronyms,can't keep 'em straight.
I can tell the panniers catch the air differently too, but my fuel mileage doesn't suffer very much. More noticable when passing a big 18 wheeler.

 

[Hoshiko]

That is a great job, once again, I envy your tools and work space. Plus now I wish I can come over and ride with you. I guess everything balances, I envy your tools, you wish to have the omnipotent gray bike.
I'll be doing a Ottawa trip soon, not as fun but at least I'll be out there on the road.

And as usual, here is good old Hoshiko and he's annoying video.

 

[Classic11]

I watched that video prior to doing the seat. It is a good resource and gives you an idea of the work involved. Unfortunately with doing seats there's not a good way to do it without the rider there to try it out. I think I got on and off the bike at least 20 times to get the seat back far enough, lower and 3 different gel inserts.