Thoughts about my Corbin seat after about 4000 miles

DrCohen

Active member
I've had Russell "Day-Long" saddles on four bikes over the years, and loved them. But I didn't want to be without my 2020 GT650C for the weeks necessary to ship the stock seat to Russell, wait for them to build the new seat on the stock pan, and have the new seat shipped back. So I bought a Corbin, and then sold my stock seat (for a pittance) on eBay. It's been OK, but if I could do it over I'd endure the wait and get the Russell.
The Corbin is significantly more comfortable than stock, especially after the 1000-mile break-in they recommend. And it looks sexier than a Russell. But...seat640.jpg
It's not as comfortable as a Russell.
The Corbin attaches to the bike with only two of the four bolts used by the stock seat. Getting it aligned to insert the bolts is extremely difficult. I'm a decent mechanic, but I finally had to pay my shop to put those two damn bolts in. Another GT650C owner told me he had the same experience.
The tail of the seat has a lot more side-to-side play than the stock seat, so you can't just drop it and expect it to latch. I had to bend the tang on the seat to the side to align it with the latch, and I still have to lower it carefully and then guide it into the latch and push it down to engage.
The backrest is not adjustable in any direction. I had to send it back and have two inches of padding added. They didn't charge for the work, but the shipping was expensive.
The seat locates me perhaps an inch further back than the stock seat, so the reach to the handlebar is a bit longer than comfortable. I don't know why Corbin did this. Russell saddles, of course, are made-to-measure, and the backrest is adjustable.
 
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Delray

Well-known member
Good review, thanks. I've been interested but hesitant about getting a Corbin for my 2019 C 650 GT. They're expensive, especially with a backrest, but I'm sold on Corbin quality and comfort after having four on various Burgman 650's and Honda Silver Wings. I've been especially intrigued with a cross-country trip coming up this summer.

However, your review dissaudes me. The two-bolt challenge sounds very unpleasant, as does the side-to-side rear sway, so you can't just drop the seat and get that satisfying BMW clunk.

Was there a special seat strut included or did you keep the OEM? Does it hold up the Corbin?

IIRC Corbin seats are heavier. I think they also reduce storage space. My XL Schuberth helmet nestles perfectly under the OEM seat; not sure it would fit with the Corbin, another reason I've been hesitant about buying that seat for this bike.
 
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DrCohen

Active member
under seat640.jpgGood review, thanks. I've been interested but hesitant about getting a Corbin for my 2019 C 650 GT. They're expensive, especially with a backrest, but I'm sold on Corbin quality and comfort after having four on various Burgman 650's and Honda Silver Wings. I've been especially intrigued with a cross-country trip coming up this summer.

However, your review dissaudes me. The two-bolt challenge sounds very unpleasant, as does the side-to-side rear sway, so you can't just drop the seat and get that satisfying BMW clunk.

Was there a special seat strut included or did you keep the OEM? Does it hold up the Corbin?

IIRC Corbin seats are heavier. I think they also reduce storage space. My XL Schuberth helmet nestles perfectly under the OEM seat; not sure it would fit with the Corbin, another reason I've been hesitant about buying that seat for this bike.
The OEM strut holds up the Corbin seat.
 
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