Rich's custom seat

[Phoenix4]

So....I went on a long ride to Crater lake not to long ago and was reminded several times (by the tingling, burning in my rump) that the first "farkle" or as I would put it REQUIREMENT that is needed for my 650 is a seat. I looked online and compared the prices on the Corbin, Sgt's, Gell etc etc and decided that for the price of what I was willing to pay a custom seat was my best option. Finally I found Rich's custom seat's located in Seattle. A good excuse to go for a three hour ride with a benefit at the end, for my end!!

The seat looks great and sit's very well for me. As it should since it is a custom.

I will post pics on here in the next week or so and start a new thread so those of you who are on here quite frequently wil be reminded to look.

Here is my review of Rich's---Overall, I would give the operation an 8 out of 10, REASON...Mainly because I was under the impression that I would have someone focused on my seat and would build some sort of report with that person as they questioned me and focused specificly on me and my seat. I felt like my seat and I were part of an assembly line. I had an 830 appt with the shop and out of 5 other seat appts who both came after me and had appts later than me, I was the last to get started. SURE, they took my seat off of my bike at 0832 and had the cover taken off by 0847 but then it sat around for almost an hour while the employees worked on the other five.

Rich is a pretty good guy with plenty of stories to tell but they, IMO got in the way of his work. He is GREAT at what he does and DEF KNOWS what he is talking about. He is also very fair and works WITH your desires and needs. All while balancing what will benefit you more.

I was talking to one of his brand new employee's and he told me that A guy had come in after getting a seat made by Rich in 1990 with the same seat needing it to be re worked, Rich, from what I am told only charged him a small fee but completely re worked the seat.

My seat- I ended up getting just my half worked on with new vinyl, gell cushion, and carbon fiber. 400 bucks!!

[stanstrom]

So. . . how is it? Rich's seat is the way I think I want to go, but how is working out for you? You don't really say in your review. I've heard nothing but good about Rich and his operation. $400 is about the going rate, or a little less, for a non-custom-fit aftermarket seat, but for one that's custom fit to MY backside, seems like a winner!

Thanks,

Stan.

[Phoenix4]

I am very pleased. the lines work very well with the bike. Also, I had taken it for a few test rides in between formings and each time I had a request they hit the nail ride on the head. Example....After a test ride I asked for the side to be higher so that it hugged me a little more. I knew how I wanted it to feel and they got it right the first time. Perfect.

I am not very excited about the tag they put on it...marketing...because it is a little cheap looking and big. I did request that it be symetrical with the seat and it is. I am sure you could request that it not be put on at all but I don't mind advertising the product a little, as long as it isn't stairing me in the face all the time.

I used vinyl because of the money issue, $100 cheaper, but I bet the leather would feel better 7-8 years down the road.

[rcacs]

Although I have absolutaly no issues with the stock seat (spent many many long days in the saddle), can you post a pic of this seat?

Cheers

[mcdstrom]

Pheonix4, Did you check into Mr. Eds Moto in Albany before heading up to Rich's? If so, what swayed you to head up north?

[PDXStrom]

Pheonix4,
Need some pics of your seat for everyone to see. I could bring a camera to work and snap a few for you. You could show everyone the "princess cut":oops::oops:

Do you want to explain that one or should I

LOL.
(please oh please don't write me a ticket at work, snicker)
Still laughing:razz:

[garrobito]

Rich's custom seats web is down.:confused::confused:
Well.. I think I'm going to corbin...;);)

[msheron]

Apparently his web domain expired on 12-8-07. I guess he failed to renew and the site is down until he does.

Oh well, guess he needs to pay the bill or hope word of mouth and local consumers keep him in business.

I am curious to see the seat you got. Post a picture!:)

[nvr2old]

Heres an article that came out on Sound Riders site yesterday. It shows Rich's seat process w/photos.

http://www.soundrider.com/archive/services/richs.htm

[bunner bob]

I'm on my 4th Rich's seat and they've all been good. I have two Wees now (both coasts) with Rich's seats and they're a little different. West coast one is newer, a little taller and I think I little better for all-day. East coast is more comfy right off but over about 400 miles it's not as good.

I'm super picky, and on each of my seats I went back 3-4 times for tweaks - no charge. It helps living only about 5 miles from the shop.

Very happy.

[sanford1234]

I’m in any ways downplaying Rich's seat but I had a hard look at the stock seat and was thinking about pulling it somewhat apart myself and then inserting a gel insert (from a bike seat) or putting in new, betting foam rubber.

I replaced the carpet in my main project (91 VW Synco camper van, mint) and it couldn't be that hard to restaple back together. One would need to pull 1, staple two. Fix 3 and 4.

Thoughts?

[brianjonesphoto]

I've got a Rich's on my wee as well and it's wonderful. I knew I needed a custom seat from the get go. I had rich raise the seat 2" from a stock DL1000 seat. I'd recommend getting one of his seats to anyone that was considering it. My only complaint is how long it took to get the seat made. I spent 8 hours in his shop while he BSed and worked on 4 other people's seats too.