Seat Concepts for DL650 Review
I have completed testing the new DL650 seat from Seat Concepts:
As we know that the density of the foam in the seat is very important in order to equalize the pressure points and reduce hot spots. I was somewhat skeptical that the foam was dense enough just by touching with my hands. The seat is wider than stock and sure seems to allow for much more movement back and forth. When sitting completely back in the seat (bucket) it certainly provides a wider seating area. I believe about 2 in. wider than the stock seat. When completely back I was able to arch my back naturally in order to relieve the pressure on the lower back. (I have L4/L5 disc deterioration) This was a big plus for me. I had a Walmart gel pad with 1in of NASA foam inside that to make the stock seat bearable... When stopping without sliding forward the height seemed to be the same as with the pad so it may be slightly higher than stock. At cruising speed sitting back completely rearward I had about a 2in bend in my arms with a slight forward position and my back slightly arched. My shirt sleeve length is 33 and from the shoulder to the center of the palm is about 24in. My inseam is 30in and I am 5ft 8in and weigh 160 lbs. undressed. I did feel I was sitting back slightly but it created no neck or shoulder pain. When in the twisties riding moderately aggressive the seat was very accommodating... I was on the front portion of the seat and the comfort was very good, without any restraint of movements. Leg out knee down... As far as the density of the seat it is excellent. I had no numbness or discomfort. On the stock seat 25 miles into the ride I would start to get uncomfortable. 200 miles and nothing but comfort. I am surprised that the seat is so good considering it is constructed on the plastic seat pan. It is hard to construct a great seat on anything except a steel pan. I will rate below on a scale of 1 -10, with 10 being the best.
Comfort - 10
Looks - 10
Quality - 10
Cost compared to all the above - Definitely a 10
I have ridden 40 years and owned over 30 motorcycles. This is the best seat for the money that I have owned. Seat Concepts just hit a Home Run in my book... 2 Thumbs Up!
As we know that the density of the foam in the seat is very important in order to equalize the pressure points and reduce hot spots. I was somewhat skeptical that the foam was dense enough just by touching with my hands. The seat is wider than stock and sure seems to allow for much more movement back and forth. When sitting completely back in the seat (bucket) it certainly provides a wider seating area. I believe about 2 in. wider than the stock seat. When completely back I was able to arch my back naturally in order to relieve the pressure on the lower back. (I have L4/L5 disc deterioration) This was a big plus for me. I had a Walmart gel pad with 1in of NASA foam inside that to make the stock seat bearable... When stopping without sliding forward the height seemed to be the same as with the pad so it may be slightly higher than stock. At cruising speed sitting back completely rearward I had about a 2in bend in my arms with a slight forward position and my back slightly arched. My shirt sleeve length is 33 and from the shoulder to the center of the palm is about 24in. My inseam is 30in and I am 5ft 8in and weigh 160 lbs. undressed. I did feel I was sitting back slightly but it created no neck or shoulder pain. When in the twisties riding moderately aggressive the seat was very accommodating... I was on the front portion of the seat and the comfort was very good, without any restraint of movements. Leg out knee down... As far as the density of the seat it is excellent. I had no numbness or discomfort. On the stock seat 25 miles into the ride I would start to get uncomfortable. 200 miles and nothing but comfort. I am surprised that the seat is so good considering it is constructed on the plastic seat pan. It is hard to construct a great seat on anything except a steel pan. I will rate below on a scale of 1 -10, with 10 being the best.
Comfort - 10
Looks - 10
Quality - 10
Cost compared to all the above - Definitely a 10
I have ridden 40 years and owned over 30 motorcycles. This is the best seat for the money that I have owned. Seat Concepts just hit a Home Run in my book... 2 Thumbs Up!
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Check out this thread. It has pictures. http://www.stromtrooper.com/general-v-strom-discussion/64763-new-seat-option.html
Check out this thread. It has pictures. http://www.stromtrooper.com/general-v-strom-discussion/64763-new-seat-option.html
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http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/chazzman53/IMG_0180.jpg?t=1314562307
Click on the above link to see my seat from Seat Concepts
Click on the above link to see my seat from Seat Concepts
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96 Posts
Do you know if they have any plans for a DL1000 seat? I've got the foam and cover for my DR650 sitting in my garage waiting for me to put it together, bought that after hearing nothing but good things about Seat Concepts. I'd be stoked if they offered a seat for my future bike too 
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1,262 Posts
I have one of the Seat Concepts prototypes as well. I agree with the OP. It very well may be the best motorcycle seat I have ever owned. I asked for mine to be extra firm as I have always preferred a firm seat. The foam I got is near perfect. I can put as many miles in as I want without problems. I do have one nit to pick though. I have always bought leather covered motorcycle seats before this one. I can really tell the difference, the vinyl seat is hot and makes my butt sweat. I think I have solved this issue by putting a Bead Rider over the seat. Ideally, I will eventually look into getting my Seat Concepts recovered in leather.
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The stock 650 and 1000 seats are identical other than the thickness of the padding (1000 is taller). So any seat that fits the 650 will also fit the 1000.Do you know if they have any plans for a DL1000 seat? I've got the foam and cover for my DR650 sitting in my garage waiting for me to put it together, bought that after hearing nothing but good things about Seat Concepts. I'd be stoked if they offered a seat for my future bike too
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1,030 Posts
I hope they hurry up and get a seat out for consumer purchase. :mrgreen:
My stock seat has a rip and I'm ready for a new seat.
My stock seat has a rip and I'm ready for a new seat.
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1,030 Posts
That is good news! :thumbup:
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Seat Concepts
I've got one on my KLR and after 5000 miles everything is still great. I got the extra firm foam.
I've got one on my KLR and after 5000 miles everything is still great. I got the extra firm foam.
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163 Posts
how much did it cost?
Did they mention how much wider it is??? I don't mind the height of the seat now (but I have long legs); I am much more interested in how much wider it is at the back so as to spread my weight around and off my seat bones.I had a reply from Seat Concepts today. They attached a picture of the DL1000 seat and stated "We have the new seat done and its less than a 1/4 inch lower."
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808 Posts
Email them. They have been very quick to respond to my inquiries.
I'd like them to build and extra tall seat, but doesn't look like that will happen.
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1,030 Posts
That looks really nice... :beatnik:I had a reply from Seat Concepts today. They attached a picture of the DL1000 seat and stated "We have the new seat done and its less than a 1/4 inch lower."
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96 Posts
Nice, interested in hearing where they price them. I assume adding heat to these would be relatively trivial too.
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