OK, promised an update on this seat. Received my redone Premium Foam Upgrade seat late last week. Was able to give it a good test both Saturday and Sunday for some long distances - it didn't pass the test... yet! I sent it back.

One, they covered it in a GripTex instead of the CarbonFX I had requested. FYI - the Griptex is not what you might think, you will slide alot with your textile type pants like I did with my First Gear Hypertex - the second day I tried Denim Jeans and it wasn't an issue. The CarbonFX doesn't do this (or very minor if at all) - it's what I had on my last Sargent Cycle seat. A third vinyl choice is a smooth "leather look" arrangement. They also offer 3 versions of leather (an extra charge on the leather).

Two, I didn't see a lot of difference between it and the stock seat for Long Distance comfort. My butt was sore in about 40 minutes vs 30 minutes on the stock seat. The good news is we are revisiting this with Sargent.

Style: If you like to hang off the GripTex is still ugly IMHO! Might be better served with the smooth vinyl or leather. The seat is slightly dished, not as deep as the Corbin.

Conclusion: The jury (yes, me) is still out. I'm working with their development group to see if we can get it better.

I think the problem is a couple of things... The seat base doesn't leave alot of room for rider seating expansion rearward with the seat modified, this may be a problem for taller riders unless the overall seat height goes back to the stock seat height - it's about 1" or so lower in it's modified state. The now wider seat makes the reach seem identical. I think I'm going to have to go with a higher seat (back to stock height) which will make the bike a little higher. I don't think we have the full 2" of Atomic Cell Foam in the deepest area of the seat (closest to the seat base) that is the norm here - norm meaning proper support. The shape of the seat base to that lower cut area by my measurements makes me believe that's the problem.

Keep y'all updated when I get it back.

Berto,
I hate to say it, but I will. You should have bought the Corbin Bro. My fat 225 pound @ss gets along fine with the Corbin. Although, a buddy of mine has the Sargent Cycle Seat on his Dcati ST2, and quite frankly, it is very nice. But(t) the Corbin seems to be the saddle for the ZR. I've put 300+ miles on it at a time, and my @ss loves it.

Be safe bro!

Pete

Pete,
I really have nothing personal against the Corbin. It is a fine seat. Either seat is normally a great seat over the stock one. And I certainly can't blame you for telling me, I'm a little bit thick-headed at times.

What I wanted here was the extra cushioning the Sargent normally has which gives it a better long distance setup - IMO. The Corbins I've sat on always seemed to hold me in the pocket which I personally didn't like. Had a Sargent on my VFR and my butt never had a problem on all day rides. So, that's what I'm after.

Conversely, glad it's worked out for you, that's what it's about on these things.

I was looking forward to you post on the Sargent seat mods. But, am sorry to read that it didn't measure up. Hopefully they'll get it right the second time around. Please let me know how you like it when you get it back. And if you could, I'd like to see some pictures of what the seat looks like too.

Like I said, the Sargent seat is fantastic on the Ducati. I'm sure that once they get your seat worked out, it will be just as good or better than the Corbin. It's great when you can have more than one option for any replacement parts/accessories for the ZR.

Ride Safe!

Pete

OK folks, received my seat back about 10-11 days ago. Gave it a good workout the first weekend and some commuting. They built up the seat another 3/8" - 1/2" compared to the first version. It made a huge difference.

For comparison, I had a 99 VFR800 with a World Sport 2-piece seat which I would refer to as an excellent seat for LD riding. It's their own design and you get a new seat, locking brackets and everything. With the ZR-7, it's a custom PFU (Premium Foam Upgrade) built up from your original seat - no extra seat here.

It's close in comfort to the VFR seat but not quite. I rode just over 400 miles and yes, I had to move around a little after 200 + miles. That might not really be too bad when your in the saddle most of the day. But took a late lunch break and proceed home about 170 miles and only moved around a few times but didn't tire of sitting on the seat, ie... no monkey butt period. The seat I have has the passenger seat (option) upgraded but didn't really have the chance to throw someone back there for a test ride. The slant forward for rider/passenger is basically gone, good news for rider and passenger.

Have seat pictures I will send up here in a minute. The first PFU they did for the seat was a little lower, but wider. The reach was basically the same because of the width. The second/present version of the PFU is about the same height as the original, and wider thus creating a little higher reach. I knew this and approved of it going in.

Is it a better value than the Corbin. I would have to say no for the commuter, few LD rides, no. If all day jaunts are your thing like me (twice a month, then it's worth considering). On another note, I won't hesitate to buy Sargent's World Sport Seat if available on the next standard/sport/touring bike I own if available - it's a great seat for the money. I don't think I would go this route (PFU) unless my options are very limited or I plan on 3 straight months of touring North America. If you do go the custom PFU route, do it in the off-season or when the spouse has you on probation. I have a spare stock seat, and it still hurts!

The folks at Sargent were a little puzzled at first but made the corrections - I'll give them credit for really working with me to fix this, at no charge (usually a custom gets charged extra for a fix). One thing I didn't consider is that the VFR seat placed more weight forward with the ZR-7 placing more of the weight on the seat. This may be the sole reason it doesn't feel as perfect as the World Sport seat but it is a very good seat. I'm happy now.

Here's the first PFU design with the GripTex covering, sort of a basketweave pattern. My non leather riding pants slid around on this surface some, jeans were fine and didn't slide. Notice the shape and width changes, plus a flatter seating area.

A top view comparison...

I have four pics of the newer seat with the CarbonFX on the bike. I chose a black welt in case it ever has to go on another year ZR-7.

Pic A

Pic B

Pic C

Final Pic D

Hey Berto
What was the price if you dont mind telling?
I think this is what I'm looking for but to lose my set for how long
There's a cycle junk yard in Huntsville may see if they have an extra seat base.

I want it....where's the signup page....who do i call.......it's looks like a comfortable seat that's a heck of a lot sportier than the corbin!!! Everything I could ever ask for