Corbin Aftermarket Motorcycle Seat Review
When Honda updated its CBR900RR to the 929RR for the 2000 model year, I was in the beginning stages of my sportbike obsession.
There was no denying the beauty wrapped in the Honda’s lines, the 929 appearing like a mid-weight when leaned over next to its huge rival at the time, the Yamaha YZF-R1. This updated Honda spoke to me in more ways than one, but I had the usual problem at the age of 19 – lack of money.
But I promised myself I would own one. Years passed, and in 2008 I found a 929 Erion in beautiful shape. Initial plans were to leave it stock…or so I thought.
This all changed after a 1000-mile ride to Mid-Ohio for some AMA Pro Racing action. The stock seat had me squirming after about 100 miles, and soon a Corbin replaced Honda’s original design.
The seat arrived with the leather that appears like Carbon Fiber, which added much appeal to the 929 over the stock seat. You can also order the Welt (pipe trimming) and side panels in other colors, but I stuck with triple black to keep the look as close to original as possible.
The Corbin front and rear seats are designed with a “Fibertech” basepan, and both fit the CBR exactly like the stock model. Both front and rear seats also allow the use of an optional fiberglass cowl that covers the rear seat.
The Corbin features a neutralized seating position, which doesn’t push the rider towards the gas tank like the stock seat. And the texture of the leather keeps the behind planted due to the non-slip surface.
The huge key to Corbin’s success is the high-density Comfort Cell foam. Once broken in, the Comfort Cell eliminates pressure points, allowing for greater comfort and thus more miles.
But beware – the breaking-in period could take some time. I’ve found the seat to be stiff until putting around 800 miles on my CBR. I’m sure the break-in period would be shorter, but since I only use the CBR for aggressive street riding and some track days, I’m never sitting in one position too long.
But once broken in, the Corbin saddle contoured to my shape, and allowed for much riding pleasure. As for the rear seat, my usual passenger noticed a slight difference in comfort over the stock seat, although she’s only been on the bike for about 100 miles since the seat was added. But she says the texture of the seat’s leather keeps her from sliding while hard on the throttle or brakes, which is more beneficial to her than actual comfort.
Over the past few years, one of the first upgrades I performed on any bike I have owned was adding an aftermarket seat; it’s simply a wise investment due to the added comfort needed to not only ride long distances, but keep you safe because your mind’s not thinking about that numb behind or those tingling legs.
The Corbin seat alleviated these issues on my CBR929RR. Not only will it provide the comfort needed for some long miles in the saddle, it also enhances the looks of your motorcycle, especially because the buyer can choose from different colors/styles for the seating panel, the side panels, and the welt.
And if it’s only a front seat you’re looking for, the Corbin CBR model will put you back around $199; add another $99 for the rear seat.
For additional information, log onto Corbin.com.