OEM saddle heater on an aftermarket saddle?

[Angel]

This past summer, i was able to purchase an almost new Corbin saddle for my RT. I really wasn't sure if I was going to keep it since EVERYBODY has an opinion on which saddle is best. I've now travelled slightly over 10k with the Corbin, (including a one day 900+ mile trip back from Paonia, CO), and I'm pretty sure that I won't ever be going back to the stock saddle. Unfortunately, my Corbin is not heated. I am now wondering if it would be worth the time and/or the effort to cannibalize my stock saddle for its heating element that can then be installed on my Corbin, (with the help of a local upholsterer). Anybody ever try?

 

[motoguy128]

My understanding is that it's pretty do-able, since the heating element is just a thin film of resistive elements. You probably need to cut off the existing connector and add your own since it's moulded to the seat pan. Otherwise I wouldn't see any issues.

 

Only other issue is you might get some cool spots on the edges of your seat since the shape my not be optimised for your new seat, but not enough to matter.

[keithb]

I tried to have my stock heated seat modified. Unfortunately it did not help in the comfort department. The heating element is nothing more than a mini electric blanket about 1/4" thick. If I was going to move it I would keep the original plug and move the "blanket" to the Corbin seat. You will in term have to scallop out the 1/4" (actually slightly more) into the Corbin seat which not a big deal. I would do everything I could to keep all of the electrics and plugs the same.

[kioolt]

You can get an aftermarker heat element here http://www.saddlemen.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=172_388&products_id=4518. I've never used this myself but I did see one installed in an R1150RT at the Charleston, WV rally.

[Ken H.]

You can get an aftermarker heat element here http://www.saddlemen.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=172_388&products_id=4518. I've never used this myself but I did see one installed in an R1150RT at the Charleston, WV rally.

I've installed them for a couple of people - works great.

[Angel]

Thanks for the insight folks...

 

[Edgar]

Wouldn't a heated jacket liner be easier? Just askin'

[kioolt]

Wouldn't a heated jacket liner be easier? Just askin'

 

It might be easier, but I find that I always have my seat with me.

[Ken H.]

Wouldn't a heated jacket liner be easier? Just askin'

Yeah, but it looks kind of funny wearing a jacket on your butt.

[FLTRI]

I am now wondering if it would be worth the time and/or the effort to cannibalize my stock saddle for its heating element that can then be installed on my Corbin, (with the help of a local upholsterer). Anybody ever try?

 

I just did exactly this.

 

I bought a used Sargent seat, and only the front section was heated. Pulled the staples out of the stock rear seat, and then carefully removed the heating element pad, switch and wiring from it.

 

Then I pulled the staples and skin off of the rear Sargent, poked some holes in the foam to fish the wires through it and stapled the cover back on. Used a Dremel tool to cut a rectangular hole in the pan of the Sargent, then some plastic epoxy to glue the switch in. No upholstery shop required, just some 1/4" staples from Home Depot...

 

It works fine, and I didn't have to start hacking into the wires on the bike, which is what I was trying to avoid in the first place.

 

I also cut the plug off of the stock front seat, and spliced it to the Sargent front, rather than using the setup Sargent supplies.

[Angel]

Ok, wise guy...

 

Might be easier... but its all about the Benjamin$.....

 

lets see... gerbings gear... big bucks

 

Retro hack... free and I get bragging rights...

 

 

signed

One cheap bastard

 

 

[Edgar]

As you know, in the workshop no job is too small to tackle. Let's pop it open and change out.