debate between Corbin seat or Utopia backrest

2758 Views 24 Replies 12 Participants Last post by bob, 11 mo ago

Robertmerz19

Discussion Starter · 12 mo ago

Good Day all!
Planning to do some long riding this summer, and have some questions that popped into my head about the seats.
I have read all the Corbin and Utopia backrest posts, and it leaves me wondering which option to go with (I WISH Mustang made a seat for these, as those were the most comfortable cruiser seats I have used) While some seem to love the Corbin seat, many find them too stiff, but there really do not seem to be other options.
I really want a backrest, but I am squeamish about screwing up my seat. Does the backrest change the seating for the passenger?
Does the Corbin Close change their seating too?
on a side note, I find the handle bars just a tad bit of a reach, would lowering them add any distance closer? It's fine for local riding, but thinking may be a bit of a reach long rides?
AS always, all opinions are welcomed and gratefully accepted!

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bob

· #2 · 12 mo ago

I didn't have a Corbin seat on my CTX1300 but I did on my Burgman 650. Corbin seats follow the idea that it is NOT how soft a seat is but if the SHAPE is right. I've come to the conclusion that those who think a Corbin seat is too stiff or hard haven't sat on one that was the right SHAPE for THEM. You don't want a soft seat anyway. Not for a ride that you'll be sitting on it for a long time. That will result in hot spots and a really sore bum before the end of the ride. The only way to determine if a Corbin seat is right is to sit on one... for a while. When I bought my Burgman with the Corbin seat I already knew all this so before I committed I went to the dealer where it was, put the Burgman on the center stand, and just sat on it for a half hour at least. I moved around a little while I was sitting but I didn't get off until I was convinced that it was the right shape for me. Most Corbin seats are custom made for that reason. Some are stock seats. A Corbin close seat will move you closer to the bars and also give the passenger more space. Adding a rider back rest will take away a little space for the passenger (had that on my GW). A combination of a Corbin close with a rider back rest is the best combo for everyone since it moves you closer to the bars (you did mention that would be preferred) and gives you the back rest (which is really helpful on longer rides) and retains a good amount of space for the passenger. That's just my opinion based on having some of those details on various rides of mine.

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Robertmerz19

Discussion Starter · #3 · 12 mo ago

bob said:
I didn't have a Corbin seat on my CTX1300 but I did on my Burgman 650. Corbin seats follow the idea that it is NOT how soft a seat is but if the SHAPE is right. I've come to the conclusion that those who think a Corbin seat is too stiff or hard haven't sat on one that was the right SHAPE for THEM. You don't want a soft seat anyway. Not for a ride that you'll be sitting on it for a long time. That will result in hot spots and a really sore bum before the end of the ride. The only way to determine if a Corbin seat is right is to sit on one... for a while. When I bought my Burgman with the Corbin seat I already knew all this so before I committed I went to the dealer where it was, put the Burgman on the center stand, and just sat on it for a half hour at least. I moved around a little while I was sitting but I didn't get off until I was convinced that it was the right shape for me. Most Corbin seats are custom made for that reason. Some are stock seats. A Corbin close seat will move you closer to the bars and also give the passenger more space. Adding a rider back rest will take away a little space for the passenger (had that on my GW). A combination of a Corbin close with a rider back rest is the best combo for everyone since it moves you closer to the bars (you did mention that would be preferred) and gives you the back rest (which is really helpful on longer rides) and retains a good amount of space for the passenger. That's just my opinion based on having some of those details on various rides of mine.

Thanks. I have the top case with a back pad for S.O., and she is super cozy! Something pointed out to me yesterday, is the way the stock seat rolls, it actually makes leg supports for her, almost like a recliner chair.
I was amazed to see it, and it explains her added comfort on this bike.

Reactions: 1

Gregory Tubbs

· #4 · 12 mo ago

2

I'm not sure how comfy the wife would be with the Utopia backrest directly in front of her. Someone else with experience on that needs to let you know how the wife liked it. It's 12 inches wide, and with the oversized Givi trunk I'm using, no comfortable room for a rider.
Besides, with the wife behind you, do you really need a back rest?

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And I'm not wearing a jacket yet, and this is all the room I have. Sorry for the scary legs shot.

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bob

· #5 · 12 mo ago

Forgot to mention that on my GW I did have a Utopia back rest and my wife was very comfortable riding passenger on that bike. But that's likely a little different than the CTX1300. My wife stopped riding with me shortly after I sold the GW. She did ride a few more times but hasn't been my passenger for over 10 years now.

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Gregory Tubbs

· #6 · 12 mo ago

bob said:
Forgot to mention that on my GW I did have a Utopia back rest and my wife was very comfortable riding passenger on that bike. But that's likely a little different than the CTX1300. My wife stopped riding with me shortly after I sold the GW. She did ride a few more times but hasn't been my passenger for over 10 years now.

I'm thinking too, there's a little more length in the GW seat? More room between the rider and backrest?

Reactions: 1

Glen Chapman

· #7 · 12 mo ago

I never had anything other than factory seats. I have always used a sheepskin under my butt.
The sheepskin allows breathing compared to sitting on plastic.
I do long distance and stop about every 1.5 -2 hours for gas. (1/2 tank)

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Gregory Tubbs

· #8 · 12 mo ago

Glen Chapman said:
I never had anything other than factory seats. I have always used a sheepskin under my butt.
The sheepskin allows breathing compared to sitting on plastic.
I do long distance and stop about every 1.5 -2 hours for gas. (1/2 tank)

I bought a gel seat for my last bike because I suffer from bony butt syndrome. Don't let it sit in the sun though. All that heavy gel really retains some heat compared to foam.
Now I use an Airhawk cushion for long rides.

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PatrickFL

· #9 · 12 mo ago

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Corbin standard (tall rider) and a custom oem seat pan rebuild. You can see the difference in 2nd seat position on the custom that is basically oem tail end. A corbin close is going to dish more forward like seat on left. I believe the oem seat is in between the two.
No comparison for your better half.
There is a break in period on corbin so get one and get 500 miles short rides or more on it before doing 500 mile days.

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George Kreamer

· #10 · 12 mo ago

If you have a rear carrier the Corbin likely won't fit without modification. That is the case for me.

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Lighter

· #11 · 11 mo ago

I like my Corbin with back rest but wished was a close version, since it was a great deal on this Forum I got it anyway and it is very comfortable and I am happy with it, the are made to support your butt better with the old tractor seat shape!
I made it so I can remove the backrest eaisly without removing the seat from bike for when my better 1/2 wants to ride, but is still secured with a threaded bolt. It was a used seat but looked new when I got it. Couldn't imagine paying full price for one. I had a Utopia back rest on my oem set and worked fine, but also had the oem seat cut and refoamed. I hsve seen many people use the stock oem seat but not for my bony butt.
I have the Honda rear carrier with trunk mounted with no problem or clearance issues. Not sure what you mean George?

Reactions: 1

George Kreamer

· #12 · 11 mo ago

Lighter said:
Couldn't imagine paying full price for one.
I have the Honda rear carrier with trunk mounted with no problem or clearance issues. Not sure what you mean George?

Imagine paying full price for the Corbin seat and then having the seat release break and the only way to remove the seat is to cut the leather, carve out the foam, expose the bolt bottoms, then chisel out a square around them. Sad but true.

I have a Honda rear carrier mount (bought from Cycle gear, has Honda part number and installation instructions) for a Givi Monokey box and it is narrower than the pillion area of the Corbin, in fact I never installed it until after my Corbin had "surgery".

Bonus fact- since the seat pan is an epoxy composite material I hoped Corbin could/would repair it but they said they wouldn't touch it and that they still had a couple brand new seats in stock available for purchase. I've since trained my fat butt to get used to the stock seat.

Reactions: 2

Stlburd2

· #13 · 11 mo ago

I have a Diamond Custom seat. My third. They reshape your OEM seat to your specs/height/weight. I purchased it when there was an significant other for her comfort. She’s long gone but with them dishing the rider seat out under my tailbone it has really helped and acts similar to a backrest just not as tall.
mine is shipped very much like one on the right pictured above. Lots of extra room and pad for the SO. I’m betting it’s 2.5-3” taller than stock in back. Which I feel getting on/off due to less range of motion with a hip replacement.
Stay safe all

Reactions: 1

Robertmerz19

Discussion Starter · #14 · 11 mo ago

I thought of ordering on from diamond, just hate the idea of not having the bike for a few weeks. I love that the seat is custom made to my specs.

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Mosby's Ride

· #15 · 11 mo ago

Forget them both invest in a Russel Day Long. I have had the seat on two bikes and it makes all the difference in the world. When I got the CTX it didn't take but 500 miles before I order the Russel. Money well spent.

Reactions: 3

t star

· #16 · 11 mo ago

I had the Utopia for the first two years of ownership (2016-2018). Served me well, including an Ironbutt Saddle Sore run and a ride to Colorado for the 1st Western Meetup. Switched to the Corbin with backrest in 2019. Got the close model with snakeskin cover at the Hollister factory. Took 6 hours to custom the seat to my butt. No issues with the Honda rear carrier. Did a RFTW (Run For The Wall) that same year, Ontario, CA to Washington, DC and return. IMHO the Corbin seat hands down.

Reactions: 2

Lighter

· #17 · 11 mo ago

t star said:
I had the Utopia for the first two years of ownership (2016-2018). Served me well, including an Ironbutt Saddle Sore run and a ride to Colorado for the 1st Western Meetup. Switched to the Corbin with backrest in 2019. Got the close model with snakeskin cover at the Hollister factory. Took 6 hours to custom the seat to my butt. No issues with the Honda rear carrier. Did a RFTW (Run For The Wall) that same year, Ontario, CA to Washington, DC and return. IMHO the Corbin seat hands down.

I want to see a pic of if please!

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Duff

· #18 · 11 mo ago

I bought a used seat and sent it to Russell, I really like the seat. I have the original if I ever want to sell the bike.

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t star

· #19 · 11 mo ago

Lighter said:
I want to see a pic of if please!

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Here ya go

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Lighter

· #20 · 11 mo ago

t star said:
View attachment 48026
Here ya go

That looks awesome!

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