Tall Seat question

[broderp]

I'm a big guy, not tall - just big.    I'm about 5'10" and about 270lbs.  Does any one have experience with the ergo/tall seat who is close to my weight that can comment on the actual  support or squish?   Does the cushion offer support or will my weight flatten it down to the same height of the stock seat?

Comfort is subjective, but the physical compression under weight is my concern.   I can flatfoot both feet in gear with the stock seat but am concerned that the higher seat may find me more tip-toeing when stopped.  I'm also concerned about the impact on my position.  Will being higher on the seat make me ride in a more hunched over position?

1" more height can do a lot to a riders position and stability.

Any insight would be appreciated before I drop over $200 on this seat.   I have a 2020, but am looking to get the 2017-2019 seat because I believe it has the Kawasaki logo.  Thanks!     

[RobZ900]

While I’m a fair bit taller than you (6’ 6”), I’m about 270lbs with all my gear on. I’ve got the tall seat on mine and it’s definitely an improvement. As for how squishy it is, it took a while to break in, but is fairly comfortable. It did improve the angle of my knees compared to the stock seat, so does make you sit a bit higher, but I don’t feel like it makes me sit/lean forward anymore than normal. As you’ve said, the 1” difference can change the ergonomics, but if you can flat foot on the bike, 1” higher shouldn’t put you on your toes.

[Cazzy_R]

Originally Posted by broderp

I'm a big guy, not tall - just big.    I'm about 5'10" and about 270lbs.  Does any one have experience with the ergo/tall seat who is close to my weight that can comment on the actual  support or squish?   Does the cushion offer support or will my weight flatten it down to the same height of the stock seat?

Comfort is subjective, but the physical compression under weight is my concern.   I can flatfoot both feet in gear with the stock seat but am concerned that the higher seat may find me more tip-toeing when stopped.  I'm also concerned about the impact on my position.  Will being higher on the seat make me ride in a more hunched over position?

1" more height can do a lot to a riders position and stability.

Any insight would be appreciated before I drop over $200 on this seat.   I have a 2020, but am looking to get the 2017-2019 seat because I believe it has the Kawasaki logo.  Thanks! 

Why not just tape an inch thick of newspaper to your low seat and literally try it for size?

I'm 250lb. The tall seat won't squish an inch. Probably less than 1/2 inch max.

[broderp]

Originally Posted by RobZ900

While I’m a fair bit taller than you (6’ 6”), I’m about 270lbs with all my gear on. I’ve got the tall seat on mine and it’s definitely an improvement. As for how squishy it is, it took a while to break in, but is fairly comfortable. It did improve the angle of my knees compared to the stock seat, so does make you sit a bit higher, but I don’t feel like it makes me sit/lean forward anymore than normal. As you’ve said, the 1” difference can change the ergonomics, but if you can flat foot on the bike, 1” higher shouldn’t put you on your toes.

Improving the knee angle is a good thing.  At 53, I feel long rides (over an hour) in my knees.  Thanks for that bit of information. 

Originally Posted by Cazzy_R

Why not just tape an inch thick of newspaper to your low seat and literally try it for size?

I'm 250lb. The tall seat won't squish an inch. Probably less than 1/2 inch max.

I baby my bike, the thought of tape and dirty newspaper makes me cringe.  lol   

I hope your comment means it won't collapse under weight and has some spring to it and not that it's hard as a rock and not forgiving. 

Cheers

[broderp]

Well I bit the bullet and bought the Ergo-Fit seat.  I went with the 2017-2019 part number simply because I like the stitching, logo and the two types of material used over the mono-looking 2020-2022 seat.

I'm not worrying about flat footing it when stopped and hopefully it will break in a bit and get me what I need in terms of comfort.  If it doesn't work out, I can likely sell it here on the forum since every one I searched for here had sold fairly quickly.

I should have it in a few days, no rush since the weather here will be 30-50 all week. 

[broderp]

Arrived today.   Weather is bad, so I can't even test it out.   

[broderp]

Took the Z out on a test ride (in 34-degree temps) this past weekend.  Maybe because it was cold out and I was freezing, but I'm not sold yet on the new seat.  The additional leg room is great, but I don't feel like I was sitting "in" the bike, more like "on" the bike.  But it was so cold I could barely get up past 25mph around the block and won't call a final judgement on the new seat. Yet. 

[Jordzee900]

I put the tall seat on mine over winter, I’ve done 2 or 3 rides with it and I can’t honestly say I even notice any difference to riding position.

The test for me will be on a all day ride to see if my arse goes numb like it used to on the standard seat.

[broderp]

Originally Posted by Jordzee900

I put the tall seat on mine over winter, I’ve done 2 or 3 rides with it and I can’t honestly say I even notice any difference to riding position.

The test for me will be on a all day ride to see if my arse goes numb like it used to on the standard seat.

Agreed!  Now for that warm weather.....it can't come soon enough. 

[Delvryboy]

I’m 5’10” and 250 pounds. I just got the tall seat and really like it. It’s definitely more comfy and squishy, reduces the forward push into the tank a good amount, and relieves the knee angle just enough to make it perfect in my opinion.