I have a 2003 Drifter 1500 just converted it over this week to the corbin dual seat. So my local shop ordered the seat becuse they owed me money. Anyway i got the seat put it on went on great it looks great but i only got 1 back rest for the passanger and on the drivers they put the piece in the seat any way. Thats my problem there is a piece of steel just under the leather that drives into your spine while riding. I went from 12hr rides to know 1 hr and im done. Has any one else have a problem like this? was this an error on there part. the seat has such a cup in it know i would say i lost 2" in ride hight. I have e-mailed them and still awaiting a response. I dont want to spend another $100 on another backrest on a very overpriced seat.
Just curious if you had to do any adjustment to the front washer. I purchased a Corbin solo seat for my 1500 and I just can't get the attachment brackets to line up. They are off by 1/4" no matter how I move the seat. Chief has said you have to try a scooping move as you put the seat on but that didn't work for me.
Dan
dwclocks@aol.com
Not sure but, it may mean the 'cross bar' at the front of the seat needs to be 'notched' in a shallow half moon sort of way, to go around the bolt/washer assembly, allowing the seat to move forward about 3/16-1/4 inch.
My Corbin solo needed that. And, for some reason? it is the only Corbin that ever did?
Ron
Corbins come with a square hole to the rear of the driver and passenger portions of the seat, covered by a vecro leather flap. There is a square metal "receiver" for the rest shaft built into the seat pan. The backrest is interchangeable - can be used in either place. I have ridden many thousands of miles and have never felt anything from the backrest setup on any of my bikes... not saying its not happening to you... but its not normal. If fact the rear of the driver portion does not rise anywhere near my bike and slopes away. A Corbin is a very firm seat because of the foam they use - which should further isolate you from any metal.
1) Did you have or install the required hardware under the Corbin? All 1500 Dual seats require additional hardware. Check this: http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/solo2dbl.html (http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/solo2dbl.html) . The Corbin seat if very strong but it is NOT intended to be used without this hardware. (800's are different)
2) Yes, Corbins usually sit a bit lower, with the hardware... without its a lot lower.
3) Can you provide some pics?
While I'd like to see the pricing lowered, I don't think they are over-priced. Considering the small market and limited available options - its probably underpriced!!
This has nothing to do with the original question, but its worth discussing.
With the Corbin doubles, almost all need to have the large washer in the front of the bike modified (apparently there was a change in the system from the original setup used by corbin to design the seat pan). I removed a portion of the front side of that washer to allow the flat plate front connection to be made properly. Some folks remove that washer. And, some modify the seat connector itself. Once that is done, mine falls into place and sits correctly and firmly.
Solo saddles likely are the same.
i got all the extra hardware it has nothing to do with the install its all the seat. it installed very easy but i have owned a shop and worked on bikes for years. Its all the seat with the tubing installed into the seat for the backrest for the driver. I have another guy i talk to that just purchased a 1500 drifter with a corbin on it im going to try to look at his this week to see if they made his different.
As for corbin i called them today and they refused to talk to me about the seat they really pissed me off so my x partner tried calling them to see if he can get something from them and there sending a call tag i guess with out saying what they plan on doing on the seat. So i guess i will be with out a seat for a few weeks. i have dealt with almost all motorcycle manufactures and alot of them always deal with the shop but every CUSTOM shop wanted to deal or atleast talk to the customer to make sure they made what the person wanted, the fact that corbin dosent tells me they dont care about there product or customers. I will take pics asap
(https://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi25.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc80%2Fgsxrking%2Fseat4.jpg&hash=b6d43aca67f94f7aea8c34f3716339a84436dbda)
(https://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi25.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc80%2Fgsxrking%2Fseat3.jpg&hash=40aec37ddbbdfbde9738dea0fcc9f585660c3968)
(https://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi25.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc80%2Fgsxrking%2Fseat2.jpg&hash=d28f2f910d1566aab140eb17cab00a1b1e53a947)
(https://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi25.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc80%2Fgsxrking%2Fseat1.jpg&hash=23971d7091b526c78593bfc8d75841f70db06834)
That's constructed differently from mine. Mine doesn't have that metal plate, or its very well protected! I've had my seat for 10 years. Mine had custom leather options, so it wasn't a pre-made seat. It took them about 2 months to complete it.
Corbin does not have a great customer service reputation. Personally, they have been responsive to my requests, and if you visit them they go out of their way to facilitate you. They went out of their way to help me in an emergency situation a few years ago. But, they don't do so well in the online/telephone support area.
Quote from: chief on June 28, 2011, 11:49:35 AM
That's constructed differently from mine. Mine doesn't have that metal plate, or its very well protected! I've had my seat for 10 years. Mine had custom leather options, so it wasn't a pre-made seat. It took them about 2 months to complete it.
Corbin does not have a great customer service reputation. Personally, they have been responsive to my requests, and if you visit them they go out of their way to facilitate you. They went out of their way to help me in an emergency situation a few years ago. But, they don't do so well in the online/telephone support area.
Mine [both of them] have that metal sleeve for the backrest, but I've never felt them. Perhaps on his they did not pad? the tube as well as they should have.
I heard that Corbin has sold? and the new people are not as helpful?? Not meaning to besmirch anyone, but in the past I've had good customer service from them. Perhaps new ownership is the reason for the change in attitude??
Ron
I've not heard that Mike Corbin has sold ... They are having an open house this weekend so anyone living close might want to attend. They are also showing up at a lot of rallies this year. You might want to visit them there as well.
I would also suggest, anyone having problems contact them on their web page and perhaps their facebook page as well, and let them know what problems you are having.
In this instance sounds like they are taking the seat back to repair the problem. You should definitely not feel that metal piece... besides it will eventually cut the leather!
update after my x-partner was on the phone with them and we confranced call twice. At first the wanted to charge my $70 to restock fee and make me another and we told them to keep the seat that it wasnt our fault it had to be remade. So after i guess some one in charge said they would take it back and fix it after even on there directions shows the tubing is removable and mine was not. The last conferance call the rep had no clue still what the problem was even after we sent the same pics as posted and explained the problem a few hundred times. So now i got to wait however long for them to do what ever there going to do to it. Compared to all the other companys i have delalt with this is the worst customer experiance ever and they made it quit clear they really dont care.
I also sent an e-mail last week and still never got a response and i never seen a facebook page.
Corbin on FB-
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Corbin-Seats/170125869677574 (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Corbin-Seats/170125869677574)
thanks
I looked at mine more carefully... my seat is constructed differently... it has a leather welt across that rear seam. If press very, very hard I can feel the metal plate... obviously its never been a problem... had this seat for 10 years... and a second for 8. Its there but its well padded, doesn't come into contact with my back and the welt likely helps.
well still havent got it back had to go onto facebook and slam them several times just to get some one to return a call said it will still be another week before they get it done.
still havent got it back mike corbin and his company can shove their seat up his ass.
Need answer about corbin seat, looking at buying a solo for my 01 drifter, are they worth the money, I see lots of complaints on here, should i buy or not it is listed 479 plus back rest 269 are they worth in ?
Those of us who love Corbin seats are too busy riding. I've used Corbin seats almost exclusively for many, many years. 9 seasons on the Drifter, about 7 on the Goldwing... many bikes before that as well. I like them, but many find them hard... personally I prefer firm seats over the cushy seats. Soft seats give you monkey butt, burning and sores. I guess that's why horse saddles aren't soft. They stay firm and can be customized to fit you better with some work and patience.
Corbin makes really nice seats IMHO. Sometimes their customer support is iffy... though my experience with them has been fine. Also, they are about the only show in town for new drifter seats, and backrests - outside of one or two custom makers.
Thanks Chief, I ordered yesterday, looks good with the soft tail saddle bags, hi dollar but they say there worth it , keeping in the wind , have a good one.
sorry to hear that got mine back monday and still not right
roadrash, your problem is unique... in 20 years I never heard of that problem with a corbin... lots of people don't like them because the are hard, but never heard of nor have I had a problem with that little backrest block. I've tried to feel it on mine and simply cannot, no matter where I sit (either bike). With the back rests on, it would likely be even more difficult. It doesn't help you, I know. Sorry you are having the problem.
What did they do to yours?
sorry been working alot the insert for the passanger back rest was messed up to where the backrest wouldnt go in and be locked a little time and it was fixed it was something their qc over looked so far the seat is perfect now they removed the steel in the seat and made it to the prober dimensions i have no complaints with it now but will never buy from them again
As I have noted before, I've owned probably a dozen seats from them - and have never had any sort of problem. The quality has always been good. But for you the problem was 100%, so I can understand your opinion.
I'm glad your problem has been resolved.
Hello Chief, I'm brand new to the Drifter world. Just bought a 99' 1500. It has the upgraded Corbin 2up seat on it. The one that came out a year or 2 later. My question is, would a Corbin solo(one of the OEM solo's they made for the 1500) go on my bike using the same hardware that's currently on the 2up? Or would I have to buy mounting hardware for the solo? My initial thought was that I would be able to reuse the hardware and just remove the rear rail etc.. but the rest would match up. I'm trying to avoid spending another $150 or more for mounting hardware. Thanks
You do not need the brackets on the underside rear or the cross bracket on the solo seat. All you need are the 2 side angle brackets which you transfer from the 2 up to the solo. Nothing more.
Dan
dwclocks@aol.com
For the solo, you can remove all of the underlying hardware. The L brackets come off the double and is used on the solo. No, Kaw doesn't sell those brackets.
I assume the seats you are talking about are the ones using Kawasaki supplied pans and covered according to Kaw specs. OEM implies original equipment. Neither of these were original equipment but were available as optional accessories from Kaw. It really doesn't matter as far as mounting the seats is concerned.
Thank you both for your answers. I appreciate it.
From the FWIW department, All buckets are not created equal, But of the many Cycles I have owned the Stock Solo on by '04 1500 beats all. It's a pleasure every time I plop my bucket in there.
I would be fearful of trying to improve the stock seat of that particular vintage.
Captn Conch
Have had my new solo,for a month or so, I have never had a better seat, bolted on perfect, ride with no butt discomfort for the first time, I heard they were good but its great, corbin sent a double first, picked up next day, great service, may have just lucked out.