Bandit Alley

MODEL SPECIFIC => SUZUKI BANDIT 650 and 1250 - WATER COOLED TECHNICAL => Topic started by: Blue Racer on August 05, 2008, 08:04:32 PM

Title: Suzuki Gel Seat for 1250
Post by: Blue Racer on August 05, 2008, 08:04:32 PM

I see where Suzuki has a gel seat in their accessories book.  It lists for $329.  Does any one have this seat and what are your comments on it.  Thanks.

Title: Re: Suzuki Gel Seat for 1250
Post by: SteelD on August 09, 2008, 12:08:06 PM

I've not got one but from what I've read, it's an improvement over the standard seat but not as good as the Sargent seat.

Title: Re: Suzuki Gel Seat for 1250
Post by: Blue Racer on August 09, 2008, 04:02:05 PM

The report I read said Sargent made it...but sold it through Suzuki.  I was hopping to see if anyone had one...at $329, I don't want to buy sight unseen...thanks.  George Lewis, Boerne, TX

Title: Re: Suzuki Gel Seat for 1250
Post by: Bandit1250 on August 14, 2008, 09:42:05 PM

Keep in mind gel seats are HOT, too hot to sit on when it's hot out in Summer and I notice you live in Texas!
The gel heats up in the seat from the sun big time!! Everyone I know that has one keeps them covered in the Summer.

Title: Re: Suzuki Gel Seat for 1250
Post by: Blue Racer on August 14, 2008, 10:23:40 PM

Thanks for the heads up.  I live in So. Texas and it was 99 today and is usually 95 or hotter from June to Sept.  Maybe a gel is not in my future.  Thanks for the info.

George Lewis
Boerne, TX

Title: Re: Suzuki Gel Seat for 1250
Post by: Darkcloud on August 14, 2008, 10:26:24 PM

How comfortable are the gel seats?

Title: Re: Suzuki Gel Seat for 1250
Post by: KenB on August 16, 2008, 10:39:59 PM

These seats are getting very mixed reviews from what I've read on advrider.com, maximum-suzuki.com, and twtex.com. For my money, there are better alternatives out there like the GSX650 stock seat.

Title: Re: Suzuki Gel Seat for 1250
Post by: Darkcloud on August 16, 2008, 10:51:45 PM

I just ordered the gel seat from Suzuki. I'll see how it feels when I get it.

Title: Re: Suzuki Gel Seat for 1250
Post by: Katamaniac on August 19, 2008, 10:55:07 AM

I got the Sargent seat and it amazes me how much more comfortable it is than the stock seat :thumb:. I haven't been on any long rides since I got it, but I can definately feel the differance. The stock seat would make my bottom side numb after 15 minutes of riding  :annoy:.

Title: Re: Suzuki Gel Seat for 1250
Post by: KenB on August 31, 2008, 10:46:33 AM

Since I can't put a Corbin on my 1250 (it sticks out too far in the rear and won't clear the OEM top case hardware), I've decided to give the gel seat a try. Rider magazine gave it rave reviews (if you don't do anything else to your Bandit, get this seat) and when I found it was made by Saddlemen (http://www.saddlemen.com/zen/), I decided it's worth a try. And the Sargent seats aren't going over so well -- many like them but many owners have already sent them back within the 30 day return grace period. Apparently they aren't the holy grail of seats that many of us thought they would be.

Title: Re: Suzuki Gel Seat for 1250
Post by: Darkcloud on August 31, 2008, 12:19:01 PM

I did about 150 miles on my new gel seat. Big improvement over stock. My next ride will be a little longer to give it a real test.

Title: Re: Suzuki Gel Seat for 1250
Post by: TommyV on September 15, 2008, 11:58:54 PM

I love my Gel.  I raised it in the front only.  It helped me keep from sliding into the tank and also gave me a little more leg room.  Also, the gel is under the foam so it doesn't get as hot as regular gel seats.

Title: Re: Suzuki Gel Seat for 1250
Post by: KenB on September 18, 2008, 08:33:03 PM

I also picked up a Suzuki Gel Seat. After many miles on the stock seat and just as many on a GSX seat, the gel seat is the winner. Through the years I've had Corbin's and Sargent's on nearly all my bikes and always preferred the firmer Corbin's for long distance riding. This gel seat reminds me of the Corbin a lot. Nicely dished, firm, but not hard, good slope, great passenger comfort, perfect fit and finish, and a good texture. This one is a keeper.