Seats redux : Tiros vs K&H from samurider

[DaSwami_imp]

OK friends,

While I don't hate the factory seat, I think I will need to upgrade for longterm comfort. I've narrowed it down to the Tiros-K and the KandH hi.

The Tiros-K seems like a thicker padded old school Honda factory type of seat, maybe similar to the OEM seat just thicker and cushier? Anybody who owns one care to comment?

The KandH looks interesting, but not sure what type of feel it would have with the "injection sponge". I'm envisioning a Sargent World Sport type of seat that is initially very hard but slowly custom conforms to your bum. I found that this type of seat on my old DR650 got very comfortable over time. I see there is a weight setting for the hardness of sponge...it that pure rider weight or estimated pressure on the seat counting the weight borne on the pegs and handlebars?

Any feedback is appreciated.

Scott

PS - yes I did the search function before asking the questions!

[veech_imp]

I haven't had my K&H Hi for very long (only a couple weeks) so I can't say how it will break in, but I do find it more comfortable for all day riding. It is firmer than stock, of course taller, and also a bit wider so it disperses the pressure a little differently. I don't find myself sliding forward nearly as much either. I still do need to take breaks, but I generally do anyway every hour or so for one reason or another (fuel, food, etc.). Personally I think it is the best looking seat available bar none, the construction quality is top notch, and it doesn't hurt that I was lucky enough to find a mint used one for my '13 at less than half price!

[the_undecider_imp]

I have the K&H Solo which I had made for 210 lb rider. Not only is the foam firmer than the stock seat, the seat pan is stiffer and doesn't flex.

The "injection sponge" isn't anything exotic. The foam material is injected into a mold through holes in the bottom of the seat pan and then the cover is stretched over the whole assembly and stapled to the base.

I think that K&H is using a nice soft foam sheet under the seating area which adds a bit of cushion. They have to on any of the tuck and roll treatments, but I feel a bit more than the 1/4-1/2 inch foam sheet you need for a tuck and roll or pleated cover. Most motorcycle seat covers don't have the extra layer of foam attached to the underside of the cover. That's something you see more commonly on auto upholstery.

[kennyw]

I picked up a used Kiros seat and find it more comfortable than the stock seat. I don't think I would make it more than a couple hours without stopping to rest though but that is better than the 45 minute limit of the stock one. It is taller and wider than stock and looks like it is built on a stock seat pan.

[DaSwami_imp]

Just learned from Takashi that the Tiros-K is out of stock with no known ETA on backorder. Guess that makes my decision a bit easier haha

[flynrider]

Ohh noooo! While I had no complaints about the stock seat for the average weekend 250-300 mi ride, my recent road trip had me thinking about a classic flat seat. After about 5 or 6 hours I found my butt was getting sore, particularly in the area where stock seat slopes down at the sides. I had been reviewing all of the forum posts on seats and was just about to pull the trigger on a Tiros-K. Now I'm bummed

[kennyw]

I am finding the Tiros-K has me hurting at about 1.5-2 hours into a ride (stock seat was 45 minutes to an hour). So, now I'm thinking I will be pursuing a Corbin in the future and probably a few other things to help with overall ergonomics. This one is still great for my 1 hour commute.

[flynrider]

If you end up getting the Corbin, PM me about your old Tiros.

Just heard from Takashi today. He spoke with the manufacturer and the Tiros-K has been discontinued. No seat for you!!!

Next up on the radar are the Daytona Cozy or maybe the Honda '14 DLX seat.

[Immo_imp]

OK friends,

While I don't hate the factory seat, I think I will need to upgrade for longterm comfort. I've narrowed it down to the Tiros-K and the KandH hi.

The Tiros-K seems like a thicker padded old school Honda factory type of seat, maybe similar to the OEM seat just thicker and cushier? Anybody who owns one care to comment?

The KandH looks interesting, but not sure what type of feel it would have with the "injection sponge". I'm envisioning a Sargent World Sport type of seat that is initially very hard but slowly custom conforms to your bum. I found that this type of seat on my old DR650 got very comfortable over time. I see there is a weight setting for the hardness of sponge...it that pure rider weight or estimated pressure on the seat counting the weight borne on the pegs and handlebars?

Any feedback is appreciated.

Scott

PS - yes I did the search function before asking the questions!

[Cormanus]

Ohh noooo! While I had no complaints about the stock seat for the average weekend 250-300 mi ride, my recent road trip had me thinking about a classic flat seat. After about 5 or 6 hours I found my butt was getting sore, particularly in the area where stock seat slopes down at the sides. I had been reviewing all of the forum posts on seats and was just about to pull the trigger on a Tiros-K. Now I'm bummed

By a seat? Brilliant pun, Flyn!