Uh, oh. Wife not happy with the seat.

[grayta_imp]

Finally had a chance to have her climb on the new ride with the promise of a stop at the ice cream stand. Her favorite place is about a 25 minute ride north. It didn't take 25 minutes to figure out she did not feel comfortable on the CB. I could feel her shifting around and trying to figure out how to get secure the whole way there. The ride back was no better. In fact, by the time we got back I was sore from tensing up knowing she was uncomfortable. So, when we dismounted I got the report: she misses the security of the grab rail and the comfort of the Mustang seat I had on the Bonneville. Ugh. Now, she might ride with me 4 or 5 timea a year so I'm not about to switch bikes (not to mention I am really enjoying the 4 and comfort isn't an issue for me). So, I'm looking at some possible solutions.

1. Corbin seat. Pros? I can order one with a back rest and that takes care of both issues. Cons? I like the look of the stock seat, dislike the look of the Corbin and darn is it expensive (for an academic's salary, anyway).

2. Airhawk passenger pillion. Pros? Cheaper, temporary. Cons? Doesn't solve the grab rail issue.

3. Add a grab rail from Samurider with the Airhawk. Pros? Uh, I guess that makes the problem of no grab rail a non-issue. Cons? No idea what the shipping on that item will be from the land of the rising sun. I could be looking at a large percentage of the cost of the Corbin with the Airhawk plus the rail plus shipping.

Any advice here? Some obvious solution (besides a new wife, which is the most expensive option of the bunch) I'm overlooking? Thanks.

[Randy B]

This is my solution. I got the rack and the box from Samurider because for some unknown reason Honda does not offer the box here in the states and the rack was cheaper from him by about $50 even with shipping. You can get top boxes here, but they don't have the pad and you'll end up with an extra key. This one comes with the Honda one key system which allows you to key it to your bikes lock code.

[Cormanus]

I've a GIVI top box with backrest which my wife finds OK. There's also [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3268&pid=88182#pid88182]this solution. I'm pretty sure some one (@metlmaven maybe) is in the process of fabricating a backrest, but I can't easily find the thread.

[grayta_imp]

Heck of a fabrication job there. I, sadly, lack those skills.

Good to know about the cost + shipping. I've got a request in for a quote for one of these:
http://www.samurider.com/?p=18592

[Cormanus]

Everyone speaks well of Samurider so, if your wife will be happy, it's a good solution.

Was she also complaining about the hardness of the seat? An Airhawk's a good solution to that.

[ChipBeck_imp]

Grayta,

My sweetheart Renea is a ton more comfortable on my Corbin seat. My "Chip Beck Spec" model has the backrest provisions deleted, no welts, no tuck & roll stitching, and it looks a lot like the stock seat. The Corbin passenger area is almost 1/3 larger than stock and leather covered so it's easier on her cute butt. She rides back there for hours at high speeds with no backrest and loves it.

Your CB11 already has stock grab rails, the two silver metal bars below her seat have finger holds and they are rock solid. When I tell Ren to "hang on" she either grabs them or me. Cheers.

Chip

[Setchman_imp]

My wife insisted on some sort of backrest when I bought this bike so I also had to sort through all the options. I ended up going with the same setup as Randy B, Honda OEM carrier and top box. I would not have put a top box on this bike had it been solely up to me but she really likes it and, obviously, that's all that matters.

If you do consider this as an option then definitely check out [url=http://japan.webike.net/]Webike.net. I know that Samurider is a sponsor of this forum and gets great reviews but they came in significantly higher on these items, I think mostly because Webike included free shipping. I like the Corbin seat option, too, but price was a factor for me, as well. The Honda top box option arrived from Japan in about a week and cost me $466 total.

[CB4ME_imp]

Here is the setup my wife and I have for 2 up riding: K&H seat, Honda rear carrier, Jardine mini backrest, homemade mounting brackets

[grayta_imp]

Lots of good options here. Thanks!

Not sure what I'll do yet. My truck decided to spit out its water pump this weekend so my parts budget is blown for the month, anyway. More time to think.

[Papa Weeley_imp]

Hey grayta! I thought that name looked familiar - I'm the other guy with the Aurum Gold Bonnie over on the RAT forum.
I didn't know that you had a CB, too - good to see you, and welcome aboard!