Ryujin Seat Review

[xpacpal1x_imp]

I was struck by the custom Ryujin CB1100s that were first linked here on CB1100 Forum a few weeks ago. As many of you know, there are at least a few avenues in which a CB1100 customization project can travel. Many have attempted to capture the look of the famous CB750 of the 1970s. Rather than further pursue the retro look, all my modifications have been performance related (Type II handlebars, Staintune exhaust, PowerCommander V, Moriwaki skid pads, Ohlins rear shocks, and Superbrace). I am a conservative rider, and the CB1100 is my first motorcycle. However, in those moments when I pull off the line quickly, I found the stock seat too flat, and have always wanted a bit of seat cushion to assure me that I won't slide off the bike. I will likely never ride "two up". Enter the Ryujin seat. Rather than contact Ryujin directly and deal with the possible language barrier, I contacted Mr. Takahashi of Samurider.com, as I previously found his level of service and comminication highly satisfactory. This is my third purchase from Samurider and I give them another "highest approval rating" for service and communication. I asked Takahashi to contact Ryujin and commission the pictured seat using a US stock seat as the starting point (i.e., emphasizing that I am a taller rider) and requested that the seat feature silver piping and embroidery. I didn't go into any further detail with Takahashi and while I waited for delivery, I was quite concerned that the ultimate result wouldn't have sufficient lip at the rear. Upon receipt of the finished product, I was pleasantly surprised with proportion of the lip and so satisfied with the seat that I feel compelled to share this option with any interested forum members. The seat feels firmer than the stock seat and, in my opinon, it provides somewhat better feel to the rider regarding what the bike is doing. I am not a highway rider, and find myself riding almost exclusively canyon roads of Southern California and the Pacific Coast Highway...this may affect my seat preference.

[Ridem32_imp]

Seat looks good ! One of a kind. I like it when the owner makes their bike their own ride.

[Lord Popgun]

I have no problem with the stock seat, but, that seat looks really awesome and comfortable. Congrats!

[Ridem32_imp]

I'm with popgun I love how my deluxe seat looks. All seats on a long ride are about the same your butt will get sore if you ride long enough I just stand stright up and rest my butt on long rides. I don't have much butt!! I sit on my back lol

[CB4ME_imp]

Ryujin! That says it all.

Did you send over your stock seat or have them use one as a template? What was their turn-around time?

I really like your seat and the other mods. Pictures of your bike on the PCH would be most welcomed!!!

[rboe]

If I may be so bold; how much? Got more pics?

[xpacpal1x_imp]

CB4ME,

Ryujin sourced a new US spec seat and refinished it. As I recall, the entire process took about one month. Delivery from Japan took only three days! I suppose I might have been able to send them my stock seat, but then I would had to have lived without my motorcycle for about a month; plus, I wasn't sure how it would turn out and I purposefully kept my stock seat in the event that the Ryujin seat didn't work out.

[Papa Weeley_imp]

That is awesome looking! I really like the silver piping, and the way it echoes the angle of the frame and side covers. Great detail addition!
It definitely looks taller than stock - was it a noticeable addition of legroom?
Congrats on a great looking mod!

[xpacpal1x_imp]

Rboe...it was expensive...¥82,500 total, which includes a ¥5,000 seat hight adjustment to 31.2 inches (795mm) and ¥5,000 for shipping. BTW, I didn't attempt to delete the Ryujin logo (two kanji characters and the words "Ryujin Japan", so it's embroidered (in silver) into the lip of the seat).

Papa...while it admittedly appears to sit slightly higher than the stock seat in the photo I posted, I don't feel it...in fact, when I first sat on it, I thought it positioned me lower...possibly because it's shaped differently than the stock seat (i.e., it's shaped more like a sport bike seat, which is just what I wanted). My final conclusion is that the Ryujin positions me at the same height as the stock seat.

Again, different strokes for different folks...to me, the stock 2013 CB1100 looks sufficiently retro and I've focused all my modifications to push it a couple notches in the direction of a sport bike.

[CB4ME_imp]

Rboe...it was expensive...¥82,500 total, which includes a ¥5,000 seat hight adjustment to 31.2 inches (795mm) and ¥5,000 for shipping. BTW, I didn't attempt to delete the Ryujin logo (two kanji characters and the words "Ryujin Japan", so it's embroidered (in silver) into the lip of the seat).

Papa...while it admittedly appears to sit slightly higher than the stock seat in the photo I posted, I don't feel it...in fact, when I first sat on it, I thought it positioned me lower...possibly because it's shaped differently than the stock seat (i.e., it's shaped more like a sport bike seat, which is just what I wanted). My final conclusion is that the Ryujin positions me at the same height as the stock seat.

Again, different strokes for different folks...to me, the stock 2013 CB1100 looks sufficiently retro and I've focused all my modifications to push it a couple notches in the direction of a sport bike.

You paid dearly for that Ryujin label - it denotes the top of the top of the line.

Speaking of Ryujin, they used Magical Racing mirrors on some of their bikes. I took the plunge and have a tiny bit of Ryujin on my bike.

Now take some more pictures of your Bike!!!