SARGENT SEAT STANDARD vs. LOW vs. OEM STANDARD
PART 2
For Part 1 of Agony and Ecstasy, please click here:
viewtopic.php?f=38&t=11722&start=0#p78132
Sargent Seat Low, with Black Welting and Gloss Black Storage Pod on '09 K1300S
This is the Part 2 of my new Sargent seat review in Low version. Last year I tested the Sargent in the Standard and was very curious as how the Low would feel. Well, now I know.
To recap the story, I rode down to the '09 MOA rally in Tennessee from NY with the regular OEM seat and coming back pretty much the same route, same gear, I was on the Sargent seat in Low, so that provided the ultimate method to test their seat.
DISCLAIMER: Let me clarify a few things. If you're someone who normally rides with racing leathers, or thick sport leather riding pants, chances are you wouldn't care too much about what type of seat you're on. Also, if you tend to ride with certain BMW pants, such as ComfortShell, that have a seat padding, again you wouldn't care too much about OEM seats vs aftermarket reviews. Also if you're a rider who just rides a few hours on nice Sundays (Ducati style) then this is not for you either.
But if you're like most of us BMW K riders who wear variety of different types of pants, including riding grade denims and textiles and are on your bike often then the type of seat you ride on matters a great deal.
For my style of riding about 15,000 miles a year, all weather, hot or cold, mostly in riding grade denim pants, the OE seat is torturous. I dislike it with passion. I am not a fan of the seat fabric, nor the foam and nor the shape of the seat.
So, I have always looked at aftermarket seats to supplement my ride. Last couple of years, I tested both the Corbin and Sargent. And now I am back on the Sargent but in the Low profile.
Sargent Seat Standard, with Silver Welting and Matching Paint Storage Pod on 08 K1200S
Corbin Leather Seat on 07 K1200R-Sport
THE SARGENT SEAT in LOW PROFILE
Riding down on the OE seat from NY to TN took about 15 hours. We did it in one evening and a day. The last 200 miles were very painful, I couldn't find a comfortable spot on the seat and was either hanging on one chick or another, if you get my drift and that's on an interstate (AKA highway or freeway). I was so happy to get rid of OE seat and put the Sargent on at the MOA and was looking forward to my ride back. Before I continue with this story, let me explain the differences between Sargent seat in Low and Standard.
SARGENT LOW vs. STANDARD
I liked the Sargent in the Standard profile, it had good support, and I found it instantly comfortable. Although if I would have ordered one for personal use, instead of review duty, I would have made some alterations to it. The Storage pod is quite nice, but it cuts in rider's seat real estate. I rather have a slightly shorter storage pod and more seating area. The OE rider's seating area is quite nice, but that's about it. So, for my taste, options would be to forgo the Pod and just have Sargent create one kick ass single unit seat, or find ways to push the pod further back and create more room for the rider.
For me the same issue lives on the Low version. The difference between the Sargent Standard and Low is 1" in height, but the seat pan and storage pods are the same. Actually the Low seat, by design provides more seating area for the rider, because it's lower. These seats have a slight pyramid effect. Meaning the higher they go, the less seating area. So, I like the Low version better for that reason, however, the 1" loss of seat cushioning, doesn't exactly make for a super comfortable seat. UPDATE: The seat has been breaking in nicely and it's getting more comfortable by the day.
Unless you have a height issue and must have the Low seat, I'd say that's money well spent, but if you can try to stick with the Sargent in the Standard profile. The increase the foam depth makes all the difference.
THE RIDE BACK
Although I found the Low Sargent a bit on the hard side, compare to the OE it was heavenly. The ride back was no where near as torturous as with the OE and by the end, I was actually in pretty good shape. This is with the same riding gear mind you. I did, along the way, realize that the Standard Sargent would have been the way to go, but since I had tested that last year, I felt it was my journalistic duty to sacrifice for the greater good...
SARGENT SEAT CONCLUSION
I am a big fan of Sargent, they make the sportiest aftermarket seats, their seats are always either as light or lighter than stock, they offer a storage compartment under the seat, their seats are 100% waterproof and require no maintenance. You really can't beat their product, they are also terrific people with good customer service. One of Sargent's great hidden gems is their ability to customize their seats to your liking, so if you're patient, and you find their off the rack seats not 100% to your liking, try to work with them to create these seats just as you like them. Granted that will take time and will require some shipping fees along the way, but it's worth it. Otherwise, grab the Standard profile Sargent seat with matching paint Storage pod and thank the seat gods for smiling on you every day you ride.
By the way, I am sending this seat back to Sargent when I am done with my review. Sargent will be selling it as a press/review seat at discount, so if you're interested give them a call and reserve this and have yourself a cool seat and save some cash in the process. But if you do that, do not try to rush me to send this seat back!
PS: The seat is feeling more comfortable as the days pass. Basically it's breaking in!
S
