[Squashed Nose]

Good afternoon,

I am finding that the standard seat on the Interceptor is rather soft and uncomfortable for my 33 mile journey to work. I know RE do a 'touring' seat but it looks almost identical to the standard one (boring). RE also do a 'touring' seat for the Continental GT 650, which is much more attractive and a reasonable price.
Does anybody here have any experience with the Continental GT touring seat? Is it comfortable? Does anybody know whether it will fit the Interceptor? I don't see why it shouldn't, the two 650s are virtually identical under the skin.
Does anybody have any other suggestions for a comfortable seat?

Please accept my profuse and humble apologies if this topic has been covered before. I had a search but couldn't find it.

[Mav]

I have the continental seat on my Interceptor.

It fits no problem.

I find it a lot more comfortable, I can do longer sessions on it than the standard seat.

I think it looks a lot better than the standard seat as well.

[marc1200]

I agree the continental  seat is a lot more comtable than the standard one i can ride for 2 to 3 hours without any probs and it fits the interceptor .
Marc.

[Greytop]

https://forum.classicmotorworks.com/index.php?topic=28719.msg329631#msg329631

[MikeAlpha]

I'd also agree it's much more comfortable than the standard seat, and I think it's the most harmonic looking seat.

[Bagonne]

exactly what I've done.  The look is much better imo. 

[NVDucati]

I'd also agree it's much more comfortable than the standard seat, and I think it's the most harmonic looking seat.

Curious: The next time you have that seat off, could you snap a photo showing how much, if any, extra cover fabric is available?

[MikeAlpha]

Curious: The next time you have that seat off, could you snap a photo showing how much, if any, extra cover fabric is available?

not sure if I understand this correctly, you mean a photo of the seat from underneath?

[NVDucati]

not sure if I understand this correctly, you mean a photo of the seat from underneath?

Yeah_ sorry that was a very poorly formed question.
Underneath the seat there is a margin of extra fabric beyond the staple line. On my stock INT seat they have very nicely trimmed closely back to the staple line. Also, I see a "stiffening" ridge that forms a box (4 points) and the round of the rear.

I'm interested to see if that seat base is the same as the OEM base. That will guide me as to the path to customize a seat. I try to use the stock covers when I add some height and stiffness to the edges, without the changes being too obvious to the eye.

[MikeAlpha]

Ok, here is the front side

[MikeAlpha]

and the rear side

[NVDucati]

and the rear side

Thank you for doing this. That saved me a lot of time and effort.

[MikeAlpha]

I got the seat in a set with cover, so just for testing I mounted the cover as well. Looks a bit weird on the first view, but the more I look at it, the more it grows on me. Still can't decide what looks better on the Interceptor, with or without. Photo without is some posts above.
What do you think ?

Mike

[Mav]

I like it   

[interbanana]

I got the seat in a set with cover, so just for testing I mounted the cover as well. Looks a bit weird on the first view, but the more I look at it, the more it grows on me. Still can't decide what looks better on the Interceptor, with or without. Photo without is some posts above.
What do you think ?

Mike

I've been wondering what that white cowl would look like on a baker express. I think it looks good, better than I imagined TBH. Definitely more of a cafe look. I'm curious how a black cowl would look too. Thanks for the pic! 

[Greytop]

I like the look too, nice to have the option.

[Starpeve]

I got the seat in a set with cover, so just for testing I mounted the cover as well. Looks a bit weird on the first view, but the more I look at it, the more it grows on me. Still can't decide what looks better on the Interceptor, with or without. Photo without is some posts above.
What do you think ?

Mike

Man,I’ve been jonesing for that cowl and procrastinating about it. That pic’s clinched it for me!
Black on my GT.
Needs some decals or something though to delineate it from the seat ( in black) it’s very distinctive in white. Fills that open section nicely. I’m sold.
Steve

[Starpeve]

I got the seat in a set with cover, so just for testing I mounted the cover as well. Looks a bit weird on the first view, but the more I look at it, the more it grows on me. Still can't decide what looks better on the Interceptor, with or without. Photo without is some posts above.
What do you think ?

Mike

Nicer.No doubts for me👍
Steve

[Hoiho]

Starting to look a bit like a police bike. On the plus side; it may reduce your chances of being run over.

[Starpeve]

Starting to look a bit like a police bike. On the plus side; it may reduce your chances of being run over.

Not in black, on both counts. I’ve just gone from a white to black helmet, as well! Might have to start wearing a hi-vis over my leathers!😂
Steve

[MikeAlpha]

Now, that's a clear vote, thanks a lot for the feedback

BTW, love their attention to small details. Not just an ordinary screw to mount it

[SandSquid]

I have the continental seat on my Interceptor.

It fits no problem.

I find it a lot more comfortable, I can do longer sessions on it than the standard seat.

I think it looks a lot better than the standard seat as well.

Pulled the trigger and ordered the GT touring seat from Hitchcocks yesterday, they got it wrapped up and ready to go today. Shipping to the US isn't too bad from the UK, so I'm looking at probably a week and a half. I can't wait! Went for a two-hour ride yesterday and had to stop after 45 minutes to get some blood back in the glutes and un-numb my thighs. Hope this touring seat lives up the hype 

[anglojaxon]

I've been wondering what that white cowl would look like on a baker express. I think it looks good, better than I imagined TBH. Definitely more of a cafe look. I'm curious how a black cowl would look too. Thanks for the pic!

I'm curious why the cowl costs as much or more than the seat. If I got one I'd do a vinyl cover in chrome to match the Glitter and Dust tank. I have no idea if the cowl is plastic or metal.

[MikeAlpha]

I'm curious why the cowl costs as much or more than the seat. If I got one I'd do a vinyl cover in chrome to match the Glitter and Dust tank. I have no idea if the cowl is plastic or metal.

The cowl is plastic. The seat costs 160 Euro here in Germany, the cowl 80 Euro. So it's just the half.
Also you can get both in a set for 230$ incl. worldwide shipping via Ebay.

Mike

[mwmosser]

Pulled the trigger and ordered the GT touring seat from Hitchcocks yesterday, they got it wrapped up and ready to go today. Shipping to the US isn't too bad from the UK, so I'm looking at probably a week and a half. I can't wait! Went for a two-hour ride yesterday and had to stop after 45 minutes to get some blood back in the glutes and un-numb my thighs. Hope this touring seat lives up the hype 

I have on my wish list but so far find it unnecessary as my longest ride has been two hours with no numbness in glutei or thighs. Much more concerned about my carpal tunnel in the wrists, which is why I'm riding an INT and not a Continental. Might have to go with bar risers eventually but I like where they are now, tingling wrists aside.

[SandSquid]

I have on my wish list but so far find it unnecessary as my longest ride has been two hours with no numbness in glutei or thighs. Much more concerned about my carpal tunnel in the wrists, which is why I'm riding an INT and not a Continental. Might have to go with bar risers eventually but I like where they are now, tingling wrists aside.

I hear ya. I had a spinal fusion a few years ago and have a bad shoulder, both due to a service-related injuries. I bought the INT to help keep me upright while still enjoying the new classic styling and feel of a British twin. But, I have no regrets, I love just about everything about the bike (foot rest position and stock seat aside). That said, I think I'll be getting bar risers here shortly... I'd like to try them out.

[mwmosser]

I hear ya. I had a spinal fusion a few years ago and have a bad shoulder, both due to a service-related injuries. I bought the INT to help keep me upright while still enjoying the new classic styling and feel of a British twin. But, I have no regrets, I love just about everything about the bike (foot rest position and stock seat aside). That said, I think I'll be getting bar risers here shortly... I'd like to try them out.

Lots of people here have the risers, and they seem to like them a lot. I expect they're in my future. But ok for now. 

I agree with you aesthetics as a big reason for getting this bike, and then finding out (or confirming, in my case after reading dozens of impressions and reviews) that the actual bike meets/exceeds expectations. Win/win. Always compromises but I have been more than pleased with what I got for what I paid.

[SandSquid]

So, my GT touring seat came today! Less than a week from the U.K. via DHL... not bad at all. Anyway, I installed the seat, hopped on, and took a two hour ride.

First, there is definitely a noticeable difference...just how big a difference, it’s hard to say. I basically doubled the time I could ride without needing to stop and give my butt a break. So, kudos there.

However, it seems like the seat sort of forces me to sit more aggressive. It’s hard to explain, but I felt more weight on my arms and hands and my posture wanted to lean forward more than usual. Not sure what is going on, but maybe it’s the build of the seat and the fact that it’s made for the GT. I’m going to keep the seat and get bar risers, that should get me right where I need to be.

Anyway, it’s a journey, right?

Adios.

[mwmosser]

Thanks for the update. As is with my stock seat and stock bars, I get tingling in my wrists. Big reason I didn't go with the GT. If I were to get the GT touring seat and it canted me forward more, I'd be in your position for sure. So probably would do bar risers as well. Looking forward to hearing about how it works out with them installed.

[Starpeve]

I’m only 5’6, but none of the postural complaints ring true to me. Sure, theGT looks all Café, but it’s a very forgiving possie. And none of the gear change issues others have spoken of. I get absolutely no wrist or back stress, it’s such a comfortable ride . I suspect that if others had perservered for more than 10 minutes, they would also have found it so. And the position feels ‘poised’ if that means anything to anyone .
Pretty close to perfect for me. I’ve ridden clip-on setups for most of my bike life, and I would guess this is pretty close to a Ducati Monster posture.Give or take.
Steve
PS bit the bullet last night and ordered the cowl. Now gotta figure out some trim for it!

[twocoolgliders]

The so called "cafe bars" or "clip-ons" on the Conti are really just "standard" riding position.

A "true" cafe racer would have much lower bars, and much further back rear sets...

They would not be able to sell many if they did "real" cafe geometry!


Ready for all the contrary opinions on this!

Cookie

I’m only 5’6, but none of the postural complaints ring true to me. Sure, theGT looks all Café, but it’s a very forgiving possie. And none of the gear change issues others have spoken of. I get absolutely no wrist or back stress, it’s such a comfortable ride . I suspect that if others had perservered for more than 10 minutes, they would also have found it so. And the position feels ‘poised’ if that means anything to anyone .
Pretty close to perfect for me. I’ve ridden clip-on setups for most of my bike life, and I would guess this is pretty close to a Ducati Monster posture.Give or take.
Steve
PS bit the bullet last night and ordered the cowl. Now gotta figure out some trim for it!

[SandSquid]

I’m only 5’6, but none of the postural complaints ring true to me. Sure, theGT looks all Café, but it’s a very forgiving possie. And none of the gear change issues others have spoken of. I get absolutely no wrist or back stress, it’s such a comfortable ride . I suspect that if others had perservered for more than 10 minutes, they would also have found it so. And the position feels ‘poised’ if that means anything to anyone .
Pretty close to perfect for me. I’ve ridden clip-on setups for most of my bike life, and I would guess this is pretty close to a Ducati Monster posture.Give or take.
Steve
PS bit the bullet last night and ordered the cowl. Now gotta figure out some trim for it!

FYI - I've persevered for more than 10 minutes. I've persevered for 800 miles. The "postural" complaints stem from previous injuries that limit body movement and hinder maintaining certain positions for too long. My complaint is not with the bike, otherwise I would sell it instead of spending my time and money buying new seats and bar risers. Sure the position is "poised." I get it. But when the military hacks on your back and shoulder, it changes the definition of "poised" for the individual. 

[Starpeve]

The so called "cafe bars" or "clip-ons" on the Conti are really just "standard" riding position.

A "true" cafe racer would have much lower bars, and much further back rear sets...

They would not be able to sell many if they did "real" cafe geometry!


Ready for all the contrary opinions on this!

Cookie

Possibly a little lower than standard but not a lot. Certainly nothing like ‘real’ clipons.
Steve

[Starpeve]

FYI - I've persevered for more than 10 minutes. I've persevered for 800 miles. The "postural" complaints stem from previous injuries that limit body movement and hinder maintaining certain positions for too long. My complaint is not with the bike, otherwise I would sell it instead of spending my time and money buying new seats and bar risers. Sure the position is "poised." I get it. But when the military hacks on your back and shoulder, it changes the definition of "poised" for the individual.

Sorry mate that wasn’t meant to sound the way it obviously did. No slur intended to anyone. Just a manner of speech. Many have made the same comment re posture as you have. It’s more to do with my shortarsed stature than anything else. Plus some have sat on the bikes at a shop and made they’re judgement based on that, hence the 10 min comment.
Sorry to hear about your physical scars, really hope you’re able to enjoy your bike.
Cheers mate, Steve

[SandSquid]

Sorry mate that wasn’t meant to sound the way it obviously did. No slur intended to anyone. Just a manner of speech. Many have made the same comment re posture as you have. It’s more to do with my shortarsed stature than anything else. Plus some have sat on the bikes at a shop and made they’re judgement based on that, hence the 10 min comment.
Sorry to hear about your physical scars, really hope you’re able to enjoy your bike.
Cheers mate, Steve

No harm no foul, my friend. I truly did not intend to come off so defensive. I totally get your point now, I didn't really think of the ones who sit on the bike at the dealer for a few minutes and call it awful.

That said, scars and all, I love riding my bike! which is why I'm constantly searching for just a little more comfort... allows me to stay on her longer! 

Cheers

[Starpeve]

No harm no foul, my friend. I truly did not intend to come off so defensive. I totally get your point now, I didn't really think of the ones who sit on the bike at the dealer for a few minutes and call it awful.

That said, scars and all, I love riding my bike! which is why I'm constantly searching for just a little more comfort... allows me to stay on her longer! 

Cheers

Yeah there's not much to compare to the solitary joys of a bike is there. I had a bit of a disagreement with a relative novice who listens to his Ipod whilst riding. Seems to be missing the bliss of the bike experience to me ! Ah well, I hope you sort out your comfort levels to get the best out of your bike, mate.
Cheers Steve

[olhogrider]

Yeah there's not much to compare to the solitary joys of a bike is there. I had a bit of a disagreement with a relative novice who listens to his Ipod whilst riding. Seems to be missing the bliss of the bike experience to me ! Ah well, I hope you sort out your comfort levels to get the best out of your bike, mate.
Cheers Steve

Ipod??? Are you sure it wasn't a tape Walkman? Hipsters are always being "ironic" without actually knowing what that means. As for music while riding, that is even more divisive than which oil to use. I love music. I have 12,000 songs on my phone which I stream via the built in Bluetooth system in my helmet. I feel sorry for people who can't enjoy more than one thing at a time. I'm not at a track and I'm not commuting through some city slums with millions of other vehicles. I'm out on the open road enjoying the ride! I also listen to music during sex and while eating dinner. I understand there are people who don't do that either. Seems crazy to me but to each his own.

[Starpeve]

Ipod??? Are you sure it wasn't a tape Walkman? Hipsters are always being "ironic" without actually knowing what that means. As for music while riding, that is even more divisive than which oil to use. I love music. I have 12,000 songs on my phone which I stream via the built in Bluetooth system in my helmet. I feel sorry for people who can't enjoy more than one thing at a time. I'm not at a track and I'm not commuting through some city slums with millions of other vehicles. I'm out on the open road enjoying the ride! I also listen to music during sex and while eating dinner. I understand there are people who don't do that either. Seems crazy to me but to each his own.

Music during sex! Why waste time with sex!! Give me music😁😁😁

[Starpeve]

Ipod??? Are you sure it wasn't a tape Walkman? Hipsters are always being "ironic" without actually knowing what that means. As for music while riding, that is even more divisive than which oil to use. I love music. I have 12,000 songs on my phone which I stream via the built in Bluetooth system in my helmet. I feel sorry for people who can't enjoy more than one thing at a time. I'm not at a track and I'm not commuting through some city slums with millions of other vehicles. I'm out on the open road enjoying the ride! I also listen to music during sex and while eating dinner. I understand there are people who don't do that either. Seems crazy to me but to each his own.

Yeah you’re right. Although my main point to him was that as a novice rider he needed to be aware of everything. I too am a music buff and whenever I’m able I’ve got it playing , so no complaints to you on that issue. I personally don’t listen on a bike, but different issue in my car!
Steve

[Starpeve]

I’ve posted somewhere (lost track!) that I’ve just ordered the dual seat cowl. Last night ordered decals/ stickers to personalise it. If anyone is interested, google ‘Maya’ for RE decals. Got a great range of good quality stickers ( I’ve used them b4 so I know) . Some nice original and some nice custom stuff. And cheap as buggery. If you know what I mean.😁
Steve.