DP Racing Seat Impression - and more. - Ducati.ms

flying_hun · Aug 11th, 2008, 9:58 am

There have been a number of threads on the topic of replacement seats. I found the stock seat wanting, but then again, I've never had a bike with a stock seat I really loved. Based on the input of a few folks whose opinions I value, I ordered up a racing seat, and put it on the bike a few weeks ago.

Since putting it on, the longest ride I had done was ~70 miles. Until yesterday. There was a Bay Area Riders Forum (BARF) ride from Cordelia to Calistoga via twisties that I used as a jumping off point, from which I rode up Geysers (twisties, goat trail, and some gravel sections) and over about 20 miles of dirt road between Hopland and Kelseyville, then down to Big Canyon to Middletown, then backroads back to Cordelia again.

It was a good test of the saddle, so here's my impression:

Better than the stock saddle for long rides? No contest. The stock saddle doesn't have enough support. The racing saddle is firmer, and it supports the rider better, and it's easier to stay where one wants in the saddle, avoiding having the jewels mashed against the tank.

Is it perfect? Nope. Still pretty hard, leading to a somewhat sore butt from riding bumpy roads.

Would I do it again? Yes.

Additional feedback on the Hyper is so far so good. I picked it up in mid May. It's got about 5600 miles on it now. It left me by the side of the road two weeks ago, but the closest dealer (Munroe Motors) and DNA took care of the problem under warranty. Apparently a battery post broke.

I seem to be averaging right around 40 mpg now on California gas. Better than when I first got it. It feels like the engine has freed up a bit, but that could be my imagination. Not having any of the stalling issues folks are struggling with, so I'll count myself lucky. I'm still quite pleased with the bike.

On the topic of other accessories, I'm pleased with the DP tank cover and bag. It allows me to indulge my packrat tendencies. OTOH, the DP wind screen I bought is no more. Being a clumsy prat, I broke it

while washing the bike. I don't plan to replace it. I replaced the stock Bridgestones with Michelin Pilot Road 2's about 3K miles back. They are holding up well, and have enough stick to allow me to ride pretty quickly on the street. I may experiment with others tires, but these are quite good.

jediduc · Aug 11th, 2008, 10:30 am

Any particular reason you chose to not replace the windscreen? I had been thinking of picking one up to install for longer rides. Thanks.

93Octane · Aug 11th, 2008, 10:36 am

dude you dont put a windscreen on a motard!

Treadmarks · Aug 11th, 2008, 10:42 am

I don't think the DP windscreen qualifies as a windshield, more like an extended number plate.

I was also curious as to why you didn't replace it?

ak57 · Aug 11th, 2008, 12:29 pm

yes man don't put a wind screen on the hyper pleaase!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jediduc · Aug 11th, 2008, 7:28 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93Octane

dude you dont put a windscreen on a motard!

No wind screen for me... I just couldn't stand the embarrassment!

flying_hun · Aug 11th, 2008, 9:03 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treadmarks

I don't think the DP windscreen qualifies as a windshield, more like an extended number plate.

I was also curious as to why you didn't replace it?

The windscreen isn't very noticeable. Like you said, it's more of an extended number plate. It's very subtle.

Since I always ride with the tank bag on, the screen doesn't provide much in the way of incremental benefit. If you don't use the bag, the screen would take some of the wind load off your chest. It's a personal thing.

The HM is currently my only motorcycle. It gets used for commuting, for touring , for playing. I feel no guilt for putting a windscreen or a tank bag on it. I bought it to ride it, not to decorate it.

jdubcee · Aug 11th, 2008, 9:26 pm

Hey Flying hun, does it seem like the DP race seat has some extra space up around the gas tank? I've adjusted that little bracket under the seat but it looks like it could be further forward up against the tank.

scooter · Aug 11th, 2008, 10:09 pm

For the past thousand miles I've been switching off between the stock seat and the racing seat every week or two. My first impression was that the stock seat was more comfortable for longer rides (over 2 hours in the saddle) because it was easier to change position front to back. But after two good, long rides in the stock saddle recently, I'm finding that I agree with the hun here. Overall, the DP racing seat has more support. I'll re-install it this week and it'll probably stay on until I find something better. If the upcoming Sargent effort doesn't fit the bill I'll probably go back to plan A and have the stock seat rebuilt. Looks-wise it's no contest. The racing seat just looks right on the Hyper. If I wanted to spend 5 or 6 hours in the saddle, both seats would be a problem so I'm really hoping for great things from Sargent.

Good to hear your impressions on the Pilot Roads too. I'll be looking a set in another 2500 miles.

flying_hun · Aug 11th, 2008, 10:21 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdubcee

Hey Flying hun, does it seem like the DP race seat has some extra space up around the gas tank? I've adjusted that little bracket under the seat but it looks like it could be further forward up against the tank.

I had not noticed that, but probably because of the DP tank cover makes any gap less noticeable. Interesting observation. I'll have to take the cover off and have a look.