Gel Seat Question - Ducati.ms

breakdown · Dec 2nd, 2008, 6:44 pm

I have the performance seat right now for my Hyper. I really like the seat and I find it comfortable for the distances that I ride. I like how you can move around on the seat too. The only problem is that I only have a 30" inseam so I would like to be able to touch the ground a bit better.

I'm considering getting the gel seat because it's 25mm lower or something like that. What I'm wondering is how does the seat feel while just bombing around town? Can you still move around on it easily?

MongoWERA · Dec 2nd, 2008, 7:09 pm

I doubt you slide as easily on it but it's definitely not sticky or anything. I like mine.

GNGYoung · Dec 2nd, 2008, 7:21 pm

I have the Touring seat on my Hypermotard and I love it. By comparison the stock seat is firm and less "form fitting" than the touring seat. I've ridden on the seat until the tank ran dry a couple of times now and felt absolutely no discomfort; which was common with the stock seat. The gel does form to your shape, but more importantly it reduces the pressure points that cause the discomfort. I've had gel seats on my Harleys in the past and have found the same positive result.

There is one drawback that you should be aware of however. If you leave the bike to sit in the hot sun, (for 15 minutes or more) the gel actually gets hot and it will roast your boys when you get back on the bike if you're not careful. Therefore you have to think about covering it if you plan to leave it in the sun. I intend to park in the shade or leave a towel/rag/jacket on the seat.

Regarding the seat height difference, I was surprised to find a pamphlet inside the seat box that indicated the seat was 29mm lower than the stock seat. This is in contrast to what is shown on the web site. I"m 6'4" so I barely noticed the height difference but it is definitely lower. You may find it worth your while to locate a reputable suspension shop who can advise on other means of lowering the bike. For example, I'm having my wife's 696 lowered by a local pro suspension shop. They will disassemble the rear shock and shorten it to lower the bike. Yes, they can do that!

Good luck with it. I"m sure you will be pleased with the seat.

G

Monstaman · Dec 2nd, 2008, 7:24 pm

I don't have a gel seat but trimmed a stock one down and re did the top surface to softer, sweet now.

colacin · Dec 2nd, 2008, 7:33 pm

The performance seat is actually lower than stock- which is not something I've seen advertised. If I swap my perf. and stock seat, the difference is easily noticeable.

If you were thinking about the swap purely for the seat height- you might be disappointed. See if you can find one to try out before you put your money down.

breakdown · Dec 2nd, 2008, 9:53 pm

Thanks guys.

I was planning on switching mostly for the seat height difference. The bike isn't awkwardly tall or anything but an inch lower seat would be nice for sure.

I might get it anyways and swap it on when I go for longer rides with more highway sections. It's not overly expensive.

james777 · Dec 3rd, 2008, 4:39 pm

I have a 28 inch inseam. This means I wear turn ups on my boxers and can sit on the kerb and swing my legs. I also have a gel seat for more than a year now and think its very good, comfort and hight. I really noticed the difference when I climbed aboard my mates bike with its stock seat. Its high and hard.

Werloc · Dec 3rd, 2008, 6:25 pm

The DP Race Seat is lower than the stock seat. The DP Comfort Gel Seat is lower than the Race Seat. I have the Comfort Gel/Lowering Seat and love it. It's softer, and lower than the stock seat. I'm also a 30" inch inseam, and it's MUCH better than the stocker. It's not as slick as the stocker, but you can move around easy enough. But that all depends on what material your wearing. In my opinion, you should be happy with the Comfort Seat.

Hope this helps...

GReeK · Dec 13th, 2008, 7:29 am

I have the DP seat and it feels great. I'm 6'2" I didnt buy it for the height difference but for the comfort. Everyone keeps talking about how comfy this seat is but I have to say that on long rides when cruisin and not riding aggressive, my backbone right at the bottom where the crack starts(too much info) hurts to the point that I have a hard time makng the initial move to lift off the seat. I think I'm gonna look for another seat.