hallzee
Jun 22nd, 2007, 12:19 pm
I did a ride-in at Rick Mayer's in Anderson, CA to get a custom saddle for my LT. Only 200 miles to ride, and I couldn't wait the 4-6 weeks lead time to get a new seat. By the way, the stock seat had me squirming by the time I got to the shop; as usual, I had to stop once an hour to get the blood flowing properly in my posterior region.
Observations:
1. If you live anywhere within riding distance (or are always looking for an excuse to ride), RIDE IN is the way to go, no matter who you buy your seat from. It was great hanging around with the other riding enthusiasts waiting for their seats, and swapping ride stories and wisdom. FWIW the other 4 bikes with ride-ins this day were all BMW. That tells me two things - Beemer riders are willing to shell out the dough for a great seat - and BMW stock seats suck (that right there may not be a "news flash" to many!). The bikes I saw were 1 LT (mine), 3 GS, 1 RT.
2. It was interesting watching the seat being made. As we all know, after seeing how it's done on the LT, you may say to yourself, "Wow, I could have done that!". I didn't find myself saying that...
3. When I first tried to contact Rick with questions about his seat, it took a few days to get a response. My first impression was, "Wow, this guy isn't on the ball at all when it comes to closing a deal!" If you want to talk to Rick, you must be patient - that's because he puts a lot of time into each customer's experience - I saw that first hand. During conversation while at his shop, I also learned that he's not a real "computer guy", so email is not his bag. You're spending a lot of money - and he uses his time to take care of customers, not POTENTIAL customers. Besides, his web site answers any questions you might have.
4. The service: They have a great waiting area; cool, plenty to drink, and at lunch time some first class cheeseburgers and fries arrived (I'm not kidding, better than home made). I was joking with Rick that along with the $700.00 burger, he threw in a seat (driver seat and passenger, and backrest). :) Rick and his entire crew are first rate, friendly people, and true craftsmen.
5. The SEAT. WOW! What a difference - I went non-stop home (except for fuel) from the shop. Since then, I can go a full tank without wanting to dismount. Of course I do get off to enjoy a great view...
Overall: If you're thinking about replacing your OEM seat, DO IT. There are many great builders out there (my brother loves his Corbin), and this isn't meant to single out Rick Mayer as the "Guru of the Gluteus". Just trying to let everyone know what my new favorite farkle is!
Observations:
1. If you live anywhere within riding distance (or are always looking for an excuse to ride), RIDE IN is the way to go, no matter who you buy your seat from. It was great hanging around with the other riding enthusiasts waiting for their seats, and swapping ride stories and wisdom. FWIW the other 4 bikes with ride-ins this day were all BMW. That tells me two things - Beemer riders are willing to shell out the dough for a great seat - and BMW stock seats suck (that right there may not be a "news flash" to many!). The bikes I saw were 1 LT (mine), 3 GS, 1 RT.
2. It was interesting watching the seat being made. As we all know, after seeing how it's done on the LT, you may say to yourself, "Wow, I could have done that!". I didn't find myself saying that...
3. When I first tried to contact Rick with questions about his seat, it took a few days to get a response. My first impression was, "Wow, this guy isn't on the ball at all when it comes to closing a deal!" If you want to talk to Rick, you must be patient - that's because he puts a lot of time into each customer's experience - I saw that first hand. During conversation while at his shop, I also learned that he's not a real "computer guy", so email is not his bag. You're spending a lot of money - and he uses his time to take care of customers, not POTENTIAL customers. Besides, his web site answers any questions you might have.
4. The service: They have a great waiting area; cool, plenty to drink, and at lunch time some first class cheeseburgers and fries arrived (I'm not kidding, better than home made). I was joking with Rick that along with the $700.00 burger, he threw in a seat (driver seat and passenger, and backrest). :) Rick and his entire crew are first rate, friendly people, and true craftsmen.
5. The SEAT. WOW! What a difference - I went non-stop home (except for fuel) from the shop. Since then, I can go a full tank without wanting to dismount. Of course I do get off to enjoy a great view...
Overall: If you're thinking about replacing your OEM seat, DO IT. There are many great builders out there (my brother loves his Corbin), and this isn't meant to single out Rick Mayer as the "Guru of the Gluteus". Just trying to let everyone know what my new favorite farkle is!