[rlindner]

Nothing complicated here. I have a 2012 1200RT with BMW's comfort seat. I am considering getting the KonTour seat. I would like to the opinion's/the inside scoop from those that actually have a KonTour seat.

Do you like the seat?
Is it comfortable?
Did it change your seat height?
Is it as cool as the say it is in hot weather?
Approx. cost?
Workmanship good?

Anything else you care to add would be appreciated. You can't beat the input from someone who actually uses the product. Thanks.

 

[ka5ysy]

Here is mine, about 3000 miles on it now...

Answering your questions:

1. It is the best seat I have ever had on a bike, period. That includes a number of big name famous "custom" seats. Kontour, for me, beats all of them.

2. It is very, very comfortable to both me and the wife. We ride in south Louisiana where it gets in the 90's temp with 80 % humidity. This results pretty quickly in a great discomfort and monkey butt if you don's sit on something like a bead rider, or get off the seat regularly to air out and dry the underwear. The Kontour actually has airflow your butt can detect, depending on what you are wearing. Have not had any discomfort at all in the high temperatures (90's already) and humidity. A couple of side benefits: the seat does not superheated sitting in direct sunlight for long periods, and it is waterproof, not requiring a cover like leather seats require.

For those who might be concerned about sticking to the seat due to the open weave mesh, you can still move around when running twisties. You are not locked into a single position like a lot of custom comfort seats force on the rider.

3. Seat height did not change, and it maintains the OEM contour unless you happen to be purchasing the "Magnum" which adds some wings for additional support.

4. Cost depends on your specification, and Ron will quote the specific seat cost to you via email. He is very good about returning emails, and appreciates feedback from users. They are competitive with other manufacturers, but present a superior (IMHO) product. You get what you pay for, and these are very, very good products. Quality is not cheap, and hey... we are riding BMW bikes, so what the heck !

5. Workmanship is outstanding. They only modify OEM seat pans, can maintain seat heat pads if your bike has that, and you can see the build quality quite easily all over the seat.

Initially I ordered the split seat upgrade, and then about a month later, sent Ron the money to do a full upgraded BakUp backrest which completes a very, very comfortable bike for me.

In short, that is probably the best money I have spent on a bike upgrade, ever. Except maybe the HID lamps upgrade and the Clearwater Krista LED lamps.

You can have any color you want, so long as it is black. Usually I do not care for black seats, but these look great, even better than the OEM stuff. Everyone who see them comments how nice they look on the bike.

I can, without reservation, recommend Kontour seats to you. They are also a board sponsor too.

 

[rlindner]

Doug, my thanks to you. Your response was exactly what I was looking for.

 

[jers99lt]

+1, but what more can I say? I have a Magnum on my LT. Have had another custom, but not even close to the KT comfort. What I find really nice about the mesh is the ventilation in the summer, but still gives good heat on the colder days.

HTH,
Jer

 

[BrianV]

+1 +1 +1

I've had my Kontour for about 2 years. I love it. The venting works very well in the HOT south Texas heat. I did a 6200 mile trip that included west Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and southern Utah - never a hot seat or any "monkey-butt" at all. Ron kept the heated seat elements when they built the seat, and it works fine in the winter, too.

Craftsmanship is superb. No tears, loose staples or anything. Still looks brand new.

I don't know what Ron uses for the layers, but it works. The whole idea about eliminating the pressure points really happens.

On a side note - I broke my pelvis in a snowmobile high-side winter before last. I had real questions about being able to ride any distances after the 6-7 month healing process. Good news is - All is well - but I truly believe that the Kontour seat has a lot to do with it. :dance:

I get a few "looks" about it not being leather - but I really don't care. I get an equal number of questions about "does it really work?" from more serious riders. And yes, it does.

-Brian

 

[MyEleanor]

Guys, Ron just sent me the link to these comments when I inquired about the KonTour seat. It has now been over a year since you all posted these. Do your comments still hold true? Anything else I may need to know? I live in Southern AZ where it gets a bit toasty.

 

[ka5ysy]

Still the best seat investment I have ever made. Still do full tank rides with no need to stop unless my bladder says so.

High quality product, great service and actually works as advertised. Highly recommended.

 

[MyEleanor]

Thanks for the update Doug. I seem to be leaning toward the KonTour. I like the way it looks and the fact it will remain cooler and provide some airflow.

 

[MrZoom]

I Have had my KonTour for a year now.
Yes it' flows a lot of air, esp. with mesh pants.
I can reach the ground ok with frankin boots + 7/8" soles
Not comfortable for me. Hot spots after 200 miles
Not sure if the transfered heater works as I froze in a early spring rain in April. The air flow over the cover may make heater inefective.
I have the Magnum and it is not comfortable longer rides
Several E mails to Ron were never answered about changes.
Workmanship seems good, cover shows no signs of wear.
I use it for short rides and just bought a Rich's to replace it for long multiple day rides.
Cost for riders seat magnum, recover pass. to match + shipping = $915.00
Russell was the best but too darn tall.
I was disappointed but you might get lucky.

Yes this is my first post here but I lurk and don't post. 46 yrs riding experience on all brands.

 

[jers99lt]

Guys, Ron just sent me the link to these comments when I inquired about the KonTour seat. It has now been over a year since you all posted these. Do your comments still hold true? Anything else I may need to know? I live in Southern AZ where it gets a bit toasty.

Yep. Still thrilled with the product. One thing folks may not realize is there will never be a seat that you can sit on in ONE place for a long time and be 100% comfy. I do move around a bit, if not just for my legs, but also to keep any pressure points from becoming a problem. There's always some pressure. It's just a matter of degree. If all you're doing is focusing on you a$$ while riding, you're probably over thinking things and also probably not enjoying the ride.
The mesh will never be scorching hot if left in the sun. Get on and ride in comfort.

Just my $0.02,
Jer

 

[MyEleanor]

Again, thanks for the replies. Like with most anything on here (tires, seats, windscreens, etc), YMMV. Seats in particular are really rider specific. Right now the stock seat isn't the greatest but by no means is it killing me. However, I haven't been on a long ride yet. Mid-September I am heading up into NM, CO and back through the four corners area to really get a feel for the bike and the seat. I should know more after that. I do have an Airhawk from my days on the Kawi and Victory I will be bringing along.

 

[Solo6]

Again, thanks for the replies. Like with most anything on here (tires, seats, windscreens, etc), YMMV. Seats in particular are really rider specific. Right now the stock seat isn't the greatest but by no means is it killing me. However, I haven't been on a long ride yet. Mid-September I am heading up into NM, CO and back through the four corners area to really get a feel for the bike and the seat. I should know more after that. I do have an Airhawk from my days on the Kawi and Victory I will be bringing along.

Hop on and ride to Las Vegas or LA. Make your fuel stop as fast as possible (so it's not like two separate trips). Remember every discomfort of your seat, and how long it took for you to notice it (then how long it took for it to get really obnoxious). A 400-mile ride is the test of a seat, jacket, brain bucket, gloves or boots. Any less and it's not a true test, and more doesn't really do anything for you.

 

[ka5ysy]

30,000 mile update :

My seat still looks brand new and is still amazing to ride on for extended periods of time. Absolutely would purchase again, and any bike I might purchase in the future is going to get the same upgrade of OEM seats.

 

[Dann323]

30,000 mile update :

My seat still looks brand new and is still amazing to ride on for extended periods of time. Absolutely would purchase again, and any bike I might purchase in the future is going to get the same upgrade of OEM seats.

Mine as over 60k mi on it. It started wearing out but Kontour redid the polar mesh and the barrier (The foam composite was still in great condition) at no cost.
I only had to pay for the shipping.



It is expensive but I have no issue doing 600 mi + days

The drawback is, that because it flows a lot of air under the seat in makes the heated seat less efficient but not enough to bother me.

The color had faded over the years,so my new rider seat would have been different from the old pillion seat.
Instead of paying for recovering the pillion seat, Ron suggested to simply paint it with Rust-Oleum Fabric & Vinyl paint, which I did. (You need to use the Gloss finish)


Both seats look like new now



YMMV

 

[Ponch]

Hop on and ride to Las Vegas or LA. Make your fuel stop as fast as possible (so it's not like two separate trips). Remember every discomfort of your seat, and how long it took for you to notice it (then how long it took for it to get really obnoxious). A 400-mile ride is the test of a seat, jacket, brain bucket, gloves or boots. Any less and it's not a true test, and more doesn't really do anything for you.

How’s it going in HI?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Dann323]

How’s it going in HI?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I don't know if Solo6 is still around. His post dates from 2013.
This is an old tread being updated.

 

[Ponch]

I don't know if Solo6 is still around. His post dates from 2013.

This is an old tread being updated.

He told me he was retiring to Hawaii. I hoped this would get his attention.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[N00bie RT Gawd]

Nothing to do with the seat, but if you are trying to eliminate monkey butt/rash, try the following:

1. Wear long compression shorts or undergarments made with a moisture-wicking material (NEVER COTTON!)
2. Use this. Apply liberally to inner thighs, family jewels, checks and between them. I would rather ride in flip-flops and a Speedo than not having this on.

 

[meese]

If you need to add powder or creams, then your wicking undergarments aren't working properly...

My best combination after decades of research and hundreds of thousands of miles in all temperature and weather conditions is LDComfort Undergarments under Aerostitch AD1 Pants. This combination is waterproof, breathable, comfortable, and has no seams to sit on. The LDComfort gear actively wicks moisture away from your skin to avoid sweating, rashes, and irritation, with no add-ons needed, and the AD1 pants keep you dry and comfortable.

I have ridden more than a hundred different thousand-mile days in that gear, and dozens of 1,500-1,600-mile days in complete comfort, ranging from 18°F to 123°F, and from wet and cold to extremely windy to parchingly hot and dry. Can't ask for much more than that.

 

[N00bie RT Gawd]

If you need to add powder or creams, then your wicking undergarments aren't working properly...

Yeah whatever. Even if the clothing is wicking properly, you still run the risk of chafing depending on how much one sweats. Powders are useless since they "wash away".

FTR, one doesn't need to spend $200 for a top/bottom set from LD gear; $10 Russell sets from Walmart are just as effective and won't make one look like a poser. Same goes for UA.