New guy with seat problem

[robe]

Hello, I'm a new member and I have big problem with my R1200RT stock seat.
I read that some of you have done your seats by local guy from Rockville MD, John Longo.

Please, what are your experiences with him? I have to fix both seats because my wife also has problems with rear seat.

Does somebody has pictures of his work?
Longo's web site does not works.

[awalke15]

Hello from new member Tony,

I'm only 5'8" and I've got a Corbin saddle on my 2004 R1150RT. It's the biggest bike I've ever had, not to mention the tallest, even with the seat at the lowest setting. I hated that "tip toe" stance that I was forced to have. It made me feel less confident at stops and made me look "uncool". I made a drastic modification, that has worked for me...I cut a rectangle of plastic out of the floor of the seat, which allows the foam cushion to sink lower, but returns to normal appearance when not on it...

Is that your complaint? I'm guessing not, because you are not happy with the passenger seat either... seats cost a lot of money, don't they? Yowza...

If your issue is height and you wanna see what I did, drop me a line...

[robe]

My problem is opposite.
I'm 6.5 and my seat is too low to me.
Stock seat on my 2006 R1200RT is horrible!
My wife also feels uncomfortable so both seats need to be done.
My options are Russel or Myer seat, but this John Longo could be fast solution because with him I don't have to send my seat to California and wait few weeks.


Does anybody has pictures of John Longo's r1200rt seat?

[Unity]

Does anybody has pictures of John Longo's r1200rt seat?

From reading previous posts about Longo's work, I understand that he doesn't have seat designs as such. He asks you what you need changed and works up a custom solution while you wait, adjusting if necessary to get it right.

--John

[Motorhead]

Hello, I'm a new member and I have big problem with my R1200RT stock seat.
I read that some of you have done your seats by local guy from Rockville MD, John Longo.

Please, what are your experiences with him? I have to fix both seats because my wife also has problems with rear seat.

Does somebody has pictures of his work?
Longo's web site does not works.

I heard from a few people here about him before going to John, and I had the same positive experience.

His phone number is:

John Longo Motorcycle Seats
315C Howard Avenue
Rockville, MD 20850
USA

Telephone: (301) 762-4373

Also - there's a recent seat discussion here that also talks about him: http://www.bmwbmw.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=19028&start=15

[henwin]

Hello, I'm a new member and I have big problem with my R1200RT stock seat.
I read that some of you have done your seats by local guy from Rockville MD, John Longo.
Please, what are your experiences with him? I have to fix both seats because my wife also has problems with rear seat.
Does somebody has pictures of his work? Longo's web site does not works.

I've known John a long time--maybe 20 years. He's been in the automotive upholstery business for a LONG time and does really nice work. BUT, you knew there was a "but", right? He can be very expensive. You would do well to go and talk to him and see what he offers and at what price. You may be convinced, as others have been that his prices are beyond the pale.

As to out of town seat-makers, I can highly recommend Rick Mayer of Rick Mayer Cycle. I'm on my 2nd RMC seat and it just gets more comfy as time goes on. (Like you, I'm tall--but not 6'5'...more like 6'2" and my saddle's 4" taller than stock and in the highest position on my RT.) There are other good seat vendors out there, but I would stay away from Corbin. I expect that Rick will be at the BMWMOA National Rally, as he has been for the last couple of years. That would be the best way to get any one to make a seat for you...ride in. Also, Rick has a brother named Bill--so don't get confused. They are both in the saddle business. You can see Rick's work at http://www.rickmayercycle.com.

You're also welcome to have a seat on my saddle to try it out, if you'd like. I'll be at Bob's BMW for their open house on Saturday and I'll be working the membership table from 11-1.

[Yellowjacket]

Check out Russell Day Long seats which are very comfortable. The Day-Long model will build up your seat by 2 inches. Once you get the seat you may need to adjust your windshield as well.

[kimokk]

Looks like John Longo is going to be at Bob's Open House this Saturday. Maybe check him out then.

[henwin]

Check out Russell Day Long seats which are very comfortable. The Day-Long model will build up your seat by 2 inches. Once you get the seat you may need to adjust your windshield as well.

From what I have been able to piece together: did you know that Russell bought the "day long" saddle design from Bill Mayer, Sr., Rick Mayer's father Bill Mayer, Sr., must have signed a no-compete agreement w/ Russell because he was apparently out of the seat building business for quite a few years (10?). After the agreement expired, Mr. Mayer, Sr., started building seats again, only to die within the year!

[robe]

Hello, I'm a new member and I have big problem with my R1200RT stock seat.
I read that some of you have done your seats by local guy from Rockville MD, John Longo.
Please, what are your experiences with him? I have to fix both seats because my wife also has problems with rear seat.
Does somebody has pictures of his work? Longo's web site does not works.

I've known John a long time--maybe 20 years. He's been in the automotive upholstery business for a LONG time and does really nice work. BUT, you knew there was a "but", right? He can be very expensive. You would do well to go and talk to him and see what he offers and at what price. You may be convinced, as others have been that his prices are beyond the pale.

As to out of town seat-makers, I can highly recommend Rick Mayer of Rick Mayer Cycle. I'm on my 2nd RMC seat and it just gets more comfy as time goes on. (Like you, I'm tall--but not 6'5'...more like 6'2" and my saddle's 4" taller than stock and in the highest position on my RT.) There are other good seat vendors out there, but I would stay away from Corbin. I expect that Rick will be at the BMWMOA National Rally, as he has been for the last couple of years. That would be the best way to get any one to make a seat for you...ride in. Also, Rick has a brother named Bill--so don't get confused. They are both in the saddle business. You can see Rick's work at http://www.rickmayercycle.com.

You're also welcome to have a seat on my saddle to try it out, if you'd like. I'll be at Bob's BMW for their open house on Saturday and I'll be working the membership table from 11-1.

Thx henwin. It looks you are right about John Longo's prices. Since i need to fix both seats, Longo will be expensive. My next choice will be Rick Mayer. I made his ordering form, and probably tomorrow I'm sending paper. My only worry is how long it's going to last sending to California, job and sending it back to DC.

I knew I'll need new, taller windshield so I ordered one.
(Just yesterday i received package from calsci with my new XL windshield. When I opened box i found out that they send me wrong windshield I called them today and I still wait for answer).

[henwin]

Hello, I'm a new member and I have big problem with my R1200RT stock seat.
I read that some of you have done your seats by local guy from Rockville MD, John Longo. Please, what are your experiences with him? I have to fix both seats because my wife also has problems with rear seat. Does somebody has pictures of his work? Longo's web site does not works.

Thx henwin. It looks you are right about John Longo's prices. Since i need to fix both seats, Longo will be expensive. My next choice will be Rick Mayer. I made his ordering form, and probably tomorrow I'm sending paper. My only worry is how long it's going to last sending to California, job and sending it back to DC.

I knew I'll need new, taller windshield so I ordered one.

I don't know if you'll need a taller windscreen. I use the stock one. But I don't like looking through a windshield, I prefer to look over it, even when it's at the top of it's throw.

As far as how long Rick will take, I would recommend that you send him an email and ask him--as this is the height of the season. His address: sales@rickmayercycles.com . One thing he does (or certainly did) was to allow you to ship your saddle in at the last possible moment so he could do the work and get it back out to you in a minimum time frame. Again, emailing him w/ your questions, is the way to go. I can help you "plan" your saddle and give you some pointers on what to "watch out" for, since I have some experience there. Come see me at Bob's if you can.

[robe]

This weekend I'm busy and next week I'll be in Europe for 10 days.
I'll send ordering form to Rick Mayer and than there's only to wait until he makes appointment.

[Howard]

Perhaps I can help you take care of your "how long will it take issue". I have a stock R1200RT seat that is sitting on a shelf in my garage. When I bought my 2011 RT last March I opted for the "low" seat since I am dimensionally challenged in my leg length, and Bob's did not offer to exchange, just to sell me the low seat. So my regular seat has never been used. If you would like to borrow it while you wait to get your seat "modified" I would be willing to loan it out for a few weeks. I don't have any plans to use the seat until September (when I am going on vacation and renting an RT in California, so will ship my low seat out west. I will use the regular seat for a week or so -- a tall seat is better than no seat)

Anyhow, if you are interested, please let me know (PM me). I would be happy to help you out.

[henwin]

Perhaps I can help you take care of your "how long will it take issue". I have a stock R1200RT seat that is sitting on a shelf in my garage. When I bought my 2011 RT last March I opted for the "low" seat since I am dimensionally challenged in my leg length, and Bob's did not offer to exchange, just to sell me the low seat. So my regular seat has never been used. If you would like to borrow it while you wait to get your seat "modified" I would be willing to loan it out for a few weeks. I don't have any plans to use the seat until September (when I am going on vacation and renting an RT in California, so will ship my low seat out west. I will use the regular seat for a week or so -- a tall seat is better than no seat) Anyhow, if you are interested, please let me know (PM me). I would be happy to help you out.

While it is not I who needs the seat, I will say, that's quite a nice offer, Howard. Thank you for making it.

[toolman_57]

I just did my seat modification "day" with John Longo. My modification was to an R1200GS seat so I'm not sure how well that will translate; but you doing yourself a disservice by not checking with him first. I usually buy something and move on, so this testimonial is a rare thing for me. I needed to get the "U" out of my seat (driver's only, not the passenger's seat) and have the angle and height adjusted. The seat is much flatter, sits about 2.5 inches higher, and is still covered by the stock seat cover. Total cost was 4 hours (2 chatting) and $150.00. I'm sure the expense goes WAY UP if you need to have a new seat pan and/or cover. More to follow on how well I like it (the 30 minute ride home was a huge improvement). If you're not wanting a new look, but just want your seat fixed--go see John.