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|  | Topic : Custom Bitchn Stitchn Saddle! |  |
| | | narsisco_lopez | | Thor |  |  | | Reg. Date | : | 09/09/2010 | | Posts | : | 2,765 | | Location | : | Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States |
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| | Posted : 03 Mar 2011 - 17:44 Post title : Custom Bitchn Stitchn Saddle! | | | I dropped off the bike last night, then showed up this morning for my fitting at Bitchn Stitchn here in the Denver area. I opted for a very dark brown leather and a gel insert along with the custom fit and foam work. Below are some photos of Dan Ballard's shop and of the foam work being done. I'll also post more of the fit process and the gel insert finished before they put on the cover. Sounds like they'll be done with everything by the end of the day today and I'll pick up the bike in the morning.
While his tech was doing the first cut of the foam, Dan and I talked about doing some mods to his website (I'm a professional web software developer and sort of a web guru for small biz marketing on the web), while talking, we also discussed some processes for overcoming some of the difficulties that arise when doing this sort of work remotely... meaning, guys ordering a saddle recover and fit over the web and/or phone. I also have an manufacturing engineering background, so I may be helping him work the kinks out of a process that would allow him and his team to offer a custom fit for us Thunderbird owners... no matter where we're located.
Many of you shorter riders may want to think about this... I have a 30" inseam and just the process of adding a bit of foam to the back of the saddle made a HUGE difference in my reach to the shifter and brake. While the OEM pan doesn't allow too much, the tech was able to shave quite a bit from the front and sides which makes the saddle narrower, allowing my feet a better reach to the ground. Not to mention that the new shaping will go a long way to removing pressure points on my tail and stiz bones. Add the gel insert and we're talking about a saddle custom made for long miles.
I'll post more photos when Dan sends the ones he's taking today as the new saddle takes shape...
| 2012 Storm (SOLD!)
Other Bikes:
2003 Suzuki DRZ400E (plated - my dual sport/mountain trail/camping bike)
Past Bikes:
2012 K13S
2009 KTM 990 Adventure
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 (the Alien Queen)
2009 Triumph Sprint ST (another great bike!)
2007 Kawasaki ZX10R
2000 Kawasaki ZRX1100
1975 Honda SB550T "Clubman"
1981 Kawasaki KZ1000J
1985 Suzuki GS550E
1978 Yamaha 650 Special
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| | | mat1600 | | Thunderbird | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 06/03/2010 | | Posts | : | 8,596 | | Location | : | Bridlington, Democratic Independant State of Yorkshire, United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 03 Mar 2011 - 23:54 Post title : Re: Custom Bitchn Stitchn Saddle! (Re: narsisco_lopez) | | | They look like serious guys. I am i no need for such work but they look like they do good stuff.
Nice to see workshop pics.
| My first natural instinct is to breathe. My second is to evade tax's.
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| | | RedBird2010 | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 11/10/2010 | | Posts | : | 666 | | Location | : | Spokane Valley, Washington, United States |
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| | Posted : 04 Mar 2011 - 00:45 Post title : Re: Custom Bitchn Stitchn Saddle! (Re: mat1600) | | | I like the idea of a custom leather seat, keep us informed, I may be interested in the "order over the internet" option or maybe a ride to Colorado.
Thanks,
| Rick 
2010 Thunderbird SE 1600
"Harley-Davidson; the worlds' most efficient method of turning gasoline into noise without the harmful side effect of horsepower."
"The wilderness holds answers to questions man has not yet learned to ask"
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| | | Gonzo | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2010 | | Posts | : | 643 | | Location | : | Sydney, NSW, Australia |
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| | Posted : 04 Mar 2011 - 01:19 Post title : Re: Custom Bitchn Stitchn Saddle! (Re: narsisco_lopez) | | | Great photos and thanks for describing to us. Hope you can help them out with some sort of internet ordering. Great idea. :)
I don't suppose you could describe the tool he was using to shape the foam?
Gonzo
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Red XIII
Mods: locking gas cap; ISO-Wings for passenger; engine guards; dresser bars; Arlen Ness LED licence plate holder, rego tube and coloured number plate; long TORs; Pilot highway pegs w/ Magnum clamps; windshield; lower deflectors (customised); ISO grips; HD switch-block; Hardstreet Slimbags (colour matched); Corbin dual tour seat; Luggage rack & bag.
Todo: Various chroming of hand-made parts, Convex mirrors
Wishlist: Mini-ape handlebars, Hard clearcoat over tank
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| | | narsisco_lopez | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/09/2010 | | Posts | : | 2,765 | | Location | : | Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States |
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| | Posted : 04 Mar 2011 - 13:38 Post title : Re: Custom Bitchn Stitchn Saddle! (Re: RedBird2010) | | |
RedBird2010 wrote:
I like the idea of a custom leather seat, keep us informed, I may be interested in the "order over the internet" option or maybe a ride to Colorado.
Thanks, |
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There ya go, Rick... a nice trip AND a new seat! If this is something you are even remotely-serious about I'd just recommend that you work closely with Dan and make sure to get on the schedule... that way, you can plan accordingly. The fitting takes about an hour and a half of your time, but he'll need the saddle and bike for probably a full day.
Gonzo wrote:
I don't suppose you could describe the tool he was using to shape the foam?
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It's just a pneumatic grinder (you can see the hose hooked to the compressed air line) like you'd use in a body shop, but with a fine grit sanding/cutting wheel on it.
It's around 7:30am Mountain time on Friday morning and the shop opens back up at 9am. Dan should be calling me soon after that to let me know if he finished up last night or still needs some time. The weather is still holding up nicely... the forecast called for some snow last night, but thankfully we got passed over. Nice, blue skies with mild temps, so I should be able to not only go collect my bike, but also give the new seat a few miles to see how I like it. I'm expecting good things.
I'll post more photos when I get her home...
| 2012 Storm (SOLD!)
Other Bikes:
2003 Suzuki DRZ400E (plated - my dual sport/mountain trail/camping bike)
Past Bikes:
2012 K13S
2009 KTM 990 Adventure
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 (the Alien Queen)
2009 Triumph Sprint ST (another great bike!)
2007 Kawasaki ZX10R
2000 Kawasaki ZRX1100
1975 Honda SB550T "Clubman"
1981 Kawasaki KZ1000J
1985 Suzuki GS550E
1978 Yamaha 650 Special
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| | | narsisco_lopez | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/09/2010 | | Posts | : | 2,765 | | Location | : | Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States |
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| | Posted : 04 Mar 2011 - 19:43 Post title : Re: Custom Bitchn Stitchn Saddle! (Re: narsisco_lopez) | | | Alright! The bike is home and the new cover and fit is AWESOME!
As you'll see in the photos below, I opted for a gel insert. You'll also see some of me sitting on the bike in the new position... if you look towards my tail bone, you'll see just how much the extra foam moves me forward. This translates into moving my feet more towards the controls and corrects the minor stretch I had before due to my 30" inseam. As I mentioned above, you shorter riders (33" to 29" inseams) would REALLY appreciate the adjustment. We also shaved the sides which narrows the saddle and aids in getting feet flat on the ground.
You taller riders could benefit from foam re-shaping, too... rather than adding, the stock foam can be removed in the back and all the foam reshaped in such a way to move you back on the pan.
As far as the leather... it's a very dark brown and even darkened up more after Dan oiled it with Skidmore's Leather Cream. It's pretty much exactly what I wanted: not black, but you can't tell it's brown unless the light is just right. It's also very thick and durable, so I suspect it'll wear well.
Anyway, if anyone wants to pick my brain or is interested in doing some foam work and/or recover, feel free to PM me. As I mentioned, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna be helping him refine his online ordering... at least to the extent of refining the instructions for getting him the info and photos he needs to be able to properly-fit you to your bike.
Enjoy the photos...
             
| 2012 Storm (SOLD!)
Other Bikes:
2003 Suzuki DRZ400E (plated - my dual sport/mountain trail/camping bike)
Past Bikes:
2012 K13S
2009 KTM 990 Adventure
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 (the Alien Queen)
2009 Triumph Sprint ST (another great bike!)
2007 Kawasaki ZX10R
2000 Kawasaki ZRX1100
1975 Honda SB550T "Clubman"
1981 Kawasaki KZ1000J
1985 Suzuki GS550E
1978 Yamaha 650 Special
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| | | Thatch | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 24/06/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,655 | | Location | : | Savannah, GA, United States |
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| | Posted : 05 Mar 2011 - 07:01 Post title : Re: Custom Bitchn Stitchn Saddle! (Re: narsisco_lopez) | | | narsisco_lopez wrote:
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Anyone else suddenly craving bagels and cream cheese? 
Looks like they did a good job Narsisco. This could be classified as a security feature though. Your bike is now safe from anyone over 6' stealing the thing. I can't imagine the sort of testicular pain I would experience if I rode your bike with that seat. She's a winner though. I suspect the real look for that seat will come once it breaks in a bit and the brown starts to show a bit more.
Oh and you're right on the reshaping for the bigger guys. The bit I had trimmed off the back of the seat helps a lot to get me further a way from the pegs. It's amazing what a relatively small adjustment can make to the ergos.
So, nice job. .... are you done yet?
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| | | RedBird2010 | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 11/10/2010 | | Posts | : | 666 | | Location | : | Spokane Valley, Washington, United States |
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| | Posted : 05 Mar 2011 - 12:54 Post title : Re: Custom Bitchn Stitchn Saddle! (Re: narsisco_lopez) | | | Looks fantastic!! The color you describe sounds like what I have in mind. I don't think I would need too much adjustment on mine but the gel would be nice, I'm fine until I go 200 miles or so and my fiance' has trouble on the pillion even after a short ride, I have the longhaul seat too and it's supposed to be good for long rides. once we can start riding again we need to give some thought to what part of the seat isn't working for us.
Thanks for the picts and please keep us updated as you put in some "seat" time.
| Rick
2010 Thunderbird SE 1600
"Harley-Davidson; the worlds' most efficient method of turning gasoline into noise without the harmful side effect of horsepower."
"The wilderness holds answers to questions man has not yet learned to ask"
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| | | EnGage | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 14/07/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,155 | | Location | : | Grand Rapids, MI, United States |
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| | Posted : 05 Mar 2011 - 13:02 Post title : Re: Custom Bitchn Stitchn Saddle! (Re: narsisco_lopez) | | | narsisco_lopez wrote:
As I mentioned above, you shorter riders (33" to 29" inseams) would REALLY appreciate the adjustment. |
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I didn't realize that i'm a short rider. I am 6'1", but my inseam is 32!
Thatch - it looks more like sushi to me.
| | Post edited by EnGage on 05 Mar 2011 - 13:03 |
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| | | narsisco_lopez | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/09/2010 | | Posts | : | 2,765 | | Location | : | Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States |
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| | Posted : 05 Mar 2011 - 13:36 Post title : Re: Custom Bitchn Stitchn Saddle! (Re: EnGage) | | | Thatch wrote
Anyone else suddenly craving bagels and cream cheese?
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LOL... I'm with Engage... looks more like some sake nigiri!
Thatch wrote
This could be classified as a security feature though. Your bike is now safe from anyone over 6' stealing the thing.
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Yeah, I imagine a long-legged rider would feel "a bit cramped"  I'll have to stay on the lookout for stubby-legged thieves, though!
Thatch wrote
So, nice job. .... are you done yet?
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I'm surprised at that question coming from a fellow 'Birder, Thatch! Are we EVER done? Seriously, nothing else major planned until I hit the 12K mark, then the BB kit will get done. Though, that could be the end of summer, since that big ride will pretty much get me there.
RedBird2010 wrote:
I'm fine until I go 200 miles or so and my fiance' has trouble on the pillion even after a short ride, I have the longhaul seat too and it's supposed to be good for long rides. once we can start riding again we need to give some thought to what part of the seat isn't working for us.
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As Thatch said above, and I've been going on (and on, and on, and on!) about, usually very small changes in foam shapes go a LONG way towards true long haul comfort. Just try to make some mental notes on your longer rides on what's really bothering you and when. Sounds like a good custom fit would go a long way to helping you and your wife.
Engage wrote:
I didn't realize that i'm a short rider. I am 6'1", but my inseam is 32!
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Ha! You've got what my riding buddy has... Stubby Leg Syndrome! It's probably the only thing keeping him from paying too much for a GS Adventure. I tell him it's for the best, as he'd probably just turn into one of those BMW snobs we are always going on about!
| 2012 Storm (SOLD!)
Other Bikes:
2003 Suzuki DRZ400E (plated - my dual sport/mountain trail/camping bike)
Past Bikes:
2012 K13S
2009 KTM 990 Adventure
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 (the Alien Queen)
2009 Triumph Sprint ST (another great bike!)
2007 Kawasaki ZX10R
2000 Kawasaki ZRX1100
1975 Honda SB550T "Clubman"
1981 Kawasaki KZ1000J
1985 Suzuki GS550E
1978 Yamaha 650 Special
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| | | EnGage | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 14/07/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,155 | | Location | : | Grand Rapids, MI, United States |
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| | Posted : 05 Mar 2011 - 13:49 Post title : Re: Custom Bitchn Stitchn Saddle! (Re: narsisco_lopez) | | | narsisco_lopez wrote:
Engage wrote:
I didn't realize that i'm a short rider. I am 6'1", but my inseam is 32!
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Ha! You've got what my riding buddy has... Stubby Leg Syndrome! It's probably the only thing keeping him from paying too much for a GS Adventure. I tell him it's for the best, as he'd probably just turn into one of those BMW snobs we are always going on about! |
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Well, I think 33" would be more typical for my height, but 32" is not a short inseam. I would put the mark more around 30. In fact at 32 I still have a lot of knee bend when riding the bird, have zero issues getting to the ground and kickstand, etc. If anything, I would like to sit back a bit farther.
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| | | Thatch | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/06/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,655 | | Location | : | Savannah, GA, United States |
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| | Posted : 05 Mar 2011 - 15:02 Post title : Re: Custom Bitchn Stitchn Saddle! (Re: narsisco_lopez) | | | narsisco_lopez wrote:
LOL... I'm with Engage... looks more like some sake nigiri! |
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Nah, a properly done cold smoke salmon should be pretty indistinguishable from sushi anyway. Regardless, I'm not sure I should be looking at another mans seat and getting hungry. Just seems wrong.
My wife sure hopes so. 
I'll just be glad to get mine back in the road (should happen next week) and then get the damage sorted (hopefully soon afterwards, but I have to get two quotes now... for dealer swapped parts... they are going to be identical quotes I'm sure but the insurance company won't listen) Then after the new paint job I'll be done. Well, then I have to do the work on the controls of course and get them cleaned up. But after THAT I'm done, except maybe that pulley needs some attention, but after THAT I'm done... but then there is the...
ah hell, you're right.
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| | | narsisco_lopez | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/09/2010 | | Posts | : | 2,765 | | Location | : | Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States |
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| | Posted : 05 Mar 2011 - 15:20 Post title : Re: Custom Bitchn Stitchn Saddle! (Re: Thatch) | | | 
Ah, we got it bad, don't we? I know this next statement may cause a few embolisms in our British mates, but I'd rather dump my "disposable" income into my 'Bird and down at the pub!
DISCLAIMER: There's always a few bottles and cans of various excellent beer in the 'fridge.
| 2012 Storm (SOLD!)
Other Bikes:
2003 Suzuki DRZ400E (plated - my dual sport/mountain trail/camping bike)
Past Bikes:
2012 K13S
2009 KTM 990 Adventure
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 (the Alien Queen)
2009 Triumph Sprint ST (another great bike!)
2007 Kawasaki ZX10R
2000 Kawasaki ZRX1100
1975 Honda SB550T "Clubman"
1981 Kawasaki KZ1000J
1985 Suzuki GS550E
1978 Yamaha 650 Special
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| | | Gonzo | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2010 | | Posts | : | 643 | | Location | : | Sydney, NSW, Australia |
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| | Posted : 07 Mar 2011 - 01:34 Post title : Re: Custom Bitchn Stitchn Saddle! (Re: narsisco_lopez) | | | That really looks like a damn comfy seat. Well done!
When are you going to do the same treatment for the pillion seat. :)
Gonzo
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Red XIII
Mods: locking gas cap; ISO-Wings for passenger; engine guards; dresser bars; Arlen Ness LED licence plate holder, rego tube and coloured number plate; long TORs; Pilot highway pegs w/ Magnum clamps; windshield; lower deflectors (customised); ISO grips; HD switch-block; Hardstreet Slimbags (colour matched); Corbin dual tour seat; Luggage rack & bag.
Todo: Various chroming of hand-made parts, Convex mirrors
Wishlist: Mini-ape handlebars, Hard clearcoat over tank
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| | | narsisco_lopez | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/09/2010 | | Posts | : | 2,765 | | Location | : | Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States |
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| | Posted : 07 Mar 2011 - 13:52 Post title : Re: Custom Bitchn Stitchn Saddle! (Re: Gonzo) | | |
Gonzo wrote:
That really looks like a damn comfy seat. Well done!
When are you going to do the same treatment for the pillion seat. :)
Gonzo |
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My wife doesn't ride enough to warrant spending the money on gel for the pillion, but it DID get some nice, new leather.
| 2012 Storm (SOLD!)
Other Bikes:
2003 Suzuki DRZ400E (plated - my dual sport/mountain trail/camping bike)
Past Bikes:
2012 K13S
2009 KTM 990 Adventure
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 (the Alien Queen)
2009 Triumph Sprint ST (another great bike!)
2007 Kawasaki ZX10R
2000 Kawasaki ZRX1100
1975 Honda SB550T "Clubman"
1981 Kawasaki KZ1000J
1985 Suzuki GS550E
1978 Yamaha 650 Special
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| | | Gonzo | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2010 | | Posts | : | 643 | | Location | : | Sydney, NSW, Australia |
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| | Posted : 08 Mar 2011 - 01:10 Post title : Re: Custom Bitchn Stitchn Saddle! (Re: narsisco_lopez) | | | >My wife doesn't ride enough to warrant spending the money on gel for the pillion, but it DID get some nice, new leather.
Forget the Gel... WHat about making it wider and more comfy. She might wanna ride with you more, then. :)
Gonzo
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Red XIII
Mods: locking gas cap; ISO-Wings for passenger; engine guards; dresser bars; Arlen Ness LED licence plate holder, rego tube and coloured number plate; long TORs; Pilot highway pegs w/ Magnum clamps; windshield; lower deflectors (customised); ISO grips; HD switch-block; Hardstreet Slimbags (colour matched); Corbin dual tour seat; Luggage rack & bag.
Todo: Various chroming of hand-made parts, Convex mirrors
Wishlist: Mini-ape handlebars, Hard clearcoat over tank
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| | | narsisco_lopez | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/09/2010 | | Posts | : | 2,765 | | Location | : | Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States |
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| | Posted : 08 Mar 2011 - 01:18 Post title : Re: Custom Bitchn Stitchn Saddle! (Re: Gonzo) | | |
Gonzo wrote:
Forget the Gel... WHat about making it wider and more comfy. She might wanna ride with you more, then. :)
Gonzo |
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My wife is 110lbs and just about 5 feet tall (with a tiny Vietnamese booty ), so wider isn't a priority. She's not the best pillion rider... she doesn't pay enough attention and is always smacking her helmet into mine, no matter how easy I am on the brakes/downshift. She even admits it herself that she spaces out while on the back.
We are seriously considering a older convertible to toy around in... she's more interested in that than climbing on the back of the bike. She also likes the idea of it so we can take the dog with us. I've now got my eye on a 1988 BMW 3 series ragtop!
| 2012 Storm (SOLD!)
Other Bikes:
2003 Suzuki DRZ400E (plated - my dual sport/mountain trail/camping bike)
Past Bikes:
2012 K13S
2009 KTM 990 Adventure
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 (the Alien Queen)
2009 Triumph Sprint ST (another great bike!)
2007 Kawasaki ZX10R
2000 Kawasaki ZRX1100
1975 Honda SB550T "Clubman"
1981 Kawasaki KZ1000J
1985 Suzuki GS550E
1978 Yamaha 650 Special
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| | | feduke | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 11/08/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,441 | | Location | : | Daytona Beach, Florida, United States |
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| | Posted : 17 Mar 2011 - 08:27 Post title : Re: Custom Bitchn Stitchn Saddle! (Re: narsisco_lopez) | | |
That is really sweet, and super mods to the bike. I was thinking of the very checkerboard pattern you have in your white stripe but didn't want to try it without first seeing it. Did you paint the black squares or are they some kind of stick on? I love the looks of it.
| I'm a secondhand vegetarian. Cows eat grass. I eat cows.
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| | | narsisco_lopez | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/09/2010 | | Posts | : | 2,765 | | Location | : | Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States |
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| | Posted : 17 Mar 2011 - 12:40 Post title : Re: Custom Bitchn Stitchn Saddle! (Re: feduke) | | |
feduke wrote:
That is really sweet, and super mods to the bike. I was thinking of the very checkerboard pattern you have in your white stripe but didn't want to try it without first seeing it. Did you paint the black squares or are they some kind of stick on? I love the looks of it. |
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My brother runs a vehicle wrap shop and made these for me... custom-printed on 3M vinyl designed for cars, trucks, and bikes. The vinyl is a peal white that ALMOST matches the Fusion white from Triumph, but not quite, so we opted to design the strips of vinyl to totally cover the original white stripe, but leave the silver pin-stripe exposed.
If you are interested, I'm betting there's a few vinyl-vehicle wrap shops in your area that can do this.
Also, email Fast Eddy, as he was supposed to be getting in the ICS RACERS TAPE in both clear AND in checkerboard. Not sure if it would look as good as the custom-sized 3M vehicle wrap, but you could at least experiment to see if you like it.
| 2012 Storm (SOLD!)
Other Bikes:
2003 Suzuki DRZ400E (plated - my dual sport/mountain trail/camping bike)
Past Bikes:
2012 K13S
2009 KTM 990 Adventure
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 (the Alien Queen)
2009 Triumph Sprint ST (another great bike!)
2007 Kawasaki ZX10R
2000 Kawasaki ZRX1100
1975 Honda SB550T "Clubman"
1981 Kawasaki KZ1000J
1985 Suzuki GS550E
1978 Yamaha 650 Special
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