2014 KTM 500 EXC seat height reduction

[jasbaum]

When I bought my 500 back in September of '14, I knew the first thing that had to go was the stock seat. I loved the Seat Concepts seat on my DR-Z400s, so naturally I went to them for new seat for the KTM.

There was a wide choice of seat heights available: stock, low (-15mm), tall (+20mm), or extra tall (+35mm). Being 6'3", I chose extra tall. But I underestimated how tall the EXC was to begin with, and the result was too tall, even for me. In really tough terrain, it was not easy to plant a foot when needed. It was a darn comfortable seat, though, and a far cry from the rock hard stock seat.

I contacted Seat Concepts about buying just the foam for a shorter seat, and re-using the existing cover. But they wanted $140 for just the foam, whereas a complete seat (foam & cover) is only $160. I decided I'd just wait until I couldn't live with the too-tall seat any longer, then buy a complete one.

Also considered checking with upholstery shops about cutting down and re-shaping the foam, but figured it might end up costing as much as the foam from Seat Concepts.

This weekend, I decided I would take a shot at cutting down and re-shaping the foam on my own. I'm sure glad I did. Only took me a couple of hours, and now I'll have to find something else to spend that $160 on.



P.S. Seat Concepts includes a piece of what is effectively a dry-cleaner plastic bag, whose purpose is to make the seat more water-resistant. Don't bother with it. When I removed my seat cover, the plastic (which is installed between the cover and the foam) was in shreds, and was serving no purpose whatsoever.

[jasbaum]

After just one day riding at Chadwick (should have been two, but I spent the first day scouring Springfield for a new rear tire), my rear end told me that it's not at all happy with the new, thinner seat.

[Rick]

James, Was it a Kenda Equilibrium that failed you?

Rick

[Savage]

I don't know what's wrong with your seat but you did a good job. Only thing I could think of is I know they use different foams depending on weight. Maybe shaving off that much made the seat too soft?

[Ed M]

Stand-up on the pegs more, that takes care of the "rear end" issue

[Hank Moody]

I'm getting ready to "modify" my F800 seat and I found this site: http://www.diymotorcycleseat.com

It looks pretty straight forward and I have two seats so if I mess one up I have a plan "B".

Remember if you are sitting you are riding, if you are standing you are racing!

[Scott_B]

James, Was it a Kenda Equilibrium that failed you?

Rick

Looks like James may not have seen this question, Rick. It was actually the Motoz Mountain Hybrid. Split right along the rim at several spots. The good news is, they are sending him a new replacement. We thought maybe it was due to the low pressures, but Motoz said they should perform normally, and have only had this happen once with a tire at 1 psi.

[jasbaum]

I don't check RideForum.net very often, but I see my brother answered the tire question.

I don't tend to ride standing up. Probably in part because I've always installed comfy seats on my bikes.

On the KTM, I also had the problem of the handlebars being too low for me when I stood (I'm 6'3"). I just installed 30cm risers under the bars, which should help. Sunday at Chadwick was the first ride with them, and I'm still getting used to the new geometry (especially when seated).