Seat mod. Unintended consequences.

[Nateskate]

A few weeks ago I had Sargents in Jacksonville modify my seat. They did exactly what I asked them to; level off the passenger pillion, raise my surface about an inch and a half, move the crease back, recover it with cording. The intended purpose was to allow me to move back a little. I didn't like the way the stock seat's angled back felt. (Hard to explain.. the 45 degree angle of the back edge of the drivers seat pressing against my back)

Here's the unintended consequences; the increased height of the seat now places the top of my helmet in the air stream off the top of the taller windshield. Unfortunately the air is not real clean and as a result, my helmet is vibrating at highway speeds. The other problem is reduced stability. As soon as I got up around 60 mph, I noticed the bike "feels" different. It is less stable as if I am sitting on a box. The upward shift of my body weight has changed the center of gravity and thereby negatively affected the handling and stability of the bike. It's still ridable, just not a solid, to the point I'm less confident on it.

I thought about a taller windshield but Triumph's is taller than the largest Clearview shield. If I change windshields I'm still not fixing the stability problem.

I stopped by Sargent's yesterday. They can lower the seat for $100. They suggested I leave it and then return after they have pulled the cover and shaved some foam, then take it for a ride before they go further. Great idea but they can't store the bike and I don't have another seat.

So now what? I could order the solo seat from Madss for $212. (I like the way the bike looks with the solo and my wife does not ride that often) If I liked the seat, I could have Sargent's copy it. I could order the Triumph dual touring seat and stick the Sargent's in the attic. I could order the solo seat and the pass pillion. If I order the solo, I need to pull the quick release pass backrest off and can't install the luggage rack made to go over the fender unless I unbolt the hardware for the quick release...

Any suggestions?

 

[Sidecar Flip]

I have a suggestion. It's gonna sound wacky but you'll find out if changing the Cg changed the handling that much or if your position on the seat changed it. I'm thinking your relative position, not the Cg is altered.

You need to attach a piece of die plate 1 to 1.5" thick to the bottom of the sump plate. a 1.5" thick piece should add close to 75 pounds way down low....or if you have Panniers, add 30 pounds in each side in the form of sand in zip lock plastic bags....that will get the Cg back closer to what it was. Just don't ride a long ways. Triumph recommends no more than 12 pounds in each Pannier, but a short 30 should not hurt anything so long as the road is smooth....especially is you have my Pannier Liner Kit.....