I recently installed a Corbin saddle – the heated version – on my California 1400 Custom. This is the third saddle I’ve had on this bike. The very comfortable factory Custom saddle was great for me but not my wife. Moto Guzzi’s dual gel Touring-style saddle was comfortable for both of us but we wanted heat in winter. I also had Corbin saddles in the past and really liked them.
So, I think I’m in a good position to answer a few questions:
Comfort? Great! It seems “hard” at first. However, like a Mercedes automobile seat, I can ride ten hours or more without discomfort.
Height? I’m 5’ 7” with a 29” inseam. I can put both feet flat on the ground. At a stop, it feels no different from the factory saddle.
Dimensions compared to factory saddle? I measured both saddles in several key areas. The nose (where it meets the tank) is the same. Overall length is about 0.75” longer (goes almost to the luggage rack). Widest part of the rider portion is 1.5” greater, and does not taper off like the factory saddle (that factory taper means the part you actually sit on is about 4.25” wider at the widest part). The “bucket” of the rider portion is 5” deep on the Corbin versus 2.75” factory. Finally, the widest part of the passenger portion is 2.75” greater than the factory seat (which also has a taper not present on the Corbin). You can see these differences in the attached photos.
Heating system? Warms up quickly. Automatically shuts off after an hour, but you can switch it right back on. Rocker-style switch is on left side of saddle; easy to reach while riding.
Ease of installation? It took about a half hour to wire the heating connection. Corbin did not use Moto Guzzi’s pre-wired factory connection. They say they can’t get the factory connector. Corbin’s generic connection plugs into one of the factory fuse slots, making it impossible to put the cover back on the fuse box. Corbin does provide a fabric “rain cover” but it is very difficult to install because there is almost no clearance around the fuse box. Once I got it wired, the Corbin went on easier than the factory saddle.
Gripes? Corbin’s ordering system can’t tell you shipping cost until you place your order. That is true whether you order on-line or with a human sales rep. You give them your credit card and hope for the best. My shipping to Georgia turned out to be $75.
Would I do it again? Darn right! My wife and I both love it.
Joseph