Air Powered Seat

**red675** · 28th May 2015, 16:40

When I first posted about my efforts ("tiptoeing around") Triumph had sold out of their Low Rider accessory seat option for their Tiger 800 family (a Tiger 800XC is what I've been playing tunes on). And that was at the UK factory level (ie Global Supply) so demand had outstripped their expectations.

When they came back into stock at the beginning of this month I bought one so I could compare the relative merits of the approaches (remove some foam from inside the seat vs replace some foam by adding some air)

Then I posted this thread
Now they are out of stock at the factory again - so demand and supply continue to be mismatched

and the really funny thing ????

Why aren't there hordes of people on this forum making their points on this topic

**sidecar bob** · 28th May 2015, 16:56

Originally Posted by red675

Why aren't there hordes of people on this forum making their points on this topic

Maybe they can all reach the ground & its a mute point to them?

If you want to develop this system for a R1200gs you are welcome discuss the use of mine off forum, although it may be easier for you to find one closer to home.
Mine came with two front seats, I dont use the optional low rider one.

**red675** · 28th May 2015, 16:58

Originally Posted by pampa

I don't touch the ground on my bike with flat foot (both same time) ... my take is to improve my balance, isn't that an option?

there are some vids of Jimmy Lewis on drills to achieve / improve better balance

of course improved balance and better riding skills are an option (though teaching an old dog new tricks is a slow business), but how does that help when I've parked near a kerb where the camber is pretty steep and I want to get it off the sidestand - pushing a well lent over bike with one set of toes is a big ask and then there's no way of stopping it should you manage to push too hard ... or standing at traffic lights when there's a gale blowing and you can see lamp posts flailing about ... or arriving at a gas station to find someone's left half their purchase on the deck ... or just ambling around rather than going for it: nothing like a foot unexpectedly swinging in space to concentrate the mind

**george formby** · 28th May 2015, 17:17

Originally Posted by red675

Why aren't there hordes of people on this forum making their points on this topic

Ok, I'm provoked.
I was waiting for more info on how your bum balloon works. I ride with a couple of stunches and they have to be smart about where they put there bikes. No safety net, which is what your system seems like. And I do like. Seems to be a lot easier and more "maintainable" than air suspension.
I follow with interest.

**red675** · 29th May 2015, 08:39

Originally Posted by george formby

Ok, I'm provoked.
I was waiting for more info on how your bum balloon works. I ride with a couple of stunches and they have to be smart about where they put there bikes. No safety net, which is what your system seems like. And I do like. Seems to be a lot easier and more "maintainable" than air suspension.
I follow with interest.

first term at Uni, a class of 30 would generate 30 different takes on it, by the last there would be a handful of collaborative designs

I simply figured a balloon (filled with air as leaks wouldn't matter the way they might with water or a more expensive/conducting/viscous fluid) controlled by a solenoid valve and filled by a compressor would happily do the job of 60mm of seat foam. It does, but the shape of the balloon, method of fabrication and provision for the plumbing were up for grabs - I settled on what suited the Tiger 800's form and after 6-7 prototypes I had something that was worth butchering an almost new seat for. As mentioned the compressor and solenoid are controlled by a couple of switches linked to a few relays and there's a safety net provided by a road speed dump circuit that switches in at walking speed. So it's simple and you quickly learn why a bare seat base isn't a good idea

It's more maintainable than air suspension because the pressure is lower and you can top up on the go (if you had a slow leak) without seriously compromising handling

My point about expecting hordes of comment was simply based on the belief that the shorter half of the population (which is quite a few of us) would already have a view having tried what's on offer and I'd like to hear it because that would be like being back in engineering school

**red675** · 29th May 2015, 16:05

which I must redo with sound

http://youtu.be/txHfxWti0e8

**nzspokes** · 29th May 2015, 17:51

Do you have to stand for it to inflate?

**bart** · 30th May 2015, 14:46

I think it's a brilliant idea. Being a bit of a short bugger myself, I can't ever recall owning a bike that I could comfortably 'flat foot'. As mentioned, I've always riden around the problem by improveing balance, throttle, and clutch control. Because of my shortness, I've always owned lighter nimble bikes (sports bikes on the road, dirt bikes for off road and adventure). A device like yours could open the door to larger touring type bikes. Good on ya.

Now, who's got a 950SE for sale...