Triumphrat

Studog00 · 03-13-2007

Does anyone know if the Corbin Gunfighter will fit a 98 thunderbird? Their website only show a seat for 95 - 97 and I can not get a response from Corbin if they make a seat for the 98 and up.
If Corbin does not make the gunfighter for a 98 thunderbird then does anyone know another brand seat which looks similar.
Thanks

denny · 03-13-2007

Does your seat fasten with the key lock on the left sidecover?

if yes, then yes

BadMouth · 03-13-2007

If you're current seat has a latch, it will fit.

If your seat bolts on, it will not fit, but it can be made to fit.

To make it fit, you will have to:

1. lie to Corbin about what model bike you have, so they will sell you the seat.

2. purchase a latch and cable at a minimum, the lock and grommet if you want a complete system. (and don't mind spending three times more)

3. either mount the latch where the pin on the seat is (as I did) or reposition the pin on the seat to match where the latch is supposed to mount.

5. depending on what you did in step 3, you will either have to shorten or lengthen some of the rubber feet between the seat and the frame to make everything fit right.

You're not going to find a definitive how-to on mounting the seat, but it has been done (although maybe not the same way twice :-D )

Rhinoe · 03-14-2007

I have a 2001 T-Bird and I fitted a Corbin Gunfighter to it. It was one of the best things I have done to my bike. I really like the looks of the seat, and it is so much more comfortable than the stock seat. Definitely worth the money. While some on this board have had problems with Corbin service, I had none in my transaction with them.

Your subframe actually has the holes to mount a latch. However, they do not line-up with the pin on the bottom of the corbin. I bought a used latch (I believe from an Adventurer) and drilled a new set of holes a little farther back than the originals. I got the correct measurement by rubbing chalk on the corbin pin and fitting the seat to my bike. The pin left a small mark where it hit the subframe. That is where I drilled my new holes for the latch.

If you bolt the latch onto the subframe then and try to mount the seat, you will notice that the pin does not come down far enough. Some people solve this by shaving some of the rubber from the mounts on the seat. I shimmed the latch with three washers under each side. I then zip-tied the latch cable down a tube on the subframe. I simply pull the cord (located by the passenger footpeg) and the seat comes off. You may want to spring for the lock, but that is up to you.

The PROS of my method:
- It was extremely easy to do

The CONS:
- You may not want to drill holes into your motorcycle

Please feel free to ask any questions. I have been meaning to post a detailed explanation of my method, but never got around to it. I hope to soon.

- Ryan

Studog00 · 03-14-2007

Thanks for the input guys. It looks like I am in luck. The '98 has the latch/key connection, so according ya'll the seat should just snap right on.
How long did it take for the seat to get shipped to you after ordering?

Jawsh · 03-14-2007

Thanks for the info. I'm considering a gunfighter seat also, and you answered my first question.

It now leaves me with a couple of follow-ups:

1. My current seat is a King/Queen. I have the backrest and it has a small amount of corrosion on the chrome post. It's eight years old, but still in great condition because the previous owner kept the bike garaged and put only (get this) 4,200 miles on it. I've added another 2,000 in six months since then. What could/should I sell it for, and should I use EBay or the Triumph Rat-dot-net forum?

2. I still have the original seat in the box from the previous owner. It's never been ridden on. What could/should I sell it for, and should I use EBay or the Triumph Rat-dot-net forum?

Thanks again.

t-birder · 03-15-2007

Craigslist is a good place to sell stuff, too.

Let us know how it goes, Stu. Hey, what color is your bike? And are you going to do any custom colors, stitching or piping?

I might pull the trigger on a gunfighter soon, too. :2guns:

Rhinoe · 03-15-2007

Whoops. Looks like I jumped the gun. I thought '98s were screw-on seats.

Anyway, I only have good things to say about my Corbin. Much better than the stock seat.

- Ryan

Jawsh · 03-15-2007

So, what do you all think I should get for the two seats? Any ideas?