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New Tom Bros seat

13K views 40 replies 15 participants last post by  Cbrown84 
#1 ·
Good day gents.
Thought I would post a simple review of my new Tom Bros seat.
Just in case anybody cares.
You know..... maybe you were looking, maybe you liked, but maybe you're just not sure. You know who you are.

First thing I noticed upon receiving ........ it is a VERY SOFT "fine suede" leather. Just as you expect from fine grade Italian leathers.
It is the "black" color, although it does come across as more of a really dark gray. I am pretty sure this is due to the "suede" texture.

To be quite honest, I was not sure I would like the "suede" texture. Simply from a maintenance standpoint. SMOOTH leathers are just easier to care for.
After a ride on it, this past weekend, I must amend my initial impression of the "suede". Your butt makes no attempt to slide around, it just stays put. A nice feature!

The seat is narrower than the stock "plank", exposing the frame rails. Which LOOKS better, but also "sits " better as well because of it. That of course is subjective, but it is MY opinion.
It is also shorter than the factory seat. A look I appreciate as well.

The "support foam" is somewhat firm, but giving. Again, for myself, I find it VERY comfortable! Much more so than the factory seats. I only put about 100 miles on it initially, but I could have kept going without a problem. It is MUCH MORE comfortable than the stock seat. I even find it more comfortable than the Triumph Solo Seat (the one with the "Rack" on the back), and the Solo seat is comfortable as well.

The seat pan is a "composite" material, but heavier weight than the factory seat. It is very stiff and rigid. The pan has several rubber bumpers that rest on the frame of the bike. I did not count them, but there are probably about a dozen of them.

The rear seat bracket is somewhat adjustable, front and back. To allow for a good seat to tank fit.
They do not use the two "seat hooks" towards the middle of the factory seats. There is no need with the stiffness of the heavy pan.
This makes it just a little easier to install the seat. You just "dip" the front "hook" under the tank and simply drop the back straight down. No "sliding it front," just so", to catch the center hooks! Not a big deal, but just a bit handier.

All in all ........... I love the seat.
Very comfortable, and looks kewl as he*l.
Money well spent!

My 2 cents.

Enjoy............ or ignore. You have a choice.
 

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#7 ·
Thanks for the nice review. And your bike looks hot -- love what you've done with it!

-Dan
 
#10 ·
Some more information would be appreciated.

1. What is your inseam?

2. Do you think it is lower in the front than the OEM?

3. What did it cost you?
Charles,

1. 30" inseam ( I'm 5"9")

2. I have not measured, but ......... I believe it is a "little" lower. Not much though. It may also just "seem" that way because it is quite a bit more narrow. Allowing more leg "drop" has the same affect as lowering. I have not run the "plank" for a while though. I have been running my Solo (w/ rack) the past year.
I will dig out the "plank" and take some seat height measurements for you. I should have the opportunity this weekend sometime.
Something else that I noticed about this seat. With it's "taper" towards the tank...... it tends to push you ever so slightly "towards" the tank. In a "natural" kind of way. It actually feels as though you are being "pulled" into the tank. Again, ever so slightly. I find this very comfortable. I've witnessed some that sit "back" form the tank a couple inches, but I like to hug the tank. I imagine that those that "sit back" a bit simply have longer legs. Maybe not, to each their own.

3. It cost $499 Euro's w/ shipping ($410 if you swim REALLY well, you could pick it up yourself). $530 USD
I purchased it direct ( http://www.motorcyclecompany.it/website/default.aspx ). Spoke with "Federica Brozzi" (general manager). A friendly and helpful gent ! I contacted him about getting a darker shade of "black", than they list available. He used some leather that he had just received. It was a little "more black" than it usually gets.
Because they use a very fine "suede", it will never be "as black" as a smooth polished leather. Obviously I am good with that......... some may not be.
I believe that New Bonneville sells these seats as well. Similarly priced.
I wanted to go right to the source though, as to try to get the leather as dark as possible.

While what you see is my bikes original color, I also have a Black tank and tins. When I am in the mood, I will fit the Black stuff. This seat should work well with those as well. Again, opinions can vary ......... but for myself, only MINE matters! LOL

I see that you are in VA Charles.
While I do not expect to get down THAT way, at least anytime soon ........... should you find yourself in south eastern Pennsylvania, let me know. You could try it on for yourself.

Anything else, just ask. I will do my best, hoping it will suffice.

Bryan
 
#12 ·
Good morning Bryan,

It just dawned on me that you are the new owner of my old side covers.

Thanks for providing that information. I never have liked the OEM seat, like a lot of folks, and this is a good education. As we are sized about the same, it is applicable.
You have a nice looking scoot and If I do get up that way I'll let you know. I's love to take a putt on it.

Charles
 
#11 ·
Not to hot on the suede part though. I like the ability to slide around on the seat, but then I ride in the mtns.
Hey Sarge ........ while the "FINE suede" does "inhibit" sliding around, it does not make it difficult to do so. When you go into a corner hot and you want to use you weight to your advantage, you can. It just seems to eliminate the "slippery" feel of "Polished Stiff leathers". Gives you a "planted" and "secure" feeling.
Again, all this is subjective. No wrong or right here. We all have varying likes and dislikes.
I just want to be sure I come across properly. You CAN slide on it ......... when you want to!

Have fun!
Bryan
 
#13 ·
If I do get up that way I'll let you know. I's love to take a putt on it.
Sure thing Charles!

I put about 80 miles on the bike today.
As well as took a few pics, in comparison of the three seats I have. I concentrated on the "Driver Seating Area" (As far as measurements go), as IT is the more important area on a one-up.

Here goes .............. Factory "Plank" (versus Tom Bros)
 

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#16 ·
After another 80 miles today, I am still VERY pleased with its comfort and "rideability.
I am VERY HAPPY with this seat!
As it is not cheap, this is good!
Aesthetics are second to comfort .......... but aesthetics MOST CERTAINLY count!

For myself, it is perfect.
I doubt the Solo seat will see much use. It has comfort, but lacks in the LOOKS (by comparison).

I can sit "flat footed" perfectly, with both feet, at traffic lights on the Tom Bros more comfortably than the Solo (also "flat footed). The width is the difference. Just to give you additional info on the "fit".

As you should be able to see in the pics ......... I took measurements from the same locations on the three different seats. For accurate assessment.

You can also see the difference in Tank/Seat fit.

Hope this helps.
 
#17 ·
It just dawned on me that you are the new owner of my old side covers.
BTW ........ my plans for those covers, is to make them resemble the ones currently on th bike. "Union Jack".
The "Chrome" will replace the "Silver" on these panels. This will "mute" ALL THAT Chrome.

Again, Thanx Charles. They will see new life!

Bryan
 
#20 ·
Just posting an update, for those that care.

Have about 500 miles with by butt in the seat.
About three 80 mile rides, and the rest in the neighborhood of 30-50 mile hacks. So nothing real long, but long enough to reveal "sore butt".

I actually like the seat even more. It is a comfortable ride, with great looks (opinionated, but only ONE opinion matters to me ........ mine! LOL), and the ability for 2up. You know, just in case I can teach the dog to hang on!

I installed the quick release system. A MUCH improved setup. I highly recommend it! Worth five times what it costs, and a monkey could do it.
I made a "dummy" rear seat bracket, to replace the actual seat bracket. The rear seat bracket is no longer needed with the quick release setup, but I wanted it to "appear" as though the seat is "bolted" on, for security purposes. I will post a pic of this tomorrow. I do not have a pic to post at this moment.

If you like the look of this seat, and have considered one ............ spend the money with confidence. You will love it.
Better yet, if you are close enough to stop by .......... do, plant you a*s on mine. A PM will get it done.

Cheers
 
#37 ·
Reviving this thread to add pics of the beige seat with matching saddlebags. Not for everyone but I love it with my bike's color combo.
View attachment 276314


Spencerella, I was wondering what you thought of those bags. I'm planning on getting a set, but I'm concerned that they would become swimming pools when it rained. I'm looking for a bag that looks good on the bike, but could also be a messenger bag for school.

I'm also curious to see pictures of the Tom Bros seat after the suede wears off if anyone has some.
 
#24 ·
Just an update on my seat.................

Every bit as comfortable, maybe more. A little "butt break-in" no doubt.
Have put about 1000 miles on it.

Only thing I am not excited about ............... there appears to be "color fading".
Bike only see's the sun when I'm out on the bike. Otherwise, it sleeps in a garage ......... out of the elements.
I've only been caught in the rain once. It was a 30 minute ordeal, before I got back home. Then out of it.

Doubt anything can be done, as I believe the color is incurred during the "tanning" process.
I will get in touch with them. Just to be sure.
 
#27 ·
OK
Thought it was time for an update.
Many miles with butt in place.

It has been a few months since installation, and the initial review.
Still love the seat, but ...............
It is not the "answer" for comfort on long rides.

I rode 225 miles, round trip, the other week. The last 80, or so, was a bit painful. Up to that point I had no issues.
Could be just my a*s too. LOL
Will try some other seats on long runs, and find out.

For up to 100 miles, it is great. Beyond that, it is a compromise ..... looks over comfort.
I suppose this is the case for any "lower than stock" seat, due to less foam.

Some one else may feel differently.

There ya have it.
 
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