Modern Vespa

Question for the collective.

Looking for a tad more comfort, in the long distance area. I have a GTV with the split seat. Obviously my fat American butt does not match the "Italian" plant your butt hear area.

Seat choices VESPA
1. A Stock GTS seat
2. The "touring seat"
3. The Solo "Gel" seat

OTHER
1. Corbin custom
2. Other custom seat concepts

What experience do you have with any, each or all. I've owned Corbin's before 1 inherited and 2 ride in appt jobs. I've had a Seat Concepts saddle also.

What is the preferred Long Distance Vespa seat. I love the looks of the split seat. It's just not comfortable after 200 miles.

I used the OEM seat on my GTS250 for many years and thought it was quite comfortable. I often carried a passenger and the seat worked well for two-up riding.

We weren't logging full days in the saddle, but for a time it was the primary transportation so a mix of long and short rides. Many days well over 100 miles.

More recently I put the Solo Gel seat on. I would not say it's overly plush compared to the stock. Because it's a seat designed for one, it provides a bit more contour around the backside. I made this switch because two-up riding isn't a thing at the moment and I liked the sporty look.

The curved back end of the solo seat makes strapping gear a little more challenging. Obviously a passenger is not going to be happy on it. I would also point out that if you have a rear Classic Rack, the solo seat hits it and makes closing the seat a bit more work. I do like the seat though! It also interferes with a backpack. The pack hits the rear hump and pushes the pack upwards towards your neck and shoulders.

I've ridden the GTV split seat a few times and while I like the looks of that seat my experience is the stock and Solo Gel are more comfortable.

All butts are different and I would.. assume being strategic on rest stops, road conditions, riding pants, etc.. will also play a part in long ride comfort.

Nothing much to add except that you may want to talk someone that builds custom seats or can rebuild yours to work right for you. There used to be a guy in Florida that did this for a living with fast turn around time, but he closed shop awhile ago. With the split seat you may be limited. The Corbin seats I have had are like helmets - great if they fit you, lousy if not. I would caution against a gel seat as they can get really hot and bothersome where the gel is located. Sorry I could not help more.

Going to add another option, just for awareness.

I have a thing for the OEM Vespa GTS Sport Seat, the way it curves back at the end. Haven't been able to find a good pic, if anyone has please post

I don't think it's specifically tour oriented, at all, but, it sure is pretty.

Here's that image:

lol you saw me fail at sharing it the first time eh?

Honestly I think SIP was too zoomed in with this pic to really capture it + the curves of the bike. Was hoping someone would post a different angle.



Looks like it might be as narrow as stock so probably not what you want, OP.

I have the solo gel seat on my GTS. I like it and find it quite comfortable for longer rides. FWIW, I don't ride two-up and I have a topcase for "stuff".

AirHawk cushion works well for me.

I've used the solo seat for a lot of long rides, including two and a half scooter cannonballs. It's not a Russell Daylong, but it's about as good as it gets for long distance comfort on a Vespa. I never found the corbin seat to be particularly comfortable, but the only distance I did on one was on a Yamaha TDM850, and not on a scooter.

I used a Sargeant seat on several motorcycles, and liked it a lot. Lots of people like the air hawk seats, too. It's a matter of taste and physiognomy. I'm pretty skinny; my hunch is that larger and heavier riders might prefer the Airhawk.
Or just get one of those sheepskin things. Make sure it gets totally filthy before you even start to use it. Pizza works well, and honors the Vespa's Italian roots.

Just installed the solo gel seat have not had a chance to take a long ride. The stock seat wasn't bad, but I dont ride 2-up and I didn't like the color Brown. So I swapped out the knee pads to match the black solo seat. Its a tad firmer than the stock seat which I like. As far as other options Corbin has been making great seats for a while and can do some nice custom work for $$$, in my long distance motorcycling days, the Russell day-long seat is the best seat I have every experienced, 1,000 mile days are doable on those. Its not the prettiest seat, and may look a bit wonky on a Vespa.....