Modern Vespa

Does anybody have experience with Mayer and Russell saddles. Both offer ride-in 1 day service. Mayer is 3 hours away, while Russell is 10-12 hours away. Big money, but which is better? Any thoughts?

If I remember right, Bill is a relative of the original designer that sold the business to Russell.

I have a Bill Mayer, and it makes a world of difference over the OEM saddle. It's much more comfortable.

The method Bill Mayer uses is different from the Russell saddle. Bill Mayer uses a high density foam core shaped to your butt while you wait. The two different methods result in a very different looking saddle.

I've been to both shops, as a non-buying spectator, and have the following observations:

Mayer Saddles in Ojai, CA. is just that...a motorcycle saddle shop and the fact that they specialize is apparent from the way the shop is set-up, to the process I observed them use as they built custom saddles for the two other members of our "saddle-party" and also fellow MV'er's (and a fellow poster on this thread!). The "magic" in their saddles is well hidden beneath a high-quality, pre-fabricated skin for each particular model. They combine several different types/densities of foam, and for ride-in fittings survey the rider, and step-by-step re-fit the saddle and obtain input from the owner as to feel, slide, pressure points, etc. The finished product looks like an OEM seat, with exceptionally high quality covering.

Russell Day-Long Saddles in Redding Ca, has a more retail-type location crowded with other types of work, from various boat upholstery (which appeared to the untrained eye to be the main focus of the business....) to automotive work upholstery etc. I did NOT witness a ride-in fitting there, but the main conversation I had with their counter-person revolved around a cut-away seat they have to show the inner workings of their product. The Day-Long saddle has a somewhat trademark set of bun- "wings". The net effect making the seat much less OEM in appearance than the Mayer products I saw produced, and internally the cut-away looked more like the underpinnings of a sofa, with a metal "spring" strip to produce that wing, and other hardware which reminded me of a mattress or sofa. Less foam, more "hardware" is my best description. They would NOT allow me to take a picture of this cutaway seat, while the craftspersons at Mayer, let us chronicle the entire build in pictures.

I'm certain that each has it's fanbase, they are both well regarded within the world of motorcycling, and both are high quality products. The Mayer saddles appear to offer the most OEM look, and OEM type of construction (all foam) while the Day-Long product seems to make no excuse for it's "style" (form following function) and an old-worldly, less modern-ish construction theme using springs and steel parts.

There is a price difference, which is somewhat substantial....

I haven't had my keister on either saddle. I don't believe you'd be unhappy with either, but they are very different takes on the theme.

Here's the difference in how they look:

Russell Day Long Saddle:


Bill Mayer Saddle, Ojai CA:

8)
All I know is my Russell seat works real well for me and my backside. I am very happy with the end product. When I was there they seemed to be doing a lot of MC seats and I didn't see them doing much else. When I was there in April this year the phone was ringing off the hook for appointments and there were booked up to August for the one day seat. The wings on the side of the seat really work. This was my experience with them.

R.B.

Sounds like you can't go wrong either way. Good luck!

Oh man, I am sooooo jealous. Oh man... would I kill for a back rest...Golly... ......oh man....
happy for you....bummed for me.....jacq

I want a Bill Mayer seat something fierce. Nothing against the Russel seat, I just don't like the way the wings look. I think they would probably be more comfortable. Happy shopping!

The Mayer sounds more comfortable. But I would like a backrest. Does Mayer do backrests?

Actually the Russel will be the most comfortable. The wings really help, But they just don't look right on the MP3 500 IMHO. To each their own though.

Wayne B

have you tried both styles of seat on other rides to compare them?

Haven't had the chance to compare. Had a corbin on a goldwing 20 years ago. Just want the best so I can enjoy the 400 and still be able to walk

I've owned a half-dozen Russell seats, all the way back to when they were called The Mayer Day-Long Saddle. The father (Bill Mayer) patented a process for their seats which was later sold to Russell who then sold it to someone else who still calls it "Russell Day Long Saddles". They are fabulous seats and I've read many a post and have also met more than a dozen people who have bought seats from each of the Mayer brothers who were not totally satisfied with them and sold them to buy a Russell seat. I've never had a Russell seat on a scooter but on a motorcycle, you can ride all day long with no butt fatigue. They're not cheap but well worth the money if you ride for more than a couple of hours at a time on a regular basis.

The Russell is far superior for a heavier and/or taller rider. Don't forget the Rick Meyer Saddle. Many riders swear by that seat, too; but again if you're tall and/or heavy the Russell should be your choice!

I haven't had a Russell. I've owned Corbin saddles and now the Bill Mayer. I can ride hours at a clip with no discomfort since I got rid of the OEM, and I would say that the Bill Mayer saddle is on par with the Corbin.

I'm certain that the Russell All Day Long is a very comfortable seat as well.

I wanted something that made my rear feel better, and that looked good as well, and all I can say is that for me, the Bill Mayer fit the bill on both counts.

If you're looking for relief from the OEM saddle, both the Russell and the Bill Mayer will give it to you.

8)

All I know is when you ride for 20 straight days in the Cannonball you want a really good seat. In 08 I had an Air Hawk and all was good until it sprung a leak.(For the record Air Hawk sent me a new bladder to replace the 1 that leaked at no cost) For the rest of the race my backside was sore. In SCBR 10 I will have my Russell on my 250 and will be able to ride without any pain.

Very cool Bob. Glad to see the MP3'ers represented on the CB.