Modern Vespa

Well, I finally made it up to Ojai for my "ride in" appointment today. I rode up yesterday afternoon and stayed over last night, so I could be there at 7am. I was happy to only have a 3 mile ride in 37 degrees instead of over 100 miles!
I had been contemplating whether or not to get a two-tone seat, and at the last minute decided to complement the custom red paint with a red insert.
The staff at BMS did an excellent job! I had previously had seats made by sending them in, but after watching the process, I have a newfound appreciation for my new seat and how awesome it is!

It not only looks great, but it is WAY more comfortable than the stock torture chamber that comes standard on the MP3's.....

Here's the reveal:

Very nice and fancy! Especially liked the little tab for lifting the seat.

Just curious, how many miles did you "endure" on the stock seat before making the big leap?

I bought the scooter used from Matt Gordon who had the great paint job done and added the fancy little tab for lifting the seat. I can't take credit for that.

I didn't "endure" many miles on this MP3, but since it's my second one, I knew after the first couple of hundred miles that the seats on the MP3's were horrible (for my butt at least). After the 85 mile ride home from picking it up, when my legs went numb, I knew I would need to replace the seat pretty quickly..... was just trying to find the money in my budget to get it done.

Gratz, guessing you are at least 5'8" tall from the seat location?

Hi Robyn,

What exactly did you have done to the seat? How much did it cost? It looks great, BTW.

I am thinking seriously about visiting Bill Meyer myself.

5'6", I just had them do the front seat and actually had them lower the seat a hair, as the MP3 400 seat is a bit higher than the 250 and I knew when they added the wings it would feel even higher.... not sure how they did it, but when they were done, I could touch the ground better!

mpfrank: If others are interested I can post more pictures (I took a bunch) and more info about how the process works, it was great! (although quite chilly!) They took great care of me and made sure I was absolutely happy before I left. Let me know how much detail you want, and I'll post as much as you want....
The photos are on my computer at home.... will get on that tonight.

Cost, I think is $444 for front seat with Vinyl covering (leather is more), more if you want the back seat contoured (now I know why!).... they were having a "show special" at the Motorcycle Show of 20% off, so I got in on that, plus tax.... I think came out to about $385 or so.
The pricing is on their website:
[url]www.billmayersaddles.com[/url]

I wanted to do a ride in because I was nervous about disconnecting the rider sensor, but after seeing that it wasn't that big of a deal... I would be ok sending in my seat. I've done that before and been very happy (for those not in Southern California).
I highly recommend Bill Mayer Saddles! A first class operation, excellent staff and Wonderful Product!

Looks great Robyn. I am jealous. I currently ride with an Air Hawk on top of an Air Ride. It actually works out pretty good. Gives me a little extra height and I don't get numb butt as bad, but I bet it is no where near as comfortable as yours. Good move with the red too.

Hi Robyn,

I don't need any more pictures, thanks, but a description of the process would be great. I would want to go there just to make sure that the fit would be right for me. And, anyway, it's an excuse for a nice ride. I'm closer than you are - in the San Fernando Valley.

I need to find someone who would be willing to meet me at Bill Mayer Saddle with an MP3 500. I could fly in with my seat and just put my seat on their MP3 for measurements and a test ride before finale covering. I really want to do a ride in to get mine done. I will figure out some way to do this.
I would be willing to pay them for their time, miles and a night in a hotel if needed.
Anyone interested? It would be late winter before I have the money, unless a project comes threw that would have me in San Jose & get me lots of Over Time for a week

Wayne B

Robyn,
The Saddle looks great. I think It was the best mod that I did...........well atleast for my Butt. Let me know if you have time to take a spin around the block. Need to break in that new saddle.

No problem mpfrank! I rode up the night before, and stayed at a beautiful place called the Ojai Rancho Inn that BMS recommended (www.ojairanchoinn.com)
so I could be there for my 7am appointment.... when I got there, the staff came right out, had me sit on the bike and tell them what I wanted to accomplish. They took the seat off and wisked it away into the workshop.

I went in, took off my riding gear, and relaxed as they went to work...

They take off the cover, pulled away the rider sensor (pinned it out of the way) and cut down the existing foam. Then they install their own "saddle".... since it is a "ride in" and I was there to consult, there were several instances of sanding, gluing, sanding, try this on the scooter- how does that feel? Etc.....
Once they get it pretty dialed in, they installed it back on the scooter and sent me out for a ride for about 20 minutes to let them know if there were any changes I needed made. Since I thought it was all good.... then it was time to button it up!
I had picked out what I wanted the cover to look like: vinyl vs. leather, smooth vs. basketweave, I picked the red insert and how I wanted that to look.....
Adrianne did all of the "craftsman" type work, refining the shape and fit of the seat, and sewing and fitting the cover- very skilled!
I got there at 7 and was done at 12:30.

I did a lot of standing around and taking photos, there was another couple there in the morning (they left before me) and another couple that arrived around 10am.... I chatted with them...
Mostly I waited and watched them... there are magazines to read and coffee to drink... it's quite chilly in the workshop, bring warm clothes!

Adrianne makes absolutely sure that you are happy before you leave, because if you have to come back for a "refit" there is a $75 charge.

Is there anything specific about the process that you want to know about?

Sounds like an invitation! I'm off on Sundays and Mondays, maybe Christmas Day? (holidays are my favorite riding days)

I LOVE the orange! I think you maybe you should ride up to Ojai and help out Wayne B

Hey Wayne, Ojai is pretty far from San Jose, check your map!

Not trying to hijack your thread, but since my (now YOUR) Mp3 was at BMS when a couple other MV members's had theirs made, here is an abbreviated report on the seat fitting/making proccess. If you look REALLY close, you'll see Robyn's (my former) Mp3 in the background watching the seats being made for other Mp3's.

Here's the report: custom fit MP3 500 saddle?highlight=

What's 6 hours? Lot closer than 3,000 miles

I would just fly out of LA so I didn't have to drive back to San Jose.

If I had time I would ship my scooter out there and ride home.

Wayne B

Thanks, Robyn, this sounds great.

BTW, Ojai is a beautiful place. My daughter got married there in September. We rented Camp Comfort Park and Campground for the weekend and had a wonderful time.

If you don't mind, sorry but first let me say in my own opinion that's a beautifull job on the seat i'm very jealous!!,, but what was the cost for the seat and how long did it take??

Sorry about that I just saw the price I got to excited , this year before spring I'll have mine done just gotta find the time and request it off!!

What's 6 hours? Lot closer than 3,000 miles

I would just fly out of LA so I didn't have to drive back to San Jose.

If I had time I would ship my scooter out there and ride home.

Wayne B[/quote]

Wayne,

If you serious, make your appointment on the weekend and I may be able to meet you at Bill Mayer.