Modern Vespa

The stock saddle on my MP3 400, as I'm sure most of you know, has several deficiencies, particularly for someone my height or taller (5'11" - 31" inseam). I was forced to sit too far forward in the cockpit, and my knees were higher than my hips. This resulted in my back painfully tightening up any time I rode for 20 minutes or more. In addition, I was constantly sliding toward the front of the seat, particularly when braking or hitting a bump. All this really detracted from the comfort and safety of riding.

Something had to be done!

On April 26, I took the ride from Studio City out to Bill Mayer Saddles in Ojai to get a custom saddle. It was a chilly but easy ride of about 70 miles. I was impressed at how completely they rebuild the seats, taking into account the rider's size, position, and weight. The MP3 saddle presented a particular problem. I wanted to sit 2 inches farther back, and 1 inch higher. There is a hump in the shell of the saddle that makes this difficult.

First Try: The Joy

They removed all the original padding and put in a foam saddle blank surrounded by various other foam pieces of different densities. When they got a good approximation, they had me take a test ride up a beautiful canyon road. Joy! I felt like I was riding a sport bike - or at least as close to a sport bike that an MP3 can feel. I was glued to the seat. I was one with my scooter at last! They then finished up the seat and made the cover. I had asked about a basket-weave pattern vinyl, but they said it would be too slippery. With the shape of the new saddle though, I was told that it would work. So - All done. Beautiful saddle. Ride off happy. Not.

The Disappointment

As soon as I rode down the long driveway I knew something was wrong. I was sliding all over the seat. The shape just didn't feel like it did on the test ride, and the basket-weave vinyl was like sitting on a teflon skillet. I rode back up the driveway only to be told that everyone had gone home for the day and I would have to come back. I carefully rode home and made an appointment to come back two days later.

Second Try: The Fix

They replaced the slippery vinyl and built up the front of the saddle quite a bit - more than any saddle they had ever done before. This time there were other customers - a man and his wife on a BMW had brought their friend to get the seat done on his new BMW. We had a nice morning together.

Adjustment Issues

The new seat is higher, so I can no longer "flat-foot" at stops - just the balls of my feet touch down. I am using the tilt lock more at long lights. The front of the seat is not only much higher, but also wide, so I have had to get used to some extra stretching on my inside thighs (only when stopped, however, not while riding).

The Joy Again

The new saddle is much better. The riding position is much more comfortable and I feel in better control. I sit upright with a slight forward lean that is much better on my back. This also gives me a better feel for the bike. Any time I get bounced up off the saddle I come down right back where I was. There is no sliding in any direction. I feel planted in the seat. I'm happy.

Bottom Line

Cons:
Two trips to Ojai to get it right.
Cost: $460.00
The raised riding position necessitated purchasing a new windscreen

Pros:
They did take the time to get it right.
Significantly improved comfort, security, safety, and rideability.
No more back pain.
The bike feels more solid and "together".

Worth it? Yes.

Wow, the front really is tall and wide now. I'm guessing it's firmer than the factory foam.

I like the yellow stripes on the MP3. Is that the 3M Solas material?


Dave

I am thinking of having the front of the saddle narrowed a bit, if possible. The top layer of foam is something they call (tongue in cheek, I think) the "pillow top". It's quite soft.

The yellow tape is retroreflective tape from Streetglow. They have quite a variety.

If I had second changes on my russell seat, it would be vinyl instesd of leather, with more coushion pattern, not the small squares I picked. One rain and my seat is still trying to dry out three days later. Glad you got a nice comfortable seat, but do not understand why they built up the front so much on you?

If my understanding is correct it had to be built up due to moving the seating position back. By moving it back they had to deal with the 'rise' in the seat pan and had to raise the seating position to accommodate. The front was built up to keep him from slipping forward out of the 'bucket'.


Dave

Correct. I did end up 2.3" higher rather than the 1" I originally estimated. It has given me a perfect riding position, but has made stopping and putting my feet down more difficult. I have been getting used to it, though, and the tilt lock has been useful in this regard.

Now you know how us folks with short inseams feel (29"). The MP3 is one of those rare bikes that it balances so beautifully that even ball of foot is plenty sufficient. That inside thigh stretching thing tho... I slide forward if it gets too uncomfortable as the stock seat narrows there. And then theres the old standby - treat it like a bike and just put your weight (lean) on one side or the other. It's easy to hold up on just one leg flat footed - especially if you find yourself on a surface that slopes to one side more than usual...
Glad to hear your new seat works for you. I think I'm finally getting used to mine or it's breaking in - the other day on our scooter ride I realized I'd been in the saddle for over 2 hours continuous - and no aching butt cheeks.

It looks like a great job. I trust the sensor is working fine?

You're spot on, sliding around on a saddle seems to be a common problem. I had exactly the same experience with mine and had to ship it back for an ajustment. They made it better but it's still not right so when I get home from this current ride I'll probably switch over to Red Dog and head back up for another go at it. Considering what we pay for these things they should be absolutely correct.

LL75

Michael, what did they do to allow you to sit further back on the saddle? Did they modify the pan, or just change the padding? And, how do you find the vinyl in the heat?

I do all of the above.

Sensor actually seems to be better. They were very familiar with it and there's been no problem.

They didn't modify the pan, just raised the "saddle" part high enough to clear it.

I've had the bike parked in the sun in 88 degree heat and I haven't felt any problem with the seat getting too hot (through regular pants covered by armored overpants).

Thanks for the feedback. Out here in the Antelope Valley, the vinyl seat on my 250/300 was awful, so I went with leather. That works well. Now, with my 500, I'm wanting to sit further back. Being 6'3" with a 34" inseam, your route sounds like the way to go. Guess I better start making plans to spend a day on Ojai.