Modern Vespa

I sent an email to Corbin asking if they made seats for the MP3 500 -- or if they plan on doing so in the near future.

I got a reply from Janice Alosi and she said that "...we are looking for a bike for R & D to borrow, to make the seat. Are you close to Hollister, CA?"

Unfortunately, I'm in the DC area.

If anyone in the Bay Area or parts South could spare their MP3 500 for awhile...

(Forgive me if this stretches the commercial content guidelines.)

I tried this with them 2 years ago when I was out there. they wanted to keep the scoot for 3-5 days and didn't want me to have any input as to seat position or shape, nothing. they just wanted a donor scoot. Heck why can't they just get a loaner from one of the many
dealers in the area if they REALLY wanted to make a seat for the 500.

Talked to the fla. branch, and they had no interest for the 500 nine months ago. Maybe they are waking up to slow times, and a market nitch!

I may look into it. I was planning on having a custom seat made there. They have a ride in service where you can ride your bike in and hang out in their cafe for 3-4 hours while they make you a new seat from one of their existing configs. My desire for a seat would definitely not be standard so I would see about negotiating a free seat out of it for my specs vs. a standard design. I have long legs so I actually sit all the way back on the passenger seat now. I'll let you know how it works out. Meanwhile you guys should check out their website. They have a full service shop and museum and cafe. Definitely worth a stop on any tour of Norcal. http://www.corbin.com/

Sent an e-mail to their R&D shop after a 4 hour ride put my tush completely to sleep just to see if some additional interest/buzz from the field would spur them on to develop something for the 500. Got this note last night:

----------------------

Hello
Yes we are planning on developing new product for the 500 just keep a
eye out for our new products in the next few months. If you have any
other questions please feel free to let me know.

----------------------

Unfortunately Corbin suffers from corporate schizophrenia.

I used to be a huge fan and have bought saddles from them in the past, but their customer service is so poor as to be laughable, and at times they'll even tell you they don't sell a saddle for the GTS, which is on their own web page.

Just try to get a sales rep to return your phone call, even when you are TRYING to buy something from them.

Then, without warning, they'll execute flawlessly.

Corbin could increase sales dramatically just by firing their current customer service staff, and hiring a couple of people who are willing to cheerfully return phone calls.

Just my opinion.

There is ZERO benefit to any dealer in the US/World to loan out a bike.

Since Corbin is closely held and has on-line shopping, there's no or not enough profit for even the friendliest dealer to be interested in taking the time, paying the freight, installing it, and deal with you taking 3 months and 439 questions to make the actual decision - they loose enough time when someone does that on a 50cc scooter. Especially when you as the general customer can order it online and 'save $$,' and keep the greedy dealer out of it.

The loaned bike could be damaged and because it's an MP3 it will get dumped over, as someone futzes with the key and buttons.

Rampant MP3 sales of any kind (I'm actually surprised they're interested) wooohooo! Corbin can sell an extra 3 seats this year - I can hear it now 'Let's commission a bigger yacht Mrs. Corbin! We're now sellin' MP3 seats.'

Russel Day Long, Rick Mayer Seats, Sargentcycle - there are LOTS of great local and custom seat upholstery companies and if you're serious about your seat go to a place that wants to see you sitting on the bike and how much you weigh to make a seat... Check a localized sport-touring forum, or touring forum for who might be closer to you, and respond, rather than a one-size fits all approach.

Agree. I took my MP3 to Bill Mayer, and was completely happy with the results.

Gorgeous seat!

Did they want to know how short and slender you are?
Did they ask for photos of you on the bike or did you do a 'ride in,' kind of fitting?
Did they ask about riding position and that kind of stuff?


Any other realistic suggestions or questions that you think we should ask of a local or regional seatmaker before sending photos and $$?

I did the ride-in, and having done it I am pretty well convinced that it's the only way to get the maximum benefit out of a custom saddle.

They took my weight and height, type of riding, and preference for firmness into consideration. What I found most interesting is that they try to find what they call a "neutral seating position." Essentially a neutral seating position is one that keeps your core centered above the saddle in such a way that you are neither having to lean back nor forward to compensate for the saddle's pitch...it's a more natural riding position. They shaved the saddle and placed the foam until they found the neutral position, and believe it or not, I could feel the difference.

I sold that scooter to Jess (I saw JimC was riding it while he was here) and that saddle went with the bike. I think I may need to take another trip to Ojai soon for another Bill Mayer Saddle....