Motorbike saddle: why modify or customise it

The motorbike seat is without doubt one of the most important parts of our two-wheeler. It allows us long rides and comfort but also allows us to cope with ‘small problems’ such as those related to short stature or leg circulation. We asked expert Wanasinghe Prabhath, owner of Officina delle Toppe, to answer a few questions and resolve a few doubts.

What work is carried out on motorbike saddles?

In our workshop we carry out all kinds of work on motorbike saddles: from lowering them for those who want to put their feet better on the ground to improving comfort, from reducing slippage to customising the covers.

If a shorter rider needs to gain a few centimetres on the saddle, what do you recommend?

We would certainly recommend lowering the seat and at the same time flattening the sides of the saddle as well, so that the crotch can be closed more and further gain in height. In this way you can improve ground support and thus more safety.

What is the difference between gel padding and memory foam? Are there other options?

Memory foam or gel alone are processes that we consider obsolete and have outgrown for quite some time now. Today we are able to offer a wide range of solutions aimed at the pain or discomfort that the rider may encounter while travelling: we first create a padding with a density calculated according to the person’s weight and then, based on each person’s needs, we recommend the most suitable comfort package.
We have a specific one for:
– gluteal muscle soreness
– sciatica
– lower back and pelvic pain
– coccyx pain or in the presence of herniated discs
– haemorrhoids
– pain in the ischial bones

Regarding the cover, what materials do you use and on the basis of what are they chosen?

The eye wants its part. We have therefore created a department that deals exclusively with the study of design, based on the aesthetics of the bike and the customer’s preferences. The products we use are all certified skai and Made in Italy. Once the customer has chosen the design he or she prefers, the next step is to choose together which fabrics to match (colours, technical fabrics in anti-slip and design textures, stitching and embroidery colours) until we define, stitch by stitch, every single detail. Finally, all seams are heat-taped and thus made waterproof.

What are the average costs for the various jobs?

I would like to remind you that MissBiker members can enjoy a 10% discount on our work. In addition to this, we also often propose themed offers that you can find by following our Facebook page: OFFICINA DELLE TOPPE.

What advice can you give to people who want to modify or customise their motorbike saddle?

The saddle is an important element of the motorbike if we consider the use we have to make of it: it can determine the quality of the entire trip if we use it for long journeys. It is essential to gain more security if we do not put our feet well on the ground. The advice I can give is to try to understand exactly what could be improved to enhance the overall riding experience.

What should absolutely be avoided?

As I said, the saddle is a component that absolutely must not be underestimated. Only turn to professionals. The risk is that you will ruin your saddle and then have to touch it a second time.

Further information: Officina delle Toppe