[TheCeleryStalker]

Hi All,

I just got a call to go look at the Nine-T that will be going to the Amelia Island Concours this weekend. Of course, mine isn't here yet.

This bike had many of the accessories on it, so I thought I would report in.

The seat cowl is a must have and is dead sexy. Unfortunately, neither I nor the dealer could actually get the compartment open. I assume it to be user error.

The Nine-T stitched seat felt great, but I would have to sit on the stock one to know which is best. I liked the quality materials and the way the edges cut in toward the tank. I was disappointed that what looked like suede turned out not to be. I think I will pass on this initially and see how I like the stock piece.

The LED indicators looked nice, but I don't think the stockers are bad at all. I would get them if the price was under 100 USD.

I think I will go with the knee pads. They look much better in person than in pictures. There was no branding or texture to them.

This bike looks and sits great in person. Pictures do NOT do it justice.

We fired it up and I see no reason to go with any of the optional exhausts on the basis of sound. It sounds AWESOME stock, even better than the vids floating around.

The fit and finish on the production bike is top notch. Every part you might think would be done in plastic is actually aluminum, the intake being a good example. This bike just screams QUALITY.

I am still ambivalent on the gold forks, but it does break up the silver and black scheme alittle bit.

NOW IF MINE WOULD JUST SHOW UP!

 

[Captain]

Great informative observations, thanks.

The "Custom Rider's Seat" is covered in the faux suede material called alcantara.
Probably more weather and wear resistant?

I was thinking while looking at pictures for the millionth time how 'plasticy' the inlet looked. I grinned reading your piece on that. Also I'm with you on the stock exhaust.

 

[TheCeleryStalker]

Great informative observations, thanks.

The "Custom Rider's Seat" is covered in the faux suede material called alcantara.
Probably more weather and wear resistant?

I was thinking while looking at pictures for the millionth time how 'plasticy' the inlet looked. I grinned reading your piece on that. Also I'm with you on the stock exhaust.

I thought alcantra as well. That would be a good thing for the reasons you state. Real suede doesn't last long in real world weather conditions.

The thing that put me off was that it was slightly sticky to the touch. I wonder if this has to do with it being a new seat. Perhaps the way it is shipped?

 

[9T33]

would you guys have preferred a different material to be used aside from alcantara?

 

[TheCeleryStalker]

would you guys have preferred a different material to be used aside from alcantara?

All leather would be good. I'm not complaining about it. I still don't understand why it was sticky.

 

[gerry]

I cannot recommend all leather at all. Perhaps it's good for horse saddles but not for bike saddles. It get's slippery, ugly and brakes in short time. Once got a bucket of water, it keeps it for days...

 

[rkevwill]

would you guys have preferred a different material to be used aside from alcantara?

I've never had a vehicle with alcantara. I have driven cars in driving events, that had alcantara covered steering wheels. I guess the idea is to provide a more slip resistant surface. For the life of me, I could never understand the expensive option of covering dashboards, or roof liners with the material. It was never that attractive to me. Give me leather for car seats. For a bike seat? Well, it is less slippery, but it wouldn't be my cup of tea.

 

[9T33]

All leather would be good. I'm not complaining about it. I still don't understand why it was sticky.

I've never had a vehicle with alcantara. I have driven cars in driving events, that had alcantara covered steering wheels. I guess the idea is to provide a more slip resistant surface. For the life of me, I could never understand the expensive option of covering dashboards, or roof liners with the material. It was never that attractive to me. Give me leather for car seats. For a bike seat? Well, it is less slippery, but it wouldn't be my cup of tea.

Seems like leather is more preferred, i know I would want leather.
At least this being alcantara it serves a purpose.

 

[zugvogel]

I have a leather seat from Sergeant on my GSA and had it on now for 50,000 miles. I treat it with a good leather care and it is still perfect after 6 years. Leather is great if you treat it right. If you don't it will fail.

 

[Dodo]

I haven't seen alcantara being used in a place exposed to weather before. I wonder weather it's covered with a protective layer as I don't think it is weather proof in its original form.

 

[jd_cincy]

I haven't seen alcantra used on a surface exposed to the elements, but I do have alcantra seats in my car and they're great. Slip resistant, cooler in the summer, and more comfortable than regular leather. My main concern with that seat is the reduced padding.

 

[TheCeleryStalker]

I cannot recommend all leather at all. Perhaps it's good for horse saddles but not for bike saddles. It get's slippery, ugly and brakes in short time. Once got a bucket of water, it keeps it for days...

That has not been my experience with quality leather saddles that are taken care of. Key words: Taken Care Of

 

[Captain]

I have been reading a bit further into the Custom Rider's Seat and my earlier post about the Alcantara covering may have been misinformed.

Seems that the top surface you sit on is a manufactured "fabric", while the sides and back are "Alcantara look".
This would then make the whole thing weather proof.

As per the BMW Motorrad accessories page;

Custom rider’s seat with R nineT logo (NEW)

• Exclusively designed for further customisation
• Visually appealing lines, especially in the side view
- Continues the lines from the fuel tank
• High-quality seat bench surface with different surface structure
- Top: impressive embossing with suggested cross-stitches, anti-slip
- On the side and and the rear: Alcantara look
• Black with white double ornamental seam
• Embroidered nineT logo in Gold
• Slightly lower with thinner upholstery
• Seat height: 775 mm (series: 785 mm)
• Inside leg arc length: 1755 mm (series: 1760 mm)

 

[gerry]

That has not been my experience with quality leather saddles that are taken care of. Key words: Taken Care Of

Absolutely, all things last longer when taken care of. I've seen a lot of ugly leather saddles and I know myself. The time that you use to groom your saddle, I use for riding...

 

[tracteur]

Absolutely, all things last longer when taken care of. I've seen a lot of ugly leather saddles and I know myself. The time that you use to groom your saddle, I use for riding...

@gerry; says a GS-rider, it's made for riding not for cleaning I used to clean my Gs's once a year, more than enough and each time surprise what a beauty came out
Know what you mean but a dirty nineT???

 

[TheCeleryStalker]

Absolutely, all things last longer when taken care of. I've seen a lot of ugly leather saddles and I know myself. The time that you use to groom your saddle, I use for riding...

I've got time for both, no worries. Honestly, I don't consider time spent cleaning or maintaining my bikes to be work. I consider it cheap therapy.

 

[Supertramp]

I had a leather seat on the R80 and used Gliptone 13 on it, kept it in great condition, even more so when you consider the bike was kept outside year round!

Car Leather Cleaner