How does the stock 14R seat compare to the lousy one of years ago? I'm anticipating a shitty seat on my bike which I am waiting for and plan on using the air hawk for longer rides until I find out which seat works best for a big guy on an all day ride.

Any suggestions would be helpful.

I think the thing that I didn't care for in the Gen1 stock seat was the downhill slope and the edges that were not bevelled off. I never rode a Gen2 but looks like they ironed that out a little. The Saddlemen Techstyle seat I have on my 08 is nice. No complaints except it doesn't quite conceal the forward edge of the triangular tail piece. Not a real big issue since I normally have the seat cowl on anyway.

Gen 2 seats are very comfortable, Im not sure they are a "touring" type seat,
but they are very good ..

Yep...2012's and up have a much nicer seat.Work very well for all day running.I beveled mine to be a shade more level in the bowl area(not quite so angled towards the front).Turned out fine.

I never rode a Gen 1 (for long) but found the Gen 2 seat a big improvement over the R1 and 1198! OK, a useless comparison I know but I've found the 14R seat pretty good for 150-200 miles at a time. When I've been on day trips of 600+ miles though I've used an air hawk which was well worth the money. JMO

* Last updated by: pegscraper on 3/12/2015 @ 11:08 AM *

I never owned an older Ninja, but can say that the 2012 seat is nicer than any other stock on any other motorcycle I have ever owned.

That said, I did spend $100 and bought a used Coni seat and I pop it on the Ninja when I go for week long rides to Tennessee or where ever we head off to.

Now that I'm not worried about the seat anymore, my only other plan was to install a Ventura Rack with bag unless I find something better/nicer. I like a rear bag which is vertical like a passenger so the weight disappears like a passenger.

Any comments on rear packs and bags? Anyone know about this CycleVenture Bag thing with the hardware and pack rack which holds the bag. It's basically a T-bag set up which has a pouch that slides over the hoop and quick release connects the bag to the rack with straps.

Spencers in Florida does a FANTASTIC job of repadding the stock seat. I had my 14R done and love it, absolutely NO butt burn at all, quick turn-around, retains all the stock dimensions so you can still use your rear seat fairing.

http://greatdaytoride.com/Home_Page.php

I knew gen 1 and 2 seats were different slightly, but I didn't realize this big of a diff. I can say my butt really likes my bike's stock seat I would say it's very comfy.

I find the 14R seat to be pretty good. No seat is going to be perfect for every butt.

I can't say anything about the Gen 1 seat. I don't mind the stock seat. I did however buy a sheepskin seat cover from Alaska Leather . Used one on my Triumph Explorer 1200. I don't know if it made a difference for my 1800 mile round trip but I wasn't sore. Easy to remove/put back on as it uses two clips on each side. I took it off when we set out for spirited riding.

* Last updated by: WildPete on 3/13/2015 @ 6:00 AM *

For bags, I have this one.
SW-Motech Tail Bag

I can get a weeks worth of clothes etc in it and I strap my rain gear to the top for easy access. What I like most is that I can strap it around my seat, nothing ever touches the paint, easy on and off.

Nice, Omega. I decided on a Joe Rocket Mantra tank bag and Kriega rear seat pack, like you do. And I still like to wear a backpack with very little in it. That way I have the option of buying something and still can carry it.

"I'd rather suffer from the restriction of carrying less than having a bike that restricts my RIDING PLEASURE, so that I can carry everything"! LOL

My stock '13 seat rubs my inner thighs fiercely. I'm 6'-0" 165 lbs.

Feels like I need to shave off some of the 'shoulder' foam padding in the seat, but I haven't tried to do that, yet.