08 Sep2016

Sargent World Performance Plus Pillion and Heated Saddle

Written by Bill Dragoo. Posted in Gear

I knew this would be a long day. A few more miles and I will hit 1,000. Most times, it wouldn’t be a problem on my BMW R1200GS, but the last two hours have been in a blizzard. It’s 24°F and dark. I have to make Tuba City, Arizona, tonight or risk being stuck on icy roads, short of my goal. My body is losing heat despite my electric jacket running on high. And THE SEAT—I almost forgot that my Sargent World Performance Saddle is heated! I reach down with thick gloves, find the 10-position controller and punch the button. I am soon comfortable again, despite what it looks like through my frosty face shield....

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Difficult problems are often solved with the simplest methods. An adventure bike saddle must, like the rest of the machine, be versatile. It should allow room to move without restriction, yet have enough grip to hold the rider in position. It needs to look good and, most of all, it must be comfortable.

Sargent has been in the business of making folks comfortable since 1935 when they first entered the automotive upholstery business. Motorcycles joined their repertoire a little over 20 years ago. All that experience comes together in the World Performance Plus Saddle and Pillion. Sargent’s firm but pliable Atomic Foam is their own design. Rather than using gels or fancy soft foam that collapses too soon, they rely upon a sculptured contour to provide comfort, and it works. Their adjustable dished seat pan leaves space for the foam to flex, preventing hot spots common to riders who do extended road miles, and includes a storage compartment and flashlight. Rugged, waterproof DTX fabric is complemented by a choice of accent colors for the welt. Quality double stitching is well placed to prevent chafing and a hidden channel down the center relieves pressure on the perineum.

Passenger comfort is equally important. During a prior scouting trip, retracing the trails of the Comanche Indians, my wife logged more than 1,500 miles on the pillion without a complaint.

... my well-deserved bed at the Tuba City Comfort Inn sure feels good as I lie back and recap the day. I am amazed that nothing hurts... not even my butt. MSRP: $899.95 SargentCycle.com