As I gently entered my retirement years, I scoured Craigslist for used motorcycles to stock up on in my garage. I never know what will grab my attention and tickle my heart, and when I unearth hidden treasures in two-wheelers, I’m often delighted to inherit an array of stylish accessories. rich that previous owners loved on their bikes – now to be my next ride.
When buying used bikes, one thing that often comes to mind is the seat. Many riders try to lower ground reach, but I’m 6 feet tall with 31 inches and cranky hips. I like the footrest. So when a newly purchased bike doesn’t work for me, I head to the legendary Best Motorcycle Seats in Ventura, California.
I’ve used BMS to change seats for decades, starting with their Ojai days under Bill “Rocky” Mayer (BMS used to stand for Bill Mayer Saddles). Now, longtime member Adrian Mercado takes on the business, producing the same quality work he has produced over the years.
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The personal fitting service at BMS is amazing. If you can spend half a day or so on site, Mercado and his team will build a custom chair designed to your liking and personalized while you wait. BMS also appear at rallies and other equestrian events across the country to provide custom services, or you can also ship your spot with your individual sizes required for service mail order.
Mercado listens to your requirements, then makes recommendations based on its decades of seating construction experience. He’ll give you what you want, but I’ve learned to follow his advice, usually after some give and take in terms of comfort versus aesthetics. The decision often comes down to a simple question: Do you want the bike to “look good” or do you want the saddle to hug the back of your car during a day of riding? Personally, I tend to lean towards the laid back, but you can do it your way, exactly that.
The custom-built BMS seats completely transformed my brand new 2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S and 2017 KTM 690 Duke. Due to a seat that was so low at purchase, I found the Multi to be virtually unassembled, while aftermarket versions of the 690 shortened the seat/latch relationship and made everything too cramped. Mercado has fixed all of that, making both bikes more fun – and “all mine” in the process. Good. Issues have been resolved.
Prices start at $595 to build a seat alone, which is pretty much in line with other custom seating options.
For more information, visit Legendary BMS site.
