Kawi Gel vs. Mustang part 2...I got both now.

[Fitz1973]

Well I ordered the Kawi Gel and got it in and on. I've been out on it and can now compare (for myself) the Gel vs. Mustang.

I like them both BUT, I'm going to part with the Mustang. (will put it up for sale on the site and then ebay.) My wife is the swing vote in this issue.

I do notice they are totally different feels. The Gel sits me a little lower than the Stang. Also, the Stang moves me forward more and I don't get that with the Gel. Myself being a little larger around the middle area, I think I like that extra room. The back seat on the Gel is actually slightly wider than the Stangs.

What I don't like about the Gel is how it sits on the bike. It's very hard to get on and get off. The Mustang is a lot easier to remove and put on vs. the Gel. I couldn't get the passenger strap on the gel no matter how hard I tried. The tongue part near the tank on the gel actually sits up a bit off the tank and only flattens out when you sit on it. I'm thinking this will level off as it's on the bike more and my butt is in the saddle and lays it out a bit more. (my hope anyways)

The Mustang is much stiffer than the gel. It's definetly better built. In the end though, I just prefer not being so far forward and I like not sitting as high up. I do like the mustang seat, but I just don't think it fits ME as well as it might fit others. I'm a average height guy with a larger middle and I think the gel seat just hugs my rear a little better than the mustang. I feel "cradled" if that makes sense.

So all in all, they are both great seats. The mustang isn't a bad seat, I just think for ME the gel fits me better and fits how I want to ride on the bike better. Also, my wife enjoys the gel a little more. She doesn't ride as often and breaking in a passenger seat seems to be an issue. Her better half (rear end) is to small, she's to light of a person, I think to break in a seat. She also doesn't ride on it enough to take the time to do it. I'm hoping if it's more comfortable she will ride more in the long run and that's my ultimate goal. The better she feels sooner on a seat, the more I can get her on it.

Well that's my story between the two.

Jason

[c_law23]

nice review, thanks for taking the time, sharing and showing why this forum is so great and informative.

[OhSteelerfan]

I would like to know which is more comfortable after 2 hrs no stop in the saddle. I have the gel seat and still can't go tank to tank without a sore bottom. I'm more than a little larger in the middle .. I'm down right fat and would not want to move up on the tank anymore than I am now. The gel seat may be my only option. Perhaps I should add an airhawk or beads to help out.

[Fitz1973]

I couldn't go 2 hours on the Mustang. I went for a little over an hour today and didn't feel bad at all. I think a lot of this has to do with the riding position. I just feel like I'm almost off the seat and on the tank with the Mustang seat. I'm sure if I was more patient it would eventually break in. But I had it for a good portion of summer last year and I just haven't felt comfortable on it. It's not bad and light years ahead of the stock seat.

I'll take it out for a good 3 hours tomorrow and will give another report. (Parade day and poker run) But I can say after 2 hours on the Stang I was feeling it. I've had several 200 to 300 mile runs and just never got off saying "Wow, my *** doesn't hurt at all" Usually I was feeling about the 1 hour mark. I didn't have that with the gel today.

[c_law23]

I think a lot of this has to do with the riding position. I just feel like I'm almost off the seat and on the tank with the Mustang seat.

this is how i feel with the stock seat.

[Fitz1973]

Originally Posted by c_law23

this is how i feel with the stock seat.

Then you know how I feel LOL. I'm not bashing the Mustang seat at all. I just think with so many different riding positions, body sizes and wives riding passenger they make a lot of different seats for a reason. I'm on my 3rd seat now if you count stock and I think I found a winner. Not the most expensive seat, probably not the best built seat, but it's comfortable and feels good to me.....so far

Another thing different about the gel I should mention for me. Others have posted they don't get any back support on the gel. With my risers and being able to lean back a little more with the gel seat I actually feel I get more than I was getting with the Mustang. But the Mustang made me feel like I was being pushed forward, so that probably has a lot to do with it. The gel I feel I can lean back and relax a bit more and that support is there when I want it, not contantly moving me forward like the Stang did to me.

[OhSteelerfan]

Fitz what risers do you have? This may help me. I really didnt think I needed risers being 6'1" and fairly long reach but I may be wrong.

[Fitz1973]

Originally Posted by OhSteelerfan

Fitz what risers do you have? This may help me. I really didnt think I needed risers being 6'1" and fairly long reach but I may be wrong.

PhatRisers from Scootworks. I'm going to have to update my pics. Knowing how much this forums loves pics I feel totally guilty slacking this way. I've added the risers, trunk, new seat and crash bars in the last month. Front pulley and pegs for crash bars are all that's left. I might have my ability to post suspended until pics are posted or something LOL.

[V2K_CCTX]

FORD's SUCK period

Ford is to Suzuki in the M/C world

[Fitz1973]

Originally Posted by V2K_CCTX

FORD's SUCK period

Ford is to Suzuki in the M/C world

What does this have to do with a discussion about seats?

[800AJAY]

I agree with C Law. Stock sucks. I'm thinking Corbin gunfighter type. I think it keeps you back and slightly lower. I had a Corbin gunfighter on an 800A and it was good. Some say too firm but I like a firm seat.

[jerkybear]

Originally Posted by V2K_CCTX

FORD's SUCK period

Ford is to Suzuki in the M/C world

Wha, Wha, Whaaaaat!!!! Like Fitz said, what does that have to do with the seat discussion. Dude, take your meds. Med non-compliance is not a good thing. I do agree with you though. Craig

[Seadog1967]

Originally Posted by V2K_CCTX

FORD's SUCK period

Ford is to Suzuki in the M/C world

[Honk]

OK, I don't really like many fords either, But would you like to sell the mustang seat? it is NOT made by (Ford).

[Bender]

thanks for the review. I'm a little bit too far foward with the stock seat (900 LT), so I was considering an aftermarket seat. Mustang told me the same thing as you, the Mustang puts you a little farther foward compared to the stock seat. So I not interested in Mustang then (I'm pretty tall), the Gel sounds interesting... if it puts you in the same place, but is more comfy, I'd be interested.

[Cruz]

Good review thanks for the effort.
Enjoy the gelly seat.

[900classic]

great review about the two seats.

[campfire]

Thanks for the comparison. I need to get rid of my stock seat also, and your input helps

[sl3slinger]

Originally Posted by OhSteelerfan

I would like to know which is more comfortable after 2 hrs no stop in the saddle. I have the gel seat and still can't go tank to tank without a sore bottom. I'm more than a little larger in the middle .. I'm down right fat and would not want to move up on the tank anymore than I am now. The gel seat may be my only option. Perhaps I should add an airhawk or beads to help out.

i got the gel seat as well on my 900lt, but it was the combination of the risers with the seat were i really felt comfortable on the bike. btw i bought the 2 inch spacers on e-bay for $40.00 that did the trick

[Druid]

My mustang classic with backrest has just left the states according to ups tracking . So all being well Ill have it by next w/e. Thats assuming UK customs dont hold it too long. Ill be interested to see if that pushes me further fwd . Ive got some risers somewhere over the Atlantic as well . After reading this Im wondering if I actually need the risers at all.

Hell its all fun though isn't it.