Honda’s “Upgraded” Rebel 1100 Seat Is WORSE Than Stock?

Many Rebel 1100 owners complain about the stock seat being uncomfortable, so of course I was STOKED when I was able to get my hands on the upgraded "Custom Rider Seat" offered by Honda! This seat is still on backorder for the next few months in most places, but I managed to track one down to see how much better it is than the factory Honda Rebel 1100 seat. My excitement was short lived though because as soon as I started my first ride it was obvious that if anything, the new seat was more *UN*comfortable than the stock Rebel 1100 seat!
So...what do you think? Will the seat break in over time and end up being just as comfortable as the factory seat, or did I just waste $125?! Also, let me know what modifications you want to see next!
Thanks for watching, and be sure to follow me on Instagram for more daily stuff! @Life.Of.Burch
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[@roy7602]

Keep in mind: Soft does not always equal comfortable! In the VFR-forums many people swear on not so-soft seats for eating miles.

[@LifeOfBurch]

Very true! I’m just hoping it at least breaks in past the current firmness of a coffee table 😂 So far it seems to be breaking in a bit though so I have high hopes.

[@Sean-yk2cf]

@@LifeOfBurch you know what, you are probably too light. a friend of mine, he is 200 pounds and he thinks the seat is pretty comfortable.

[@emilyparks7005]

@@LifeOfBurch this is actually something that road bicycles and even racing cars do with their seats. It saves on weight while providing better comfort for long-term rides or drives. This comes with the added benefit that harder seats tend to reinforce good posture, as they're most comfortable with proper posture. Breaking in the seat should make it more comfortable. Soft padding can lead to bad posture and poor circulation in comparison to firm ones.

[@sohft]

The diamond stitch seat looks so much cooler than the stock seat. You could always get it redone with nicer foam or gel.

[@seanb9907]

Love the videos - thanks for em, it helped me make a final decision when looking at a few!

[@perfectmotoadventurespaulf1968]

Seat looks great. Always a great video when Amir checks in too. Enjoyed watching.

[@jamesharold4983]

Thanks Burch for being the proverbial guinea pig on the aftermarket parts. The newseat does look a whole lot better.👍

[@LifeOfBurch]

Glad I could be here to take one for the team! Aka the entire Rebel community haha I agree it looks better than stock and it seems to be breaking in a bit as well 🙏🏻

[@Bikerchick-dt8py]

I ordered the quilted forward one. I’m 5’1”and waiting for it to come in. I’m hoping I like it. Please do an updated video after you get some miles on with this new seat and give your opinion if possible. I think it looks good. Ride safe.

[@blkjakk]

You order the black quilted forward seat or the brown one?

[@therdku]

Hey man. Not sure if you will see the comment. How was the Diamond forward seat you ordered compared to the stock one? Is it worth the bother?

[@williamcoulter5462]

I am 5' 5" and did not get along with the stock seat, I got the brown forward seat and it is much better and does bring you a bit more forward, the seats are all fairly hard and need to be used to soften the foam. I have gone back to the stock seat plus a highway hawk type seat pad to try out as it lifts you up by a bit as well as giving the extra air padding for a softer ride. You could always have your standard seat modified with a different foam and a gel pad once you get the new one , I am sure there are companies out there who can do this provided you have the seat base for them to work with.

[@tomjohnable]

This is a dream bike for me to have. I have never ridden a bike before and I plan on getting a license in the near future. I am a little bit cautious in getting this as my first bike but I really do want to get it. I was thinking about getting the rebel 500 but you said in a previous video it's not very suitable for highways so I think id need 1100 Thank you for these videos. Subbed

[@williamcoulter5462]

So you did not get the stitched forward seat 25mm extra padding , but the standard stitch effect seat in black, the web shows two different seats and there is a price difference, I have the brown forward seat with the extra 25mm and it is thicker and pushes you forward which does help me as I am short.

[@bigcheese7455]

The real reason he got a new seat was because he didn’t make it back home in time after he got extra spicy tacos from the soon to be sponsored taco shop

[@marcmaz21]

Trust your butt. Tried a Corbin on my CB1100 and actually found the stock seat more comfortable. It’s not uncommon. 😊. I just subscribed. Great channel

[@XxTRUEPINOYxX14]

Men I love the Rebel 1100 but I definitely need to start small, going to get a Rebel 500 by November. Saving money to buy one used (hopefully) and I hope I can find a good deal on one! Have my gear I want as well.

[@dengen324]

THE SEAT LOOKS GREAT BRO, THE DIAMOND DESIGN LOOKS GREAT ALSO ....IS IT COMFY? THANKS FOR THE VIDEO BRO...RIDE SAFE AND GOD BLESS

[@Pstoneboi]

Seats are like engines. Get it through the break in period bro! At least 1000 miles. Safe riding, Burch!

[@kalebporter9943]

Thanks for all the videos mate. I got my DCT two months back, and I feel like I'm following you with the parts! Ordered the same seat but in brown, and can't wait to see the rest of your parts come in!

[@kalebporter9943]

@@Jayrouz that's sick!! Is there a way I could see some pics?

[@kalebporter9943]

@@Jayrouz these are so dope! Thanks for sharing. Definitely love the contrast of the brown seat. Thanks again.

[@lillymops2646]

@@Jayrouz Hi, thanks für sharing the Pic. I Like the black/brown combination. Is the new Seat harder than the origin ?

[@dftweedie3021]

Mine's back ordered ... but you can't go wrong. One or the other is going to end up as the base of a custom seat to raise me up an inch and a half or two. I'm just on the ergonomic comfort bubble and I'd love a little lift for highway 'cruise controlling.'

[@alexcomeau4919]

Hey man, did you get the bike tuned for the exhaust? And of not, do you feel like it could benefit from a tune?

[@kennyt0342]

Nice review. I recently received my forward rider seat for the rebel 1100. I found that it also moved me up and forward a bit. I’m 5’10” and it made the bars a little less reachy.

[@davidmpoliveira1]

Hi. I'm 5'10" as well. What do you mean? You mean you feel that now the handlebar is further away from you? Do you find yourself overall comfortable on your Rebel 1100? Knee height, handlebar distance, shoulders and back posture... I've been looking at this motorcycle as my first cruiser (not my first motorcycle), and I sat on it at a local dealer, but to be honest I felt a bit weird when trying to reach the handlebar and putting my feet on the footpads, so I was thinking that maybe one of the other seats could help. Cheers.

[@kennyt0342]

@@davidmpoliveira1 The forward rider seat raises the rider forward and up an inch or so. The result is that I am a little closer to the bars, eliminating the shoulder hunch from reaching forwards. I am also able to better grip the tank with my knees, which inspires confidence in corners. This thing is very flickable. This is also my first cruiser, having just come off an MT07. The foot pegs do feel weird, it took about a couple of weeks to get used to them.

[@wuzbrewin]

The Mustang seat is really nice and not expensive. I have had the solo one on my 500 for several months. Keeps with the stock look but waaay more comfy.

[@LifeOfBurch]

I’ve heard great things about the Mustang! Unfortunately, they don’t have a product for the 1100 yet.

[@misterblack6803]

I ordered the seat upgrade for my 1100. See how it goes! Did want to ask about other mods you have in the pipeline. I remember watching the vid you made putting the T-Rex bars and frame sliders on your 500. Will you be doing the same on the 1100? Just interested as I'm thinking about putting sliders on mine (if and when I can find some) front and back, as the pillion seat and pegs are coming off soon as!

[@teslaedison6236]

Never go cheap with saddles!! Mustang seats are great. Bought one for my Sportster. Corbin seats are great too

[@SPARTEX3945]

hey dude, thx for your video. I got a question. Does the 2021 model 500cc rebel uses the same stock seat as the 1100 ?

[@SuperWebzone]

Nice bike. I have to wait for 2022 before I can even try a rebel 1100 at the local dealership (In Sweden). Btw a company named Corbin makes aftermarket seat for this bike already, expensive though.

[@LifeOfBurch]

I saw the Corbin seats, but unfortunately I think they’re God awful ugly. Which is a shame because I LOVED the Corbin seat I had on my VFR750!

[@abysal311]

New seat looks really good!

[@BlackbirdProductions]

I have the same seat in brown for me Rebel 500 and it is definitely more firm than the stock, but once I broke into it, the seat felt a little better although still more firm than the stock. Since I don't do super long rides it's not really an issue, but actual touring rides will become uncomfortable after a while.

[@LifeOfBurch]

Glad to hear yours at least broke in a bit! Hoping that’s the case with mine as well 🤞🏻

[@richardmclendon8314]

My biggest complaint so far is the water getting into the storage compartment. I got a waterproof container from Wally world to store important stuff in.

[@my2wheels]

I. We’d your help, I’m have been looking to get a Vulcan s with abs, no luck in North America! On the flip side, I notice you enjoy this bike so much! With the tech and added power, the rebel 1100 looks like a no Brainer to get. Also note I’m only 5’6”” tall. Would I be comfort reaching the controls like a “forward control” setting. Please advise me. Looking forward with your answers.

[@NIFFYBOMB]

did you keep the baffle in your exhaust?

[@f-22raptor64]

Are you gonna get the rear passenger seat w/ the mini sissy bar for the rebel 1100?

[@seamusware9297]

I just got my 2021 Rebel 1100 DCT Can't find anywhere to get a decent seat that fits. Know of any sites?

[@wrxguyusa]

Amir was really working that seat! 😂

[@theworksho3947]

Same "diamond stitching" stamp as the seat on my 1982 Honda CM450C haha

[@acousticsaugust9685]

is the suspension adjustable?

[@kalanivalentine]

Hows the seat fairing now after a couple months?

[@TuongNguyen-mx9nu]

How are the seats now?

[@richardbloy4690]

so it's been about a year since the seat was fitted and tested i've looked through all the comments can you tell me what the new seat was like after a few months use, i've got the manual version and absolutely love it but am finding the stock seat a little uncomfortable after a while and i can't make my mind up which one to get, honda's one or a chinese one

[@my2wheels]

where's the link for the seat you got?

[@shizzymcfrizzy4016]

how tall are you? just curious. been looking at this bike and want to see what taller guys think about it

[@robcaputo4918]

Been meaning to ask, how tall are you? Curious after you mentioned feeling like the stock seat rolls you forward.

[@JoNiOkk66]

Great video! Looking for a little more legroom on my 1100, do you still feel you sit higher and further back on this seat? Or was that just an initial feeling?

[@LifeOfBurch]

It’s hard to say because now I’m used to this seat and haven’t been on the stock in awhile. I’ll have to switch back and check. T-Rex is making forward controls that’ll be produced soon though! They already have them made for the DCT model and they’re trying to get their hands on a manual model to make those next!

[@JoNiOkk66]

Thanks for the heads up. I saw another review on the Corbin gunfighter seat, and it looked taller and further back, but I'm not really liking the way it looks.

[@Gauge167]

I'm very let down by the accessories not being accessible. Still waiting for the backseat kits to be in stock and front cowl..

[@dragginawaggin]

If the replacement is less comfortable I think I might as well stay stock. Wondering if Vance and Hines make an exhaust, and what it sounds like compared to Two Brothers. Just fishing.

[@LifeOfBurch]

So far the new seat seems to be breaking in slightly, but I’ll definitely keep everyone updated as I get more miles on it. V&H does make an exhaust for the 1100, but personally I much prefer the looks and sound of the TBR over that.

[@jeffharper410]

Yup, a harder foam seat will conform to you over time. A soft seat breaks down and after a few months kills you with every bump. Just ask a heavy equipment operator.

[@joekayed5954]

I'm 6 ft 225 pounds and first time riding do you think the 1100 is too much for me I'm very disciplined and really don't Wana buy a 500 then upgrade in a few months

[@mrmurphy8609]

Not really into tacos but love all the info on what’s going to be my next bike

[@robmichael9089]

LoB, do you think Honda will build a bigger Rebel like a 1500 - 1600 cc to challenge the bigger Harleys?

[@seanmikhael1767]

Seems they can easily hinge the seat it on the right side so you dont have to awkwardly hold it in your hand or set it on the bike and risk it falling and getting damaged.

[@Kr0n1k8]

I have the rebel 1100 and find the seat to be unbearable after about an hour of riding. I’m 6’2 and find my legs cramp too. Kind of a bummer, but hoping I’ll adapt Over time.

[@udontwanna1]

At 6'1 im looking at the corbin seat already made for the rebel 1100. Im also finding my foot doest strike the right peg well. I find myself not being able to relax it because im stuck holding it in a bit of a toe up position. I think if I moved the brake pedal down a bit it would help my right leg...

[@tysonlor9820]

@lifeofburch what watch is that? & where can i buy it?

[@LifeOfBurch]

It’s just an Apple Watch with a cheap gold band off eBay! The gold band was only like $13 honestly haha

[@codkillcamsmobile3555]

Tell us something about the passenger seat? Somewhere to buy one? It seems they are out of stock. Peace✌️

[@nohoesbenji6659]

I have a Corbin seat on my Indian scout bobber but I miss my mustang seat on my little rebel 500 🤣

[@LifeOfBurch]

I wish the Corbin seat for the 1100 wasn’t so ugly 😭 I’m excited to see if Mustang comes out with an 1100 seat soon too!

[@gavinvargas1032]

This guy is underrated

[@chuckd4499]

I definitely feel like the seat needed to be firmer. At 165 lbs I completely flatten the stock seat and feel the base.

[@hvymax]

Too bad they don't offer seats for taller riders like the Vulcan S.

[@owenwayne7933]

Will you get a passenger seat? If you do, please do a review

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

why not a dual passenger seat ?

[@steveaubert4243]

it is not soft you want a hard base metal or hard fiberglass the stock seat usually has a plastic base.

[@jomama3533]

Did roughly 1000k round trip on my rebel 1100 to see my cousin and I was crippled for 2 days very nice bike but not comfortable for long drives

[@jderrick1994]

in my own opinion, it's unacceptable that they didn't actually stitch this. the moulding looks cheap as. Either way this is awesome content and is greatly appreciated by a fellow metric cruiser rider.

[@luolin2]

I’m not an expert on this but I do work in manufacturing at Honda. There is some history on the Accords with seat covers not being smooth and having wrinkles. I also think that Honda doesn’t put as much quality checks in their aftermarket products. That has been my personal experience with buying aftermarket parts through Honda. But I can’t say one way or the other if other vendors non OEM parts are better or worse. It’s funny that you have a wrinkle in the seat and so do the Honda Accords. Just saying. Love the video reviews.

[@LifeOfBurch]

Hmm interesting to hear that. Thanks for letting me know! I’m hoping the wrinkle smooths out with time, but we’ll see!

[@MrSweeperUSA]

7:49 this literally made me jump on my bike to get tacos by my local taco truck in Queens NY

[@Elijah-fc3ex]

You make me wanna buy a Rebel brotha

[@LifeOfBurch]

Do it! You won’t regret it 😬

[@Nikita-oi6jm]

haha! same

[@NANA-lq5md]

Me too, I'm going to look into it.

[@Guidefer]

Well, you can always get someone to change the padding on that thing...

[@todor92]

"Thats what she said" lmao

[@staceytoepfert7684]

Tacos 😂🤣. That seat does look good

[@skinwolf]

Yo, there’s something wrong with that stitched seat. You’re right! It does look like a puffy bulbous mushroom 🤨

[@joelandrade1630]

You want a firmer seat like a mattress. It's better for long trips

[@emilydare7934]

How is it treating you now that you've had it for a few weeks?

[@LifeOfBurch]

It’s either starting to break in or I’m getting used to it, but still not the most comfortable by any means. I’ll be swapping it out as soon as there’s a better replacement available. So far all I’ve seen are the Corbin options and I’m not a fan of either of them.

[@DillyVesper]

Get a gel pad for your seat?

[@pjeng1]

Try to get a Corbin seat that will give you a real comfort design.

[@hvymax]

I think a Scrambler seat would be perfect for me. It would put me 4" higher and allow me to slide back to where I fit.

[@justinschmidt2901]

And they look SOOOO good

[@sgtace]

Imagine sitting on someones honda rebel and it's not yours friend because he parked it somewhere else today :D

[@hvymax]

4" taller shocks would have more travel as well.

[@matusnovosadek5426]

1st view ? 1st like ? 1st comment ? nice... your vid is unlisted by the way. How did I get here lol ?

[@Shady36]

What kind of dark sorcery is this. A comment made 3 days before the video was uploaded.

[@matusnovosadek5426]

@@Shady36 **magic**

[@domosthenesdomosthenes3218]

I rode my Rebel a couple hundred miles today and the seat sucked!!

[@Highbridge3000]

What viewers may appreciate more is your review after you sat on it for a while rather than half hour or so, would be even better.

[@LifeOfBurch]

Like I said in the video, that will be coming after I get more miles on the seat.

[@TheMurbain]

T - 4 days to get my rebel😁😁😁

[@LifeOfBurch]

Dude congrats! I bet you’re stoked!!

[@TheMurbain]

@@LifeOfBurch Can't wait....😁😁😁😁 btw, anyone from Switzerland here that also is buying one? I'm looking for a legal exaust for the 1100... since the two brothers is NOT😥

[@popixel]

Keep your documents in a waterproof bag.

[@rtroiani]

Will be interesting to hear after awhile. I have a Corbin that is hard as a rock, but it's surprisingly not uncomfortable.

[@20Hikecdt23]

Did you think a seat did not need a break in time?

[@LifeOfBurch]

I clearly said multiple times that while I understand a seat will break in, even the stock seat BEFORE break in was more comfortable. I also said that because it will break in some, this is just an initial reaction and I’ll do a more long term review once I put more miles on the new seat. Come on Dave.

[@davidleaghty2943]

See if Mustang has one.

[@jimmyonthedrug]

here

[@jorre4478]

OCD OCD OCD!!!!

[@solo9509]

How does it feel now/after breaking in? Mustang had the 1100 seat out now (www.mustangseats.com/products/6897/tripper-solo-passenger-seat-for-honda-21-rebel-1100), which I'm seriously considering about. The only downside is its price tag - $349 vs $99, and I wonder if the Mustang is 3x better than this one lol

[@godwhomismike]

I wonder how hard or how much it would be to find a seat/funiture reupholster to open the seat up and put a gel pad in it.

[@LifeOfBurch]

I’m actually planning to most likely do that! There’s a local place that re-did a seat for me on one of my old bikes so I may take one of the seats there to be customized a bit better.

[@Lew1125CR]

@@LifeOfBurch Please let me know who you used. I need the seat for my Suzuki Marauder redone. Love to support a local business rather than send it out.

[@LifeOfBurch]

@@Lew1125CR the place is called Bay Country Custom Upholstery! They’re right in Annapolis. When I had my Corbin seat on my VFR750, the passenger portion of the seat tore and I took it to them for repair. It looked as good as new! We even found a grippy material that they used instead of leather or vinyl so that my passenger was nice and locked in and wouldn’t slide around back there.