Enduro seat experience.
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This is the place for topics concerining modifying and accessorizing your Ural or Denpr.
This is the place for topics concerining modifying and accessorizing your Ural or Denpr.
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Enduro seat experience.
I recently came to suspect my Gear-Up's tractor seat as responsible for aggravating a painful nerve impingement I suffer from intermittently. The Gear-Up had been down for a few months, and I drew a correlation between getting it back on the road and an increase in my physical torment. So I decided to change something up, with the seat being the most obvious and significant component in the equation.
I've always loved the looks of my tractor seat, and the ease of customization. I'm 6'3" and 210lbs, so I doubled up the rubber blocks and used some square 2" tubing to raise it a bit. But there's no denying the tractor seat's peculiarities. With two blocks, it's very stiff vertically, but the rubber is soft enough that you can feel the frame of the seat on your sit bones. Going over our plentiful New York City potholes, it feels like it's mounted onto a jackhammer.
Side to side though it's another story, and the tractor's rubber blocks turn it into Gumby when I steer hard left or right. I find it actually fighting me using body English to steer the bike -- when I try to push my weight to the right on right-handers, the seat goes left and counteracts the effort.
It's also nearly impossible to change positions sitting on the tractor seat. There's only one way your butt fits on it. You can scoot forward a little, or try to hang off the side, but neither give much variation or comfort.
Thanks to Daisy Cutter I was able to obtain an Enduro seat without having to endure the MSRP. I was so excited I put it on in the rain, and boy am I glad I did. It feels like a completely different bike, in a good way.
Most of my miles in the saddle over the years were on BMW GS bikes, which I usually had raised with Corbin saddles and stiffer springs. I like the visibility afforded by height, both to me and of me. I was worried the Enduro seat would be significantly lower than my raised tractor seat, but this is not so. The Enduro seat is 32" off the ground, versus 33" for the tractor seat:
It does not feel much lower at all than the tractor. It's reasonably stiff, but not as stiff up-and-down as the tractor, so it's much better on the bumps. Because it doesn't do the left-right wiggle, either, it actually makes the bike feel much more stable and easier to control in the turns. So the seat is actually a significant upgrade in how the bike handles. I'm not kidding about this, it has to be experienced to be believed. For years, I was convinced the handling differences between my 1WD and 2WD Urals were down to the higher sidecar, but the fact is both my Sportsman and my Gear-Up were the only Urals I have equipped with tractor seats, and at least _some_ of the difference comes down to that.
The ability to shift forward and back is fantastic. Between that and the reduction in the jackhammer-like quality of the tractor seat, and the improvement in handling, this is among the best -- if not the best -- of the mods I've made to my Gear-Up.
There are two downsides. One is the looks -- nothing says "living fossil" like the tractor seat -- but the functional benefits make that a minor consideration.
The other is more of a missed opportunity. Unlike the Ural bench seats of old, which used a sliding metal plate for retention in the back and just one nut to keep the front of the seat on, the Enduro (and presumably other modern Ural benches) uses two bolts in the back. These bolts slip through the fender in the same spot as the tractor pillion. This eliminates a bit of extra hardware needed for the bench, but requires two extra bolts to remove the seat, which is required for access to the removable plate underneath and the relays, battery, etc.
If I get bored, I might try to rig up a bracket to eliminate the need to remove the rear bolts to take the seat off. But for now, I'm just going to enjoy the vast improvement in comfort and handling! Thanks again to Daisy Cutter for sending over the seat, and to ReCycled for confirming that this is the seat to get. It makes me look forward to riding even more.
I've always loved the looks of my tractor seat, and the ease of customization. I'm 6'3" and 210lbs, so I doubled up the rubber blocks and used some square 2" tubing to raise it a bit. But there's no denying the tractor seat's peculiarities. With two blocks, it's very stiff vertically, but the rubber is soft enough that you can feel the frame of the seat on your sit bones. Going over our plentiful New York City potholes, it feels like it's mounted onto a jackhammer.
Side to side though it's another story, and the tractor's rubber blocks turn it into Gumby when I steer hard left or right. I find it actually fighting me using body English to steer the bike -- when I try to push my weight to the right on right-handers, the seat goes left and counteracts the effort.
It's also nearly impossible to change positions sitting on the tractor seat. There's only one way your butt fits on it. You can scoot forward a little, or try to hang off the side, but neither give much variation or comfort.
Thanks to Daisy Cutter I was able to obtain an Enduro seat without having to endure the MSRP. I was so excited I put it on in the rain, and boy am I glad I did. It feels like a completely different bike, in a good way.
Most of my miles in the saddle over the years were on BMW GS bikes, which I usually had raised with Corbin saddles and stiffer springs. I like the visibility afforded by height, both to me and of me. I was worried the Enduro seat would be significantly lower than my raised tractor seat, but this is not so. The Enduro seat is 32" off the ground, versus 33" for the tractor seat:
It does not feel much lower at all than the tractor. It's reasonably stiff, but not as stiff up-and-down as the tractor, so it's much better on the bumps. Because it doesn't do the left-right wiggle, either, it actually makes the bike feel much more stable and easier to control in the turns. So the seat is actually a significant upgrade in how the bike handles. I'm not kidding about this, it has to be experienced to be believed. For years, I was convinced the handling differences between my 1WD and 2WD Urals were down to the higher sidecar, but the fact is both my Sportsman and my Gear-Up were the only Urals I have equipped with tractor seats, and at least _some_ of the difference comes down to that.
The ability to shift forward and back is fantastic. Between that and the reduction in the jackhammer-like quality of the tractor seat, and the improvement in handling, this is among the best -- if not the best -- of the mods I've made to my Gear-Up.
There are two downsides. One is the looks -- nothing says "living fossil" like the tractor seat -- but the functional benefits make that a minor consideration.
The other is more of a missed opportunity. Unlike the Ural bench seats of old, which used a sliding metal plate for retention in the back and just one nut to keep the front of the seat on, the Enduro (and presumably other modern Ural benches) uses two bolts in the back. These bolts slip through the fender in the same spot as the tractor pillion. This eliminates a bit of extra hardware needed for the bench, but requires two extra bolts to remove the seat, which is required for access to the removable plate underneath and the relays, battery, etc.
If I get bored, I might try to rig up a bracket to eliminate the need to remove the rear bolts to take the seat off. But for now, I'm just going to enjoy the vast improvement in comfort and handling! Thanks again to Daisy Cutter for sending over the seat, and to ReCycled for confirming that this is the seat to get. It makes me look forward to riding even more.
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- Lofty
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Re: Enduro seat experience.
Do post a picture or two, please, if or when you fabricate the bracket that you mention. The removal of the two under-fender bolts is awkward, and I'd be happy to consider any solutions that make the task easier.
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2018 Ural Gear Up
2015 Suzuki DR650
1991 Bianchi Osprey
1952 Columbia RX-5 ('87, NOS)
- Tomcatfixer
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Re: Enduro seat experience.
I read some reviews on the forum from folks that had the Enduro seat and didn't care for the foam density and the "thigh-cutting" of the front edges. After reading that, plus not caring for "The Look", I quickly dismissed the seat as unsuitable for me. Since you and I are very similar in build and since I'm interested in a seating option that will allow me to ride long distance to rallies without developing "babboon-azz", perhaps I'll have to re-evaluate the Enduro.
Also, since I got my 2001 Patrol, I got to experience how enjoyably simple the bench seat is to remove. It's a "one-nut" affair.
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Also, since I got my 2001 Patrol, I got to experience how enjoyably simple the bench seat is to remove. It's a "one-nut" affair.

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- Chad
Gordonsville, Virginia, USA
Current rides:
2015 Ural cT "Mobile Chernobyl", 2001 Ural Patrol "Little Red Bear", 1999 Ural Tourist "The RPOC", Mid-Nineties Ural Tourist "The Heap", 1994 Honda VFR750F, 2007 BMW K1200GT
Previous rides:
2007 Honda VTR1000 FireStorm (Super Hawk in U.S.)
2001 Buell Blast! - - - - - - - 2005 Yamaha FJR1300
1993 Honda CBR600F2 - -1984 Yamaha FJ1100
Two different 1986 Yamaha FZX700S Fazers
Gordonsville, Virginia, USA
Current rides:
2015 Ural cT "Mobile Chernobyl", 2001 Ural Patrol "Little Red Bear", 1999 Ural Tourist "The RPOC", Mid-Nineties Ural Tourist "The Heap", 1994 Honda VFR750F, 2007 BMW K1200GT
Previous rides:
2007 Honda VTR1000 FireStorm (Super Hawk in U.S.)
2001 Buell Blast! - - - - - - - 2005 Yamaha FJR1300
1993 Honda CBR600F2 - -1984 Yamaha FJ1100
Two different 1986 Yamaha FZX700S Fazers
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Re: Enduro seat experience.
Yeah, and with a one-nut seat and the late-model removable seat plate you would be able to get to the battery in two minutes flat.
It's going to be tricky, though. The Enduro seat pan is designed to lay flush supported against the length of the rear fender, so anything in between the pan and the fender is going to have to extend to provide the same support. The old style bench like on your Patrol has a pan extra wide in the middle to accommodate the brackets for the mount, which are on the outside of the fender.
It could be that I will just have to learn to live with a five-minute battery access procedure. One low-tech way I plan to improve it is by getting some wing bolts to replace the hex cap screws, as half of the PITA is getting a ratchet under the fender to get to them.
It's going to be tricky, though. The Enduro seat pan is designed to lay flush supported against the length of the rear fender, so anything in between the pan and the fender is going to have to extend to provide the same support. The old style bench like on your Patrol has a pan extra wide in the middle to accommodate the brackets for the mount, which are on the outside of the fender.
It could be that I will just have to learn to live with a five-minute battery access procedure. One low-tech way I plan to improve it is by getting some wing bolts to replace the hex cap screws, as half of the PITA is getting a ratchet under the fender to get to them.
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Re: Enduro seat experience.
These look like they might do the job nicely.You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
'14 Gear Up
'02 Patrol
'00 Bavarian Classic
'09 BMW F800GS
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Re: Enduro seat experience.
My 2015 came with the "Italian Bench" as standard - similar to the enduro but with a raised rear portion. Unfortunately for me (6'1" and about 210) the raised part was in the wrong spot and I couldn't move back enough without ending up halfway up the rise.
Bought a factory tractor seat with 2 blocks from a 2014 (used single and 2 to test ride) and went back to the Italian bench very quickly.
Recently a 2/3 solo seat became available and I haven't looked back. Have done 6,000 kilometers since fitment.
I would like to ry the enduro, but I think the new 2/3 solo has a bit of life left in it yet.
Bought a factory tractor seat with 2 blocks from a 2014 (used single and 2 to test ride) and went back to the Italian bench very quickly.
Recently a 2/3 solo seat became available and I haven't looked back. Have done 6,000 kilometers since fitment.
I would like to ry the enduro, but I think the new 2/3 solo has a bit of life left in it yet.
2015 Ural EU Tourist -
Re: Enduro seat experience.
I also had the "Italian style bench seat" on my 2011 Tourist, I was very uncomfortable after a half hour of riding. The placement of the ridge locks one in a too far forward position, I also need a back support which is supplied by a Bikers Choice 11" round Duffel. I was able to adjust the back support farther back on the seat to allow a more comfortable riding position. I also have studs installed into the threaded holes in seat base, makes it much easier to install. I use SS lock nuts and SS washers to hold seat to fender. I've done several long trips with the Enduro seat in place and am very pleased with its performance. I also have a beaded cover and a sheepskin on the seat which has eliminated the sharp edge of seat for me, I'm 5'7'' with a 29" inseam.
Last edited by Navy TM on Fri Jan 25, 2019 7:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Mike 
2011 Ural Patrol (Orange/Silver) (Veronika)
2011 Ural Tourist Red (Valya)
2004 Custom w/S&S 93CI Shovelhead Motor ( I built this one) Given to a friend
1974 Harley FXE Given to Daughter
1991 ATK 406 Donated to New England Motorcycle Museum
1989 Atk 406 Donated to New England Motorcycle Museum

2011 Ural Patrol (Orange/Silver) (Veronika)
2011 Ural Tourist Red (Valya)
2004 Custom w/S&S 93CI Shovelhead Motor ( I built this one) Given to a friend
1974 Harley FXE Given to Daughter
1991 ATK 406 Donated to New England Motorcycle Museum
1989 Atk 406 Donated to New England Motorcycle Museum
- INSUBORDINATOR
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Re: Enduro seat experience.
I did an interesting & comfortable tractor upgrade with a LYCETTE type Britsh spring saddle in drivers location, which looks - & feels very great.
EXCEPT: My right knee (damaged years ago) has a hard time bending enough to ride for long.
I'm wondering if an ENDURO or 2/3 flat Bench seat would allow me to scoot back enough - to ease my uncomfortable knee bend ?
IF SO.......
I think I Would trade both My excellent Front & Rear TRACTOR SEATS + mounts + covers - for ONE NICE ENDURO/ 2/3 SEAT with mounts. Mine are very pretty - With no issues. But my darn old KNEE probably won't get any better.
please contact me if interested....
EXCEPT: My right knee (damaged years ago) has a hard time bending enough to ride for long.
I'm wondering if an ENDURO or 2/3 flat Bench seat would allow me to scoot back enough - to ease my uncomfortable knee bend ?
IF SO.......
I think I Would trade both My excellent Front & Rear TRACTOR SEATS + mounts + covers - for ONE NICE ENDURO/ 2/3 SEAT with mounts. Mine are very pretty - With no issues. But my darn old KNEE probably won't get any better.
please contact me if interested....
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Re: Enduro seat experience.

The Enduro is up there as one of the best motorcycle seats I've ever sat on. Close runners were the Moto Guzzi Spada bench seat, and a king-&-queen-ish style aftermarket touring seat I had on my BMW R80. The Enduro I can and have sat on for hours and hours with minimal bum-ache, which is a unique experience for me.
It the Daddy.

Mike H
2016 Ural cT, in glorious terracotta
(aka Oranzhevaya Opasnost, "The Orange Peril")
2016 Ural cT, in glorious terracotta
(aka Oranzhevaya Opasnost, "The Orange Peril")
- Mr Wazzock
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Re: Enduro seat experience.
PS: yes and you have ample fore-aft "adjustment margin".
Mike H
2016 Ural cT, in glorious terracotta
(aka Oranzhevaya Opasnost, "The Orange Peril")
2016 Ural cT, in glorious terracotta
(aka Oranzhevaya Opasnost, "The Orange Peril")
Re: Enduro seat experience.
The 2/3 solo isn't sprung so you are going to lose the seats ability to soak up a lot of frame shock and vibration.INSUBORDINATOR wrote: ↑Mon Jan 07, 2019 1:52 pmI think I Would trade both My excellent Front & Rear TRACTOR SEATS + mounts + covers - for ONE NICE ENDURO/ 2/3 SEAT with mounts.
You might have a better knee at the cost of a worse back?
2015 Ural EU Tourist -
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Re: Enduro seat experience.
The "luxury swing seat" is the 2/3 bench on springs which would give one the best of both worlds if it's the correct seat for them.AndyH wrote: ↑Mon Jan 07, 2019 11:34 pmThe 2/3 solo isn't sprung so you are going to lose the seats ability to soak up a lot of frame shock and vibration.INSUBORDINATOR wrote: ↑Mon Jan 07, 2019 1:52 pmI think I Would trade both My excellent Front & Rear TRACTOR SEATS + mounts + covers - for ONE NICE ENDURO/ 2/3 SEAT with mounts.
You might have a better knee at the cost of a worse back?
Some folks don't like the 2/3 seat, I hate the enduro and stepped seat, I'd rather have the old tractor seat than any version of a bench seat. It's virtually impossible to recommend what will be best for another person, we're all built different.
I have knee issues too, the right seat is a nice thing, but don't find any seat will solve my issue with them. The only thing that helps me is taking breaks where I can stretch and walk some. I even tried highway pegs where I could stretch my legs out, but no dice on that helping.
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Barry
"Take care, sir," cried Sancho. "Those over there are not giants but windmills".
2007 Patrol 100k km and counting,
2018/20 M70
"Take care, sir," cried Sancho. "Those over there are not giants but windmills".
2007 Patrol 100k km and counting,
2018/20 M70
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Re: Enduro seat experience.
I can confirm that the above are perfect replacements for the rear seat bolts on the Enduro and possibly other seats, and make it easier to remove the seat.eastbloc wrote: ↑Sun Jan 06, 2019 10:56 ambolt.PNG
These look like they might do the job nicely.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A9N2EK2/ref=biss_dp_t_asn
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'14 Gear Up
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Re: Enduro seat experience.
Sorry, no idea what's going on with the photo attachments. This functionality has been really wonky lately.
'14 Gear Up
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- Tomcatfixer
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Re: Enduro seat experience.
Do you know how close the tire-to-knurl-knob distance is under full shock compression? Any danger of contact?
- Chad
Gordonsville, Virginia, USA
Current rides:
2015 Ural cT "Mobile Chernobyl", 2001 Ural Patrol "Little Red Bear", 1999 Ural Tourist "The RPOC", Mid-Nineties Ural Tourist "The Heap", 1994 Honda VFR750F, 2007 BMW K1200GT
Previous rides:
2007 Honda VTR1000 FireStorm (Super Hawk in U.S.)
2001 Buell Blast! - - - - - - - 2005 Yamaha FJR1300
1993 Honda CBR600F2 - -1984 Yamaha FJ1100
Two different 1986 Yamaha FZX700S Fazers
Gordonsville, Virginia, USA
Current rides:
2015 Ural cT "Mobile Chernobyl", 2001 Ural Patrol "Little Red Bear", 1999 Ural Tourist "The RPOC", Mid-Nineties Ural Tourist "The Heap", 1994 Honda VFR750F, 2007 BMW K1200GT
Previous rides:
2007 Honda VTR1000 FireStorm (Super Hawk in U.S.)
2001 Buell Blast! - - - - - - - 2005 Yamaha FJR1300
1993 Honda CBR600F2 - -1984 Yamaha FJ1100
Two different 1986 Yamaha FZX700S Fazers