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Bead rider which one

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9.1K views 31 replies 17 participants last post by  bikerbillone  
#1 ·
I currently ride with beads on my seat. I need to get one for my wife. The beads I use are the wingstuff wooden beads. I have absolutely no complaints and I won't leave home without them.

This is the one I currently have:

http://wingstuff.com/products/22902-motorcycle-oversize-beaded-seat-cover?from_search=1

Question:

On bead riders website, they have the classic (wood) and ultimate (ceramic). The ceramic is twice the price. Does anyone have any experience between the wooden and ceramic beads?

http://www.beadrider.com/shop/ultimate-beadrider-seat-front-seat-only/
 
G
#3 ·
The Ultimate will hold up better to long-term heat, moisture, etc... ceramic vs. wood. Having stated the "theoretical" (per Beadrider), the nylon stitching failed on my first Ultimate after 2 seasons. I had the pad permanently attached to the seat, and I think the hot summer sun destroyed the thread when the bike was parked. Beadrider replaced the pad for free as a customer service jesture; I picked it up from the owners house in Maryland. The replacement Ultimate pad is stored in my saddlebag when I'm not sitting on it, and after 3 years it looks like brand new!

I won't ride without it either!!! :bow:



MisterK said:
I currently ride with beads on my seat. I need to get one for my wife. The beads I use are the wingstuff wooden beads. I have absolutely no complaints and I won't leave home without them.

This is the one I currently have:

http://wingstuff.com/products/22902-motorcycle-oversize-beaded-seat-cover?from_search=1

Question:

On bead riders website, they have the classic (wood) and ultimate (ceramic). The ceramic is twice the price. Does anyone have any experience between the wooden and ceramic beads?

http://www.beadrider.com/shop/ultimate-beadrider-seat-front-seat-only/
Click to expand...
 
#4 ·
From what I have heard the wood beads start to peel the paint where the ceramic stay nice. I don't know from experience but I am curious what others have to say. I have been contemplating this route but opted for the sheep skin to keep things dry down there. Good to know you like them as others do to.
 
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#5 ·
Gary, you said, "The replacement Ultimate pad is stored in my saddlebag when I'm not sitting on it, and after 3 years it looks like brand new!"

Do you hook them on and unhook them off each time? Or do you just lay the beads on the seat and ride?
 
G
#6 ·
Merely lay the Ultimate pad on the seat and ride; then just lift it off at the end of the day. It stays put... no issues. :thumbup:


CruiseControl said:
Gary, you said, "The replacement Ultimate pad is stored in my saddlebag when I'm not sitting on it, and after 3 years it looks like brand new!"

Do you hook them on and unhook them off each time? Or do you just lay the beads on the seat and ride?
Click to expand...
 
#8 ·
got mine at walfarts for $ 20 for a car . trimmed it down a little but it goes up over the utopia backrest and keeps my back cooler ! toasty here in fl. cheap wooden beads -2 yrs old - good luck
 
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#9 ·
I currently have the ceramic beads and they still look brand new after three years. The wooden beads are somewhat softer which is noticeable on long days. On long days I will periodically remove the beads and sit on the stock seat trying to do that appropriate to the ambient temperature. I have used beads for four years and have never had a problem with slipping at all, I just lay the beads down and sit on them. I only use the beads on hot days.
 
#13 ·
I've had the wooden bead rider seat cover for 5 years...It has saved me many days of Diaper rash.....I love them.... YES,,, they were black painted... and the paint is wearing off... who gives a crap...!!.. they keep MY butt real comfortable on a 7 hour day....!!

I'd buy then again if I ever had to... (I don't care that they are losing paint)... They make my butt feel good...
 
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#14 ·
well i put about 600 miles on the ceramic beads (ultimate bead rider) and I am impressed. the ceramic seem to be a bit smoother and cooler. However, i was also comfortable on the wooden beads too.

the ceramic does fit my wing better, i think i got the 13x14. Probably other than the fit and finish (ceramic fit better and look better) , i really cant tell that much difference other than the ceramic seem "smoother"
 
#15 ·
MisterK said:
well i put about 600 miles on the ceramic beads (ultimate bead rider) and I am impressed. the ceramic seem to be a bit smoother and cooler. However, i was also comfortable on the wooden beads too.

the ceramic does fit my wing better, i think i got the 13x14. Probably other than the fit and finish (ceramic fit better and look better) , i really cant tell that much difference other than the ceramic seem "smoother"
Click to expand...
From what I see they come in 12 x 12, 13 x 13, 14 x 14 or 15 x 15. I am still on the fence regarding these and I never know what is the best size to order regarding any of the seat gadgets. I have been giving my Alaska Leather Butt Pad a try over the weekend and it is nice as well but I wonder if the beads are better on the hot days.
 
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#16 ·
530ktm said:
From what I see they come in 12 x 12, 13 x 13, 14 x 14 or 15 x 15. I am still on the fence regarding these and I never know what is the best size to order regarding any of the seat gadgets. I have been giving my Alaska Leather Butt Pad a try over the weekend and it is nice as well but I wonder if the beads are better on the hot days.
Click to expand...

must have been 14x14, i use my alaskan butt pad when it is cool outside. on long rides i will put my abp ob the beads for 100 miles or so to change leg positions for a while
 
#17 ·
Ceramic beads

I've been using the ceramics for about 4 years and they go on in April and stay on til Dec. I use some 1/2" ROK straps with quick releases for removing for storing when parked somewhere questionable.

It's the only way I can get some air moving around the backside. They are waterproof, but I have had to re-tie a couple of the monofilament knots.
 
#18 ·
UNCLEJOHN said:
got mine at walfarts for $ 20 for a car . trimmed it down a little but it goes up over the utopia backrest and keeps my back cooler ! toasty here in fl. cheap wooden beads -2 yrs old - good luck
Click to expand...
Next time I see you I'll take a look at yours. I like the idea of going over the utopia as that has always been a hot spot for me.
 
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#19 ·
MisterK said:
well i put about 600 miles on the ceramic beads (ultimate bead rider) and I am impressed. the ceramic seem to be a bit smoother and cooler. However, i was also comfortable on the wooden beads too.

the ceramic does fit my wing better, i think i got the 13x14. Probably other than the fit and finish (ceramic fit better and look better) , i really cant tell that much difference other than the ceramic seem "smoother"
Click to expand...
We didn't know you were married Kevin, never seen her on any rides, what up with dat.
 
#20 ·
Riverdawg said:
I've been using the ceramics for about 4 years and they go on in April and stay on til Dec. I use some 1/2" ROK straps with quick releases for removing for storing when parked somewhere questionable.
View attachment 54481 View attachment 54482
It's the only way I can get some air moving around the backside. They are waterproof, but I have had to re-tie a couple of the monofilament knots.
Click to expand...
If you park your bike in the sun for a short period of time, do they get Hot? I have wooden beads and love them.
 
#22 ·
MisterK said:
i cant have unmatched beads.....what would people think:)
Click to expand...
Now that I am looking into these I realize the ceramic version only comes for the driver seat. How did you get one for the passenger seat or am I missing something here? You can buy the set for front and rear in the wooden beads only from what I see.
 
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H
#23 ·
Beads

Kevin,
Good choice on the Beadrider. I love mine. I do have a suggestion. After a few years (and I'm sure the harsh Texas sunshine) the nylon weaving may start to break. Before this happens, get some 80 pound fishing line and weave it in the beads so if the original starts to break, you have backup. I learned from experience.

Rick
 
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#24 ·
Nice tip Rick. I was talking to a guy in my club who sold me on buying a set of these for my trip. He did say the fishing line broke though, so this would have provented his downfall. I will make sure I double line my wife and mine when I get finally order them in the next day or two.

MisterK: Do you have a stock seat? I read how to measure and am going to go measure my seat. I have the Mustang, so I am looking for someone with a beadrider on a mustang to verify what I measure is the accurate size.
 
#25 ·
corigan said:
Nice tip Rick. I was talking to a guy in my club who sold me on buying a set of these for my trip. He did say the fishing line broke though, so this would have provented his downfall. I will make sure I double line my wife and mine when I get finally order them in the next day or two.

MisterK: Do you have a stock seat? I read how to measure and am going to go measure my seat. I have the Mustang, so I am looking for someone with a beadrider on a mustang to verify what I measure is the accurate size.
Click to expand...

i have the stock seat
 
#26 ·
Hondahawk said:
Kevin,
Good choice on the Beadrider. I love mine. I do have a suggestion. After a few years (and I'm sure the harsh Texas sunshine) the nylon weaving may start to break. Before this happens, get some 80 pound fishing line and weave it in the beads so if the original starts to break, you have backup. I learned from experience.

Rick
Click to expand...

thanks rick
 
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