Johnwesley
Well-Known Member
I don't think the description about Bill Mayer Saddles is quite correct. He's had the same seat builder (IIRC his name is Adrian) for decades and Rocky is still involved. Not a lot of personnel to turn over! I didn't see anything that looked like a production line when I was there, just a small craftsman's shop. There are pictures of Adrian all over their shop walls here in Ventura, Showing him building saddles at BMW rallies, on-site, 20+ years ago.
Bill's brother Rick also had a saddle company for a while after Bill Sr. passed, but Rick turned out to be a poor businessman and created a lot of bad blood by failing to fill orders and eventually went bust. Too bad BMS saddles is still trying to live some of that down. Rocky actually ended up honoring some of, if not all, of Rick's unfilled customer orders when Rick shunt down. I did a ride-in appointment with them and am very happy with my saddle. They sent me out 2-3 times to test ride the seat before finishing and covering it.
Of course saddles are a personal thing, but a custom ride-in can avoid the back and forth adjustments.
I had the same experience with a ride in for a triumph 955 tiger. Had me go ride the bike and let him know what I though. After 3 rides it was dialed in. I much prefer leather for the comfort. It molds to your butt better and breathers better than any synthetic seat I have had. Never had any issues with the leather Corbin uses nor the BMS saddles.