I actually tried several times to get it right, but every time I tightened the grab handles both latches would either refuse to work, or at least drag and not work as designed. Leaving the bolts slightly loose both latches worked fine. To be totally honest I got pissed off and beat the damn thing into submission. I guess I somehow created more clearance for height at the grab rail side holes. Not by much as you can't see it or really tell but it was enough that they now work fine. My mind set was that I was pissed and the damn thing was either going to work or go in the trash. Really frustrating to me that this seat is difficult enough to remove and install (10 bolts stock with a back rest and rear rack) not to mention the fact that they don't fit correctly. I would also guess one could also relieve the underside of the grab rail slots slightly and pull up on them when installing and accomplish the same result? But I was not modifying the rails to accommodate a seat. The other problem with Corbin is that the seat has to be removed to get the side covers off. Could be as new the sides of the seat where the grab rails bolt on are sticking out too far causing the grab rails to angle down, and after being on a while the contact points will be flattened and the grab rails will be level allowing the latches to work as they are supposed to? I have not had mine back off but I will pull it this weekend to verify.
Sorry about your troubles. I have taken mine off a couple of times and except for the front tab, it goes on easy and no problem with saddlebag latches. I also have the Corbin backrest and yes if you want it locked down at the back for a passenger you have to remove the seat. I just use mine for long distance traveling at the riders position, but bought it so it can be used in the back. My wife has used it with me just inserting it in the slot with no problems. I did cable lock it to the grab rails when we parked. Definitely easier to use than the Honda backrest.
Those of you with issues
Have you contacted CORBIN ? if so .....
WHAT DID CORBIN DO or INSTRUCT you to do when you called them and explained your installation problem ???????
Many times problems are caused by the INSTALLER. Some owners have had ZERO issues. I have Corbin seats and yes they initially needed some minor shimming so that the seat was not as tight on the bike as it came from the factory. Spacers/washers are used on a few CORBIN seats until they fit your bike the way you want it.
Occasionally the product needs to be tweaked or redesigned.
CALL CORBIN and ask to speak with someone that knows this NEW seat, they may have a solution for you.
Successful people build each other up. They motivate, inspire and push each other. Unsuccessful people just hate, blame and complain.
Like I said in my above post I have no problems.It just seems the more times you take it on and off for whatever reason/mods the easier it may fit and the latches work and fit better
Ride it like you stole it
Everything fits and saddlebag latches work. My issue is that you can't remove the side panels unless the seat is off. I've been on the phone with Corbin over the past 4 or 5 weeks. They said I could send the seat back and they would shave off enough of the pan so the side panels come off. I told them that is not good enough. If they do it that way there will be a wide gap . They screwed up when they molded the pan. I'm waiting to hear back from them. I like the seat and for me it has the comfort I need for long rides.
Frank Ferrante
2013 F6B Black Deluxe
2016 Moto Guzzi Eldorado
My custom-made one of a kind seat fits like OEM,,, because it uses the OEM pan.
Got about 5 hundred plus miles on the RDL. As anticipated,,, you don't even think about yer butt when riding,,,
It ain't for everyone I suppose, but I sure like 'em!!!
I purchased my new Corbin seat at Daytona Bike Week a few weeks ago. I mentioned to them about the issue of not being able to get the side covers off without removing the seat. They put the seat on my F6B and said they'd fix it and they did right while I watched and checked it out to my satisfaction they were very accommodating. What they did was carefully tape up the side cover area so they wouldn't scratch anything. Remove the seat drill out the rivets, pulled the leather seat cover up and marked it and trimmed off about 3/8 or 1/2 inch off the seat pan recovered the seat and replaced the rivets then had me try removing the side covers everything was fine, worked great. He took a few pictures for his reference and believe sent some to the California factory. He said this was the first he ever heard the complaint but was an easy fix.
The guy that helped me and did all the work happens to be the manager at the Ormond Beach Fl location his name is Michael Keohane
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
"Do Unto Others.........Then run like Hell"
78 GL1000 Black
02 VTX 1800c Illusion Blue
04 Rune NRX 1800 Dbl Clearcoat Black
13 Goldwing 1800 F6B Black.