Looking at ordering a Corbin Solo with backrest for my 15 Road King, and am debating between the leather seating area or vinyl. Most manufacturers use marine grade vinyl (Harley, Mustang, LePera, Ultimate), but Corbin uses leather as their standard. My question is for those with a Corbin how does it hold up over time (think years)? Does it fade, stretch, or peel?

I have never owned a leather seat on a motorcycle, but have owned and seen leather seats in cars (BMW, VW, domestic), and the leather seems to wear badly and look rough within a few years. Therefore I am leaning towards the vinyl.

For those who own or seen Corbin's vinyl, what is the Corbin vinyl like? Is it similar to Mustang's? How does it feel? It is soft or more plastic like?

Any additional info you can think of would be great.

I'm thinking of going with their softer foam and diamond stitching in black.

 

I have had 4 Corbin seats. I have one that's is 25 years old that is still an awesome seat. The leather is much cooler in hot weather. There are some wear areas on the very edge but not bad. My other seats have the natural wrinkles from body weight but all have worn very well.

 

....... but, it won't come apart to the point of recovering in 5-7 yrs
..... that said, both my saddlemans are vinyl & quite comfortable

 

my if you store the bike in a garage then go with the leather, if you leave the bike outside un-protected go with the vinyl

 

I have 2 Corbin saddles and both of them are all leather, even the side panels. I treat them twice a year (spring and fall) and don't do anything else to them. I don't cover either of them when it's raining.

 

If you are only concerned about wear, the cover that will hold up the best, go with a high quality marine vinyl.

If on the other hand you value comfort, feel and appearance in the equation, go with leather. Not bonded leather, quality leather.

I have ridden on both and prefer real leather. Don't mind the extra maintenance. Cooler in the summer, the best! There is a reason Harley uses leather on there top of the line CVO seats.

 

I much prefer quality leather. More comfortable, looks, and wears better -- like a Harley.

Another note, I steer clear from designs with lots of stitching - leather or vinyl. Think flames and other patterns. Stitches make holes that lets water in, and it takes a looong time for foam to dry. My C&C seat is leather with no stitches in the seat area, only around the edge. I've never had a problem with water getting under the leather.

 

What do you use to treat your Corbin seats?

 

In the evening it is in my garage, but obviously the days I ride it sits outside in the sun (to work, restaurants, etc).

 

I have the leather now for about 10 years. The leather looks new, yes it is garaged. Showing wear only on the vinyl piping along the sides of the seat, but its been on for about 60k miles.
I treat mine with Bick 4 saddle conditioner I picked up at the local western/saddle store. Repels water and keeps it supple.