For years, motorcycle manufacturers have offered adjustable height kits to make the saddle lower or higher, but for a wider saddle, you currently have no choice but to delve into motorcycle catalogs. 'accessories. The fact that there is a market for such offerings proves that the demand is there, as stock saddles don't always fit everyone's behind. This is why an innovation like BMW Motorrad's patent application in January 2022 for a motorcycle saddle with adjustable width is interesting. If the device described here comes to market, it could potentially be an interesting solution for motorcyclists.
An all-new BMW R 1250 GS model is currently under development and will likely be one of the most anticipated new machines of 2023. Now comes a new patent that could be a clue as to how BMW intends to improve your game with the next GS: the development of a saddle adjustable in width and height. It's one of those ideas so simple it's surprising a builder hasn't thought of it already.
The saddle described here is narrow at the front and widens towards the rear, as many motorcycle saddles do. The adjustment does not affect the narrower front portion of the saddle, but is instead relegated to the rear portion. It's located where a biker's butt can stay planted on those long, straight stretches of asphalt. Additionally, this adjustment can also extend to the passenger.
The images are self-explanatory, depicting a saddle made up of three sections rather than a single piece of foam. The front element is attached as usual, fitting snugly to the rear of the fuel tank, but behind it are two movable side elements, one for each side. In standard mode, it looks like a normal saddle, just with a few extra stitches separating the sections. But once the innards are revealed, the patent reveals that the two rear sections can rotate. This means that the rear halves can be swung outwards by up to a few centimeters, significantly widening the rear section of the saddle.
The patent indicates that the two rear sections are also mounted on slides. Thus, the saddle can be positioned at any location along these guide rails, making it infinitely adjustable. The patent indicates in particular that “on motorcycles, the saddle constitutes one of the direct points of attachment between man and machine, and therefore plays an important role in terms of comfort”. Regardless of the method used to adjust the saddle width, the settings are obviously lockable once the riding position is ideal.
Given the goal of quick and easy adjustment, it's surprising that the patent focuses primarily on a width-adjustable saddle version that uses threaded fasteners to lock it in place. In other words, remove the saddle, loosen the clips underneath, move the sides to the desired position, then tighten the clips to lock it in place. An action that takes time.
However, BMW has had electrically adjustable seats in its automotive range for a long time, since the Bavarian brand was among the pioneers in the development of active seat technologies. The patent thus suggests that other ideas are being studied, since: “another aspect of the invention provides that the adjustment device can be actuated electrically and/or manually. Accordingly, the adjustment device comprises an electric motor and/or a mechanical mechanism, by means of which the two pivoting sections can be moved. »
This means that both an electrically adjustable version and a quick-adjust mechanical version could well be in development, allowing adjustments to be made without removing the saddle. It may even be possible to adjust these future versions while driving.
