Does anyone have the same problem. When I wash it the seat soaks up water like a sponge. I understood this problem had been cured and if so they have sold me an older model the cheeky sods. Let me know guys.
Yep, this is, unfortunately, completely "normal". I've got a warranty claim in with Ducati to replace both the Comfort/Touring rider and passenger seats, as well as the top box back pad, which also retains the water. The problem is that the water comes in via the seams (they can't be even water resistant, never mind waterproof) and then the seat foam acts like a sponge. Interestingly, the Ducati accessories catalogue has new comfort/touring seats listed for 2012. I know the seats have changed a little bit in shape/fixings, but hopefully they have also sorted this issue too.... Oh, and here's hoping they fit on a 2010 model! Ojobear, I'd get straight onto your dealer to raise a warranty claim. Ducati know about it, and have (in my case) agreed to replace the parts. Now I'm 'just' waiting for them to arrive....very long wait though!
Seems to so far - climbed on the bike after a good washing down and nothing came out to surprise me. Bear in mind to fit the 2012 seats to earlier bikes you need to perform a little modification, nothing too major.
That's good to know Doodle.... Yes, the seat post is different isn't it? I don't think it sticks through the seat on the 2012 model, and the pillion seat is slightly shorter. I'll call the dealer again tomorrow to chase the seats...
I'll be keeping a close eye on this thread.... when i bought my bike (2nd hand) it came with a different seat to stock (rider&pillion) so would presume its the comfort seat as defo NOT pikes peak. Ive only ridden the bike 3 times and have given it a good couple of cleans but not tossed loads of water on it. I don't keep it at my home and when I took it back to the garage I haven't noticed a wet bum but then again haven't checked for either. What would be a good way to check, just throw lots of water over the seat then dry it off and sit on it with a pair of jeans on ?
I changed my oem riders & pillion seat for the comfort seat, and had exactly the same problems the seat would hold water for ages i went and informed my dealer & at first they said there was nothing they could do!! but then a few weeks later i had a phone call saying it was being replaced Apparently Ducati are aware of it and they have modified the design, by using a waterproof material, it looks exactly the same but is now totally waterproof If you have this problem you should go back to your dealers and get the seat swapped
Well, you could have the "lower" seat...that was also an option I think.... The way to check for 'wetness' is, yes, make the seat wet....leaving it out in the rain while you are at work is enough... Then, go to the seam stitching, and press....if you get seepage of water, it is leaking! If you don't, then it doesn't. It's not your bum that gets wet, but your inner thighs, where they touch the stitching seams.... Makes you look like you've wet yourself, so 470four's plastic pants might come in handy!
I'll be chasing again tomorrow.....Ducati have agreed to the replacement, the parts just haven't arrived! Andy, is yours a 2010/2011 model? Davdi
I see, thanks Andy. I spoke to the shop, and they reckon the seats have now been superseded....I.e. 2012 seats to be retrofitted. No news on when they are coming, so we will see....I'll keep chasing, as Ducati seem to need to be prodded!
