Why is the seat height lowered by 20mm? A lowdown seat specifically made for the CB1000F by "those who understand"

I once rode a "CB750FZ." Seeing a CB brings back fond memories. If you're enjoying the latest CB, the CB1000F, for both city rides and touring, it's even more enjoyable with lighter handling and stoplight waits. The EFFEX "GEL-ZAB LG Seat" is 20mm lower than the stock, while also featuring built-in gel for excellent seating comfort.

Lowering the seat height by 20mm

The standard seat height of the CB1000F is 795mm. When you switch to the GEL-ZAB LG seat, the seat surface becomes 20mm lower. Just 20mm? Don't underestimate it. This difference is important when straddling the bike and putting your feet down to the ground. Whether you are waiting at a traffic light, turning in a parking lot, or stopping on a slight incline, the ease of handling changes significantly with just a little more extension of your legs downward.

Moreover, it is a model-specific type that replaces the seat itself rather than modifying the original seat. You can create a little more space at your feet without significantly changing the style of the CB1000F.

Secrets for improving footing

It’s not simply a matter of making the seat surface 20mm thinner. The front part of the seat and the corners where your thighs touch have also been shaved down as thin as possible. Even if the seat is low, if your thighs are pushed against the seat and spread outward, your legs won’t extend down as much as you might expect.

The shape is designed not just for height, but also considering the movement of putting your feet down to the ground. Swap it out for the original seat and give it a straddle. What you’ll want to try first is how it feels to put your feet down while stationary, but then you’ll want to take a quick ride around the neighborhood and test out waiting at traffic lights a few times.

Even if it gets thinner, the seating comfort

What is concerning about a lowered seat is that the cushion might end up being thin as well. If it's just for city riding, that's still acceptable, but with a CB1000F, you might accidentally head out for a long tour just as it is.

Therefore, it incorporates EXGEL, which is used in the GEL-ZAB series, internally. This soft material has the shape recovery of rubber and the fluidity of gel, absorbing shocks transmitted from the road and fine vibrations from the engine. Instead of ensuring thickness only with urethane, the gel is embedded within the thin seat.

GEL-ZAB is a series that has been continued since 2007, with cumulative sales exceeding 170,000 units. In 2023, it also received the Good Design Award. The gel seat, which has been developed for long-distance riders, is now incorporated into the seat of the CB1000F.

Retaining the CB-F essence

Even with improved foot grounding, having a seat that feels like an afterthought is not true to the F. The GEL-ZAB LG seat adopts a seat pattern and stepped shape reminiscent of the classic CB-F.

The surface is made of synthetic leather, and the interior consists of EXGEL and urethane. It is handcrafted in a seat factory in Japan. It doesn’t just stop at lowering or softening, but retains the atmosphere when looking at the F, which makes you smile and think, "They really get it."

While waiting at a stoplight, I extended my legs and felt a little relief. As I started to ride, I also benefited from the gel in my seat. Its appearance doesn't compromise the character of the CB. More than the 20mm figure, it seems to turn into a custom that makes a noticeable difference every time I ride.

Product Name / EFFEX GEL-ZAB LG Seat
Part Number / EHZ3637-CB1000F
Price / 54,890 yen
Compatibility / Honda CB1000F 2026 model
Specifications / Model-specific seat assembly, 20mm lower than the stock version
Material / Surface: synthetic leather, Internal: EXGEL・urethane

⚫︎Proto

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