Hi gang,
Hoping some one can offer some help. Am relative newbie to karting, first race last Club Day.
I find I'm slipping down and forward in the seat, which then makes the rib protector slide right up under my armpits which then makes it bl00dy uncomfy to drive. Am having to slide myself back up about 4 times a lap.
Have tried seat padding on the butt, then added the back, and tried the sides but then I couldn't get into the seat with the padding - became too wide. Have got both a Freem and Tillet rib protector - both slide up.
It's a new kart, seat is properly fitted albeit a fraction too big. Could the seat be leaning to far back for me? It's a new FA with seat at factory settings.
Any advice/thoughts appreciated.
Andy
Hoping some one can offer some help. Am relative newbie to karting, first race last Club Day.
I find I'm slipping down and forward in the seat, which then makes the rib protector slide right up under my armpits which then makes it bl00dy uncomfy to drive. Am having to slide myself back up about 4 times a lap.
Have tried seat padding on the butt, then added the back, and tried the sides but then I couldn't get into the seat with the padding - became too wide. Have got both a Freem and Tillet rib protector - both slide up.
It's a new kart, seat is properly fitted albeit a fraction too big. Could the seat be leaning to far back for me? It's a new FA with seat at factory settings.
Any advice/thoughts appreciated.
Andy
Comments8
Try a smaller seat immediately before you do any damage ! OTK flat bottom seats like the IMAF need a snug fit or you will tend to slip forward. Also check with your kart dealer regarding the seat position as you asked, if your stretching to reach full throttle etc this may be making you slide as well ! Get onto it ASAP as this can not be assisting your driving currently!
I agree with Steve entirely. I had the same issue and eventually caused rib damage. In my case, a 5mm reduction in width made all the difference.
n September 9, 2012 at 21:33
Thanks guys, appreciate the advice! Will have a chat to my dealer and try another seat.
I know when I fitted the OTK set, the next size down was too tight! So maybe I have to try a different brand seat.
I did try some padding on the seat today around the hips area which helped a fair bit- but I also noticed I was a bit loose in the seat through the butt area too in the quicker double right hand corners - s o maybe the OTK seat is just not right for me.
THx Steve and Anthony!!!
Hey Andy,
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2x get your seat fitting checked.
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I just broke 2 ribs last weekend even while wearing a bengio rib guard, so I'm out untill end of October. Not Happy Jan!
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Gut feeling is that my seat was too loose, it feels snug when I first get in, but I know I can 'lean' into the seat in when cornering. So may not be tight enough. Will head down to James' for a new fitting once I can lift the kart lol!
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Take care
S.
n September 10, 2012 at 14:20
Hey Sameera,
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Wow, not good to hear bud - must have been slamming around in the seat for that to happen even with a rib protector on as you say. I did read in another thread on this site a guy warning of wearing a Bengio and breaking ribs, but he may have been talking about using it with an OTK seat.
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I think i need a different brand seat - tried the next size down when I bought the kart and couldnt get into it. But when i put padding on the current seat I cant get in it either whilst wearing my Freem. Tried yday with no rib protector and with padding on, but only lasted 2 laps and had very sore ribs after.
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Either that, or I need a different rib protector - other issue I have is both rib protectors I have (a Tillet and Freem) slide up under my arms and digs in, making it really painful to steer - which i'm assuming is cause i am slipping forward.
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Anyways, take care mate -Â no lifting the little one then for a while either (assume it was yor little one I saw). And pity we wont see you at the next club day!!
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Andy
+1 for smaller seat.
Note too that OTK seats vary in size a bucketload, so while the first one of a particular size you try might feel too sloppy or too tight, the next one might be spot on! Try a few to be sure.
Maybe try a Tillet T11t seat, same shape as the OTK but might just fit you a bit better if you can't get the OTK one right. Col Fink said:
+1 for smaller seat.
Note too that OTK seats vary in size a bucketload, so while the first one of a particular size you try might feel too sloppy or too tight, the next one might be spot on! Try a few to be sure.
If you are sliding down and forward you need heel stops of some kind , not a smaller seat. There is the simple and cheap pair of plastics ones you can get from an Arrow dealer right up to the not as cheap all-in-one adjustable heel rest from OTK.Â