Sadolf,
The S seat was uncomfortable from the get go. Really painful around 100-miles. The covers, especially with 30-inch or less riders, wore out around 10,000 miles. There are some really good replacement aftermarket covers for sale on eBay. They install over the old cover. The old cover is glued to the foam padding and destroys the padding if the cover is removed. So don’t remove the old cover. I made an air seat from a Thermarest pillow and a Camelback hose. I can control the pressure while riding. Very comfortable-I did a 700-mile day every year for about five-years and stayed comfortable. I may have a recovered spare seat. If I do, I’ll sell it if you are interested.
If you raise your handle bars, you may want to get a taller windshield. Is your windscreen 12.5 inches tall (vertical dimension from center Torx fastener)? See photos. The top of top clamp configuration from BMW came with a 17-inch tall “comfort” windscreen; PN 46.63 2328359.
The S is pretty durable if properly maintained. One failure point is the five mounting holes for the windscreen. You may want to check their condition. BMW’s windscreen assembly stack-up included “top hats” made of a nylon-like material to provide cushion and flex between the metal Torx screw’s head and the windscreen. If the windscreen is removed the top hats are easy to miss and lose. I’ve included a photo of the top hats.
Check your S’s windscreen’s five holes for cracks radiating radially outward. If you see cracks there is a good chance the top hats are missing. It’s a good idea to stop drill the cracks.
If you need a taller windscreen several aftermarket screens are available. MRA makes a really high quality screen. Not too pricey (around $115 USD) but can take 6-months from order to delivery.
I’ve got a clear MRA that is in perfect condition (see photos) for sale for $70 plus shipping. I also have a new aftermarket clear, knockoff comfort windshield that I will sell for $60 plus shipping.
Whether you replace your windscreen or not, do remove it and check for the top hats. It will be easier to R & R the windscreen the first time if you remove the mirrors (if mirrors are fairing-mounted).
Steve
