I was in need of a better saddle for myself and more importantly for my wife so that she would be more comfortable on our rides. She was having trouble sliding down the seat and it was also painful for her.
I was able to steal an old seat off Harvy, the cover was torn and the foam wasnt much good. I learnt as much as I could from you tube and http://www.diymotorcycleseat.com (http://www.diymotorcycleseat.com), went and bought a very expensive electric carving knife from an op shop ( $7 )and some high density, hard open cell foam from http://www.dymanfoams.com.au/techdata.php (http://www.dymanfoams.com.au/techdata.php) . Dyman were extremely helpful with choosing the right foam and I left there $35 poorer. Their website has a great technical section which explains the importance of choosing good quality foam. A couple of cans of spray contact adhesive and I was in business.
I built up the sides of the seat to give me some width and I wanted it higher for more legroom and also I knew I would be losing some height when I started shaping. I wanted my section to be flatter and wider as the standard seat gave me a pain in the ass. I looked at Corbin , Seargent etc for ideas on shape and then went ahead and did my own thing. Lots of shaping, sitting, fixing mistakes until I finally got something close
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/6/2849_27_01_14_2_12_31.jpeg)
Went for the first short ride today. What a difference. It totally transforms the feel of the bike for the better. It is so comfortable and supportive, no more pains in the buttocks. I am also sitting in the bike instead of perched on top. I still have some alterations to make and final shaping but I am very pleased with the result so far. I will cover it with a layer soft smoothing foam and then work out what to do about a cover. Whether I go to a pro or have a go at doing it myself - not sure yet.
So far it has cost me about $70 for materials
I have got the shape as good as I can get it and have covered it with a layer of low density smoothing foam
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/6/2849_03_02_14_1_27_19.jpeg)
It doesnt look pretty but it oh so comfortable. Next job is to cover it. I only have one free weekend before the Australia rally to get the bike ready so the seat cover will be a rough job. I will see how it feels after 3000 + km before I shell out the big bucks for a professional seat cover
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/6/2849_03_02_14_1_29_28.jpeg)
Standard seat vs modified
Looking good Stu :good2:
Darran
I had a seat re upholstery thread 3-4 weeks ago and I learned a lot. Since, I've got a stapler and a hot air gun together.
When you start stretching the Naugahyde over the seat, please take lots of pics :biggrin:
I Have re-covered several seats over the years, with (mostly) good results.
I'm wondering how you plan to get the cover to fill the depressions where your and the pillon's asses will reside. Does the cover just span that gap until you sit there forcing it down to the foam, or are you planning to put a low density foam there to smooth the cover? Or, are you planning to glue the cover into the depressions?
A natural flow on from being a mechanic is you like to do all your own work, on everything. Over many years I have become a reasonable hand at most of the associated trades, body work, paint, panel fabrication, rolling compound curves, English wheel, restoring finishes and so on. If the job is for yourself and time is not important, always ending up with an acceptable job.
I recently fitted a new soft top to my car, and while that job turned out well, it reminded me of all the things I had learnt about motor trimming ( automotive upholstering) over 45 years of dabbling.
I will now pass on all that experience.
LEAVE IT TO THE EXPERTS!
You might end up with a functional job but at worst it looks like it was done by a 5 yo or at best, it just doesn't look quite right.
I take my hat off to any of you out there who can produce a professional, lasting job, you have my greatest respect.
Noel
I went to see the local auto upholsterer this morning and ended up leaving the seat with him. He is going to cover it with another thin layer to smooth it out more and then make and attach a cover for me. The cost of quality vinyl alone would be $35 so it just makes sense to get it done by a proffessional. He was happy with my build up and said some of the home made seats he has had to cover are rubbish.
Total cost with quality foam, glues and covering will be just over $200 so I am pleased with that. Will post pics when I get it back
Got the seat back this morning. Very happy with the work but the extra layer of smoothing foam and the vinyl stretched over has changed the feel so a few tweaks will be needed. The nose is now just a fraction too bulky, not uncomfortable, just noticeable and I am sitting a little higher than I would like
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/6/2849_07_02_14_5_57_51.jpeg)
When I get time I will take the cover off and play with it some more, but i am well pleased with how it has turned out and it is still a huge improvement on stock
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/6/2849_07_02_14_5_58_54.jpeg)
That's a very sharp looking seat. Just enough piping. The nose doesn't look bulky to me. Could it be that it just feels different? A trial sit is a lot different to a ride. It will probably settle a bit too but it's never going to feel like it did without the vinyl.
You should be pleased, it looks great.
Noel
Good job!
I think that I would ride it for a while to let it break-in somewhat before trying to change it.
Give it the chance to mold to your butt-print first.
~JM~
Quote from: ~JM~ on February 07, 2014, 09:50:02 AM
Good job!
I think that I would ride it for a while to let it break-in somewhat before trying to change it.
Give it the chance to mold to your butt-print first.
~JM~
+1
It took my Corbin about 1500 miles before it really felt 'broken-in'. :pardon:
Yeh Stu, that looks a whole lot better than what I gave you!
Harvy :drinks:
Harvy,
It goes well with your Givi rack, rear shock and fairing protectors.
Thanks mate