Reshaping the seat: Difference between revisions

[[Category: Luggage & Touring]]

Article courtesy of IanJ

If for whatever reason you've decided your motorcycle seat needs to be reshaped, but you can't afford to send it off to one of the [[I want a custom seat|custom seatmakers]], then you're in the right place. I'll attempt to describe a process you can use to make a seat shaped just for you, which is comfortable and looks good into the bargain. For more information you can also see this [http://www.diymotorcycleseat.com/index.php DIY site].

Disclaimer on the pictures: the pictures that illustrate this article are from my attempt at reshaping a seat, which included a lot of learning curve (from which you will be benefiting shortly). Please look at the pictures as being interesting, without necessarily illustrating the correct way to do things.  

You'll need the following materials (about $70 total, excluding the seat):  

Note that the electric carving knife should be one you're willing to completely donate to the project. It will probably get goo on it that will preclude its ever being used for turkey again.  

The process of customizing your seat shape falls into three broad categories: preparing the seat, shaping it, and covering it. I'll deal with each of these categories in turn.  

Using the screwdriver, remove the staples from the seat. Remove and discard the old cover (it'll never fit on the new seat, unless you're only removing foam).  

[[Image:seat reshape 3.jpg|150px]]  

You know how old tractors have those big, butt-cheek shaped seats, stamped out of steel? That's the shape you're aiming for. You want something that will put even pressure everywhere your body contacts the seat.  

[[Image:seat reshape 5.jpg|150px]]  

This process is extremely forgiving of mistakes. If you grind too far, grab one of the big scraps you cut off with the knife, spray down the foam and the seat with adhesive, and lay up some more foam to work with. You can do this as many times as you need to, up to the limit of your patience, your budget, or your time.  

If you end up with a shape that's just completely not working for you, it might be best to lay on a fresh new layer of foam and start over. I had to do this twice before I had a shape I liked.  

The final part of the process is covering the seat. Get your headliner material and vinyl out. Throw the vinyl into the dryer to get it warmed up (warm vinyl is easier to stretch).  

Once the cover is stapled on, you're basically done. Trim off the excess vinyl so that there's about 1/4" (5mm) of material beyond the line of staples.  

[[Image:seat reshape 7.jpg|150px]]  

Put your seat on your bike and have a celebratory ride around the block. If you've done it all right, you should have a seat that addresses whatever problems caused you to read this in the first place. In my case, my seating position is further back and higher up, both of which make the seat-to-peg distance much more bearable on this small bike.