Solo Bobber Seat

Hey guys. I have been on here for a little while, just don't post much. I started an XJ bobber project last summer and have been short on time. I wanna finish it and ride this summer. I had a question about installing my solo seat that I can't seem to find the answer to anywhere. What is the correct way to mount the springs? What I mean is, do I put the springs on the studs that are on the bottom of the seat and screw them down? If so, whats the best way to tighten them since you can't really get a wrench or socket insided the spring? And also, where the bottom of the springs sit on the studs on the actual bike, do they just sit there, or do you screw that part as well? Sorry its probably a stupid newb question but I searched all over and couldn't find anything. Any help is MUCH appreciated.

 

I am in the same boat as you. I have a small 9"x13" bobber seat that I'm trying to cinch down the springs and am having the same difficulties you're having. I'll be watching this thread with you...

 

Glad to know i'm not the only one.... I can't find any info, but from one picture I've seen, it looks like its easiest to use like a fender washer on both sets of studs, then put the nut on top of that.

 

I've got a tractor seat for mine and am coming up with the same issues. i got the front mounted pretty good with a hinge under the tank for easy fuse box access but I need the back end to sit on something. I'm going to work on it tonight. I may have some pics if I remember the camera.

 

I'll post pics of my progress tonight, too.

 

I would weld bolts on the frame where the springs want to be . Run a nylock nut down and then a fender washer. Ease down the springs (that are already bolted to the seat pan with correct size washer and a nylock nut. ie: pan,spring,washer, then nut) on to the welded bolt (threads up) that has a nylock nut first then a washer (bottom of spring sits on the washer. Stick a flat washer inside the spring on the lower bolt then a cut washer then a regular nut. Put the regular nut at the height you like the seat while lifting on it. Tighten the bottom nylock nut against the spring when it's where you want it.

 

I'll tell you how I did mine, although the right way may be different. I bolted my springs to the seat using a fender washer and nylock nut, but it is in no way bolted to the frame. I have two studs that locate the spring to the frame, but no firm means of attachment. I did this so I could access my battery, fuses, and air filter easily. I don't have a hinge mount up front either though. I fabbed up a stainless steel strap that was .120 inch thick, so it was flexible enough to move under my weight over bumps, but still stiff enough to not let me seat flop around. I never had the original hinge mount that is supposed to come with the seat, or I probably would have used that. So I just have to take out one bolt to access the forementioned goods and it has worked well for me. Then again, I don't know too many people that have hard tailed their XJ's and still have the stock airbox/battery locations in tact, so that may not even be an issue for you.

 

Great. Thanks for the tips guys. I never really thought about using the two nut idead like a locknut. Thanks again!

 

650 rigid, that's almost exactly what I did on my 550. Except I modified a Barn Door hinge to use as a low profile hinge from the seat to the tank bolt. I attached the short end to the tank with the hinge pointing towards the tank and then flipped the long side over and attached the seat to it. The only problem is that the seat hits the tank when I flip it up and doesn't stay up; I have to use a bungee cord from the back of the seat to the handlebars to hold it up!

As for the springs, I have them attached to the seat with fender washers & locknuts. From the springs to the bike, I drilled two holes on either side of the cross brace just in front of the rear shocks and ran two 1/4" zinc plated carriage bolts up from the bottom with washers & locknuts to hold them in place. Then just ran the springs onto the bolts.

Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure: