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1986 XJ700 front seat improvements

Discussion in 'XJ Modifications' started by 78dave, Aug 16, 2018.

  1. 78dave

    78dave New Member

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    So the seat is not too comfortable. I am wondering if I were to remove the seat cover could I sculpt a gel insert into to foam? Second question is the seat cover has buttons so are this held down with something in the seat saddle. Seems like they must be as they are depressed.

    Just don't want to remove the seat cover if it is a difficult process. If I could remove it then I would cut in a gel pad and tip the seat foam back slightly to keep me from moving forward in the seat.

    Thanks for your input.
     
  2. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    The buttons have a thin cord on the back the got punched through the foam and are wrapped/stapled underneath the pan where they exit through a small hole in the pan.
     
  3. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    once gel pads get hot in the sun it takes a long time to cool down. so you might end up with a uncomfortable hot butt
    when it's cold, your seat will stay cold
     
  4. 78dave

    78dave New Member

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    Any other ideas. I think the foam had harden some over the years.
     
  5. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    The shape of the seat slides you forward, not the hardness/softness of the foam. You can unstaple and pull the cover back, and either remove some foam and re-contour it--I did that for the pseudo-bob in my gallery; or you can build up a little extra layer or two in the front to keep you 'pushed back', like on the seat for the 700 in factory dress, which is also in my gallery. (same bike, different clothes)

    Dave
     
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  6. Colin 85 700

    Colin 85 700 Active Member

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    A good upholstery shop should carry seat foam in different hardness, they can likley create a new foam with multiple layers of foam in different density, hard lower med center soft top also, recontour it and recover it. Maybe a bit costly (had one done here for a 1978 cost $250 Can with custom cover... I'll post pic later today
     
  7. Colin 85 700

    Colin 85 700 Active Member

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  8. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    This site has a very good explanation of how to modify a seat.
    http://diymotorcycleseat.com/

    Part of the discomfort comes from most seats being narrower than the backsides that sit on them (which is why I have a Corbin).
     
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  9. Colin 85 700

    Colin 85 700 Active Member

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    If you look at the pic, my seat on the XJ is wider than original, little more comfy, should a took a pic of that too lol!
     
  10. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Sure. Just don't post it here ;)
     
  11. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    If it's the one in the pic above, the back looks so thick, it seems to push you forward.......I'd go back to a stock seat and rework the foam so you could get BACK and down, not forward and down.
     

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