What can I do with this seat?

The PO added a seat cover to it, underneath looks to be in pretty bad shape. I'd like something smaller though, this one looks pretty big and poofy. Anyone have any suggestions?

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j304/ ... CN1786.jpg

Easier to add it too photobucket than resize the pic.

 

Why not take it to an upholstery shop and have it re-covered?

 

I was trying to keep it cheap, and figured they'd want over $100 to reupholster something. I thought I might could do it myself, and take out some of the foam, but I don't know whats involved in doing that

 

a seat is a very good DIY project. if your going to remove some foam i'd suggest using a grinder with a good sanding disc (small pieces of sandpaper stacked in a circle) can't remember the name for some reason... make sure you get one that is real fine grain or even one that is pretty worn out. then just go slow and take your time and you can shape it up nicely. then get some marine grade (waterproof for boat seats or something) vinyl and stretch it tight as can be over it. a stapler comes in handy for reattaching the vinyl to the seat bucket but can be done other ways... just my two cents.

 

You can re-do that seat real easy, I've done so many times, I lost count.
First pull out the staples and peel back the vinyl cover. Then you will want to mark how much foam you want to remove. I normally take off 1" of foam to start with. Then I use a large bread knife (one with a sirated blade) or an electric knife works very good for this also. You need to take your time and be careful now. You will need to slice off the foam across the seat as level as possible. If your marked on both sides, just keep the knife on those marks and you'll be fine. That will leave you with a sharp edge on the sides. You'll need to sand the edges with some kind of sanding tool. I use a 4" die grinder with a fine grinding wheel on it, to fether the edges of the foam smooth. Any bumps or ridges will show up when you re-install the vinyl, so you need to get it as smooth as possible.
Then you will want to test fit the vinyl cover back onto the seat to see how smooth it really is. If your pleased with it, start by stapling the cover from one side, then the other.

IMPORTANT: You can't just go all the way around from one side with the staples. You will need to stretch it across, stapling it in a few places on both sides to get it to fit even, so it's not crooked. Then you can go ahead with the staples, and make sure you stretch the cover tight all the time your stapling.
One nice thing about having a plastic seat pan, si you can do this mod several times if you don't like it the first time. You can also add softer foam as a top layer if you want a softer seat. Or if you want the seat to be stiffer, I've used carpet padding foam (comes in 3/8" - 1/2") over the seat foam to make it more ridged. Another choice is one of those kneeling pads thay well at Walmart (made for kneeling on...duh) They are about 1" think or more, so you need to do some trimming. That stuff is more rubbery and works quite well for seat material I found (my favorite)

I have cut down almost every motorcycle seat I've had, but usually just the front part to get lower to the ground. Most of the older metric bikes had straight seats, with no step down like most of the newer cruisers do, and I wanted that on mine. You can get good enough at it so nobody will know you did it when they look at your seat. The secret is to get the foam smooth on the corners and pull the cover back on evenly and it will look like a stock seat, only lower! Good luck!! >PD<

 

That seat cover doesn't belong on that seat. And, yes, you're right about it looking big and poofy. But, not being stretched (I assume because it's the wrong cover for the seat) to fit the seat will cause that. As a matter of fact, it almost looks like the old seat cover may still be hiding under that one.

 

I'd go with that cover, just cut the seat down and stretch it back over the foam. As long as there's no rips or tears in it, it should look good when your done.

 

you guys were right, the other seat was ducttaped all over and still under the installed seat. Now to find a staple gun to put everything back together

 

If that doesn't work for you I've got an OE cover and foam.

 

it looks like an OE cover if ther is no holes heat it op with a hair dryer and pull it tiet dont armerall it i did that and found out the hard way when i hit the gass and almost slipped of the back.

 

I'm just going to get it back on till I get a new one, this one is in very rough shape, no tears but it is looking thin in spots

 

JC Whitney sells a new seat cover $50 something I believe if you find that is all you need after puling your cover and removing any extra foam.

 

i don't think it'd be much to have it redone by someone else..

I live 'round the corner of some old lady (who rides a big harley) who does it.

I've done things like boat benches and seats, but those are fairly simple compaired to a bike seat.

I read a post that had pictures of some guy doing it to one of his seats.. it really easy if you just have the time, patience, and parts.

 

i don't think it'd be much to have it redone by someone else..

I live 'round the corner of some old lady (who rides a big harley) who does it.

I've done things like boat benches and seats, but those are fairly simple compaired to a bike seat.

I read a post that had pictures of some guy doing it to one of his seats.. it really easy if you just have the time, patience, and parts.

 

I just left this website on another post. Has some great info and also sells foam, gel, etc.
www.diymotorcycleseat.com

The buff