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Seat pics for '85 MaximX 750

Discussion in 'XJ Modifications' started by granitize, Nov 15, 2014.

  1. granitize

    granitize Member

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    Happy Sat. beers...

    The seat on my XJ750X seems too soft, and I feel bunched up when I ride. Maybe this is a symptom of the X's design...
    I'm only 5'7 and my other bike is an '82/83 XJ550.

    Winter project is to replace the foam, raise the seat and reduce padding at the back up the primary position so my butt sits further back.

    I wonder if this will put too much forward weight on my hands... getting old and they are sore these days.

    Any recommendations or pics of MaximX seats that might give me some inspiration?
    Would new bars help?
     
  2. Bigshankhank

    Bigshankhank Active Member

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    I don't think it would put too much weight on your hands, but it may cause you to stretch your arms too much, causing elbow pain as the weight of your arms will "hang" more than be supported by your wrists.
    Surprised you need more room backwards, I am also 5'-7" and find the ergos to be nice with the exception of sitting up a bit high, at least on my XJ700 (which is similarly sized to the X model).
     
  3. granitize

    granitize Member

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    Bigshankhank,

    I'm thinking the seat has been redone with a too soft foam. I sink pretty much down to the pan.
    And I'm trying to get my legs to extent a bit to avoid cramps.
    Maybe I just have to ride it like a sport bike.

    https://picasaweb.google.com/data/f...82289324051267809?alt=rss&kind=photo&hl=en_US

    Is your seat "firm" or more "soft".

    I can't get away from '80's bikes.
    I've had a 1981 Honda Custom 250, 1980 Honda Hawk, '82 XJ550 Seca and this ; '85 XJ750X.
    The X is the softest seat.

    (BTW... WTF are Sead pics? lol... SEAT PICS)
     
    Last edited: Nov 16, 2014
  4. xHondaHack

    xHondaHack Active Member Premium Member

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    The X does have a soft seat, being that it is set up as a "Cruiser".
    The link above isn't working so here's a few pictures that may help give some ideas.

    Original style with lots of padding:
    [​IMG]

    Recovered Stock seat with smooth leather and no buttons:
    [​IMG]

    Custom seat foam and M&H long grain leather cover with buttons:
    [​IMG]

    The custom one is on my bike now and is still relatively soft, even though I did remove some foam in the center portion to reshape it. To help keep from sliding up into the tank when braking heavily I added foam to the front. The long grain leather cover is great at holding you in place.

    Tony
     
  5. granitize

    granitize Member

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  6. xHondaHack

    xHondaHack Active Member Premium Member

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    Wow that seat foam is shot. It does look like the cover is still in good shape though.

    I would ask around at some local upholstery shops to see if they can put some new foam on the seat pan. Then mount it on your bike and take your time to reshape it to your liking using a hack saw blade. You can bend the blade slightly to get the contours needed. Bring it back to them and have them reuse your cover.

    Might be a bit time consuming, but the end result will be well worth it.

    Tony
     
  7. granitize

    granitize Member

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    Shot indeed!
    The cover is just light weight vinyl... Probably some after market cheap ebay cover. There's actually a tear at the front left close to the pan.

    I am going to replace with heavy duty Nautical vinyl or leather. (looking for a pair of old burgundy leather pants I had when I was skinny.

    I went to a shop that does auto and bike upholstry -Very expensive! Didn't ask for just the foam though.
    Any recommendations re density, firmness etc...?
     
  8. xHondaHack

    xHondaHack Active Member Premium Member

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    Any other shops in your area to compare prices and workmanship? You may be able to find a good used seat with the foam in nice shape. Then you can recover that one.

    Either way, it'll be tough to do on a tight budget, so you'll have to come up with some dough for the upgrade.
     

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