XJ650 seat cover replacements

I've decided it's time to bite the bullet and get a seat cover replacement. I went ahead and added a gel pad to my seat and with the comfort increase I think a new cover would really set it off as my original has acquired a few knicks and wrinkles which are beyond repair.

I've seen the Saddlemen seat cover, model y672, on ebay and it looks like it could be an okay option considering I want the new cover to look as close to stock as it can:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/80-83-Yamaha-XJ ... 4b&vxp=mtr

I've also seen handmade covers from a guy that only charges about $30 and i've even seen someone on here praise his work, but the picture on ebay doesn't look as close to stock as the saddlemen option:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/YAMAHA-XJ650-MA ... 60&vxp=mtr


I really like the style of the original cover with the pleating and stitching, so if i'm taking the plunge it's important to match that as close as possible without spending $200. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

The Saddleman cover is what I used on my bike. I have some pics in my gallery of the bike with the new seat cover. The install was easy and fit perfectly over the stock foam. I used a T-50 staple gun with 3/8" staples and made sure I tapped them down tight.

I'm very happy with it after 3500 miles this year on it.

Hope this helps

 

I just got a cover from that guy for my seca. It fit really well, and although it's nothing special, it looks much nicer than my old one. Only time will tell if it holds up, but the ditching looks nice.

 

I got one from Mac (the cheaper one) but I think it's a real nice upgrade from what was on the bike.

 

When I bought mine, the PO had put a Saddleman on it. It was decent, got the job done, but it's just vinyl. If your going for looks, I'd say thirty bucks is worth trying it out. Short of buying leather and making your own (Which isn't very pricy, just time-consuming and a little difficult if you're not used to sewing machines. I've promised a write up about mine, one day...) I don't really have any more input.

 

I've actually been pointed to B&H Seat covers out if Hurst, Tx. The seat cover is a little pricier, $90, but does look identical to the stock cover. Not sure I want to plop down quite that much on a seat cover for a 33 year old bike, but at the same time it is tax refund season....

 

In case anyone else stumbles in here looking for seat cover replacement help, I ended up buying another cover from B&H Seat Covers for my 650 Turbo and wow, the cover looks great. I had an upholsterer put it on for me, and even he commented on the good quality of leather they used with the cover. The crappy iPad picture doesn't do it justice.

 

I get my covers from Xj4Ever

 

Looks quite nice to me. I'll have to keep both in mind if I ever need a new cover, although I am partial to doing business with Len at XJ4Ever.

 

I sure have gotten a ton of stuff from Len over the years but I have to second the quality of the B&H cover that I put on my seats. Here's a shot of them installed (They have the long grain leather option).

Tony