The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: marcmax on March 01, 2010, 06:34:45 PM
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I just built my first seat and installed it on my 82 LS. I'm interested in any suggestions, good, bad or otherwise as this is the first time I have done something like this. I will say that it is comfortable and allows me room to slide forward or back depending on how I feel.
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Forgot the pix
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Marc,
That looks REAL good.
I'm in the process of recovering my LS seat in leather.
I am thinking about a gel insert.
I've wondered how a cafe style seat might intergrate with the LS rear cowl. Now I know!
I am interested in copying your project.
1. Did you use the factory seat shell?
2. Do you have any photos of the work in process?
3. Original or replacement foam in the seating area?
4. Does the "hump" provide for any storage?
Thanks,
Chris
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The bike itself looks nice with the seat. I really like it. I also have been thinking of having a new seat put on my bike. I own an '86 r65 that just has the usual seat that comes installed from the factory.
I have been for years thinking of replacing it with something that is a little more comfy to sit on for more than 5-6 hours as at around that time, my butt starts to hurt.
But your seat looks nice. I think that it has a nice racing bike look to it. That in addition to your fairing.
very nice. :)
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Thanks for the kind words.
Chris,
1. It is built on the factory seat pan and still uses the factory hinges, lock, etc.
2. I don't have any pictures of the build as it was a snap decision, Saturday morning project since the weather didn't look good to ride.
3. I used all new foam in the seat area that I bought from an auto upholsterer in town. It was the most expensive part of the project at $35.00 for an 18"x36"x2" piece. It is a closed cell polyurethane foam that glues easily and is shaped with an electric carving knife (yes like the one you use on a turkey) and a sanding disk on an electric drill.
4. The hump is a build up of foam and has no storage but the LS tail cone has an aluminum tray built up and attached to the sub-frame. Since the seat still hinges it does provide a certain amount of storage (at least enough for a well packed rainsuit).
The guy at the upholstery shop was a wealth of information. I asked and he said yes to hanging around his shop one afternoon and just watching what he does. He specializes in custom cars but the techniques work for any type of seat. Once I saw how he did things I thought, "I can do that." and I guess I found out that I really can. Its not perfect but unless I point out the mistakes I don't think anyone would find them.
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Lookin good Marc.
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It looks real good, Marc. That is cool that the guy at the upholstery shop let you observe. I'd say you got back a big chunk of your $35.
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Heres my effort. The seat is a dual seat cut in half and then the very rear section of the seat where the cowling is screwed on is welded onto the end. I then fabricated a rear cowl that covered the subframe. I then made up another hook hinge as you are left with only one when you cut the seat in half, and there you have it. The seat and cowl lift as one.
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It's obvious you know what you are doing, Hunsta.
That is a fine looking bike!
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Hunsta,
Beautiful work!
Chris