The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: clonmore1 on August 06, 2013, 04:47:12 AM

Title: Seat Renovation
Post by: clonmore1 on August 06, 2013, 04:47:12 AM
I've trawled back to page 90 here for any information on seat renovation, there were a couple (Mr E for example), but nothing that helps me work out whether to refurb or buy a pattern.

My seat is a bit of a mess on the base and would need a little welding/tidy up. The stock foam is actually in good shape. The cover had been slashed at some point, so I have discarded it.

Trouble is, I recorded all my handiwork via my camera onto my Mac and it has died >:( :(. Of course I backed it up onto one of those hard drive things, but guess what, during a recent office relocation, it went missing...)

I would appreciate any help or images if possible or a link to some help elsewhere.

Thanks Guys
Title: Re: Seat Renovation
Post by: montmil on August 06, 2013, 07:50:35 AM
The forum's Photo Gallery has a photo heavy DIY seat cover replacement gallery that details my '83 R65 gig.

You may need a site administrator to OK your initial entry. Spammers and other a**holes have occasionally intruded. Worth the effort.
Title: Re: Seat Renovation
Post by: steve hawkins on August 06, 2013, 08:27:15 AM
Motorworks do some aftermarket seats as a direct replacement to the originals, if your seat base is knackered.  My mate had one on an R75/6 and it was nice.  It also had a plastic base, so should not rust.  Just not sure if they did an R65 version.  

Alternatively, I have also replaced covers, both on an R100 and K100.  Its a satisfying job, if you have the right tools - pop rivet gun etc, all the right bits - all in good condition, and the time.

Cheers

Rev. Light
Title: Re: Seat Renovation
Post by: clonmore1 on August 06, 2013, 08:35:55 AM
Thanks Monte,

I have login rights to Coppermine, so will check it out!

Thanks

Chris
Title: Re: Seat Renovation
Post by: clonmore1 on August 06, 2013, 09:09:29 AM
Thanks Steve,

I have looked at Motorworks, pics attached, I like the comfort seat, need to see it first.
Title: Re: Seat Renovation
Post by: clonmore1 on August 06, 2013, 09:10:33 AM
Hi Monte,

I have your thread re seat covering, really helpful, thanks very much!

Cheers

Chris
Title: Re: Seat Renovation
Post by: livingdeadhead on August 06, 2013, 09:11:43 AM
see my bit about seat covers! DONT use tony archer at huddersfield ! motorworks have a seat s/h looks new for £80.00 . it got stuck shut on my bike but may work fine on yours , if it does i still have the special tool i made ! lol the aftermarket ones from motorworks dont have a strap and are slightly thinner than stock . if you want your seat welded i know some good welders , i'm in s yorks too ey oop tha nos (that'll confuse our colonial cousins!)
Title: Re: Seat Renovation
Post by: clonmore1 on August 06, 2013, 09:43:59 AM
Hi Living deadhead,

I saw that thread!

He was recommended to me, I called him a while back and he told me to not bother him and go buy a new seat!!!!!!

I live in Honley (2.3 miles from Motorworks), so I will go and have a look, thanks for the heads up.

As for " i'm in s yorks too ey oop tha nos (that'll confuse our colonial cousins!)", it confused me too as I am a southerner... :) living here in the north.

Thanks again, If it's okay with you, I'll take a run down to your neck of the words when the old girl is back on the road and buy you a coffee/beer etc.

Cheers

Chris
Title: Re: Seat Renovation
Post by: livingdeadhead on August 06, 2013, 02:14:41 PM
yes he is a cunt ! i'm disabled and walk with a stick , two on a bad day , they didn't want me to use their toilet as if i fell they weren't insured!!! they eventually let me , they are miserable sods , they ride triumphs and tony goes to the ace cafe every year in london (you'll know it! lol) but he takes it in a van and drives round the corner. youre welcome anytime bro beers always in the fridge !  8-)
Title: Re: Seat Renovation
Post by: livingdeadhead on August 06, 2013, 02:16:04 PM
ahhh they changed it to thingy! lol it began with a 'c' lol
Title: Re: Seat Renovation
Post by: Justin B. on August 06, 2013, 10:29:44 PM
Quote
I like the comfort seat, need to see it first.  


I bought one of these covers from Moto-Bins and used the high-dollar 3M adhesive to stick it down with.  It only looked like the picture for about a day.  After sitting in the sun for a day there was no "contour" left.
Title: Re: Seat Renovation
Post by: Justin B. on August 06, 2013, 10:34:03 PM
I guess I need to edit the censor and instead of using the "cutsie" stock substitutions just have it put in <BLEEP>...  That way everybody's imaginations can REALLY run wild! [smiley=whistling.gif]
Title: Re: Seat Renovation
Post by: Adrian on August 07, 2013, 03:22:31 AM
Hi to Montmil and my thanks for the link to your fotos mate. Found some really useful piks in realation to wiring position around the alternator as well as the seat recovering piks. I took heaps of piks when i stripped everything down but as is Murphy's law the comp I had them stored on broke so although I had nearly all of them stored away on DVD a few got lost - Hoopefully I'm well enough now to continue the rebuild I started last yaear - its been 6 months or more sinc ethew old girl got any attention.  ;)
Title: Re: Seat Renovation
Post by: montmil on August 07, 2013, 09:16:15 AM
Quote
Hi Monte,

I have your thread re seat covering, really helpful, thanks very much!

Cheers

Chris

I bought my R65 seat cover from a small, Canadian company. Excellent quality, clear install instructions and the cover has survived its owner and several Texas summers.

http://stores.ebay.com/NW-Classic-Motorcycle-Seat-Covers

Air mail to you should not be pricey. I do business with Motobins and most of my bits come via Royal Air Mail "flat packet" at less $ than dealers both here in the Colonies and the Republic of Texas.

Several times through the years I've read comments regarding the less than sparkling quality of the 'bins cover.
Title: Re: Seat Renovation
Post by: nhmaf on August 07, 2013, 10:50:49 AM
I bought my set cover from motobins, as they were the only ones who claimed to have the "stock" cover for the R65LS seat.   It is close to the non-LS seat, but the back part that goes up against the rear cowling has a different bend & length than the stock seat, though otherwise they are very similar.    Anyhow, I was satisfied with motobins cover - just do it outside on a warm sunny day with pop rivet gun and portable electric drill (to drill out old rivet heads)
Title: Re: Seat Renovation
Post by: Adrian on August 08, 2013, 07:26:24 AM
Hi and thanks Montmil - I've saved the address to favourites  ;)
Title: Re: Seat Renovation
Post by: steven m on August 08, 2013, 11:19:20 AM
I followed Monte's seat covering tutorial and had great success.  As with many things, the process is a learning one, and would be much easier to do a second time.  My only advice would be to stretch that cover down as hard as possible for a tight fit.  A little bit of a wrestling match.  Make certain the pan is clean and if you aren't using edging, take the sharp edges on the pan down so the cover will slide over them.  Good idea to have someone there to assist you and hold things down.  And to get cold beverages of course.
Other than that, just follow Monte's lead and you won't be sorry.
Steve