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Author Topic: The Slick Shiny Seat Problem  (Read 1217 times)

raymr

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The Slick Shiny Seat Problem
« on: April 12, 2012, 11:04:53 PM »
Its in very good condition, with no cracks or tears. But it has old vinyl syndrome, in that it's kinda shiny and slippery to sit on sometimes. A couple times I slid on the seat more than was comfortable, and i started having visions of me sliding off the bike and watching it go rider-less down the road without me. I've been using 303 cleaner and UV protectant. What can I do to give the seat more 'stick' and less 'slip'?

Offline montmil

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Re: The Slick Shiny Seat Problem
« Reply #1 on: April 13, 2012, 07:10:58 AM »
If the UV treatment is anything like that nasty ArmorAll, quit using it. You're just greasing the slide.
Monte Miller
Denton, TEXAS
1978 BMW R100S
1981 BMW R65
1983 BMW R65
1995 Triumph Trophy
1986 VW Cabriolet

Offline Bob_Roller

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Re: The Slick Shiny Seat Problem
« Reply #2 on: April 13, 2012, 08:14:13 AM »
With 26 year old vinyl, there's not a whole lot you can do  to de-gloss it .

I've been using some Meguire's vinyl cleaning and conditioning products the last 10 years, not sold in the usual retail outlets, I get mine at an auto paint supply store .

It doesn't seem to leave a real slick surface like Armor All products .

Personally, I don't think the covering material on your seat is going to change much, no matter what you do to it .

I'd start doing some research of shops in your area that recover auto, boat interiors and see what they can do for you, if you can't find anyone that specializes in motorcycle seats .

There's always the option of replacing the cover yourself, a few members here have done this .
'81 R65
'82 R65 LS
'84 R65 LS
'87 Moto Guzzi V65 Lario
'02 R1150R
Riding all year long since 1993 .
I'll give up my R65, when they pry my cold dead hands from the handlebars !!!!!

raymr

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Re: The Slick Shiny Seat Problem
« Reply #3 on: April 13, 2012, 10:25:05 AM »
Nope, I will never use ArmorAll. 303 is sold at boating supply stores and is generally good stuff. Maybe the UV treatment leaves some residue though, since we use it on a convertible top and it tends to make it darker. I'm hoping to find some de-glossing chemical that won't damage the material itself.

Or I can always look into getting tacky pants.  :)

Offline nhmaf

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Re: The Slick Shiny Seat Problem
« Reply #4 on: April 13, 2012, 10:53:40 AM »
Chances are if you use leather pants, they will probably stick to the seat - at least, they will stick to you!
Airhead #12178 ? BMWMOA #123173 ?BMWRA #33525 ?GSBMWR #563 ?1982 BMW R65LS ?1978 BMW R100/7 1998 Kawasaki Concours

Offline marcmax

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Re: The Slick Shiny Seat Problem
« Reply #5 on: April 13, 2012, 12:43:33 PM »
Let me check with my neighbor and see where he gets his. He wears the tackiest plaid pants I have ever seen.

 ;D
Keep your bike in good repair: motorcycle boots are not comfortable for walking.

1982 R65ls    1984 R65ls

raymr

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Re: The Slick Shiny Seat Problem
« Reply #6 on: April 13, 2012, 01:47:25 PM »
Quote
Let me check with my neighbor and see where he gets his. He wears the tackiest plaid pants I have ever seen.

 ;D
That would be great. If they go with my white loafers, even better. :)