New Seat Cover

[vontresc]

Yeah I saw that one, too....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-R80-R100-R80RT-R100RT-RS-R65-SEAT-COVER-CUSTOM_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35612QQihZ011QQitemZ320068761815QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

But according to the description I don't know if it will fit my '82....

"This new high quality replacement seat cover  fits 1985-87 R80 and R80RT, 1987-95 R100RT, 1987 -92 R100RS and 1984-88 R65 motorcycle seats. ( it will not fit the R65LS models ). "

Any Insights?

Pete

[NC Steve]

That cover won't fit a regular twin-shock R65. I emailed the seller months ago asking if he would run one up for my '84, but this was all he had. His ad had read differently until I asked about my bike, and I don't know why he lumped "84 thru 88" together, as '85 began the production of the monoshock models.
Notice that beyond R65s, the other models he lists are all '85 or newer monoshock bikes.

[Jon_P]

i have one seat that i had a local upholsterer do my stock seat. they did it for $35 in a heavy marine grade. i have two seats, one stock so i can give the kids rides and for longer trips and one that i am going to do a cafe treatment on. i have tried seat covers and where never happy with the way they feel or look after. shop around and i bet you can find a local place that will do it a a good price.

[vontresc]

Hi, I just spoke to the folks at Sargent Seats, and was wondering if any of you have tried them for a replacement seat cover. They weren't really sure if their pattern would work (I uess they had issues in the past), so I hope someone has first hand experience with this cover.

Thanks

Peter

[NC Steve]

Can't speak for Sargent's replacement covers, but I have an entire seat from them on my '84 R65 and it fits perfectly. Looks great and more comfortable than stock too.
You'd think the cover would be okay too, but we all know what problems can result from ASS-U-MEing these things.....

[Paul]

Upon asking, the motorcycle shop I frequented at the time recommended an upholstery guy that had a small shop behind his house.  The quality of his work was very good.

The price was more than the $35 previously mentioned.  I had a gel pad installed.  The gel pad claimed it could be cut and it was.  However, where the cut edges of the gel pad came in contact with the vinyl cover, the vinyl slowly over time developed a bubbly texture.

I took the seat back and had the gel padding removed.  The seat foam that had been cut out to make room for the gel was replaced with whatever standard upholstery foam the guy used.  He did say it was good foam, though.  He used this foam in everything from motorcycles seats to chairs.  The upholstery foam and new vinyl cover are very comfortable, even for extended days in the saddle.  Most comfortable motorcycle seat, to date.  Plus, the foam weighs a lot less than the gel pads.

Ask around until you get a line on a good upholstery guy/shop.

Paul
83 R65