Recovering Seat

[marcmax]

I just bought a used seat to replace the one on my R65LS. I want one with the shorter cowl as I have added a rack. In order to allow the seat to open I have had to mount the rack far enough back that it looks odd. I have a Wixom top case I want to use on the rack and it just looks wrong being that far back.

My replacement seat is rideable with a few minor tears and hand sewn repairs but it is brown. I have no problem installing the new cover. What I would like is comments on the style. There seems to be two available, a flat one and a pleated one. I prefer the pleated one just for appearance. Just wondering if anyone rides either style and has any comments pro or con.

[Barry]

The brown seat is from a 78-80 model. My 79 had that seat and even though it was in very good condition I couldn't live with brown so replaced it with black ribbed cover of simpler design. Quality and thickness of the new cover is not as good as the original but it's lasted 9 years now with no tears.

[Tony Smith]

I'd vote for the pleated one - my opinion it looks classier.

[Bob_Roller]

I've had a few covers on my '81 and the smooth covering, seemed to allow too easy of movement on the seat, like you slid around without wanting to .

I had a local shop recover the seats on the '81 R65, '82 LS and oilhead with a breatheable material .

Works good in hot weather, only negative, is that water gets in there and stays wet for a few days .

[marcmax]

Thanks for the points of view. The difference in price between the pleated and the flat seat cover is only a few dollars. If it was a great difference that would have made the decision for me.

I like the look of the pleated one as I think it looks more period correct for the age of the bike.

[montmil]

I removed that danged grab strap from both seats of my R65s. Hit me right on the cheeks and was not conductive to anything resembling comfort. I don't carry passengers on the 65s.

[Billmc]

I agree with the pleated look.
Not to hijack, but after this last weekends 600mile RT, I am ready to ditch the original 30 year old seat for something a little bit lower and a "lot" softer. My butt can't take that hard, overly firm foam factory seat any longer on long rides. Its ok for short (under an hour) jaunts but not for extended tours.
Does anyone have any recommendation? I'm NOT willing to plunk down almost $500 for a Corbin...

[Matt Chapter]

I am ready to ditch the original 30 year old seat  

I'm ready to do the same but I'm going to replace with OEM or a reproduction thereof.  Somewhere in the 200 USD range.

[georgesgiralt]

Hi !
I don't know if it is available in the USA but I had my seat modified with Bultex cushion. It makes a wonderful difference; It is hard and yet very comfortable.
It was not that much pricey, though.

[Billmc]

What's the overall impression of using a Gel-pad ,  maybe not as the last layer before the cover but in the mix.
I've read good and bad but notice that the top seat builders don't use it. Any actual experiences from this esteemed gathering of long term owners/riders?  

[georgesgiralt]

The guy which put Bultex on my seat advised against gel, and he sell gel pads for seats...
So I followed his advice and choose Bultex instead...

[davidpdx]

A sheepskin seat cover will extend the riding comfort for a few hours but I am not sure if there is a seat out there that will give you a comfortable ride for a 600 mile day.

[marcmax]

I ordered one of the pleated seat covers. I will post photos of the install process and eventual seat install once I receive it.

[marcmax]

I have recovered several seats and have used a variety of different density foams, in areas, based on a local upholsterer's advice. I have never used gel pads. I have had excellent results using high and low density foam, in combination, to eliminate pressure points in sensitive areas. I am not confident enough to make a living at it but I am able to satisfy my own needs.

[nhmaf]

One man's meat is another man's poison, they say - and it can certainly apply to seats.  One common thread in all high dollar-long distance seats is that they must be supportive of the inner thighs without cutting in, and the material must be fairly stiff/supportive so that your butt doesn't sink into the cushion and lose air-circulation.  My corbin seat on my concours (which I have done numerous 600-mile days on) is just the ticket for this sort of thing.   My LS has some added, high density foam, and I can ride 300-400 mile days on it, but it can be a stretch.  This summer I did one 525 mile day on her, and it wasn't pleasant at all those last 100 miles.