Seeking seat repair suggestions.

[R80rider]

Okay, so this is probably the strangest post I have ever placed.  I took my 1987 R80 up to Big Bear Lake for the 4th of July.  It has been a while since I have had time to get the cycle out of the garage.  

So I noticed, much to my dismay, that there is now a very slight bit (1/16" - 1/8") of white showing where one of the decorative seams has just started to open (near the middle on the left hand side).  

Naturally, I would like to do something to stop or prolong the cover coming apart and also affect some from of repair that will cover the split and be as un-noticeable as possible.

The seat cover is black.

Suggestions?

Thanks,

Bill

[Justin B.]

I had the same thing happen to a Moto-Bins seat cover after about 1 year of daily sun exposure.  I can't think of any way to hide it without it being noticeable, I put a dab of black silicone on it that helped.  I suppose one might try some of that vinyl repair goop that you cure with heat...

[mikethebike]

It is really difficult/almost impossible to repair a seat cover in situ.  I read somewhere that the main problem is that the thread dries out and becomes brittle.  I rub candle wax along the seams every so often to "lube" the thread.  So far mine has been okay but the last seat I repaired ended up having to come off.  Replacing vinyl seat covers is easier if you gently heat them to stretch over awkward sections (hairdryer works).

[montmil]

...Naturally, I would like to do something to stop or prolong the cover coming apart and also affect some from of repair that will cover the split and be as un-noticeable as possible... Suggestions?

Give it up. Save the frustration, time and your money. You may be able to stop further growth of the gap and even hide it from the casual viewer... if you never again actually sit on the seat.  These "magic" seat cover repair products gots no magic.

Sorry.   Insert here: graphic of Smiley looking into crystal ball

[R80rider]

Sadly, this is kind of what I was expecting to hear, but I do appreciate the experience and candor.  The good news here is I may have found an excellent seat for my model on, of all places, craigslist for $150.  If not, then will order a new seat cover from BMW as I really want to keep the stock look.

Thanks all!

[not-so-fast-ed]

Bill, If you're real careful you could try black "Liquid Electrical Tape".  Comes in a can with applicator from Home Despot.  Sort of like a black plastic liquid to coat wires where you can't, or don't want to, use tape.

[samc]

I have successfully done short-term repairs with one of those vinyl repair kits, using a piece of cloth as a backing (the kind of kit where the vinyl is heat-cured). Problem is, if it's a stressed area, it won't last. It's only good for barhopper seats and the like, that don't actually get used. Plus, if it's starting to deteriorate it's all over, not just one place. You'll be chasing problems until you finally replace it.

Get a cover from that guy in Canada who sells on fleabay (helpful, no?). A new cover for my LS cost me $50 shipped, looks like OEM, took very little skill to install.

[msbuck]

Insert here: graphic of Smiley looking into crystal ball

Here ya go, Monte...  

[montmil]

Insert here: graphic of Smiley looking into crystal ball

Here ya go, Monte...  

Now that is just what I was looking for! Excellent.  Gracias

[Justin B.]

You have a mono, correct?  I have a Corbin Dual Touring for a mono that is in pretty good shape.

[R80rider]

msbuck, thanks for classing up my thread with the mystical crystal ball.  As I gaze into it, I see myself in the very near future with a container of black liquid tape obsessively and perpetually touching up my unraveling R80 seat until it looks like a black gob of dried up goo.  

So this guy from Canada on eBay, do those covers really look like the stock ones?  

http://picasaweb.google.com/bill.cochran/R80seat02/photo#5222617163366438946

[R80rider]

You have a mono, correct?  I have a Corbin Dual Touring for a mono that is in pretty good shape.

Hey Justin!  I have been avoiding going with a 3rd party seat.  Partly because I am such a wierdo about my cycle being stock and secondly, having experienced the quality and comfort of a Corbin, I know it would interfere with my obsessing about my cycles being stock.  :-?


Thanks for mentioning it though.

[Justin B.]

I try to stay fairly original as well, but standard BMW seats are pretty much an abomination.  The only BMW factory seat I've ever ridden on that wasn't a torture appliance is the optional Comfort Seat for mono-shockers...