Yet another "rebuilt my seat" thread

[Moybin]

My version of improving on the OEM torture rail, err... seat. I spent plenty of time inspecting the posted photos and descriptions of other forum members before I jumped in. My efforts were driven by the Sun & Time breakdown of the OEM vinyl.

Being 6'2" tall, 34" inseam, about 220 pounds I'm larger than average. I bought a used Corbin w/backrest in good condition so my wife can ride 2-up and not feel like she's going to slip backward off the bike. That said, I put more of a focus on rebuilding the OEM bench as a 1-up seat for daily use to/from work, and for weekend rides without momma.

A local auto upholstery shop provided 1/4 inch thick neoprene foam in a sheet for about $17. I used spray contact cement and my imagination to cut the rubber to shape. As you can see in the photos, I layered up the sides of the saddle where your thighs bracket the bench. I then added two more layers in what I felt were critical areas. You can see that I built in a "pocket" forward center for the family jewels. This has turned out to be a good thing.




Not shown in the photos: I used the remaining foam to build up the pillion position in case my lovely wife decides to take a quick scoot with me and not put on the Corbin (I don't see this happening very often, but I had the foam).

The quoted cost above also included a 2-direction stretch vinyl (auto grade) to recover the seat. I found that I'm all thumbs, or maybe I don't have enough hands, so I took my rebuild back to the upholstery shop where the owner pulled and stapled the skin in place. He charged about $65 to do the stretching and stapling. You can see the results.





Only have about 1.5 hours on the new saddle, but it's working very nicely, and I'm not going numb anywhere below the belt.

Truth is, I don't think anyone could really screw up adding foam to this bugger. Anything added is better than what came on the bike.

[SCOTTinNJ]

nice. i was thinking of doing something similar, but then throwing my stock vinyl back on. i guess yours wasn't in good shape at all?

[Ole Bike]

Most helpful and best written-up post of the year. Thanks for great pix. Perfect timing too.

[Moybin]

SCOTTinNJ:

Yeah, my vinyl was dry and cracked, and was only going to keep splitting more and more. This new set up is soft, kinda mushy between the legs. Real nice after a couple of minutes. The split saddle design moves the weight off the "goodies" and out onto the thighs. I feel more like I'm part of the bike ant sitting ON the bike.

[Flatbutt1]

Moybin
maybe next winter I'll ship you my bike and a wad of cash and you can duplicate your mods onto my scooter. You've done some nice stuff bro, I envy you your skillz!

[Moybin]

Flatbutt

Skills shmilz. Most of it is overcoming a childhood of "oh I'll just fail, no reason to try". Navy training helped, but so did selling auto parts for 4 years. Just an eclectic brew of odd-jobs blended into otherwise unmarketable talent.

Painting myself into a corner and needing to find a way out before I fill my pants is also quite motivating.

If we learn from our mistakes I should be a farking genius by now!

[steve abella]

I a hall of wisdom is ever created this should make it
did you resolve the forward slide issue
nice job

[Moybin]

steve abella

Don't know yet on the forward slide issue, though with the limited riding it seems that the softness allows the hind end to settle in and stay put.

[Ole Bike]

Are those classic (and good riding posture) kneepads or something on the tank? Details? Thanks.

[Moybin]

Ole

All I remember about the knee pads is this: they are black rubber, held on with 2-sided sticky tape, and there is a tank protector, too. I think they were German manufacture. Acn't even remember who I bought them from, maybe San Jose?

I put them up high as that is where I usually grip the tank tupperware with my knees, being 6'2" tall. Haven't felt the need to put in a peg lowering kit.

[Rapid Dog]

Good work Moy, you beat me to it...I like the jewel pocket concept, I'll take note when I do mine.
I'm surprised that you didn't try and flatten the slope first with a bread knife. That would help cure the slippery slope.
Nice job.

[JonyRR]

Well, Merv, there's your second career right there
good looking; nice job!

[lht]

Moybin, how thick is the foam? Do you think some can be shaved out to flatten the downward slope?

[Moybin]

RD & lht

The foam is 1/4 inch thick. The guy who sold it to me builds seats in sports cars and roadsters, and does the occasional H-D seat, too. He said the foam can be cut with an electric knife or sanded down with a belt sander. I just layered it up where I thought it was needed and called it good.

[Rapid Dog]

bump...