Reupholstering a motorcycle seat

[KMinAF]

The guys on YouTube make it look so easy!
This is the seat off of my Honda XR500R that I am refurbishing. There was no foam and very little seat cover material left when I bought it. I purchased a new cover off of EBay and some high density foam from the local craft store. After some trimming and shaping, a bit of tugging and pulling and lots of staples, I ended up with a fairly presentable seat.

 

[ptgarcia]

Nice job. Now post some pictures of the seat on the bike.

 

[shoot summ]

Nice job.

Back when we were riding Sport ATV's I installed a number of seat covers. If you take you time and work methodically you can get really good results. Sometimes you have to stretch the hell out of them...

 

[captmoto]

If you can warm the seat cover by letting it sit in a warm car for an hour or so it makes it a little easier. Their are lots of youtube videos with good tips on installing new seat covers.

 

[bwringer]

Argh, I hate re-covering seats.

On plastic seat pans, an air stapler from Harbor Freight and stainless steel staples from Amazon really make it a lot easier.

I currently have a new cover on the shelf that's supposed to go on a vintage Suzuki with a metal seat pan, and quite frankly I'm dreading it.

Yep, sunlight or a short trip in a warm dryer can really help, but the vinyl cools quickly. I've used a hair dryer before too -- a heat gun is often too hot.

 

[oldmxracer]

Nice job on the seat !

bwringer, Thanks now I have to check out that stapler ! Metal pans, I always keep an exacto knife in hand.

Covers always make a quick trip to the dryer, helps with the packaging creases.

Trimming foam an old electric carving knife works wonders.

 

[driftpin]

The upholstery shop I use uses steam on the material.

 

[XRlifer]

Nice job! I've replaced a few on my XR's and I learned it's not as easy as it appeared to be at first. Takes patience and practice!

 

[wirt]

I've got an old leather jacket that my pops wore in the 60's when he raced the 1/4 mile tracks, I've been wanting to have that leather put on the seat of my chopper for a long time but can't find anyone willing to do the job.

Anyways, great job on your seat, I wish I had that much trust in myself to do mine.