So since the lil' XT350 as been busted out of storage again I have realized I am ten years older than I was when I got it. The young kid who could ride on broken glass with barbed wire grips is long gone now. So After about any 40 mile ride I am cursing that seat. I feel like this guy :moon: The shape and 'padding' is not that of a tourer but I was wondering if I could improve it without bungy cording a pillow to it. Any aftermarket seats or re-pad and skins work for you guys?

On all my bikes I have added extra foam (because I'm over 6ft, makes it more comfortable) and gripper material covers.

I was unable to find a gripper cover for my TT350, but there is one on Ebay for the XT350. Or you can do what I did and buy gripper material from an auto upholsterer. I think its sold as Jetski seat cover material. and the foam I just used high density stuff from upholsterer too, although mine is for trail riding not commuting, you may want medium density.

I'm pretty sure custom seats have been covered a bit in various TT forums, maybe a search will find you some links and sources to hunt down.

mini_S_man said:

I searched without any luck. Anyway so yuo 'upholsttered it your self of had a shop do it? I have never done upholstering so it might be a struggle for me. Any advice on doing it once I collected up the foam and cover would help.

I have some advice for you:
Fist of all its "you upholstered" not "yuo 'upholsttered" not sure how an English major like you came up with that apostrophe.

Second: Get a sewing machine and learn to sew or have your daddy do it for you.

ZX1100F1 said:

Sorry for the typos. Busy at work and stealing company time when I can. I don't think that sewing is needed. I'll ignore the rest.

You can get away without sewing. If you buy the ebay one I think it has a few bits sewn, but I have always used the raw material and just stretched it over the seat.

I just used an electric staple gun, An air compressor gun would have more bite, but i dont have a good air compressor so went electric.

Anyway post up when you got the gear and want advice

Thanks mini s man. Side note: 'Fist of all its', and that guy tried to call me on typos. FIRST of all IT'S... Anyway back to my seat. How thick was the foam you put on there? Is 2 inches thick too thick. I need it to fit under the cover and want it to look smooth as possible, not look like I'm trying to smuggle dirt weed out of Mexico. I guess get the cover and then try to see what fits or custom cover it like you mini.

warose said:

Did you just showcase a phrase with the intent of correcting someone by using two apostrophes instead of quotations?
Please tell me that you didn't do that.
Stick to padding your seat and worry about other people a little less.

My goal was different to yours, I was aiming for a higher seat so that it had more of an MX bike feel when standing and moving around on the seat.

Initially I did put 2 layers of 1" medium density open cell foam. Basically it felt too spongy and the seat kind of "swallowed" you (which didnt feel good on the family jewels).
Mach 2 I removed that foam so I had the standard foam again, then added 3 layers of 10mm think high density closed cell foam. which was much better and still reasonably soft.

So basically I went from super soft 2" of foam to just over 1" of stiff foam, which was heaps better. i defineitly advise closed cell foam over open cell foam.

Also when I say I added 3 layers, it was a bit like an inverse pyramid, with a small piece in the bend near the tank, than a longer piece ontop of that then a longer piece again.
Once you have glued all that together and let it set, you get a wood working Rasp and work at shavingthe edges til the foam looks like a projection of the original seat and shave the square edge off the top so there isnt a step in it.

Have a good chat to an upholsterer and he will set you straight on techniques and products/tools to use.

*** feeling catty!

Saw a thread on here about the same thing, they advised uncovering the seat, taking a hacksaw and starting just in front of where you sit cut acrossed the foam with the hacksaw about 3/4in deep about 1in apart all the way thru the area you sit on. This will soften up the foam considerably, then restaple back on. I didnt have a staple gun that could do the job so I took it to an upholstery shop by the house, they did every thing for me like i asked while I was there for $20. Much better, easy on the wallet.:thumbsup:

Sounds smart but is it lumpy looking or seem to be getting worn out quickly?

After they cut the foam the guy that did it thought the same thing and laid a single layer of thin stuff they put on foam in couch seats, its white, fiberlike smoothed things right out. No lumps, much softer. Not perfect but better and huge saving. Adds some give where there was none. Id recommend it:thumbsup:

Thanks JB. You deserve some gas for that one. I might as well try it before shelling out some real cash.