1980 GS850GL seatcover kit

[KDS111]

Saddlemen Double Bucket Seat Kit

Dennis Kirk Part #: 39462
Manufacturer Part #: XS147


Has anyone installed this seat kit on there GS.
It mounts to the stock pan. How's the quality, comfort, etc.
All your feedback is greatly appreciated.

[Steve]

Yes, sir. Check out the picture of my wife's bike ('82 850GL) in my sig.

Quality? The first one we got had a stitching problem, so sent it back. It also had the bucket moved a bit forward from stock and asked them to move it back to stock location, which they did.

Comfort? Let's just say this: After we go out for a day ride or come back from a weekend ride, my wife's bike gets backed into the garage. She can't do that, so I have to. That seat is so comfortable, I usually take it "around the block" (can be up to 10 miles) just because it feels so good.
(Just so you are aware of the basis for my comparison, check out the picture of my bike. )

To prevent the same problem we had with the seating position being moved forward, I would suggest that you measure your stock seat from the front of the upholstery (the top edge, where it meets the tank) to the start of the "kick" up to the passenger's section. That crease where the "kick" is, is what I call the "bucket" that you sit in. When you order the seat, ask for that measurement on the new seat. The first one we got was about 2 inches forward of stock. When they re-made the seat, it was only about 1/2 inch forward, and that was OK.

By the way, you will likely hear from some expert critics on the board about your "ugly" seat, just gently remind them that it's YOUR bike, YOUR butt.

.

[KDS111]

Thanks for the info,
From the picture it looks like its a little taller seat than stock.
That would be a plus being 6' 6" tall.

[1948man]

I guess you get foam plus a cover? That's probably a dumb question.

[KDS111]

Yes, foam and a cover.
You use your stock seat pan.

[Steve]

Thanks for the info,
From the picture it looks like its a little taller seat than stock.
That would be a plus being 6' 6" tall.

No, it's not really any taller, it's just the turned-up edges of the bucket that make it look a bit taller.

Her bike is set up for her. She is what we call "vertically challenged".
Besides having to shave the sides of the seat so she can reach the ground better at stops, we have set-backs for the bars AND bars that come back even farther than "L" bars.
That makes it a bit cramped for me (I'm 'only' 6' 5"), but I have ridden it for a couple of hours to go help another GSer work on his bike.

.

[Chromedome]

Hey guys, thats a real cumfie looking seat, anyone do them over here in Ireland or the U.K. ?