GS550 Custom Seat- help!

[caridimondo]

Hi all,

I recently ditched the bulky stock seat for a custom cafe-style bench seat utilizing the stock latches/lock, rear cowl, and keeping it a 2-seater. I used 1/2" plywood for the seat pan, ordered some black vinyl, and used a few layers of camping pad for the seat foam. When I mounted the pad to the seat pan and sat on it, it felt pretty comfortable. After wrapping it and taking a test ride, it was not so nice. Now I'm thinking I need to tear it all apart and use a better type of foam. Any suggestions? I'd rather not tear up the stock seat in case I want to go back to it in the future, so are there any sites that sell good high density seat foam? After some research it seems like closed-cell foam might be a good option. Just want to get some suggestions from those who have had success making comfortable custom seats.

Thanks!
Tom

[caridimondo]

e.g. would this type of foam suffice? http://www.austinkayak.com/products/...4in-x-1in.html

[mike_of_bbg]

Can't answer your specific question, but this link was recently posted and might be of some help:

http://www.diymotorcycleseat.com/index.php

[spyug]

I can't speak to that product but I have used a closed cell material as used in "kneeler" pads ( i.e. for gardening, working on the floor etc). Usually a black material much like neoprene and about 1 3/4" thick. I have also topped it with a 3/4" "honeycomb" waffle pad as used by folks in wheelchairs. The foam I got from our "Princess Auto" store which is much like your Harbour Freight. The honey comb seat pad I got in one of auto stores.

You definitely want to get some good padding there that keeps you off the seat pan. Otherwise it will become uncomfortable quickly and can be a health issue for some with little natural bum padding and or a weak back. I speak from experience with a squished sciatic nerve in the left buttock caused by sitting on the custom f/glass seat on my XS650 StreetTracker. That casued me to lose a year of riding and still causes me weakness and pain in the left leg almost 5 years later.

Once I did get back to riding I got my GS exactly for its great big fat whale of a seat and sold the XS.

The cafe seats may look all "boy racer" but they are not designed for distance riding. If I were you, I'd go back to the stocker.

Good luck with it.

cheers,
spyug

[salty_monk]

Sargent sell their supercell foam...

http://www.sargentcycle.com/

[pete]

I'm just doing almost exactly the same thing.

My seat foam was cut down for a single seat conversion before I bought the bike and the foam was too soft. After about 30 - 45 minutes riding I felt like I was sitting on seat pan. So as part of my rebuild, I'm going to be doing my own foam on the stock seat pan and then get someone to cover it for me.

My plan is to do a dual layer approach, firmer on the bottom and softer on top.

Can't answer your specific question, but this link was recently posted and might be of some help:

http://www.diymotorcycleseat.com/index.php

Thanks for posting this Mike, I haven't see it before! I'll read through that in more detail.

On Friday I'll be trying to buy some good foam.

[caridimondo]

Thanks for the help guys! I'll check out that DIY and the Sargent site.

Spyug, since I live in the city and don't plan on doing any cross-country trips with the GS, I'm okay with the cafe seat. The stock one is too bulky looking IMO, so I'm going to try to make my new one as comfortable as possible.

Thanks again all! I'll post some pics when it's updated ('80 GSX250 tank to be installed as well)