? That Best Seat Covers, Where??

[GregM.]

HI,

I have a 1980 GS 850G - all original and in good shape.

The original seat cover (finally, after 30 years) has too many splits in it. This bike is never left out in the rain, but it's time for a new seat cover anyway.

I'd like to keep "the look" as original as possible, and don't anticipate changing the original foam (which seems fine) or, the shape of it. I know that the (I think) '79 to '81 GS seats were the same... but, that the '82 and newer seats changed slightly.

Can I get the "correct" fitting cover for my '80 seat?
And would it match the original pattern?
Are there different choices, or options... fit, quality, ease of installation, etc?

I know this has been discussed over the years... I searched and could not find what I was looking for. THANKS, for your time and advice - Greg

[bonanzadave]

Find Seat Cover Replacement down the left side of Cliffs website.


Seat Cover

[Larry D]

I'd take the seat to a few local upholstery shops and see what kind of price they'll give you.

[bwringer]

http://motorcycleseatcovers.com

Just don't get the "Black Texture" material -- it looks great but it's actually perforated. Guess how I know...

It's incredibly stupid that they're still selling this without warning people, but I've given up on trying to get them to replace my seat cover, or even change the material or warn buyers on their web site.

Other than that, their quality and service are excellent.

[Nessism]

There is some place in Asia that has replica seat covers but I can't find the link anymore. They used to sell on ebay and their stuff looks almost exactly like OE.

[Bigbri]

I replaced the seat cover with a Saddleman by Travelcade just like described on Cliff's website. It looks just like the original. Went on without too much cursing.
Looks great and I would buy from them again. Cost was about $60

Bigbri

[efjay_62]

The B&H covers (see bwringers link above) are good, and look very OE. The only appearance difference is the pattern that's heat stamped into the original cover is actually sewn into the B&H one. I bought one for my 79, and having never done anything like it before, am pretty happy with the results. Fit well, and install was pretty easy. I ended up with one little wrinkle on the side, right where the seat raises up. I will say they weren't the fastest. They make everything to order. IIRC, when I called and ordered they told me about 4 weeks. I can't even remember how long it took, but it took so long that when the UPS truck brought me the package, I couldn't remember ordering anything.

[Tom MLC]

Ditto B&H Specialties. http://motorcycleseatcovers.com/index.htm

Their covers are as close to original as I've seen. Good quality and good price. Too bad they don't show pictures on their website.

[Nessism]

B&H is a good value but the sewn seams look significantly different than the stock heat pressed seams.

[BassCliff]

Hi Mr. GregM,

I have some seatcover replacement information on my website...

Seat Cover Replacement

More Seat Repair Tips
(by Mr. bwringer)

And just in case I have failed to welcome you properly....

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...

Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[ReTread]

I had these folks do a CB400F seat for me.

Not inexpensive, but first rate work.

http://www.sargentcycle.com/prodover.htm

[GregM.]

Thanks a ton, ALL you guys!!

Very helpful... and exactly what I was looking for

Your time and advice is very appreciated.

The 850G will be getting a new seat cover soon!

[almarconi]

I replaced the seat cover with a Saddleman by Travelcade just like described on Cliff's website. It looks just like the original. Went on without too much cursing.
Looks great and I would buy from them again. Cost was about $60

Thats what I have on my bike.

[bwringer]

The Saddlemen covers are very nice, but only available for a few models. B&H has patterns for absolutely everything.

Another caveat is that B&H can only make covers for the stock shape. So if you want to change the shape of the foam in your seat, you'll need to have a custom cover made locally or ship the seat off to Sargent. It takes a long time and costs a lot, but Sargent does a very nice job with custom seat covers.

Sargent and B&H are both getting very busy right about now -- they always get behind by a couple of weeks in the spring as millions of northern riders begin to think thoughts of sunshine and warm days.

[Don-lo]

I think this is the link Ed was referring to:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170374724576&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT