Original seat cover replicas

[koolaid_kid]

Has anyone in the U.S. found a supplier of replicas of the original seat covers? I have an 83 GS1100E that is in need of a new cover. I contacted Sargents, and they told me they have no pics, they simply make one from a mold when required. I have seen one in a different pattern, and while it looks comfortable, it is nowhere near original. The B&H looks pretty close, but no cigar. I found a manufacturer in the U.K., but was hoping for one closer to home. I like my bike to look original and I would like a replacement cover that also looks original.

 

[Agemax]

try find a decent car seat upholsterer. you can choose your material and colour, well worth the extra cost, or may work out cheaper. i had a custom made cover made for my seat in black suede for ?80 fitted

 

[Nessism]

I've never seen any GS seat covers, other than those from Pit-Replica's in Thailand, that look even remotely close to stock. If anyone know of a place please share.

 

[koolaid_kid]

There is this in the U.K. http://www.motorcycleseats.co.uk/index.html
I emailed them on my GS, we'll see what they send back. The replicas they show on their site look pretty good, IMHO.

 

[bmac]

Replacement

Replacement

I have just replaced my seat for my gk2. I did not get a two tone, my bike is black with gold pin strips. I am very happy with the fit and the original look of the oem style. You would not be able to tell the difference between the two. Bmac

 

[Flaggo60]

I had mine done by a local upholsterer for around $100...I like it. It was done ten years ago and its holding up.

 

[koolaid_kid]

I have just replaced my seat for my gk2. I did not get a two tone, my bike is black with gold pin strips. I am very happy with the fit and the original look of the oem style. You would not be able to tell the difference between the two. Bmac

Would you happen to have a source?

 

[salty_monk]

Nessism had one done locally here on his 1000S that is a pretty good approximation of stock.... $160 fitted I believe. Shop is on Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Bch, Cross St Torrance & I believe the owners name is Noel.

From a Google search I suspect this is them:

Trim-Line & European Upholstery
319 South Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, CA 90277-3798
(310) 540-0088‎

The stitching is a little wider (i.e. each stitch is slightly longer from memory) but that's about it.

Sargents should be able to do you one... I'm sure if you stress that it's important to get an exact match then they would be able to do it, even if they charged you a few extra bucks for the additional stitching.

 

[Griffin]

The problem with trying to replicate original GS seat covers is that many of them had imprinted patterns on them (like K.K.'s 1100E with it's latitudinal lines, and my 1000G with its basketweave) that were done when the vinyl was hot and rolling off the production press.

You're not going to find vinyl with that pattern on it anymore. You can approximate the pattern with stitching, but it won't be an exact match.

 

[koolaid_kid]

I understand what you are saying Brett, but Moretti Ltd. in England looks like they do exactly that. I would settle for stitching versus molded, but I really want the lines to be the same, at the very least.
Sargent's was the most disappointing; when I contacted them I felt that I was being blown off. Perhaps I did not ask the right questions, or a second contact would be required?
B&H was also disappointing; I was told they were close, but the pic they showed on their web site is very tiny and difficult to see.

 

[Agemax]

get a specialist upholsterer to do it for you. may cost a few bucks more but you will be happier with the result

 

[Griffin]

I understand what you are saying Brett, but Moretti Ltd. in England looks like they do exactly that. I would settle for stitching versus molded, but I really want the lines to be the same, at the very least.
Sargent's was the most disappointing; when I contacted them I felt that I was being blown off. Perhaps I did not ask the right questions, or a second contact would be required?
B&H was also disappointing; I was told they were close, but the pic they showed on their web site is very tiny and difficult to see.

Sargent's isn't interested in replicating original patterns. They buy their vinyl sheeting in bulk in several different texture/color combinations, and make all of the covers to order off of the patterns they have.

If a company really does replicate the texture/patterns embossed on original vinyl, they have to own a roller press to roll out a sheet of standard vinyl, then set up the press to imprint the design on the hot vinyl as it passess through the press, then go through a cooldown phase before being rewound at the end of the press.

If somebody has the equipment to do that and can replicate a lot of older designs to order, then I'm sure that the cover they produce is going to be pretty expensive.

Let me know how you make out with Moretti. If they can emboss the original pattern on the 1100E and 1000E/G seats, they'd probably be able to sell quite a few here on the board. Just like the seam on the liip of the 1100E seat that always tears, there is a weak point in the pattern at the front right edge on the GS1000E/G cover and I've seen it on almost every GS1000 seat with any real butt-time I've some across (I have two seats like that sitting in my garage).

 

[koolaid_kid]

I sent all 3 companies (Sargent, B&H, Moretti) an email, I'll post their response.
Of course, this is all Suzuki's fault. My original seat is flawless except for that damm seam. Little Japanese illegitimates.

 

[hampshirehog]

This guy sells them on Ebay (link is to a GSX750 cover). As he's only just down the road from Moretti he may be selling them as a homer.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Motorcycle-se...em&pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item255479e242

 

[koolaid_kid]

Homer = principal or main?
Sent them an email, we'll see how it goes.

 

[hampshirehog]

Homer = principal or main?

Homer = guy works for the company and uses their kit (in his lunchbreak or goes in at the weekend when nobody is around) and sells the stuff as his own. Doing the stuff to support his own home hence 'homer'. Often better service, cheaper (no tax etc) but no comeback if something goes wrong.

 

[Guest]

Why not contact Pit Replica (via one of their ebay auctions) and ask if they have an 1100E reproduction cover? I read a good review on another board a while ago...IIRC they even heat-press that cover, to get the proper segmented factory look. The deal back then, was that they offered a free (or near-free) cover if they didn't have the one requested, and required the customer to mail them an old cover to copy, in Bangkok, Thailand.
I thought I had bookmarked the store link, but can't seem to find it now. At some point, I'll probably be in the market for a cover too....can't believe I put 45,000 km on the bike and those seams haven't as yet split.

Check this out & let us know how it goes, if/when you contact them.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SUZU...rcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27b3073b05

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...4ff7bcb2e&rvr_id=&ua=WXF?&itemid=160449399715

 

[Billy Ricks]

I've recovered mine a couple of times using marine grade vinyl. Marine grade is softer and has a good bit of stretch to it so it covers contours without much hassle. It usually stretches more in one direction than the other. A little heat will help with stubborn contours.

 

[koolaid_kid]

Sent them a message, Mysuzyq. I will keep the thread updated with any and all replies from those I attempted to contact. Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Sent them a message, Mysuzyq. I will keep the thread updated with any and all replies from those I attempted to contact. Thanks.

Cool.... after checking out some of their covers on ebay (with embossed detail), I think they'll be the best bet. If they do come through, maybe it would be worth trying to negotiate a multiple piece/group buy, if there is enough interest for the 1100E cover. I'm in for one, and there are probably more 1100EZ/ED/ESD owners in the market, since the seam-splitting issue appears inevitable.:-k