Custom seats

[docc]

I've long looked at the shape of the "bum stop" on the Sport and thought I would like it better shaped differently. I realize Guzzi had to provide for a pillion, but I'd likely lose that for the sake of vanity and style.

 

So, post your custom seats here and let's have a look-see . . .

[JBBenson]

No photos, but when I re-did my Sport's seat, I flattened the pan, eliminating the sharp edges of the molding intended to accommodate the battery. I also lowered the battery a bit.

 

Now the stock-looking seat is super comfortable even on very long rides, and I sit slightly lower as well, more "into" the bike.

[docc]

Looks like Walterg is building a seat. Looking forward to seeing the outcome!

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19319&p=221892

[Chuck]

Rich Maund

2017-06-12_07-49-26 by Charles Stottlemyer, on Flickr

A little wider, flatter, better foam.

He's making seats again, but I don't think taking orders right now. Rich is *good*.

[footgoose]

Rich Maund

2017-06-12_07-49-26 by Charles Stottlemyer, on Flickr

A little wider, flatter, better foam.

He's making seats again, but I don't think taking orders right now. Rich is *good*.

 

 

Is that leather? and I LOVE that Italian flag

[footgoose]

I've long looked at the shape of the "bum stop" on the Sport and thought I would like it better shaped differently. I realize Guzzi had to provide for a pillion, but I'd likely lose that for the sake of vanity and style.

 

So, post your custom seats here and let's have a look-see . . .

 Docc, Any news on your seat project?

[docc]

 

I've long looked at the shape of the "bum stop" on the Sport and thought I would like it better shaped differently. I realize Guzzi had to provide for a pillion, but I'd likely lose that for the sake of vanity and style.

 

So, post your custom seats here and let's have a look-see . . .

 Docc, Any news on your seat project?

 

Ah, man . . . my seat guy *retired* the very week I got your spare seat. <_>

 

Somewhere between my custom seat design *idea* and redesigning the Tekno pannier mounts is a happy change to my hi-mile sport.

[Rox Lemans]

You can go just about any upholsterer and have a bumpstop done to your seat. I had it done to my old CB750 putting in a bumpstop filled with memory foam so it would crush down for a rear passenger.

[Chuck]

 

Rich Maund

2017-06-12_07-49-26 by Charles Stottlemyer, on Flickr

A little wider, flatter, better foam.

He's making seats again, but I don't think taking orders right now. Rich is *good*.

 

 

Is that leather? and I LOVE that Italian flag

 

No, it's a marine grade not leather of some kind. Rich puts the Italian flag on the left side because Italy is a left leaning country.. 

He turned my Marquis de Sade designed Jackal seat from a 45 minute special to an all day all night Mary Anne seat, too.

[ChrisPDX]

Hi folks.  

Adding a custom seat upgrade example in 2024.  

I bought my 2001 Greenie, and it came with a custom seat, but the leather was very dried out, and importantly, I thought the seat was at the wrong angle.  As I rode the bike I was constantly being pushed up against the tank (insert your jokes here).  I'll just go with - it wasn't comfortable.

I live in Portland, Oregon, and looked up the maker of the seat.  Turns out, 22 years after building the first one, he's still in business making custom motorcycle seats, now located in Kingston, Washington, USA, just outside of Seattle.  Rich's Custom Motorcycle Seats https://www.richscustomseats.com

He said he'd be able to re-do the seat.  Either I could take photos and measurements and ship the seat to him and he would do his best to modify per my request, or I could come to his shop with my bike for a custom fitting.  The shop is about a 3-hour van drive from my house, so I loaded it (the cold/rainy season has begun here) and took it to him.

He had me sit on the bike and discuss, then pulled off the leather cover and modified the foam contours.  I sat on it again and took it for a short ride, then another minor contour change, and a new gel pad, another tweak and...what a GREAT transformation.  

I was then given a wide variety of choices regarding leather, vinyl, color, stitching and so on.  And while tempted by red flames or a waving Italian flag, I went with very simple and classic.  Green bike and red frame are, IMO, already speaking loudly enough .  I chose a black pebble-texture leather for the seating area (which I was told hides creases and wear over time), and black smooth leather for the pillion and lower sides of the seat, with double stitching.  

The contour they typically recommend (though they'll do anything you want) is a bit of a cupped shape with a gel pad under that.  I went the cupped direction since the V11 is more of a back roads cruiser.  I'll take my r6 to the track.  

From arrival at their shop to departure took a total of 5 hours.  Which is pretty incredible considering they sculpted a custom foam shape, made a custom leather pattern, stitched and adhered it, and I took a test ride mid-way in the process.  One person worked on seat disassembly and assembly, and another did the stitching.  I hung out in the shop, chatted, and tossed the ball for the shop dog.  

Really, the experience and result couldn't have been better.  They guarantee the work for a year, saying I could come back for adjustments or repairs if I wish.  

Their main business is, I think, cruiser seats for Harleys and the like.  And they say the busy season is April-September, so plan on waiting a little longer those months.  That said, they do offer the in-person fitting, same day service, all year round.   

Cost wasn't cheap, around $700, but the personal attention, truly custom result, high quality materials, made in USA workmanship, and so on...to me, it was a fair price in 2024 $$.  

Here are a couple photos.  You'll see I went conservative/classic.  The feel of the seat is really high quality - when felt with my hand, and with my backside.  I think it'll look and ride nice for years with just occasional leather treatment. 

 

Edited November 8 by ChrisPDX
typo

[swooshdave]

That's great! I think there's a similar shop in Oregon, I'd have to look at my notes. (I don't actually have notes but it sounds better when I say that).

[activpop]

6 hours ago, swooshdave said:

That's great! I think there's a similar shop in Oregon, I'd have to look at my notes. (I don't actually have notes but it sounds better when I say that).

I know there's Ed's in Albany. Is that what you were thinking? I have a card for him somewhere...with my notes. 

[Lucky Phil]

$700usd, yikes. Plus why people chose leather for a motorcycle seat is beyond me. It's not waterproof to start with and requires constant attention/maintenance to keep it even half way able to last. My Vinyl seats last forever with a wipe of Armor All every 6 months or so. As a matter of fact the seat foam usually gives up before the vinyl seat cover.

Sorry for the differing opinion on this but to me it's an expensive and poor material choice for a motorcycle seat.

Phil   

[guzzler]

I reckon it looks bloody good too....

A custom seat AND able to keep the cowling win/win!

However, I'm with Phil on the leather...

Cheers 

[Kevin_T]

Having a custom seat isn't for everyone. If never ride more than 2 1/2 hours at a time the stock seat should serve your needs just fine before you start squirming. Also the stock seat looks pretty good. If you are occasionally in the saddle more than 5 hours in a day you might want to look into a custom seat. Of all the mods I've done to my motorcycles a custom seat has been the best money ever spent. I've had a couple Corbins, one Rich Mound, and a Russell day long.

700 dollars who hasn't more than that on a exhaust system, and Chris got a leather seat which added another 100 dollars to the cost. Living in Portland  I'm not so sure about leather. Leather really comes into its own when temperatures are like 90 degrees F and above. That's the time when vinyl just feels nasty.