How to Rebuild a Motorcycle Seat

A motorcycle seat can be rebuilt with new padding.

When a motorcycle seat gets old or is no longer comfortable, you can buy a new seat, or you can rebuild the old one. One way to rebuild a motorcycle seat is to remove the old foam and replace it with brand new foam. However, the new foam will not come in the shape of the seat. This means that you will need to shape the foam yourself, which can be done with a few tools, some foam and spare time.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Putty knife
• Rebond foam
• Electric carving knife
• Foam adhesive
• Disc grinder
• Spray adhesive
• Staple gun

Instructions

1. Take the seat off of the motorcycle and set it on the floor or on a work bench.

2. Remove the staples that are used to secure the seat cover to the bottom of the seat and then pull off the seat cover.

3. Remove the existing foam that was attached to the seat. Use a putty knife if necessary.

4. Place rebond foam over the top of the seat. Mark where the rebond foam will need to be cut with a felt tip marker. You can purchase rebond foam online or at any upholstery store.

5. Cut along the marked lines with an electric carving knife. Leave about 2 inches of extra material to work with in case of mistakes. This will give you the rough shape for the new seat.

6. Spray the top of the motorcycle seat and the bottom of the rebond foam with foam adhesive. Wait for the adhesive to set for about 30 seconds then place the rebond foam on the seat. Wait a couple of minutes for the adhesive to dry.

7. Cut the rebond foam to the shape of the old seat with the electric carving knife. Use a disc grinder to contour the shape of the seat.

8. Place the seat cover back on the seat to see how it fits. If the cover does not fit right, continue to contour the shape of the seat with the disc grinder until it fits correctly.

9. Spray the rebond foam with spray adhesive then fit the seat cover over the foam. Wait a couple of minutes for the adhesive to set then secure the seat cover to the seat with the staple gun.

10. Place the seat back on the motorcycle to complete the project.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not spray adhesive on the seat or the foam, if it is anywhere near the motorcycle, because it will be hard to get off.

References

• Obairlann: How to reshape a motorcycle seat
• The Foam Factory: Rebond Foam