How to Replace a Honda Motorcycle Seat

Motorcycle seats withstand a lot of abuse over the years. Sun damage and constant contact with the rider's underside work to wear the leather or vinyl seat cover, eventually creating tears in the cover and deteriorating the seat's cushioning foam. While minor damage can be repaired, replacing the entire seat is often the best choice. Honda's motorcycles use one of three methods to mount the seat, ranging from the hinged seats used by the older CB-series, to bolt-on and lockable seats found on more modern models. In most cases, replacing a Honda seat can be accomplished in minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Ignition key
• Pliers
• Replacement seat
• 5 mm Allen wrench
• 10 mm socket
• Socket wrench

Instructions

Hinged Seats

1. Unlatch the seat lock on the side of the motorcycle's seat rails, using the ignition key. Lift the seat open.

2. Remove the cotter pin from the seat's hinge bolt, using a pair of pliers. Pull the hinge bolt out of the seat hinge. Set the seat aside.

3. Place the new seat over the seat rails, aligning the seat's hinge with the hinge on the seat rail. Slide the hinge bolt into place.

4. Insert a new cotter pin into the end of the hinge bolt. Bend the cotter pin's legs with a pair of pliers.

5. Lower the seat onto the seat rails and push down to lock it into place. Remove the ignition key.

Bolt-On Seats

1. Lift the sides and rear of the seat's cushions to locate the seat bolts.

2. Unscrew the seat bolts, using a 5 mm Allen wrench or a 10 mm socket.

3. Lift the rear of the seat upward and pull it off of the seat rails.

4. Slide the new seat onto the seat rails, hooking the seat's tabs onto the motorcycle's frame. Push the rear of the seat down against the seat rails.

5. Insert and tighten the seat bolts, using a 5 mm Allen wrench or a 10 mm socket.

Lockable Seats

1. Unlatch the seat lock on the side of the motorcycle's seat rails or under the tail section, using the ignition key.

2. Lift the rear of the seat off of the seat rails. Pull the hooks on the front of the seat out of the frame's catch tabs.

3. Hook the new seat onto the catch tabs. Press the rear of the seat down against the seat rails until the lock mechanism latches into place.

4. Remove the ignition key.

References

• "The Professional Motorcycle Repair Program"; Professional Career Development Institute; 1995
• "Honda CMX250C Service Manual 1985-1987": Honda Motor Co.; 1987
• "Honda VTX1300S Service Manual 2002-2003": Honda Motor Co.; 2003
• Honda CB250/360 & CL250/360 Shop Manual"; Honda Motor Co.; 1976
• Honda CB/CL/SL100 & CB/CL/SL125 Shop Manual"; Honda Motor Co.; 1971
• "Honda CBR1000RR Service Manual": Honda Motor Co.; 2005