How to Make Motorcycle Seat Cushions
A comfortable motorcycle seat makes the difference between a ride that feels like sitting on board and a ride that feels like sitting in a favorite easy-chair. Whether your motorcycle seat has one seat that serves both driver and passenger, or two separate seats, you can make your own motorcycle seat cushions. You can also custom fit the seats so saddle time is a pleasure, not a challenge.
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Things You'll Need
- Motorcycle seat pan
- High density foam
- Spray adhesive
- Electric knife
- File
- Marker
Instructions
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Build up the foam cushion. You can either add foam to existing foam in the seat pan or start from scratch. If starting from scratch, carve a high-density foam block to match the contours of the seat pan as closely as possible. Use the electric knife for large cuts, and a file for more precise carving. Use spray adhesive to attach the block to the seat. If building up existing foam, glue additional high-density foam to the areas that need extra padding or support.
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Shape the cushion. Once the spray adhesive has dried, use a file to remove any rough edges where the pieces join together. Shape the seat so it leaves sufficient room for the rider or passenger's body to sit comfortably without getting hot spots. Seats usually feel more comfortable on long rides if a small area is also removed for your tail bone, so it does not get as much pressure placed on it during long rides. Make precise adjustments by using a marker to indicate where your body comes in contact with the seat.
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3
Test the seat. Place the seat on the motorcycle and sit on it in the same position you would be in if you were riding. Simply straddling the bike with both feet on the ground works for general fitting, but not for fine tuning. Put the bike on a center stand and get both feet on the pegs. Note any places that need adjustment and correct them. If you can feel an issue now, it will only get worse after several hours of riding.
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Cover the seat cushion. You can make your own seat cover, or you can take the seat to an upholstery shop where they can cover it for you. If you choose to cover it yourself, make a pattern out of inexpensive cloth to ensure a good fit before you cut into expensive leather fabric.
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Tips & Warnings
Having another person mark where your body hits the seat is easier than trying to do it yourself.
Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area since the fumes from spray adhesive can cause headaches, and cutting foam can create dust that you do not want to inhale.
References
- Photo Credit motorcycle image by Goran Bogicevic from Fotolia.com
