How to Improve your Stock Seat

[BigSteve]

I pondered the idea of buying a Corbin seat, but turn around time is 4-6 weeks and they are pricey ($300). So, I started looking for the items to make my own. Given this is NOT a Corbin, but an improvement over stock, here are the items I used and purchased at a local fabris store... Joanns (formerly Joann Fabrics):

-3M Super adhesive spray...$11.99
-1" High Density Foam...$6.44
-Quilt Batting...$11.99
-Black leatherette material...$15.99 <---reflects material needed for 2 seats
-1" Gel cushion...$89.00 (This was actually a gel cushion I purchased from Bob Weaver, packaged with a cover and other hardware to mount it to the seat. This can be found on ebay for less than $50)

Total...$135.41

Additional tools needed:
Staple Gun, pliers, and a flat head screwdriver.

First, gather all your materials:


Take the stock cover off to expose the foam underneath and remove all hardware:


Place the Gel in the location you desire. You may have to test fit it on the bike a few times until you get the feel/fit you want:


Trace the gel pattern onto the seat:


What ever size gel pad you use, remove the exact amount of stock foam. I used a box cutter, then a knife to flatten it out. (An electric knife carver would work best)


Insert the gel pad. My gel pad was sticky so, I used plastic on both sides (because it stuck well) and sprayed the 3M adhesive on it so that it would adhere to the foam.


Cover the gel pad with high density foam. I originally was looking for rebond foam, but Joanns didn't have any. Remember, the more foam used, the higher you'll sit...changing your riding postion and putting extra stress on your wrists. I added the high density foam for smoothness and a barrier between the gel pad and my bottom.


Add a thin layer of quilt batting to smooth out the edges.


Cover with a material similar to the stock covering.


Finished product.


I know there are mixed feelings regarding gel seats, but this seat performed the way I expected it to...better than stock. My test was conducted over a 13hr, 533mile ride taken yesterday, it definately made a difference!

[Jake918]

Awsome bro! great idea (will do myself) and great "how to" post.

how long did that take?

[BigSteve]

Originally Posted by Jake918

Awsome bro! great idea (will do myself) and great "how to" post.

how long did that take?

Roughly 1.5hr

[mike1180]

Wonderful idea and job!
Cudos!

[2akro]

To much work for me. Im lazy and just paid for a corbin seat! LOL but great idea and hope it works for you!

[omslaw]

Nice job!

Thanks for sharing!

[dadofthree]

[trekfuel]

I like it... great job...

Think we could sticky this thread?

[GSXcite]

Great how to thread!

[outlawbusa]

Great info...thanks for the pics.

[ctk0104]

Great ideas and best saving u ever got from this mod...

[Schism]

great write up and nice work! can you re-apply the stock fabric after everything is done? i would like to keep my seat with the oem fabric if it's possible.

[busaga]

i knew this could be done! too late for me now. i already have a gel seat

[BigSteve]

Originally Posted by Schism

great write up and nice work! can you re-apply the stock fabric after everything is done? i would like to keep my seat with the oem fabric if it's possible.

Yes it is possible because the stock fabric is stretchable (don't go crazy with a super thick top layer of foam). Be careful when taking the old staples out that you don't tear the stock fabric so it is reusable.

[BUBBA]

Originally Posted by BigSteve

-3M Super adhesive spray...$11.99
-1" High Density Foam...$6.44
-Quilt Batting...$11.99
-Black leatherette material...$15.99 <---reflects material needed for 2 seats
-1" Gel cushion...$89.00

Total...$135.41

Satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself - PRICELESS!

Very nice job
Bubba

[Schism]

Originally Posted by BigSteve

Yes it is possible because the stock fabric is stretchable (don't go crazy with a super thick top layer of foam). Be careful when taking the old staples out that you don't tear the stock fabric so it is reusable.

thanks, i will probably take a crack at it this weekend.

[HIGH IMPACT SEATZ]

i know this is a old post im new here and 90% of my buisness is bike seats and boat upholstery i think you did a great job on your seat . heres a few more tips thats will help out with do it your selfers . electric knife and small 1/4" Angle head die grinder and 2" Sanding pads with holder 60 to 80 grit is great for sanding down foam and re-shape seats and i use 1/2 foam to 1/4 in" foam for smoothing your line out no batting here a pic of a 09 busa with all black ostrich for a local bike shop east coast power sports in charleston what funny i just bought that 09 hayabusa in the pic with out the seats if anyone needs help with there seats just let me know thanks houser

[Schism]

very nice work! i wanted the oem look for me with the gel comfort and mine came out great! i had a blast doing this mod.