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Old 08-10-2009, 12:20 AM
BigSteve's Avatar  
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Default How to Improve your Stock Seat

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!
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Old 08-10-2009, 12:30 AM
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Default Re: How to Improve your Stock Seat

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

how long did that take?

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Old 08-10-2009, 12:32 AM
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Default Re: How to Improve your Stock Seat

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Originally Posted by Jake918 View Post
Awsome bro! great idea (will do myself) and great "how to" post.

how long did that take?
Roughly 1.5hr
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Old 08-10-2009, 01:08 AM
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Default Re: How to Improve your Stock Seat

Wonderful idea and job!
Cudos!

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Old 08-10-2009, 01:11 AM
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Default Re: How to Improve your Stock Seat

To much work for me. Im lazy and just paid for a corbin seat! LOL but great idea and hope it works for you!
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Old 08-10-2009, 01:16 AM
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Default Re: How to Improve your Stock Seat

Nice job!

Thanks for sharing!

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Old 08-10-2009, 04:04 AM
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Default Re: How to Improve your Stock Seat

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Old 08-10-2009, 05:05 AM
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Default Re: How to Improve your Stock Seat

I like it... great job...

Think we could sticky this thread?

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Old 08-10-2009, 08:25 AM
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Default Re: How to Improve your Stock Seat

Great how to thread!

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It's almost totally stock, honest! THANK YOU ORG MEMBERS FOR YOUR SUPPORT AFTER MY ACCIDENT, YOU ARE THE BEST!
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Old 08-10-2009, 09:37 AM
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Default Re: How to Improve your Stock Seat

Great info...thanks for the pics.

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Old 08-10-2009, 01:52 PM
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Default Re: How to Improve your Stock Seat

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

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Old 08-10-2009, 03:26 PM
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Default Re: How to Improve your Stock Seat

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.

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Old 08-10-2009, 03:44 PM
busaga's Avatar
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Default Re: How to Improve your Stock Seat

i knew this could be done! too late for me now. i already have a gel seat
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Old 08-10-2009, 04:16 PM
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Default Re: How to Improve your Stock Seat

Quote:
Originally Posted by Schism View Post
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.
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Old 08-10-2009, 04:23 PM
Foghoon Leghoon
 
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Default Re: How to Improve your Stock Seat

Quote:
Originally Posted by BigSteve View Post

-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

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Old 08-10-2009, 04:57 PM
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Default Re: How to Improve your Stock Seat

Quote:
Originally Posted by BigSteve View Post
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.

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