There are many different parts to a motorcycle that often stand out: the frame, the wheels, and the handlebars, among others. However, it’s especially important to take note of one part: the seat. After all, you want to ensure you can sit on your bike comfortably, especially if you frequently use it for long trips. Here are steps to take when making a custom motorcycle seat.
Steps When Making A Custom Motorcycle Seat
The process of building a custom motorcycle seat is a long one and should be carried out with care. There are also several specific tools and materials you will need for this project, including padding, cardboard, a periscope attachment, and nails. Here are the seven key steps to remember when making a custom motorcycle seat.
Remove The Current Seat
After preparing the socket set and the extension, you may begin to build your seat. Remember that the fasteners you utilize must be unique to the motorbike model you wish to customize. Remove the bolts that are used to hold the bike seat in place, as well as the bolts on the back fender.
Take The Side Covers Off
The bolts that hold your motorcycle’s seat cannot be removed until the side covers have been taken off. These covers can be removed either permanently or just temporarily until you have set up the new seat. If you choose to rotate the seat’s back part, be sure to pin down the nose. Take extra caution by keeping all bolts and washers in a secure location (e.g. plastic bag) so as to avoid losing them.
Get Your New Motorcycle Seat
When preparing to mount your new motorcycle seat, you should try placing it in several different positions. Ultimately, it’s important that you sit comfortably on your bike. If your new seat has different proportions than your old seat, your natural sitting position could very well be different.
Create An Outline Of The Frame
For this step, place your cardboard on the frame and then trace an outline. The plywood will be useful for this stage of the process because it can support the base. With a sharpie, you can mark the mounting holes and then cut them out. To ensure an even outline for the frame, utilize the holes by the tank and those in the back portion of the seat.
Cutting The Outline
You can trace the outline onto the plywood and then cut it out with the help of a jigsaw and a cutting blade. Be sure to use proper protective equipment (e.g. gloves and goggles or a facemask) and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
Add Seat Padding & Customize The Upholstery
Cut the padding to fit your motorcycle’s seat and be generous. It’s alright if there is some hanging off the sides. Up to two layers of carpet can be utilized for your seat padding. Duct tape can help more firmly secure the padding on the base. The tape will likely be visible, so seek assistance from a professional custom motorcycle body shop if you are looking for a cleaner look.
Mounting The Seat
Place the new seat onto your motorcycle and sit on it to verify that it feels comfortable. Push the nails against the duct tape in order to mark the spots where the pins will be inserted. It’s imperative to do this because it helps ensure that the seat can be removed and mounted again without difficulty. You can use various materials to cover a motorcycle seat, although leather and vinyl are two of the most common. (Leather is generally more durable than vinyl.) You can also use measuring tools if you prefer to be precise.
Speak To A Custom Auto Body Specialist
Reach out to the experts at Robs Customs & Restorations in Manassas, Virginia, for more information on how to make a custom motorcycle seat. We have experience working with all kinds of motorbikes in Northern Virginia and are dedicated to helping customers by making their vehicles appear brand new. We perform custom bodywork and can replace body parts with stronger material to improve the aesthetics and performance.
Robs’ team can also perform frame and rust repair, since we know that the metal parts of a motorcycle can easily corrode over time and that a straightened frame is essential for a bike to circulate properly on the roads. We also provide custom paint jobs that cover scratches and dents. No matter what level of repair or restoration you are seeking, Robs is committed to helping you by ensuring that your motorcycle is in the best possible condition. Call Robs Customs & Restorations today at (703) 552-5001 or contact us online to learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation and receive a free quote.