Discussion Seat Refoaming

I read an article once about remaking a seat using the right (memory) foam that suited your weight. It went on how to calculate the foam density (measured in how many bubbles are in it per square inch I believe)
I ride a late 80's cbr and I to feel the pain of my seat. Due to the age of the foam and the abuse it has had it has broken down over time and those air bubbles have all but collapsed leaving a vinyl coated rock in its place. I don't believe mine is to narrow or that the shape is wrong but if you look at the foam under the cover if it is orange and sickly looking then its had it's day.

The article was about a dirt bike with a notoriously hard seat from factory and they recovered it with the correct foam on top of the original giving the seat a solid base with a comfort top.

Here is a link I just found whilst looking for the article.
http://www.diymotorcycleseat.com/foam_types.htm

Just out of interest I got quoted $120 to remake my seat completely (rider only no pillion)
I think I can make a new dual layer foam base an get the upholster to just remake the cover.

 

Hey Desmo
Very interesting subject but alas one that bike manufacturers seem to ignore, Why???
Over the years I've had a few bikes, some with excellent seats and others one could only discrib as lethal weapons! It remains a mystery to me. Motorcycle manufacturers will spend huge sums of money giving you great bikes that do everything mechanically very well, but then completely forget about any semblance of comfort for the rider, go figure!!
I have a 2005 CBR 1100 that I love to ride, but as with your bike the seat is rock hard. My first ride on the bike covered some 250K's and I nearly booked myself into hospital, such was the discomfort. A solution needed to be found and quick.
My mechanic told me about the Airhawk, said he had heard good reports about this product.
Well, I am a convert and can't praise the product enough. On short runs I don't see the need, but a decent ride and she straps nicely onto the seat and allows many K's without any discomfort whatsoever.
My suggestion is that you try one out and discover how comfortable the airpockets under your bum are, sure you will be agreeably surprised how comfortable the airhawk is.
Re foaming your seat may or may not solve this dilemma, it's worth thinking about.
                                                                                    Phil

 

I've come to the realization that the most valuable part of my Across is the seat.  I have no trouble riding Ballarat to Melbourne, return, and could probably keep going to Horsham if it weren't for the need to stop for petrol every 45 seconds  :-\.  A chat with another Across rider revealed a previous owner must have recovered the seat with gel/extra foam/whatever as it's apparently a thing of beauty, much coveted by those on stock seats.  As it was my first run-in with an Across, I thought all the seats were like this 

If I ever sell it, the ad will read

1995 Suzuki GSX250F Across 75786km without seat, $800 ONO
Custom, ridiculously comfortable seat to suit 1995 Suzuki GSX250F Across, $300

I reckon the seat will go first

 

Hey Motown,

That must have been me you bumped ito - at the Caltex on Albert St?

That seat is excellent. And looks like it's had the foam replaced with gel from the quick look and feel I had.

Desmo, if you can find gel at a decent price let me know - I have a spare seat I primed for foam replacement - just can't find thick enough (or cheap enough) gel to do the job...

 

Indeed, and a pleasure it was to meet you.

 

We need to do a victorian across ride-out guys!

Also: I think mine's stock and I don't find it uncomfortable at all... mind you I'm the frak that goes camping without any kind of matress

 

Resurrecting a rather old thread, but what about wearing cycle nicks under your riding pants on a long ride?

Cheers
JM

 

Read about the bike shorts, some recon it works. Something else I have seen is a bead mat over the seat, breaks up the pressure points and allows some airflow apparently.

 

I've heard good things about sheepskin seat covers on the across...

 

there are 'Armoured Undies'  ;D that you cam get from places that sell motocross gear.  Basically a set of cycle nix with more foam padding in them.  Never used any though so can't comment on if they improve seat comfort.

 

Sounds like a great idea, but can you still feel the lycra 

Cheers
JM

 

i actually have a spare seat off my parts across bike that im gunna get recovered with better foam. I rode mine back from queensland to nsw a 1100km trip and to say my butt was sore is an understatement lol. When i get mine done i will get some pictures up of the standard seat and the new seat to show the difference if you would like

 

sheep shin seat covers work wonders on any motorcycle

save yourself a fortune, keep your eyes on places like repco and supercheap auto. i bought my seat cover brand spanking new from repco here in town for just $10, it was from a 1978 mitsubischi something or other. it looks ugly as sin on the bike but man is it comfortable.

 

I have a Honda NT, and my wife hates the seat. I have the notion to insert a gell pad in it to make life easier. Has anyone worked with the gell pads? What were your results like?

 

Thanks Murdo, I've seen that item regarding the ischium. I've done some reading up on seating postures for my own interest, due to being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. At one stage, believe it or not, I had a severe PIA (ischium) and had thought of the Air Hawk to ride the couch on to try to ease the pain.