customizing the seat

[LeMaitre]

Gl1200A stock seat. I find the seat much too far forward sitting. I am 6' 1". I have moved the seat as far aft as possible but still find it too cramped. I did not want to modify the stock seat I had. So in an effort to get a better fitting seat, I purchased a pan which had a newer seat cover on it for $88 with shipping. I have removed the cover and what was left of the original seat cover.

At this point I placed the seat on the bike and put the bolts in. With the seat in its rear position, I sat on the bike and moved back till I found the desired position of my back. Using a marker I drew a line across the seat. The result is I want to move the front seat back another 6 1/2". Has anyone attempted this before?

I did do a site search and found the link for http://diymotorcycleseat.com. The site definitely is a good starting point for working on reshaping the seat.

Thanks for your in sites,

-Mark

[jeffharlan68]

I have the same problem. I'm a tall guy and would like a little more stretch. Looking into modifying my seat as well. I'll be following your post closely and if I figure out something in the meantime, I will post as well.

[LeMaitre]

Jeff,

Thanks for the reply.

One thought I had was to just cut the back off the seat and move the mounting brackets forward. Appeal is realively easy and quick. As I study the seat pan structure I am less inclined to use that method. That leaves cutting the bucket free, cutting the back and reinstalling the bucket then adding foam to the front.

-Mark

[LeMaitre]

Making slow progress, using painters tape, I outlined the seat one more time. I also removed the foam from the pan.

Using a hand saw and a serrated kitchen knife, I cut the foam.

One thing I did not notice when I had the foam off the pan is a rigid insert for the seat back. I will be adding layers of carpet underlay foam so the insert will be of the proper height. I will also be using it to fill out the seat. The rear seat will not totally disappear but will be sized for a small rider.

-Mark

[Corkster52]

Even though mine is a 1500 and I have gained a considerable amount of relief by using an Airhawk pad, I may still end up wanting to modify the worn out foam on my seat, so I will be watching this thread. Thanks for keeping us up to date on your progress.

[LeMaitre]

More progress. Added carpet foam to fill in the holes and raise the height slightly.

Put the old aftermarket cover on the seat and placed it on the bike. Plan is to go for a ride tomorrow to give it an evaluation.

-Mark

[coolrogue1]

One question.....if your moving the sitting position back 6 1/2 inches won't that mean you will be leaning forward to reach the handlebars?


Sam

[LeMaitre]

One question.....if your moving the sitting position back 6 1/2 inches won't that mean you will be leaning forward to reach the handlebars?

Sam

Just to make sure of my hand placements I put the bike on the center stand. My knees are even with the end of the bars. My hands rest on the bars with my elbows bent. I can lean back further.

Ride report: First leg was for 15 minutes. I could tell imediately that it was much easier to to get my feet off the pegs and control the bike when stopping and parking. The second leg included two picture stops and a 55 mile return run. The seat feels a little hard after a half hour. I'll add more pad on the sides of the saddle. Below is a picture of Minnesota Point and in the haze Isle Royal.

-Mark

[LeMaitre]

Finally got the seat recovered. Not fancy but the whole project cost less than $300.
-Mark