How Do I Shave My Stock Seat?

[logan176]

I have been checking out other bikes in the garage and I have noticed that some people have shaved down their stock seat to make it more of a low profile seat. Someone had told me that you just pretty much take a box cutter and shave it very carefully so not to over cut. My questions have to do with fabric.

Do I have to use a special type/thickness of fabric?
Do I use a staple gun to secure the fabric? If so, what size is strong enough?
Is vinal good enough or should i use a different fabric?

Thanks guys

[T_Sebastian]

vinyl will work, but make sure you get a marine grade, so it will hold up to the weather and the repeated usage.
I think most have used a good sharp bread knife to do the cutting.
Take it slow and keep trying to stretch the vinyl over it as you go. Take little bites at a time till ya get it how you want it. Remember its easier to cut foam off than to put it back on. Any good industrial stapler will work to attach the vinyl.

[logan176]

I'm guessing marine grade vinal is not something I can pick up at Walmart. Where can I pick this stuff up?

[gozz2121]

I used upholsery leather I found on ebay. I just put in a search for it and found several scrap pieces that people were selling cheap, just make sure the size is big enough to cover your seat. I also used a disc grinder with a sandpaper attachment to round the edges I had cut with the bread knife. Also you prolly can find the vinyl at a fabric shop. Good luck

[NoizeBoy]

I just used the same seat material.

Carefully remove seat material (it was originally just stitched into the plastic seat molding). I lef the very front part covered, just so I had somewhere to start when I went to put it back on.

I used an electric knife to shave it down. Like T_Sebastian said, BABY STEPS.

While I had everything apart, I cut the rear passenger seat off. This leaves your seat with a big "shelf" on the back of it, but my toolbag happened to fit perfectly behind it, so no problem. Actually, I used the seat bolts to secure the bag.

Used some spray-on adhesive between the foam and cover. Be careful not to get it on there "too perfectly". If you have any little divits from shaving, and glue it too well, all the pits will show. Much like a fat girl in stretch pants. So let the cover stretch a little...

Then used a standard staple gun to reattach the cover material. This requires some trial and error, so take your time.

All in all, not too bad. I'll see if I've got a picture...

[NoizeBoy]

not the best pic, but here you go...

[logan176]

I used upholsery leather I found on ebay. I just put in a search for it and found several scrap pieces that people were selling cheap

I did the search like you said and I like what I see. Should I get light weight or medium weight leather?

[gozz2121]

I did the search like you said and I like what I see. Should I get light weight or medium weight leather?

I personally would go with the medium just for durability sake.The piece I got was medium weight and it seemed to stretch fairly easy, just be sure and get some spray adhesive from auto zone napa or wherever and spray it on the top of the seat, it kinda helps hold it in place while your putting it on. Just for info I used a air stapler with 1/4" staples, just adjust your air pressure real low about 20 psi or so to keep from going all the way thru your seat pan. Good luck

[logan176]

Used some spray-on adhesive between the foam and cover. Be careful not to get it on there "too perfectly". If you have any little divits from shaving, and glue it too well, all the pits will show. Much like a fat girl in stretch pants. So let the cover stretch a little...
...


Okay guys, I shaved down my seat and I love the new shape! The only thing is that damn "seat cellulite." I'm guessing I stretched it out too much because when the new vinal gets cold you see a lot of bumps...but when it's warm from the sun it doesn't look that bad. Is there anyway to smooth out the padding and/or the vinal?

Oh...I never glued the vinal to the foam so I can take it off.

[bones]

You can get some batting at a fabric store and stretch that over the seat first then cover with the vinyl.It helps to smooth it out and cover imperfections.

[RAZOR]

how do u shave the stock seat.
i dont know about you guys but my seat never grew any hair for me to have to shave it.i better go back to the stealer and complain.i'm getting jipped.
but i gues if i had to shave it i would prolly use some shaving cream and a
good sharp razor blade. :wink_2:
:laugh3:
no for reals - i never shaved my seat but plan to do it.from what i hear what everybody has said is the correct way,and like they say baby steps.

[SmokeShowin]

Did you do a http://www.shadowriders.net/forums/tren_z/misc/tren_z_header_search.gif (http://www.shadowriders.net/forums/search.php?s=)?

I think someone had told how they did it somewhere on here.

[SmokeShowin]

I can't find it. I know I saw it on here somewhere. Maybe someone else remembers.

Okay, it's official. I am a moron. The first couple of posts in this thread talk about it. :rolleyes5

[logan176]

You can get some batting at a fabric store and stretch that over the seat first then cover with the vinyl.It helps to smooth it out and cover imperfections.

You know, I was thinking of something along those lines but with a thin vinal. I had a feeling that my staple gun wouldn't go through both layers. This info rocks...I'm off to the fabric shop tomorrow. Thanks!

[SmokeShowin]

Good luck. Post pics when you're done. Or better yet, take pics as you go and you can post them in the how-to section.

[logan176]

Here we go guys. Since the last photos I posted I have removed the 1" risers and the saddlebags. I have shaved the seat but I still have to get the batting to smooth it out.

Logan's Shadow (http://www.shadowriders.net/forums/vbgarage.php?do=view&id=282)

Mods still to come: 1.5" rear drop, low profile mirrors, small front turn signals!

[logan176]

After riding for a while on the new seat, I must admit that it is not as comfortable as the stock seat. However, there is no way I'm going back to the way the stock seat looks. I was thinking of trying 1 of 2 things to make my bum a little happier:

1. take off the new vinal and drill a bunch of small holes so the seat will have a little more give.

2. place a gel pad insert under the vinal.

I know the first idea sounds a little stupid, but hey, it is just an idea. If you think the gel pad insert is a better option...can someone tell me where to find a good pad. thanks.

[SmokeShowin]

I've seen ads somewhere for gel pad seats, that's not a bad idea.

[RAZOR]

hey logan you said you removed the 1" risers--what kinda risers where they
i might be interested in them for this winter,that is if you are selling them.