Post by bdrgonzo on Jan 20, 2014 9:37:09 GMT 10
Well it's been a little while since I posted new things about my bike. So I thought I would throw up a couple of things I have done lately. My 1st item is my new seat.
I was in the market for a new seat for my 2013 VT400C. I looked at after-market ones from several companies. These being Saddleman, Ultimate, and Mustang. While their products looked great and comfortable, with lots of favorable reports from owners on the web, they did not fit my need.
My problem was I could not get information regarding the mounting brackets underneath. As my bike is solo seat with a chrome rack, the set-up underneath was important. The chrome rack attaches where the stock pillion seat originally did, so hence my dilemma.
So my next option was to get my stock seat re-covered by a trimmer. However that meant no seat for a week or two, meaning no riding. This was not a very pleasing thought. So off to a motorcycle wreckers to find a 2nd hand seat. Unfortunately (for the owner of the now damaged bike- not me)there was a 2004 VT750 at my local wrecker. $100 and a short time later I had an undamaged stock seat.
Next stop was off to a local auto trimmer for some work. plus.google.com/115080715615592638969/about?gl=au&hl=en . Small time local, who I have been told has been there forever and a day (does not appear to even have a web page- now that's old school).
Just under 2 weeks later, and another $200 dollars I received my new seat. Slightly re-shaped, with 25mm foam on top for more comfort. The seat was newly covered as well. Black vinyl with a non-slip vinyl material for the seating area. Some nice black stitching (naming the bike officially "The Gonz") completing the look. Black stitching on black made for a very classy look.
So for a total of $300, I now have a custom seat. Could have been only $200 if I chose to cover my own stock seat. However as I plan to upgrade to a VT750 once I become full licensed, I decided this option good value. Upon upgrading, all improvements go over to the 750. The 400 reverts to near stock for re-sell. I then get more value out of my $300 investment.
I have had the seat fitted now for about 2 months. For me it's nice and comfy. Have completed several long rides (300km +). I am very pleased with the results. Below are some pics (as I know it did not happen if there are no pics).
Seat fitted to bike
Close-up of fitted seat
Bike's official name
Stitching again
I was in the market for a new seat for my 2013 VT400C. I looked at after-market ones from several companies. These being Saddleman, Ultimate, and Mustang. While their products looked great and comfortable, with lots of favorable reports from owners on the web, they did not fit my need.
My problem was I could not get information regarding the mounting brackets underneath. As my bike is solo seat with a chrome rack, the set-up underneath was important. The chrome rack attaches where the stock pillion seat originally did, so hence my dilemma.
So my next option was to get my stock seat re-covered by a trimmer. However that meant no seat for a week or two, meaning no riding. This was not a very pleasing thought. So off to a motorcycle wreckers to find a 2nd hand seat. Unfortunately (for the owner of the now damaged bike- not me)there was a 2004 VT750 at my local wrecker. $100 and a short time later I had an undamaged stock seat.
Next stop was off to a local auto trimmer for some work. plus.google.com/115080715615592638969/about?gl=au&hl=en . Small time local, who I have been told has been there forever and a day (does not appear to even have a web page- now that's old school).
Just under 2 weeks later, and another $200 dollars I received my new seat. Slightly re-shaped, with 25mm foam on top for more comfort. The seat was newly covered as well. Black vinyl with a non-slip vinyl material for the seating area. Some nice black stitching (naming the bike officially "The Gonz") completing the look. Black stitching on black made for a very classy look.
So for a total of $300, I now have a custom seat. Could have been only $200 if I chose to cover my own stock seat. However as I plan to upgrade to a VT750 once I become full licensed, I decided this option good value. Upon upgrading, all improvements go over to the 750. The 400 reverts to near stock for re-sell. I then get more value out of my $300 investment.
I have had the seat fitted now for about 2 months. For me it's nice and comfy. Have completed several long rides (300km +). I am very pleased with the results. Below are some pics (as I know it did not happen if there are no pics).
Seat fitted to bike
Close-up of fitted seat
Bike's official name
Stitching again