Who here has modified their existing seat? I was contemplating the idea of buying a ducati monster seat, but don't know if I want to go through the trouble of modding the frame just yet. So I was thinking, the seats are pretty similar. I have a 96, so it has the upturn in the front, so that part would be chopped off, and the back would be cut down a couple inches, and rounded a bit, and then I'd just stretch some new faux leather. BTW, the bike is turning into a bare frame bike with no plastics in the back...as minimal as possible.
I think I'm going to tackle this, so I'll post pictures when I do it. Let me know what you guys think of this idea.
I'm interested to see how it turns out
Ditto. I love the idea of a totally naked rear. Just haven't wanted to take the leap yet. Hope to see pics soon. :cheers:
Here's my idea. The grayed out sections would be cut down, and the fabric would be wrapped around the new plastic shape. This gets rid of the 'turn up' on the front of the seat, and the little 'turn up' on the back of the seat. Plus it narrows slightly toward the back...the picture doesn't really show that very well though. I ride 2-up every once in a while, so I need to keep most of the seat length
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/gs500seatmod.jpg)
I'm doing the front of mine like that to match up with the new style tank.I have an 89 with a 04 tank.The back will look odd because more of the frame will be exposed and create a gap.At least that's what I gather from the pic.Tape it off with masking tape,put it on the bike and post a pic of that.It will help lots.
Ben, I was going to do that before I got my newer bodywork. If you cut the rear of the seat you will most definetly have a gap.
That's why the back of the frame is getting cut off. everything from the rear seat supports back. This of course requires a new taillight/or taillight mount, and a relocation of the licence place. The wheel well is coming out in place for a metal or acrylic flat piece that goes along the frame lines, and the licence plate is going to be mounted above the rear shock, kind of on the back of the battery box (lit up of course).
I've started cutting. I took a couple pictures, but haven't got them on the comp yet. It's turning out all right so far. The front is looking good, makes it look like the newer seat in a way. The back needs to be modified a bit more than what I did. It looks too squared off right now.
BTW - the licence plate has been moved, the mud guard is removed, the tail light is temporarily mounted closer under the seat, and the original tail light mount and side rails are removed.
Pics :thumb:
I'm still currently working on it. I'm waiting for the paint on the seat pan to dry before I continue. I'm also using a very high quality synthetic leather to wrap it, so hopefully it will be really nice when all said and done. This stuff stretches about 500% more than normal vinyl. (And I apologize to anyone on dial-up)
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/1.jpg)
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/2.jpg)
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/3.jpg)
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/4.jpg)
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/5.jpg)
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/6.jpg)
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/7.jpg)
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/8.jpg)
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/9.jpg)
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/10.jpg)
The paint is dry this morning, so I'm starting the wrapping with the new fabric. Ran out of staples though, so I've got to pick up more. I'll have a bunch more pictures up by mid day.
At the beginning of the season I took my seat to some one who upholsters couches. I was told the stock seat only has one inch of foam in it. Two inches of foam were added to the seat and I have to say it was well worth the $90.00.
The seat is now much more comfortable and looks neat since it was done professionally. I no longer feel the hard plastic when riding.
yeah, the rider's seating area is about 1 inch. The passenger's area is about 2-2.5" thick. I didn't see much wrong with the padding amount, so I've kept it the same.
Cool! Thanks for all the details and pictures :cheers:
It's all done. I love the way it turned out. Tell me what you guys think. BTW, while I was modding the seat, I also cut off the rear pegs (making them removable), and cut off the far back of the frame and remounted the tail light. I also removed all the rear plastics, temporarily mounted the flush mount lights on the sides, mounted short stock signals to the front, got new napoleon mirrors, and moved the licence plate to in front of the rear wheel (not lighted yet, but will be). Also moved the seat lock to under the seat; tucked up very well (there's a great place to mount it if you don't have plastics, btw). So anyways, here it is...my 'Cafe Fighter' (still very much in progress)
difference between the old (glossy) and new (matte) synthetic leather
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/11.jpg)
view of the rear of the seat, license plate location, rear signals, and tail light
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/12.jpg)
view from the front. no rear pegs, no plastics, new front signals, and new napoleon mirrors
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/13.jpg)
from behind
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/14.jpg)
good side view, showing the seat without the rise in the front, and also the new shape of the back.
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/15.jpg)
If you guys want any other pictures or more detail about how I went about any of my recent mods, let me know.
Looks good! Maybe look into getting come black plastic caps for the tail.
good idea...they would have to be removable though, cause I'm fabricating a sissy bar/seat back for my wife, so she feels more comfortable on the bike...it's only going to go up about 6", but I plan on mounting it, by having is slide in the back.
Here's how my bike looked about a month ago, before I removed the center stand, removed the front fender, and made the custom exhaust and installed the katana 600 shock. Along with all the other mods
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/IMG_0120.jpg)
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/IMG_0128.jpg)
Here's the muffler, since there wasn't a single picture that showed that...
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/Rear.jpg)
your bike has a sweet lookin ass!!! nice job! i have an 04 f style - i love the front fairing, but think the bare ass might look good with it.... oh shaZam!, here we go again, this bike is going to be modded out from every direction!!! f%$king internet...
OK I guess you're not worried about someone stealing your black box ...
Cool.
Buddha.
It's a GS,Srinath. :icon_rolleyes: And mine is showing also since I did the F swap.
Your BB shows partially, and you guess no one will steal the thing ... Ok one time some clown stole my brake master cyl post on my nighthawk ... WTF, the mirror doesn't even bolt on to it.
Cool.
Buddha.
I'm planning on re-routing a bunch of the wiring harness to clean it up soon. What is that black box anyways?
Basicaly, the ECU or more commonly known as the CDI box.
got it...so it'll be a good idea to move it. I'm in the process of making a new battery and electrical harness mount, so it won't be like this for long.
Anyways, what do you guys think about the seat and everything? No one is commenting on it.
For the most part it looks good but we definetly need to do something about that back fold. Might want to tighten the mateial more and restaple. I'm not at all a fan of the way you're headed but it looks good so far during the process.
Diaz
O0
Quote from: quiktaco on June 01, 2008, 06:31:18 PM
Here's the muffler, since there wasn't a single picture that showed that...
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/Rear.jpg)
is that the one you did the right up on ? you experimented with baffles and all that ? (hope i have the right guy) - since i really appreciated your sharing the work with us.
the bike looks great, and i'm going to copy your 3M tape on the forks. that looks great !
your rear tire looks huge in those pictures, what size is it ?
rock on ma, nice looking ride :)
Yeah, this is the same guy. I was expirementing with the baffles, and the fiberglass and all that. I ended up with only the initial difusser and the baffle...no fiberglass. The sound is awesome now. It's really on the quieter side also...surprisingly. It's slightly louder than stock, but has a much better sound. Not like a fuel injected inline 4, but kinda like a harley, but with a smoother rhythm to it. Go for it on the 3M tape. It turned out to be a great spot, and you don't really even notice it, but it's very noticeable at night. I've done a ton of stuff since the muffler build. Just getting rid of all the needless stuff on the bike for as cheap as possible. I'm guessing I've probably cut well over 20 pounds off the bike.
About the tires. The previous owner got them...I have new stock size tires in my house, but haven't put them on yet. I don't remember the exact size of hand, but I know that they are 2 inches taller in diameter than stock. Soooo huge. I'm really looking forward to getting the stock size on. I dropped to a 15T gear, but with these huge tires, the gearing is still like I have at least a 16T or 17T, so it should make a big difference for drivability.
So I've been riding with the new seat for the last couple days and it's been great. The front where it was cut down was a concern when I first started. I was thinking the pad going up the tank would help pad the jewel's, but with it cut away, I haven't had a problem yet. Seams to actually give an inch more room. The fabric is holding up very well, and I love the look. I'm trying to find a different rear light. Something a little smaller and brighter, but haven't come across anything yet.
hey. if you get a chance, take some pics from the right side of the bike would you? I want to see how your right side wiring is set up. so sidestand and ignition relays and rectifier.That bike looks bada$$ IMHO.
nice frame work.
d
Will do. those are all taken off the right side of the battery box and frame and are tucked up in front of it. I have a lunchbox air filter, so it has a lot of room up there.
looks sweet! but i think it would look even better if you did the dual headlight set up, or just some streetfighter headlight :dunno_white:.
I thinking about a dual headlight, but then that's so trendy. I kinda want to make the headlight disappear. Maybe a stacked pair, pushed back farthur between the forks. Don't know, just a thought. Like I said, this bike is no where near completion. I don't think anything that I own can ever be complete. There's always something that can be changed.
Quick, I like your work so far, not bad at all. Anything you can do to the seat whether change iit, reshape it or what not, is an improvement over stock.
Heres what I'm working on to solve the seat issue.
(http://inlinethumb20.webshots.com/42067/2277065500073478356S600x600Q85.jpg) (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2277065500073478356kAnOfY)
Seat looks great and suits your bike :thumb:
Quote from: quiktaco on June 04, 2008, 10:31:07 AM
So I've been riding with the new seat for the last couple days and it's been great. The front where it was cut down was a concern when I first started. I was thinking the pad going up the tank would help pad the jewel's, but with it cut away, I haven't had a problem yet. Seams to actually give an inch more room. The fabric is holding up very well, and I love the look. I'm trying to find a different rear light. Something a little smaller and brighter, but haven't come across anything yet.
Try an R1.I have a clear alternatives R1 tail light.
Before anyone bashes the fender or signals.They are G. O. N. E. gone.My bike has changed alot in the past year since these pics.
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb17/ben_2_go/motorcycle008.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb17/ben_2_go/motorcycle009.jpg)
OMG! Look at those dumbo ear turn signals! hahahaha :laugh: :flipoff:
And that giant black shovel! What are you going off-roading?? :icon_mrgreen:
Ill bite,Ben. Let's see some new pics. And you're running the 88 Kat FE?
Quote from: bucks1605 on June 06, 2008, 11:57:53 AM
OMG! Look at those dumbo ear turn signals! hahahaha :laugh: :flipoff:
And that giant black shovel! What are you going off-roading?? :icon_mrgreen:
All that crap is gone!!!!
Quote from: average on June 06, 2008, 01:59:30 PM
Ill bite,Ben. Let's see some new pics. And you're running the 88 Kat FE?
No.I have a 95 Katana 750 front end with a Katana 600 top clamp and CBR F2/3 clip ons.The 88 Kat forks are different.Dgyver and I found that out while rebuilding a few sets of 89 + and 1 set of 88's.
As soon as this heat wave passes and I can finish the bike,I will have some fresh pics.
I had initially wanted to use a ducati monster seat, but time and money are not really around anymore, so I did the cheaper alternative. I'm sure eventually I'll break out the welder and fab up a rear end, but this will work for now.
ben, I'm not really a fan of that light. I think it can look alright in some places, but I'm looking for something that will blend in when off, and can't miss when on.
Quote from: quiktaco on June 09, 2008, 07:44:17 AM
I had initially wanted to use a ducati monster seat, but time and money are not really around anymore, so I did the cheaper alternative. I'm sure eventually I'll break out the welder and fab up a rear end, but this will work for now.
ben, I'm not really a fan of that light. I think it can look alright in some places, but I'm looking for something that will blend in when off, and can't miss when on.
Recess the light will help with visability and hide it a little.
(http://www.customdynamics.com/Images/msr_103ls.JPG)
Two things...One, my last name is Fry. Creepy. And two, I'm guessing that's an led tail light? Maybe? Where'd you find that?
It doesn't incorporate a tail light, just directionals.
It's for I think a Kawai Cruiser.
Radiantz has some very trick, flexible tube, Directional/tial/brake light LED combos that will be going on my project.
I think I found that image on
http://www.customdynamics.com/ (http://www.customdynamics.com/)
I have a question related to this post but different..... I want to mod the tail section of my Baby Gixxer (06 GS500F) to not have the plastic fender section where the rear signals and license plate are attached... Can somebody assist in how i can remove that and have rear signals? O0
search for "fenderectomy" and you'll find everything you need. People have gotten very creative...