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. 

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

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 

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)

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 

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



view of the rear of the seat, license plate location, rear signals, and tail light



view from the front.  no rear pegs, no plastics, new front signals, and new napoleon mirrors



from behind



good side view, showing the seat without the rise in the front, and also the new shape of the back.



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

Here's the muffler, since there wasn't a single picture that showed that...

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.