Hey everyone,

I'm new to this site (loving it so far). I'm in desperate need of a new seat for my GS500. I recently picked it up for an awesome price, but the camo seat has to go. Anyone have a gently used seat I could pick up fairly cheap? I also need one of the rubber grommets that go on the side fairings... I think that is what they're called. My left-side fairing is loose as a result of it missing. Any suggestions for my bike as well? I'm going for a street fighter look. I've already ordered new fork seals and progressive springs for the forks (2 birds w/ one stone). I'd love to hear any and all mods that you guys have found useful or that just look awesome. I'm in the market for new mirrors as well. Thanks in advance!!!! 

Quote from: mortuar on February 19, 2009, 12:22:29 PM
Hey everyone,

I'm new to this site (loving it so far). I'm in desperate need of a new seat for my GS500. I recently picked it up for an awesome price, but the camo seat has to go. Anyone have a gently used seat I could pick up fairly cheap? I also need one of the rubber grommets that go on the side fairings... I think that is what they're called. My left-side fairing is loose as a result of it missing. Any suggestions for my bike as well? I'm going for a street fighter look. I've already ordered new fork seals and progressive springs for the forks (2 birds w/ one stone). I'd love to hear any and all mods that you guys have found useful or that just look awesome. I'm in the market for new mirrors as well. Thanks in advance!!!! 

I have a seat off of a 2001.  I also have the sock mirrors same year. 

Would they fit? Could you snap me a picture of all of the parts (including bottom of the seat)? Also, how much would you ask for just the seat, just the mirrors, or all together?

Thanks!

From what I can tell the seat is pretty different (at least from the way it hugs the tank). Let me know what you think though. Thanks!

I have a seat from a 90 that isn't in perfect condition but would be better than cammo!  I'll try to get pics tonight and see what we can do!

if you cant find a seat you could always recover it yourself.

advice for the look: don't worry about the looks. rock the HANDLING stuff !

the springs are a good idea, new rubbers make it like a new machine, and def rock some 89 clip ons if you can find them in the FOR SALE section.

i'm taking off my flyscreen as soon as the weather warms up a little more. still need it for the <32F morning commutes

I picked up a new seat cover from ebay for 10 bucks and had a buddy recover it for 15, so for 25$ I have a seat that looks brand new. If you can't find a good seat for a good price its always an option

I'm down with recovering the seat... but it slides around as if it's loose. I know it is the right seat I just can't figure out why it feels all loose. Thanks for all the awesome tips. Keep 'em comin!

Is the seat base itself moving around or is the padding?  If it's the base, you either have rubber pads missing from the bottom or it isn't locked properly.  I have a 94 and I just had the seat reupholstered.  It's waaay more comfortable than the stock seat, and the looks haven't changed.  I recommend doing that.  Buying another stock seat will give you numb butt.  www.knoplace.com  Lowest prices on the internet, or follow their instructions on the website and do it yourself.  The stock padding stinks.  Make it better.  Your arse will thank you.  I agree with you.  I don't like the camo either.  It would look good if the whole bike was done in camo, though.

It's the seat base that's moving around. The thing is, it latches properly and the latch isn't loose... it's mainly loose by the gas tank, so I'm thinking something is worn out... also, all of the rubber boots on the bottom casing are in place, so I'm not sure what's up. I've sent an email to Kno Place to check out the cost to get the padding upgraded as well as a recover of the seat. The sliding around isn't too bad when I'm on it, I'd be stoked just to have the thing black instead of camo.

Quote from: mortuar on February 23, 2009, 11:49:30 AM
It's the seat base that's moving around. The thing is, it latches properly and the latch isn't loose... it's mainly loose by the gas tank, so I'm thinking something is worn out... also, all of the rubber boots on the bottom casing are in place, so I'm not sure what's up. I've sent an email to Kno Place to check out the cost to get the padding upgraded as well as a recover of the seat. The sliding around isn't too bad when I'm on it, I'd be stoked just to have the thing black instead of camo.

I agree with joshr08. I recovered my seat with some marine-grade vinyl I picked up at a fabric store. It was about $10 and I still have enough fabric left over for another covering if I need it. I followed various members' directions after doing a search and it took me about 30 minutes, start to finish. Some key points:

Start with the fabric in the heater on low for a few minutes;
Be armed with a hair dryer set to high for the recovering process;
Make sure you have a good staple gun and the staples aren't too long;
Having a friend helps but isn't required - there were definitely a few moments when an extra set of hands would've been, uh, handy. (Sorry.)

This'll take care of your camo problem...good luck on the seat base moving issue!

Here's the before/after:

Quote from: pronator on February 23, 2009, 12:28:27 PM

Quote from: mortuar on February 23, 2009, 11:49:30 AM
It's the seat base that's moving around. The thing is, it latches properly and the latch isn't loose... it's mainly loose by the gas tank, so I'm thinking something is worn out... also, all of the rubber boots on the bottom casing are in place, so I'm not sure what's up. I've sent an email to Kno Place to check out the cost to get the padding upgraded as well as a recover of the seat. The sliding around isn't too bad when I'm on it, I'd be stoked just to have the thing black instead of camo.

I agree with joshr08. I recovered my seat with some marine-grade vinyl I picked up at a fabric store. It was about $10 and I still have enough fabric left over for another covering if I need it. I followed various members' directions after doing a search and it took me about 30 minutes, start to finish. Some key points:

Start with the fabric in the heater on low for a few minutes;
Be armed with a hair dryer set to high for the recovering process;
Make sure you have a good staple gun and the staples aren't too long;
Having a friend helps but isn't required - there were definitely a few moments when an extra set of hands would've been, uh, handy. (Sorry.)

This'll take care of your camo problem...good luck on the seat base moving issue!

Here's the before/after:

Very nice job. I think I might have to go find some marine vinyl for my bikes. This weekend I went to work on one, so I sat on it to move it around the parking and the seat was so waterlogged I ended up with a very wet butt. It was no fun.

Kudos to Bill too, that link is great. If I'm already going to take the seat off, might as well make it softer...

Hey Fred,

If things go well with the rack, I'll just send you what I have left when I send the rack - it should cover another seat.

Call it an appreciation of your patience! 

Quote from: fred on February 23, 2009, 11:18:59 PM
Very nice job. I think I might have to go find some marine vinyl for my bikes. This weekend I went to work on one, so I sat on it to move it around the parking and the seat was so waterlogged I ended up with a very wet butt. It was no fun.

Kudos to Bill too, that link is great. If I'm already going to take the seat off, might as well make it softer...

Progressive fork springs and new levers are in! I have some Napoleon bar end mirrors on order as well.

Once the fork seals get in I'll get to work on the front end... Anybody have any 'gotchas' or anything I should know before ripping the front end apart to do the spring/seal replacement? Also, anyone know what weight of fork oil I need? Thanks in advance guys!

Quote from: pronator on February 24, 2009, 02:01:05 PM
Hey Fred,

If things go well with the rack, I'll just send you what I have left when I send the rack - it should cover another seat.

Call it an appreciation of your patience! 

Quote from: fred on February 23, 2009, 11:18:59 PM
Very nice job. I think I might have to go find some marine vinyl for my bikes. This weekend I went to work on one, so I sat on it to move it around the parking and the seat was so waterlogged I ended up with a very wet butt. It was no fun.

Kudos to Bill too, that link is great. If I'm already going to take the seat off, might as well make it softer...

Aww, thanks, you're sweet.

ill sell u mine for 50 bucks + deliv. email me if u still need it, ill send u pics

eug, were you talking to me? in regards to a 96 gs seat? Please let me know, I've sent you a PM. Thanks!

yes I was, butits a 89 single seat, sorry.

Quote from: eug on March 02, 2009, 08:05:52 PM
yes I was, butits a 89 single seat, sorry.

TBH it should be interchangeable