Seats

Skeeter05 · 01-16-2021, 10:34 AM

I am going to have my seats redone because my girlfriend has long legs and we are going to add about 4 inches to the rear seat. Any advice on the difference between memory foam, gel, or both? Thanks

redjay · 01-16-2021, 12:54 PM

I would suggest you go with dense foam to raise the height of the passenger seat.

Dense foam can be cut and shaped using an electric carving knife. There are videos on Youtube.

Then you can top the foam with either a gel insert or memory foam or a combination of both, then have a new seat cover made.
There was a mod to make a bracket to lower the passenger floorboads, but only by a couple of inches.

You could lower the passenger floor boards and then get an Airhawk pad to raise the height of the seat an inch or so ?

andyvh1959 · 01-16-2021, 06:33 PM

Gel inserts can hold a lot of heat, something to consider on hot days. FIRM foam is a best choice, as long as its properly shaped, which is a huge factor. Don't let any upholstery shop convince you to use soft foam (like is common for a couch or chair in your house). Firm, high density foam maintains support during long saddle time.

May also consider changing the passenger floorboard position? Might be less expensive than a seat modification.

**ringadingh** · 01-16-2021, 09:33 PM

I don't recommend a gel pad in the seat, they get hot! If you want to get the best seat out there, get a Russel Daylong. Its the best thing I ever added to my bike. It makes a huge difference in your comfort.

mick56 · 01-17-2021, 06:05 AM

I found that a backrest, and forward pegs, made all the difference. My arse was in real pain before i got them.

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andyvh1959 · 01-17-2021, 09:19 AM

Also be careful with who is redoing the seats for you. Few local upholstery shops really understand the ergonomics of a motorcycle to get the best seat shape for secure position, long term comfort and durability. A motorcycle seat is far different than a living room couch, office chair or car seats. That's why a seat builder like Russell Day Long, Sargent, Corbin, Saddleman and others exist.

01-16-2021, 10:34 AM	#1
Skeeter05 Jr. Member Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 13	Seats I am going to have my seats redone because my girlfriend has long legs and we are going to add about 4 inches to the rear seat. Any advice on the difference between memory foam, gel, or both? Thanks Login or Register to Remove Ads
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01-16-2021, 12:54 PM	#2
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,927	I would suggest you go with dense foam to raise the height of the passenger seat. Dense foam can be cut and shaped using an electric carving knife. There are videos on Youtube. Then you can top the foam with either a gel insert or memory foam or a combination of both, then have a new seat cover made. There was a mod to make a bracket to lower the passenger floorboads, but only by a couple of inches. You could lower the passenger floor boards and then get an Airhawk pad to raise the height of the seat an inch or so ? Last edited by redjay; 01-17-2021 at 07:26 AM.
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01-16-2021, 06:33 PM	#3
andyvh1959 Advanced Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Green Bay WI Posts: 755	Gel inserts can hold a lot of heat, something to consider on hot days. FIRM foam is a best choice, as long as its properly shaped, which is a huge factor. Don't let any upholstery shop convince you to use soft foam (like is common for a couch or chair in your house). Firm, high density foam maintains support during long saddle time. May also consider changing the passenger floorboard position? Might be less expensive than a seat modification. __________________ My $1200 Vulcan, to start from.
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01-16-2021, 09:33 PM	#4
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	I don't recommend a gel pad in the seat, they get hot! If you want to get the best seat out there, get a Russel Daylong. Its the best thing I ever added to my bike. It makes a huge difference in your comfort. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
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01-17-2021, 06:05 AM	#5
mick56 Sr. Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: The Newforest, England Posts: 4,664	I found that a backrest, and forward pegs, made all the difference. My arse was in real pain before i got them.. __________________ when this you see, remember me, and bear me in your mind, let all the world say what they may, speak of me as you find. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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01-17-2021, 09:19 AM	#6
andyvh1959 Advanced Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Green Bay WI Posts: 755	Also be careful with who is redoing the seats for you. Few local upholstery shops really understand the ergonomics of a motorcycle to get the best seat shape for secure position, long term comfort and durability. A motorcycle seat is far different than a living room couch, office chair or car seats. That's why a seat builder like Russell Day Long, Sargent, Corbin, Saddleman and others exist. __________________ My $1200 Vulcan, to start from.
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