Seat repair suggestions?

[Allnight]

The seam has started to split on the seat of my 2008. I'm wondering if anybody has any suggestions for methods of repair...or is replace the best option?

 

[Oldjeep]

Find someone that is getting a rdl, seat concepts or other cover/foam replacement and use their stock cover. Not really a good way to fix that.

 

[RossKean]

I don't think I have seen an FJR seat split like that. Does the bike live outdoors?
Regarding a repair, I don't think anything short of recovering would last long. You can have a custom seat built on the pan (Russell or Laam, for example) or you can buy a Seat Concepts kit to recover (along with foam) as a cheaper option.
OEM seats come up for sale fairly regularly from people who have gone for an aftermarket seat. You would probably get a response in the wanted section...

 

[Oldjeep]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2849602810...gLW71AizIiTa0/uzMoASir3D0=|tkp:Bk9SR9qr4OGWYQ

 

[infrared]

The seam has started to split on the seat of my 2008. I'm wondering if anybody has any suggestions for methods of repair...or is replace the best option?

Allnight,

If you hand the seat (only) to a decent upholstery (or auto upholstery) shop, they can duplicate the covering in a variety of materials, even leather, and I think you will like the price. Get estimates first, of course.
Since the original seam has failed, I would expect any repair to be a waste of time, because that seam will just fail again close by, or any other seam on that cover.
Plan B is always a custom seat, if you were going to do that someday anyway - I'd say the time has come.
Plan C: You can do a decent temporary fix with a needle and thread. Use outdoor-class (UV-proof) upholstery thread and a reasonably strong common sewing needle. Do the stitches across the rip, just bringing the two edges together, with no overlap. Upholstery thread comes in all colors, so this repair can be hard to spot, when finished. You can not break upholstery thread barehanded; it would cut your skin first. It is really tough stuff. Any fabric shop will have upholstery thread, but get the "outdoors" upholstery thread. If you are really lost with a needle and thread, you may know somebody who sews well who can do the deed for you.

 

[roger dodger]

You could add a cover ... like Alaska Sheepskin ... to add comfort and hide the hole.

Or ... If you want a 'like new' set of seats I have them for sale in the For Sale section.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Save some $$$ with local option or treat yourself to a Seat Concepts upgrade.

~G

 

[Road_Runner]

There is an original seat cover in the for sale section for $40 titled:

Original Gen 2 front seat foam and cover.​

It is a takeoff for installation of a Seat Concepts cover.

 

[infrared]

Allnight,

If you do find a sewing ace to do the job as a friendship service, take just the seat to them for the repair, so they can do the job comfortably, at home. The stitches should go beyond the rip, maybe half an inch (1 cm) further at each end. Just a thought . . .

 

[Bionicpork]

My seamstress wife immediately recommended a recover. As others have said it can be surprisingly cheap from local shops.
As a cheaper/quick fix she said to look up how to do a Ladder Stitch which is used for closing gaps in otherwise finished seams. Finish it with a little vinyl adhesive in the seam to bond the materials together after the gap has been closed.

 

[RiderJoe]

To me it looks like that the vinyl on the seat had seen better days. Even if you manage to sew it up, the material may not be able to hold the stiches too long. Recovering is probably the least expensive and lasting solution. Or, if your budget allows, perhaps an upgraded seat would be a much better solution.

 

[user 90243]

Allnight,

If you hand the seat (only) to a decent upholstery (or auto upholstery) shop, they can duplicate the covering in a variety of materials, even leather, and I think you will like the price. Get estimates first, of course.
Since the original seam has failed, I would expect any repair to be a waste of time, because that seam will just fail again close by, or any other seam on that cover.
Plan B is always a custom seat, if you were going to do that someday anyway - I'd say the time has come.
Plan C: You can do a decent temporary fix with a needle and thread. Use outdoor-class (UV-proof) upholstery thread and a reasonably strong common sewing needle. Do the stitches across the rip, just bringing the two edges together, with no overlap. Upholstery thread comes in all colors, so this repair can be hard to spot, when finished. You can not break upholstery thread barehanded; it would cut your skin first. It is really tough stuff. Any fabric shop will have upholstery thread, but get the "outdoors" upholstery thread. If you are really lost with a needle and thread, you may know somebody who sews well who can do the deed for you.

I have had mc seats recovered at auto upholsterers with very good results. Recommended. Get a price.

 

[harper]

You're a 3-1/2 hour ride from Russell Motorcycle products. Or, just buy a new motorcycle.

 

[Allnight]

Man this site is great...all the really helpful replies!!! Thank you so much, everyone!

The bike has been living outside for the last few years, unfortunately. It spent most of the time under a cover until I started a new job in April...now I get to ride 2 days a week again, but I don't get the cover back on often enough.

I did a manual repair on my last bike, and don't want that much of a Frankenstein job on this bike. It might be 14 years, but it's still an FJR.

I think I will get a quote or two on re-covering it, that's a great idea that I had discounted because I expected it to more expensive than a new seat. So many replies saying otherwise, I'll check that out. Part of my concern with recovering it, though, is the damage to the foam under it. So I'll see what the shops say about that as well.

I'm also going to checkout the wanted board...I forgot that was here, and i thought I searched for seats before posting, but maybe I only looked for "seat repair" terms.

Thanks again!

Mike

 

[Lawrence]

If you were in SoCal, I'd send you to my uncle, a very experienced and well-known auto upholster (featured many times in hot rod and similar mags back in the day). He's done one m/c seat cover for me years ago (not the FJR) using high quality scrap black leather he had laying around... so, I also recommend getting multiple quotes... upholstery supply prices have gotten crazy in recent years, so hopefully you'll come across someone who has the right material already (the JFR front seat doesn't take much material).. presuming keeping cost down is prime motivator
I'd expect a recover to be cheaper than the $200 on eBay currently for a good used front seat and $500+ for a new seat
Also on eBay is - $49 OEM seat only covers?? and an almost new Sargent front saddle, from seller in San Leandro...

 

[two_wheeled]

I'm in Phoenix. Come get this cover from me and your seat will look like new again!
https://offerup.com/item/detail/807815961

 

[way8lifter]

I could sell you my seat concepts seat and you can just then sew it up to your pan I had it on a sergeant seat pan and it was too firm for me I'll sell it to you for $100 plus shipping