Motorcycle Seat Care - What do you use?

[XSPastor]

I've read that ArmorAll dries out vinyl and shortens the life of the seat. It also make it very slippery! I nearly slid up over the gas tank on my first stop!! My seat looks pretty decent and I'd like to do all I can to keep it that way. What do you all recommend to keep it clean, supple, and protected from UV rays? I'm interested in products specifically formulated for vinyl.
Tim

[Crazcnuk]

Dish soap and a rag.

Then don't let it sit more than a few days without riding.

The seat needs butt sweat to stay soft!

[greg maz]

cheap aloe vera gel will actually stick and not slide
yep, jeans only just after

[webbcraft2150]

I use a product called Total Look. It is marketed by an outfit called Spray Nine. It is a wax base product that does not make things slippery, rot vinyl or attract dust. Lasts longer than anything else I have tried.

[Crazcnuk]

I don't use anything on the seat. Pressure wash it with the rest of the bike once in a while and that's about it.

My bikes sit outside all the time, and I've never had to repair a seat, unless it was wrecked by the PO.

[dbeardslee]

The seat needs butt sweat to stay soft!

Craz - whatdyaknow, we use the same brand - different manufacturer. I don't put anything on mine either, but I try to keep it out of the sun.

[Crazcnuk]

I think the best thing for a seat is use.

They seem to fall apart if they are not used for long periods

[oldyam80sg]

Also the weather i think has alot to do with it.I replaced the seat on my SG 3 times.The first 2 times is because the bike sat outside somewhat covered.Also the seat material was very tight where it connects to the pan.The little pointy tabs only will hold so much material,and then you are sitting on the bike no wonder why it rips.The last time i took the seat to a guy that refinishes car seats and told him to put extra material where it connects on the pan.He also said never to use Armor All on seats.

[Crazcnuk]

I rode my Shadow 1100 for 14 years, always stored outside, winter or summer, never had to recover the seat(s).

Also put nearly 100,000kms on it in that time.

[HobbyMan]

maby saddle soap? Mainly I use a thick spray designed for leather car seats but it works well on vinyl. I am pretty sure I got it O'Reillys but don't remember.

[Espiritus]

Sun's UV Rays

Hey. It's the suns UV rays that ruin the seats. Anything that you use on your cars dash should work to keep the seat pliable. Trouble is, it also makes it slick. There is a product sold in horse supply (tack) stores that makes saddles slightly tacky so that riders don't slide off.

By the way, the tack shops also sell these neat little boot straps that have clasps on each end of an elastic strap. Great for holding jeans down in your boots, or over the tops of your boots depending on how you put them on. Keeps those white socks from showin' that make us look so uncool.



Cam

[skids]

Re: Sun's UV Rays

But...I tend to ride with hiking shoes, so I guess lookin' cool is out of the question! :-)

Originally posted by Espiritus

By the way, the tack shops also sell these neat little boot straps that have clasps on each end of an elastic strap. Great for holding jeans down in your boots, or over the tops of your boots depending on how you put them on. Keeps those white socks from showin' that make us look so uncool.



Cam

[powerram50]

i mostly ride with hiking boots to.but that is what i wear to work.the rest the time i have a pair of tactical boots.

[LCS249]

Re: Motorcycle Seat Care - What do you use?

Believe it or not, if you're talking vinyl, Vaseline (in small quantities) works great to clean and polish that "fabric."

Vaseline is a petroleum-distillate product, just like vinyl.

If your seat is leather, my favorite for that is Leather Amore.

Ciao,

Noel

P.S. Vaseline is used liberally on burn victims.

Originally posted by XSPastor
I've read that ArmorAll dries out vinyl and shortens the life of the seat. It also make it very slippery! I nearly slid up over the gas tank on my first stop!! My seat looks pretty decent and I'd like to do all I can to keep it that way. What do you all recommend to keep it clean, supple, and protected from UV rays? I'm interested in products specifically formulated for vinyl.
Tim