Seat Modifications

[BigRed]

So, I got a wicked deal from Andreas on a seat that I thought would be much more comfortable from SWMBO, but unfortunately it doesn't fit on my '80 Special. Andreas said it came off a special, so it must have been a different year, or possibly a bike that was modified in the back-end.

The way I see it, I've to two easy scenarios forward:
1) Anyone want to buy it? It's one of those king/queen seats with the HUGE back rest for SWMBO. Here's a link to another thread that shows what I'm talking about: http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27833
Note that this is not the seat in question, but it looks like it. This seat is in great shape. I think it must have come off a '79 Special because it's just a bit too long; it doesn't fit down behind the aluminum grab rail.

2) I can try to cut the seat pan to make it fit on my bike. Anyone tried this? I'm a little concerned because I'd be cutting out what looks like some of the support for the back rest. I already removed the seat cover to have a look at how it's built, but the foam is glued on so I couldn't see everything. (that's why I don't have a photo of this seat to post). I think I could cut it out, and then weld in some structural support if it feels weak.

Anyways, if you're interested in buying it, let me know, and we can try to figure out if it will fit back on your bike, and I'll put it back together and send photos. I've got $100 in to it, so I'd sell it for that plus shipping.

Alternatively, if you've cut a seat pan before, please let me know how the experience went. I'd hate to cut the back off the seat pan only to find that it doesn't fit the bike anyways.

Thanks,
Brian

[fredintoon]

- - - This seat is in great shape. I think it must have come off a '79 Special because it's just a bit too long; it doesn't fit down behind the aluminum grab rail. - - -

Hi Brian,
before you get medieval on that seat, take the aluminum grabrail off and see if the seat fits the frame with the grabrail out of the way.
If no, I'd say re-sell the thing.
If yes, I see two options:-
Ditch the grabrail and hang the rear light someplace else.
Possibly use the rear light/numberplate hanger from a '79.
Or
See if you can cut the rear sheetmetal at an angle to match the grabrail's slope and weld in a sheetmetal filler plate to put the strength back.

[BigRed]

Good point, Fred.

I've already got everything stripped off the seat pan, but I'd better make sure it fits against the frame before I actually cut anything

I had considered removing the grab rail, but I really like the look of it, and may use it to mount some cases on.

[jwhughes3]

similar problem BigRed

Great Ranger is also an 80 Special and had no grab rail and a 79 fender with the light mount. I ditched the original seat that had a tear and put a king/queen (without the backrest) on but cannot fit a grab rail or luggage rack on with that behemoth back end. SWMBO was disappointed at the loss of the luggage rack as it gave her a secure feeling she wouldn't slide off under acceleration, but I didn't want to say the "Big A$$ Seat" was preventing its use - alas I had to fess up.. well that's another tale...


anyway - the grab rail doesn't seem to want to fit with anything but a stock seat - I've tried 3 different aftermarket seats on there and no go. I am trying to think of a way to modify the mounts to get the luggage rack on around that big round backside.

If you come up with a solution please post. I'd hate to have to start dating again after all these years because my bike accelerates too fast and I lose the wife off the backside.


John

[DGXSER]

I have a king queen seat for the 80-81 specials that does mount with the grab rail in place. It was the original seat on Thunderstruck when I bought it.

Here she is the night I brought her home from the delivery room....er POs house.



Later after some clean up and in the sun light.

[BigRed]

Hey, Don.

That seat makes the rest of the bike look small. Must be comfortable!

I think I'm going to try cutting down the seat pan on the new seat that I've got. I'm going to wait 'till my new shocks come in, and I'll take the grab rail and brake light off to make sure that the seat fits along the frame properly 'cause I'd hate to ruin a seat only to find out that it doesn't fit the bike anyways. I'll post back with some photos after it's done.

Thanks,
Brian

[jmnjrpa]

sorry,

But I had no problems at all. It fit my 81 MNS perfect.

Old pic


recent pic


I install with the bar already in place. It does take some grunt to push the seat down but I have removed and reinstalled it dozens of times while getting the bike running. The bracket nuts have to be pushed forward while shoving the seat into position (almost takes three hands) and one or both sometimes hang up.


BTW- I also have a King/Queen one like Don's. It sits somewhat higher than the one I have installed.

[jwhughes3]

Don's setup and seat

are exactly the same as what I have except my rack is from a standard and doesn't fit the special unless I do some kind of Superman metal bending...

I keep hoping to run across a special rack sometime...

John

[QRFan]

I have a 79 & an 80 special.

The 79 special has a back rest about 18" high & uses a sissy bar not the grab bar,,,, The 80 has a 15" back rest & will fit with the grab bar & luggage rack... I would not cut the seat,they are already hard to keep from wearing in two ,especially the 79 with the taller back.most crack across the middle,I'm guessing from the passenger rocking motion on take off& stopping. You will be much happier with the 15" seat on your 80 than the 18..... Sell it,& watch for the appropriate seat. Eventually someone will sell what u need.I found the 79 on ebay $100 & Trainz sold me the 80 .

Here's the 80 - (remember the 79 is 3" taller)



I don't know whose bike this is but I believe its the 79.


Anyhow,thats my best advice after owning 3 of these seats ........ I saw this on ebay - not sure if the MNS & SG interchange though?,,,, http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Yamah...Q5fAccessories

[DGXSER]

Seat pan and the grab rail and such did not change except in surface finish from the SG to the LG. Should match up fine.

[QRFan]

Thx Don

Brian,you need to look at pics of the pan to see how bad the crack is,,,,,,,,,,, I drilled mine to stop the crack & THEN had it repaired

[BigRed]

Thanks, guys, but unfortunately it's too late... at least for the seat

I got a little mideaval on it yesterday. Made some adjustments with a sawsall, hammers, knives, and grinders. It fits pretty well. The seat pan is cracked in the middle, and I haven't fixed that yet. I figured that I'd get the seat fitted and mounted before doing too much to the pan.

The final product isn't too bad. It's certainly not showroom, but SWMBO didn't fall off on our ride yesterday, and she didn't complain about sore arms from holding on too tight either. Next will be to pull the cover off again, trim a little more foam at the back, fix the crack in the seat pan, and do the quick release mod to both my seats so that I don't have to ride around all the time with that giant king/queen seat.

If it's any consolation to anyone, the seat was a little rough to start with, so I didn't butcher anything that anyone would want on a showroom floor

[phlips308]

seat mounting?

hello,i new here.i just acquired an 80 xs1100g i think.i was wondering if i could get a picture of how the seat attaches to the frame.im not even sure its the rite seat.any help will be appreciated.