Seats?

[SlimJim]

Would a 1979 seat fit on 1980 XS1100. I need a new seat and there is one on ebay for under a $100 that looks great. I looked into getting mine redone and the cost is around $250. Please any suggestions. Thanks in advance for any info. Jim

[crazy steve]

Would a 1979 seat fit on 1980 XS1100. I need a new seat and there is one on ebay for under a $100 that looks great. I looked into getting mine redone and the cost is around $250. Please any suggestions. Thanks in advance for any info. Jim

What model of bike do you have, and what model is the seat you're looking at for? There's differences between the 79 and 80 'standard' seats, and between the same years 'special' seats, and between the 'standard' and 'special' seats.

The '79 special seat really doesn't fit anything but that...

You can get replacement covers here: http://www.motorcycleseatcovers.com/...sp?Make=yamaha

[SlimJim]

crazy steve, I have a 1980 XS1100 G standard. I'm not sure what bike the seat on ebay is from, it only says it's off a 79 model.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...Category=35589 I think this will link to the ebay site. Maybe someone will can tell from the pictures.

[XS1100 Newbie]

Looks like that seat may be off an 1100E. I think that as long as it is not off a special it should fit, but i have heard it said that 1979's were all by themselves on a lot of stuff.

[crazy steve]

crazy steve, I have a 1980 XS1100 G standard. I'm not sure what bike the seat on ebay is from, it only says it's off a 79 model.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...Category=35589 I think this will link to the ebay site. Maybe someone will can tell from the pictures.

That's either a '78 or 79 'standard' seat (the only factory difference was color) and will fit, but may interfere with your factory '80 grab rail. This one is missing the original grab rail (which attached to the seat, not the frame on the '78-79 standards) and probably the lower trim rails. Ask the condition of the seat pan, as these are infamous for rusting out. This one has a non-stock cover; this is what they're supposed to look like:

http://www.xs11.com/xs11-info/ads-brochures/165-79f-standard.html

The price isn't bad if it's a solid piece...

[slow mo]

hi jim

well you have come to the right place!! xs11.com! all your questions should be looked after here by those wiser than i, i went to Canadian tire and bought a gel seat pad 9.99.and had it installed and recovered by a local boat upholster,,for less than 80 bucks Canadian ,,just an idea ,i hope this helps and welcome,,ride safe ,,slow mo!

[bikerphil]

The 78-79 Standard seat pans are different than 80 Standard seat pans. The reason for this was the relocation of the TCI unit from the rear (78-79) to the front (80). There will be clearance issues if trying to install a 78-79 seat on an 80.

[crazy steve]

Phil, I thought the problem was the other way; trying to fit the later seat to the early bike?

[bikerphil]

Steve, the 79 seat pan has no recess for the 80's forward mounted TCI, pretty sure it won't fit without relocating the TCI. Anything can be MADE to work, as we know.

[SlimJim]

Thanks to all that responded. i really appreciate all the info.

Jim

[cywelchjr]

In addition the 80 standards side covers are the same as the 79 specials with the exception of the mounting holes being different, but this can be fixed with a dremel. In addition, I think the top of the frame area might be slightly different, and more like a 79 special than the standard, but the special seat won't work anyways because it'll interfere with the gas tank on the standard. It's interesting to note that the standard started gettting a bit more special-like starting in 80, as the 81 standard uses the special exhaust and passenger peg setup. And then of course the XJ got lots of other goodies, much different in many ways with a somewhat special looking tank with standard fuel capacity and the special octy. Either way, AFAICT the standards got more rare towards the end, as specials seemed to sell better, so the standard specific parts don't seem as plentiful.

[colddrakes]

another seat question!

I have a 1983 xj1100. (canadian edition of course) it has the rised passenger seat. I need to either replace it or get it redone. cushioning and cover need replacing, to get all done is gonna be about $600.00 or more. My question is, does the seat off any other bike fit? I dont mind minor mods to make it work.

[crazy steve]

I have a 1983 xj1100. (canadian edition of course) it has the rised passenger seat. I need to either replace it or get it redone. cushioning and cover need replacing, to get all done is gonna be about $600.00 or more. My question is, does the seat off any other bike fit? I dont mind minor mods to make it work.

If it's the same shape as the '82 US version, you can get a new cover here:

http://www.motorcycleseatcovers.com/order-item.asp?ColorID=1&Item=2641&Make=YAMAHA&HP=

Replacement foam is an issue, as nobody is repoing that. But unless your OEM foam is totally trashed, it can be 'repaired' by cutting away the bad parts and putting new over it. Suitable foam isn't hard to find (larger fabric stores, upholstery suppliers) and can be cut to shape; an electric carving knife has worked for me. DIY cost? Probably a bit over $100...

[CatatonicBug]

I have a 1983 xj1100. (canadian edition of course) it has the rised passenger seat. I need to either replace it or get it redone. cushioning and cover need replacing, to get all done is gonna be about $600.00 or more. My question is, does the seat off any other bike fit? I dont mind minor mods to make it work.

Wow! I had a local guy quote me $200 for a completely re-done seat with a gel pad and new foam, and 100% leather custom cover! $600 is WAY too much! Shop around, and I bet you could find a much better deal.