Different seat for '80 XS eleven special

[jetmechmarty]

My bike had one of those double bucket seats on it when I bought it. I hated it. I acquired an unserviceable stock seat with a good pan. Maybe I bought it on eBay, I don't remember. I sent it to SARGENT in Florida. They replaced the cover and the cushion (foam) underneath. I retained the shape of the 1980 Special. I wouldn't say it was cheap, but I have been very happy with it.

The only drawback I have found with the stock seat on the SG, is that there is very little padding at the back edge of the seat. I'm a bit on the large side and force my passengers to the back of the seat. This is the same for the stock seat and my Sargent replacement.

I'd post a photo, but I'm sitting in a hotel overseas.

[XS1100_OEM4ME]

You did what?

You can do it your self with theae

http://www.motorcycleseatcovers.com/index.htm

My bike had one of those double bucket seats on it when I bought it. I hated it. I acquired an unserviceable stock seat with a good pan. Maybe I bought it on eBay, I don't remember. I sent it to SARGENT in Florida. They replaced the cover and the cushion (foam) underneath. I retained the shape of the 1980 Special. I wouldn't say it was cheap, but I have been very happy with it.

The only drawback I have found with the stock seat on the SG, is that there is very little padding at the back edge of the seat. I'm a bit on the large side and force my passengers to the back of the seat. This is the same for the stock seat and my Sargent replacement.

I'd post a photo, but I'm sitting in a hotel overseas.

[mharrington]

The seller on ebay whose product is made in Vietnam is reputable and does have decent quality- The problem many times you do not receive what you order. He has seats for factory pans that are neat and different. I received the wrong unit but accepted it as it was very nice.....but after the upholsterer began to install I learned it was not for my year XS1100!! (I learned the hard way by my mistake of deciding to accept it) At the time I received it I notified the seller that I got the wrong seat- BUT... I liked the one I did receive. The seller refunded me $30 of the $130 I paid (foam and cover with free shipping) for sending me the wrong unit so he/she is OK in my book. After research I see that they are notorious for sending the wrong items. Obviously the people who package and ship the products are not properly synced with the ad people chose on ebay- shame on them.

If you order from them: 1. It takes up to 6 weeks to receive. 2. Speak to the seller on how it will be dealt with if you receive the WRONG item.

[old_skool]

That's the exact seat thats currently on my 79SF, I like it for 2 up, it's the same seat I had on my previous 1100, but I'm probably going to get a second pan/or seat and have a stock looking cover maybe with a little extra foam for one up riding. They're easy enough to swich on a Special.

[tonyg-5386]

I have this seat on my 79 special. I think it would fit yours too. I think it includes the cover and foam and you just need a workable seat pan. It is very comfortable for me (5'10"-195 lbs) and I've had it on my bike for over 10 years now. It took me about 20 minutes to install.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/custom-fit-sport-seat-kits/p2007304.jcwx?filterid=d2468y1980j3

[tom clisham]

79 & 80 different

A 79 sf & 80sg have different seat "profiles".
They don't interchange without PIA mods.

The best solution for him is to watch EBAY for a seat specific to the 80-81 specials. AND look closely because a lot of sellers there don't really know what their parts are from model-wise. You will see original & aftermarket seats there from time to time.

You are VERY LUCKY to have bought an XS11 that you could ride without spending a year or two rehabilitating.

All that said I'm 6' 200# & really like my oroiginal 80SG seat. Thank god it's in good shape.

[tom clisham]

Check parts for sale forum

A member has a seat for sale for an 80 Special right now.

Went there after this forum, & there it was.

[Medic4Life]

Seat issues



hope this works. Here is my baby

[fredintoon]

Hey there, new to the xs family. Picked up a '80 eleven special this summer and love it. Ive done some short rides and am looking forward to longer ones. Problem is my seat. Looks and feels like an old 70's seat with high back. Ive been looking for a new seat. Ive seen e-bay, and am wondering if there are other places for custom seats that y'all know about. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Ill post a pic of my baby soon. Thanks

Hi Medic,
Just seen your bike photo. My bike came with one of those ucking fugly humpies that I had to live with until I found a nice one.
Like they said, the 80/81 Special seat pan is the only one that'll bolt straight on.
But if you are desperate you can fit a '79 special seat pan by cutting a square hole in it and burrowing a pocket in the seat foam so it'll fit over the ignition module.