How Special are the Special seats?

[DGXSER]

I happen to pick up a seat that is supposed to be from an 81 XS1100 Special. Now, I know enough to know it is not from any standard, or from the 79 special.

I recall post discussing a difference between the 80 and 81 seats. I know they will freely interchange on the bike, and from a fit standpoint you would never know one from the other. However, I need to replace the seat cover on this one, and can only find one that indicates it is for an 80 model. Obviously I do not want to end up with a cover I can not use.

[bikerphil]

I think this is the 81SH seat, does yours look like this?

[donebysunday]

80 seat cover

I happen to pick up a seat that is supposed to be from an 81 XS1100 Special. Now, I know enough to know it is not from any standard, or from the 79 special.

I recall post discussing a difference between the 80 and 81 seats. I know they will freely interchange on the bike, and from a fit standpoint you would never know one from the other. However, I need to replace the seat cover on this one, and can only find one that indicates it is for an 80 model. Obviously I do not want to end up with a cover I can not use.

Most of the seat covers can be made to fit by cutting the foam as long as it's a special. On the other hand some of the seats were longer as in 79 special, I think the 80 is a bit shorter than the 79, might not work. this guy makes them for you, 321156965800 eBay.

[Schming]

Hi Don, I have this exact seat cover,part # Y673, brand new in the box never been installed if your interested.

It fits the '80 & '81 MNS bikes.


https://www.denniskirk.com/saddlemen....prd/61784.sku

Here's a couple pics:

[jetmechmarty]

To the best of my knowledge, the SG and SH seat pans are identical. The area where you sit on the SG seat is curved. The SH seat is flat with a step behind it. As UD pointed out, if you are willing to work the padding, either seat cover will fit either seat.

The Saddlemen part number for the XS1100SG seat is Y674. They don't list a cover for the XS1100SH, but for the Midnight Special it's Y673. I believe that one is applicable to the SH.

Pictured is the seat for the XS650SG. The shape is identical to the XS1100SG seat.


If your seat is 1981 as stated, I believe Schming has your cover.

[DGXSER]

Here are a few pictures of the seat. The cover on it looks very much like the one Schming has. My finger is just holding it on edge for the photo.





I also acquired this one at the same time.... It is from an F model.

[DGXSER]

Paging Mr Doomas....Mr. Doomas!!

So it FINALLY hit me, I have a stock SG sitting in the garage.

SO I took the seat off the SG and sat it next to this seat. If there are any differences, other than pattern of the seat cover, they are EXTREMELY subtle.



A side view to try to capture any height changes..


A little blurry, but good angle to see the contours...

[Schming]

Hi Don, here's a better pic of the cover, it's laying on top of my Corbin I just picked up from Yamahaulic:






I got it for $40.00 shipped, if your interested, same price.

[jetmechmarty]

The 81 has a more pronounced step than the 80. Schming's cover is correct.

[DGXSER]

Hi Don, here's a better pic of the cover,
I got it for $40.00 shipped, if your interested, same price.

Sold! I will PM you.

[oldyam80sg]

I hated the seat on my SG because it always kept ripping. I have had it indoors(garage)and outdoors. Finally had a friends brother who has an upholstery shop recover it and surprisingly it has held up.

[xs11lover]

Hi Don, here's a better pic of the cover, it's laying on top of my Corbin I just picked up from Yamahaulic:






I got it for $40.00 shipped, if your interested, same price.

I'll take that seat and smile if you still have it for sale!

[Schming]

If your referring to the seat cover, it's on the way to Dons house as we speak.

[DGXSER]

My seat is Special once again!!

Thanks to Schming, I now have a very special Special seat! Not like the guys from Fast-n-Loud will be knocking on my door and firing Sue any day soon, but it turned out pretty good. Almost hard to get it wrong with the Saddlemen product.





Of course, while I waited for the postman to bring me my special package, I pulled the seat completely apart, sanded off any rust, and repainted the pan.



So my SH may be sportin' a factory correct seat once again.

[Schming]

Nice Job

Looks good Don, really glad it worked for ya.