How to Reupholster Your Motorcycle Seat

Regardless of whether you use your motorcycle to go on long-distance trips or just to run errands, you’ll want to maintain it like a pro. Regular maintenance will ensure that it’s in good working order, its aesthetics stay sharp, and the vehicle is safe for riding. One key feature that's essential to your comfort and safety is the seat. If your motorcycle seat is worn and you're thinking about reupholstering it, here are some tips that you’ll find handy.

We here at Gina’s Motorsports of Monee have created this guide to help you with reupholstering your motorcycle seat. Keep reading it to know more, then visit us in Monee, Illinois, to look at our collection of motorcycles for sale. We proudly serve those in Chicago and Kankakee County.

Understanding the Material

There are plenty of fabrics that you can choose from. Do some research to select the best material that suits your riding style and motorcycle type. The two fabrics that are commonly used for motorcycle seats are leather and marine-grade vinyl.

While leather is stronger and more durable, it requires more maintenance and doesn’t hold up well in all weather conditions. Vinyl, on the other hand, is affordable, suitable for most weather conditions, needs little maintenance, and lasts longer.

Gather the Supplies

Now that you know the material you want to use for your motorcycle seat, it’s time to gather the supplies. You’ll need:

• The fabric – leather, vinyl, or other material you like.
• Foam or gel plates.
• Cardboards.
• A fabric stapler.
• A pair of scissors.

Guide to Getting a New Seat

Park your motorcycle in your garage to do the reupholstery work.

Take Your Seat Off

Spend some time inspecting how your motorcycle seat is anchored, which can be different for different models. This will help you easily remove the nuts and bolts used to hold the seat. Remove the bolts and keep them in a safe place.

Create and Cut an Outline

Take a piece of cardboard and create a neat outline of the seat. Use a woodcutting blade to cut the outline. Depending on how comfortable you are using these tools, be prepared to trace and cut a few of them before you carve out the perfect one.

Add the Padding

Padding is an important part of performing the upholstery task and will go a long way to keep you comfortable during your rides. Cut your foam according to the measurements or use a gel plate for more comfort. Use duct tape to cover and firmly hold the foam in place. This will also ensure that your seat lasts longer.

Measure the Fabric

To measure the fabric, use the entire length to wrap the seat and keep about 10cm of excess fabric on each side. This will be useful when you stretch it later.

Staple and Stretch

Use your fabric stapler to staple the fabric. As you move ahead, remember to stretch the part you’ve stapled. This will remove any wrinkles and make the fabric evenly hold on to the padding. This will make your seat look like a professional has upholstered it for you.

Mount the Seat

You’re now ready to mount your seat. Ensure that you place it in the correct position and use the bolts you removed earlier to fasten the seat to your motorcycle.

We hope these tips will help you reupholster your motorcycle seat like a pro. If you need more tips or help to service your motorcycle, connect with the experts at Gina’s Motorsports of Monee. We can maintain your bike for you and show you our latest collection of motorcycles for sale. Visit us in Monee, IL, where we proudly serve those from Chicago and Kankakee County.