I've started a project today to enhance my seat.  I'm a cheapo so I've decided to make my own cover.  It's made out of marine vinyl and so far looks good.  I'm not sure how fancy I want to make it.  But if it works out I have a good template to make more or revise my design.  *Hint, hint*

I took some news print paper and traced the outline of the seat pan.  Then took a tape (thanks wife!) and measured our a an inch from the tracing.  (This is the seam allowance).  Then I traced the sides and did the same but then added a few inches.  The wider the saddle, the more comfortable it will be.  I then free handed out 3d the shape a bit.

Then I cut out the seat pan, sides, sewed them together.  (Wife sewed up the shapes I made).  

Next steps are to get my foam and cut it to shape, probably add 2 inches to get the overstuffed couch feel...  Then figure out a attachment system.  I'm leaning towards velcro straps because they are so adjustable.  That way if someone (me!) wants to put more or less foam in its adjustable.  I have to admit it looks good so far.  I might add some kind of fringe / studs, her machine will do a few nice designs and it will do simple lettering.  (Savage Thunder?  Big Single? Hmmm..)  

I have pictures of this process and am willing to post a how to if this works out.  I'm about half way done.  If it doesn't work, well I guess I'm out $7 and two hours of my time!

I might make more if it becomes tried and true.  (Few weeks of riding will tell..)

- Roadie

I to am a tight wad and modified my seat. First I added some 1/4"  thick material that was a camping sleeping pad for under a sleeping bag in a previous life. I removed most of the stapels holding the seat cover in place and fit the pad underneath, then refastened the cover. To my surprise it turned out pretty godd. You could never tell that the cover had been removed. Then just today I took an old fake lambs wool auto seat cover, the type that fit's over a car seat and is held in place by elasic straps, cut it to fit over the stock seat and held it in place with velcro on the seat pan. I haven't had a chance to test it on a long ride yet but it couldn't be any worse. I'll try to post some pictures tomorrow if anyone's interested.

Has anyone tried out a beaded seat cover?  If it works for cabbies why not a bike?

Chris

Well I've got it half way.  But I figured everyone would like a write up on it before I just posted some pictures.  It might be neat to make this thread a recovering seats thread.

I'd like to see ya'lls work.  Might give me some ideas if things don't work as I expected.

- Roadie

Very nice!

Excellent WD.  I'm afraid you're better at it than I am.  I'll finish my project this weekend.  Then the pictures should roll in.  The Vulcan seat is VERY good.

- Roadie  8)

I'm an Eagle Scout, Assistant Scoutmaster, Leatherwork Merit Badge counselor, and major leaguer cheapskate. I'm only into the seat $20 (maybe) for materials. I don't count my time, but, figure 24 hours of actual labor.

Not a big fan of television, have read anything of interest in the house at least 5 times. What else am I going to do with my time?
-WD