I've got a friend that does custom motorcycle seats. I'm going to have my stock SG seat done and was trying to figure out what to cover it with. The possibilities are endless - leather, vinyl, snakeskin, alligator, carbon fiber, embroidery and even LED lights. I'm leaning towards a high grade leather with alligator in the middle. My biggest question is what are the benefits of leather over vinyl on a M/C seat? Is it more comfy? Last longer? Look nicer? The bike is garaged and this seat will not be for long trips. I have a Sundowner for that. Thanks

 

ask your Pal for his best suggestion- vinyl is durable and easy to stretch for a nice clean fit- a sloppy leather job looks pretty bad- thin leather may stretch or deform.

and leather requires care.


thick leather like the seat and saddlebags on my '53 lasts a long time...like 61 years- but it is about 3/16th" thick

mike

 

Would you buy vinyl boots?


I'm a fan of leather done right.

 

He does a lot of sport bike seats as well as cruiser seats. Here's some of his work

 

Leather will breathe a little — vinyl not so much.

 

Leather. Care??? Why?

 

Leather. Vinyl's ugly, doesn't breathe, and gets hot as hell in the sun. "Care" with leather? Please. Wipe it down with Lexol every month or so. Takes all of 60 seconds or so.

 

Leather is a natural fiber. It has oils within it to keep it supple. These oils need to replenished over time.
Just like using, dare I say it, moisturizer on our skins.

 

Not sure how long you are trying to make it last. I have put neatsfoot oil on it all of twice. 40K and still looks pretty good. Sides are vinyl, so life is pretty equal. My left bag has some sun damage. The seat beading has wear on the back from so many miles with my canvas bag strapped on it. 05train has cleaned his stuff more in a year then I have in 8 years.

 

His work looks nice....I would ask the pro his advice, but I am partial to leather...