leather or vinyl
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 83
Likes: 3
From: Lithonia, ga
leather or vinyl
Hello folks. I'm getting ready to customize the seat of my street glide. I'm going to do some type of stitch pattern on the seat, however I'm not sure if I should use vinyl or leather. Can you guys please tell me the pros and cons of each vinyl or leather? Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
vinyl is cheaper, easier to work with and durable- more colours, textures available
thick leather ( like on my panhead) is stiff, thick and will last forever with care.
thin leather may stretch and wear- so the grade of leather is important.
I have seats both ways, I really don;t notice a diff in breathability ( none of mine are perforated...wet foam no good!)
ASK the seat builder which material they prefer and the costs of each- get quoted both ways
Mike
thick leather ( like on my panhead) is stiff, thick and will last forever with care.
thin leather may stretch and wear- so the grade of leather is important.
I have seats both ways, I really don;t notice a diff in breathability ( none of mine are perforated...wet foam no good!)
ASK the seat builder which material they prefer and the costs of each- get quoted both ways
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Nov 29, 2015 at 01:53 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 341
Likes: 4
From: Denver
I love my leather seat. It takes a little maintenance but the look and feel of the leather is awesome.
I had Bitchin' Stitchin' re do my stock SGS seat. He shaved it a little at my thigh area and added a bump in the back for my wife to feel a little more secure. He then finished it with a large cross stitch leather lace around the edge. $500 out the door.
I had Bitchin' Stitchin' re do my stock SGS seat. He shaved it a little at my thigh area and added a bump in the back for my wife to feel a little more secure. He then finished it with a large cross stitch leather lace around the edge. $500 out the door.
MODERATOR
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,108
Likes: 1,964
From: New England
Vinyl tends to be slippery, hot in the summer, and cold in the winter. It has the advantage of being available in many different colors.
Leather does require maintenance a couple times a year. It tends to be more forgiving in various temperatures and seems to break in nicely.
Personally, I would never go back to vinyl.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,044
Likes: 336
If you store your bike inside a garage or someplace out of the elements when not riding, Leather all day...I had a custom solo seat done in leather - just make sure it's a good quality leather
Trending Topics
Leather for seating surfaces. Do you prefer leather or vinyl on your home furniture?
Yeah... I don't wear vinyl boots either.
Yeah... I don't wear vinyl boots either.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,202
Likes: 792
From: Kansas City, Missouri
I like leather seats. Most all the vinyl seats I've had end up cracking or splitting someplace in a stress area like the nose or at a seam. leather requires a Little maintenance but its worth it to me.