Author Topic: WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR "CAFE" SEAT FROM, HOW DOES IT FIT, ETC....? (Read 13703 times)

ProTeal55 · « **on:** June 18, 2006, 10:00:48 AM »

Hello ,

ProTeal55 here sitting sunburned / sore/ and tired from the Mods Vs. Rockers show in the city yesterday.
It was a killer show, and a even better cruise thru the city. Anyone in the general area needs to make plans NOW for next years event..

Anyways, I want a new seat for my scoot. After seeing all those bikes yesterday, my stock seat looked worse and worse.
It looks like it was just thrown on their - and doesnt fit the style I have going with the scoot...
Thinking about just going with a classic "cafe" style fiberglass seatpan, but I am unsure of where to buy it from..
Carpy sells them as a "bolt on" with the seat itself for $450, I know that Glass from the past place sells them for much cheaper, just not sure which one I need that will fit. That Denny guy sells them, but they are stupid $$$.I know I want one with the pad allready on the base, as I dont fee like messing around with making a pad..

So , I know allot of members are running these style seats on their scoots, so if you would :
1. Post a pic of the seat on your bike
2. Let me know where you picked it up from (& price if you dont mind)
3. Any major issues / battles installing it on your ride
4. If you had to do it again , would you buy the same seat, or go with another company

I am still not 100% sure what seat style I am gonna go with, but I do know the stock seat needs to be replaced, as it doesnt
fit the overall look of the bike.

As usually, all help is greatly appreciated....

prsman23@hotmail.c · « **Reply #1 on:** June 18, 2006, 11:30:32 AM »

Looks like I will probably be getting mine through the air tech, and i'm not sure, but one of them looks like it uses the stock mounting plates for it. I'd like to see it on a bike before I order it. Anyone using this seat?

tsflstb · « **Reply #2 on:** June 19, 2006, 11:50:35 AM »

"Camber" seat from e-bay. You want something about the same width as your tank that will clear the frame rails. I had to shave off some brackets on the frame so it would sit right. Mounting this one was a delicate job involving a couple of "U" bolts, a scrap 2X4, a hammer and a chisel. I should really weld up a proper mount, but you can't see it and it works great. Plus, I can't weld for sh*t. If it rots or gets eaten, I'll step up and replace it with treated lumber.

Here's my suggestion for what it's worth. Your bike has more of a "prostreet" look with the tall front wheel and low rear end. Personally, I'd go for something really minimal like CD811's. To get a clean look, you may need to do a little hacking on the frame behind the shock mounts. Maybe just tack a piece of thin sheet metal back there. You could mock something up real quick with a square piece of plywood just to see how it looks/feels. It would be a snap to uphoslter somthing like that later.

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 19, 2006, 11:58:54 AM »

I actually bought a solo seat for the project, but when I placed it on the bike it looked wacky, so I sold it. I know I need to do SOMETHING trick for the seat, as it is a main focal point on the scoot. Everyone I talked to at the show this past weekend had their own opinion to what I should do, and I didnt see anything that really caught my eye either..

I agree , as my bike is right in the middle of prostreet / cafe / bobber / streetfighter / rat bike / etc...
I feel if I do a fiberglass seatpan, it will be a "CAFE" from then on, and I am not so sure I want that. Besides that, I am really unsure of my options, and I am really starting to get fustrated in this search.. $:-\$

The grand master thanks you for your feedback, and requests you keep it comming

DME · « **Reply #4 on:** June 19, 2006, 01:10:00 PM »

Quote from: ProTeal55 on June 19, 2006, 11:58:54 AM

I actually bought a solo seat for the project, but when I placed it on the bike it looked wacky, so I sold it. I know I need to do SOMETHING trick for the seat, as it is a main focal point on the scoot. Everyone I talked to at the show this past weekend had their own opinion to what I should do, and I didnt see anything that really caught my eye either..

I agree , as my bike is right in the middle of prostreet / cafe / bobber / streetfighter / rat bike / etc...
I feel if I do a fiberglass seatpan, it will be a "CAFE" from then on, and I am not so sure I want that. Besides that, I am really unsure of my options, and I am really starting to get fustrated in this search.. $:-\$

The grand master thanks you for your feedback, and requests you keep it comming

I think I would go for a Guiliari-seat on your bike if it was my decision.
It would give it a sportier look than the stock seat, yet it would retain the not-totally-cafe-style you´re aiming for.
It would also give a nice, flowing line together with the tank and it would look great at the rear with no fender!
You can find used and new ones on Ebay at affordable prices, preferably in Germany.
Uses the stock hinges and seatlock, so easy to fit.

Here´s some Ebay links:

http://cgi.ebay.de/Giuliari-Sitzbank-Honda-CB-750-Four_W0QQitemZ8075602800QQcategoryZ44351QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

White perhaps:

http://cgi.ebay.de/Giuliari-Hoeckersitzbank-weiss-Honda-750-FOUR-Neuwertig_W0QQitemZ8076322803QQcategoryZ49895QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

On the last pic someone has taken the vinyl off the rear of the seat and painted the cowl. Looks nice on his his bike I think, but on yours I would go with an unmodified seat to keep more of that industrial look you seem to be aiming for!

My 50 cents...

Cheers

Daniel

golden_child · « **Reply #5 on:** June 19, 2006, 01:18:51 PM »

Those are nice. I wish i could read German.

DME · « **Reply #6 on:** June 19, 2006, 01:26:35 PM »

Quote from: golden_child on June 19, 2006, 01:18:51 PM

Those are nice. I wish i could read German.

Surely I or someone else can help you with that!
It would just be an excuse to put my 5 years of studies in german to the test

16 years ago though....

Thankfully, the german language isn´t that far off from swedish, so I do get along

Six · « **Reply #7 on:** June 19, 2006, 03:06:14 PM »

I have a fiberglass Vesco seat from Air-tech. I bought it because I like the shape and it's big enough for me to relocate the battery and electrics underneath it. I had to do that to locate the alloy oil tank where the battery usually goes. The seat hinges at the front, I had to fabricate the hinge and weld part of it to the frame before I painted the whole thing. I found a taillight/plate holder that fits the shape of the seat perfectly from an unknown Suzuki donor at a junkyard. The seat-cushion is pretty lean, I get a back ache after 10 miles, but it looks racy when I'm not sitting on it.

Six - Minneapolis

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 19, 2006, 03:13:22 PM »

Quote from: Six on June 19, 2006, 03:06:14 PM

The seat-cushion is pretty lean, I get a back ache after 10 miles, but it looks racy when I'm not sitting on it.

That won't work 4 me. I put too many miles on this thing to have my back hurt after just 10 miles...
Might as well hardtail the thing at that point..

I am def. leaning towards the "guiliari" style of seats for my scoot. I have always liked them, just never bit the bullet and bought one.
I have a few emails out to seat builders to see how much they want to build me one, and am keeping a watchful eye on Ebay.
If I remember correctly, the last one I saw sell on Ebay went for $400+

Keep the ideas and pics comming , they are a great help !

blackinkdragon · « **Reply #9 on:** June 19, 2006, 04:31:48 PM »

hey I don't know if it would work for you at all or if your at all interested but, I have a fiberglass bump seat that I got un installed with the CB550 I just bought,
I have no interest in useing for my bike. I'd be more then happy to sell it cheap and or free if you felt like giving me a little mechanical help

(I'm out in chi suburbs)
if you have any interest at all just let me know.

Tim. · « **Reply #10 on:** June 19, 2006, 04:37:00 PM »

Quote from: blackinkdragon on June 19, 2006, 04:31:48 PM

hey I don't know if it would work for you at all or if your at all interested but, I have a fiberglass bump seat that I got un installed with the CB550 I just bought,
I have no interest in useing for my bike. I'd be more then happy to sell it cheap and or free if you felt like giving me a little mechanical help (I'm out in chi suburbs)
if you have any interest at all just let me know.

While I can't come to Chicago (used to commute to Gurnee from Toronto every week but that was a while ago) if ProTeal doesn't want your seat, I'd be interested in buying it!

Let me know.

Tim. · « **Reply #11 on:** June 19, 2006, 04:38:30 PM »

So this is what I'm working on. Picked up the fibreglass unit for $20 at a swap meet this past weekend. A little narrow for the 550 frame, but might fit. Not very comfy.

I'm making my own upholstered bump seat from a stock 550F seat. The 550 seat has a perfect spot for bolting on brake lights on the backside - no real foam there - just a thin layer over a single sheet of metal. May drill it for lights or put on a surface mount led brake light.

blackinkdragon · « **Reply #12 on:** June 19, 2006, 04:42:54 PM »

well I have to admit I was mostly hoping he would want to trade for helping me with the bike, but if not I have nothing against just selling it, so I'll give him a little time then get back to you via E-mail

maksuttt · « **Reply #13 on:** June 19, 2006, 04:48:37 PM »

Quote from: tintin on June 19, 2006, 04:38:30 PM

I'm making my own upholstered bump seat from a stock 550F seat.

Should be good. Gonna sew it by your self?
Maybe it sounds stupid: wanted to ask for a long time, what is "swap meet"? Is it for everyone? Thanks

Tim. · « **Reply #14 on:** June 19, 2006, 05:26:24 PM »

On June 16, there was a large swap meet in Paris, Ontario (Canada). Basically people sign up to sell their stuff. They lay it out and sell it. Most people show up to buy. Also a bike show etc., but most people go to buy.

I got the seat for $20, tank emblems for $10 and a POR-15 kit for $30 (1/2 price of new). There of course was a lot of other stuff there, but a huge mix of makes/models.

Here are pics from the show.

Jay B · « **Reply #15 on:** June 19, 2006, 05:31:11 PM »

I built mine on my mild cafe 350f. The seat cover was shot so I took it off and used an electric knife to get the shape. To cover I wrapped it with vinyl and riveted it to the bottom of the seat pan. Then I built the cowl out of fiberglass. I've got about 1-1/2" of foam on the seating area, but it's more comfy than you'd think.

Tim. · « **Reply #16 on:** June 19, 2006, 05:31:39 PM »

The green and black bike in the middle had a nice seat - the hump is part of a gas tank, which is a pretty common trick.

Tim. · « **Reply #17 on:** June 19, 2006, 05:32:12 PM »

Quote from: Jay B on June 19, 2006, 05:31:11 PM

I built mine on my mild cafe 350f. The seat cover was shot so I took it off and used an electric knife to get the shape. To cover I wrapped it with vinyl and riveted it to the bottom of the seat pan. Then I built the cowl out of fiberglass. I've got about 1-1/2" of foam on the seating area, but it's more comfy than you'd think.

Close up pics!

Uncle Ernie · « **Reply #18 on:** June 19, 2006, 05:58:43 PM »

Wish I knew how people are making their own cowls. I heard of someone using a stainless mixing bowl- I tried but it doesn't fit my seat. Anyway- my bike is at a friends, but I just had a friend mod my stocker. It's thicker foam than most cafes because, like you, I actually want to ride it. Looks pretty good, though. My seat pan was tatty and needed a little welding here and there, but after the new cover was put on, it looks pretty good. That brushed aluminium trim on the Giulianis (sp?) is the main thing that makes them look good- it slims the look. I've been thinking of trying to find something like that and now I'm going to look in ernest.

Jay B · « **Reply #19 on:** June 19, 2006, 06:44:31 PM »

Here ya go tintin. Originally I was going to go with a bigger hump and no fender. Then I found that gen-u-wine Lucas taillight bracket at a HD swap meet for 6 bucks. I just had to use it so I re-thunk the whole back of the bike around it. The upholstry job is pretty rogh, I'll probably re-do it next winter. Overall the seat, fenders and taillight give it a real English look.

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #20 on:** June 19, 2006, 09:04:34 PM »

Quote from: blackinkdragon on June 19, 2006, 04:42:54 PM

well I have to admit I was mostly hoping he would want to trade for helping me with the bike, but if not I have nothing against just selling it, so I'll give him a little time then get back to you via E-mail

Sent ya a PM their buddy....

I am still torn on what I want to do with the seat on my scoot. Just got back from a 40 mile ride with some buddies, and all I could think of was if I had some thin ass seat how much fun I would loose by not being able to ride my scoot. I def. want something ATLEAST as comfy as the stock seat I have now, becasue if I am gonna have a sore ass after a ride , I will keep whats on their and call it a day..

Keep the advice / pics comming.....

Jay B · « **Reply #21 on:** June 20, 2006, 04:08:07 AM »

ProTeal- It's been my experiance that comfort is as much a factor of support as it is padding. That's one reason I kept the stock seat pan on the 350. It is about 11" wide at the seating area, most seats I saw on eBay, etc were much narrower. It would look better/racier with a narrower seat but I wasn't willing to give up the width to support my aging butt.

StevieMac · « **Reply #22 on:** June 20, 2006, 08:33:07 AM »

I made my rear cowl from a HD sportster tank. The seat uses a cut down stock seat pan with a back piece welded on. The seat still hinges open to provide storage for tools, registration etc. No word on comfort yet as it's not on the road yet. The foam is VERY firm but that's usually a good thing in my experience. Time will tell......

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #23 on:** June 20, 2006, 09:13:30 AM »

Quote from: StevieMac on June 20, 2006, 08:33:07 AM

I made my rear cowl from a HD sportster tank. The seat uses a cut down stock seat pan with a back piece welded on. The seat still hinges open to provide storage for tools, registration etc. No word on comfort yet as it's not on the road yet. The foam is VERY firm but that's usually a good thing in my experience. Time will tell......

very nice....

StevieMac · « **Reply #24 on:** June 20, 2006, 10:46:08 AM »

Quote

very nice....

Quote

Thanks man. I can't wait to get my stuff back from the painter and get this thing on the road! Sounds like my paint is delayed though. The shop boss is spending his days at the paint shop all of a sudden (not typical) which delays my painter's on the side cash job from getting done

I should have mentioned that the seat cowl bolts to the modified rear section of the frame. Just the seat hinges open. All the electronics including the battery are mounted under the rear cowl.

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #25 on:** June 20, 2006, 01:44:02 PM »

** The Great Seat Search 2006 Update **

- A seat has been allocated and purchased as of 3:41 CST on 6/20/2006.
Which seat I bought will remain a mystery untill it is installed and ready for the world to see.
The seat WILL set my bike off from the rest, and I am totally pumped that I was able to get it at a
decent cost. Once my new seat gets on the bike, my stock seat will be up for grabs, so if anyone wants it let me know...

Thanks for all the replies / feedback / & help guys, it is much appreciated....

(IF YOU ARE THE SELLER OF THE NEW SEAT, PLEASE KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT ABOUT THIS PLEASE

)

Ricky_Racer · « **Reply #26 on:** June 20, 2006, 02:08:05 PM »

Thanks ProTeal. I really appreciate your hijacking my inquiry thread and buying the seat out from under me. I hope to repay the favor one day. I've been looking for this seat for a long time and I'm sorry you felt you needed it so badly. I hope others are as kind to you. "Keep quiet about the transaction..." What BS!

Good luck with your project. Ride safely!

Ricky Racer

Whew! Glad to get that one off my chest! Now I can move on to more important things...

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #27 on:** June 20, 2006, 02:16:31 PM »

Whoa their newbie !!!

I didnt buy any seat out from under you, so just sit down and relax.
I sent the seller a PM just like anyone else could have, and asked if the seat was still for sale.
The seller said it was, and offered me a price.
HE offered me a price, I cant stress the fact enough that HE offered me a price...
I agreeded on the price, and the transaction was complete. End of story....
I didn't do this behind your back or anyone elses, so dont give yourself the credit for thinking I was being "SNEAKY"..
I have never screwed ANYONE on this board, and do more than my share to help everyone when and where I can.
I am not gonna let you go around and badmouth me becasue something didnt work out for you...

Deal with it....

KCs76Cafe · « **Reply #28 on:** June 20, 2006, 03:00:58 PM »

Ricky_Racer · « **Reply #29 on:** June 20, 2006, 03:12:14 PM »

Don't give me "newbie!" I was building my own bikes and cars before you were born... Oh, yeah, I forgot that you're still overpaying others to fix your mistakes... Good luck figuring out how to mount the seat.

You knew that the seller and I were already emailing and sending pictures on this transaction as a result of my original posting. That's why you moved so quickly and why you placed (IF YOU ARE THE SELLER OF THE NEW SEAT, PLEASE KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT ABOUT THIS PLEASE ) in your posting.

If you want to get your parts this way, that's fine. But don't take a high and mighty stance on what you know you did. You may be the greatest 26-year old in Chicago, but the way you conducted yourself during this transaction doesn't fit in with the maturity, etiquitte and respect I've seen for many years on this board.

I don't post very often; only if I have some small thing to contribute. And I've never flamed anyone before, but your actions really hacked me off!

I'm definately no Newbie, kid! Glad you got your seat; I'll find another. I'm done with this thread. AMF!

Tim. · « **Reply #30 on:** June 20, 2006, 04:19:41 PM »

Well this is a silly conclusion to this thread, that's for sure. Anyone with 1/2 a brain (like me) can look back and see where RR was posting, see a thread about a particular seat, see a posting from Nippon about a particular seat, and see a final post from Nippon that the seat was sold today.

Yay. Big secret. Looking forward to seeing the seat on someone's bike. I just hope the buyer and seller have established solid contact and feedback has been established. I wouldn't buy anything on spec from someone with 5 posts here and that I didn't know. I've been burned before - I hope your rare and wonderful seat arrives as you expect.

nippon · « **Reply #31 on:** June 20, 2006, 06:12:18 PM »

...what's going on?
it seems it's time to deliver some facts.
I've received many inquiries about the seat. I did not have expected this feedback. I have send 8 detailed pics oft the seat to everyone.
In every email i wrote the following to let it be fair: " first comes,....first buys".
Sorry,...the next time i will send a little piece of the seat to everyone.

But i have learned some things, ...next time,....let's start the battle on ebay and make a lot of money w/o helping in forums.

@tintin,...be sure that the seat will arrive as expected. We have finished the deal w/o any risks for buyer and seller.
There is no need to know more on your side.

I think the "nippon" seat theme should be finished now.
All other things will be written as pm,...the guy(s) know what i mean.

ride on,
nippon

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #32 on:** June 20, 2006, 10:00:01 PM »

Quote from: Ricky_Racer on June 20, 2006, 03:12:14 PM

You knew that the seller and I were already emailing and sending pictures on this transaction as a result of my original posting. That's why you moved so quickly and why you placed (IF YOU ARE THE SELLER OF THE NEW SEAT, PLEASE KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT ABOUT THIS PLEASE ) in your posting.

The only reason I wrote that was to keep it a "secret" , as to what style seat I was getting for my scoot, thats all. I try to have fun on this board...
Do you really think I am that stupid to write it with the intentions you think I did ??

Quote from: nippon on June 20, 2006, 06:12:18 PM

it seems it's time to deliver some facts.
I've received many inquiries about the seat. I have send 8 detailed pics oft the seat to everyone.
In every email i wrote the following to let it be fair: " first comes,....first buys".
Sorry,...the next time i will send a little piece of the seat to everyone.

Look at that RickyRacer , even the seller of the seat is on my side. According to him, you had your chance to snag the seat , and didn't for whatever reason. Then I go and purchase it and I am the bad guy ? You should know , as you stated you were "building bikes before I was born" that with vintage parts you can't dick around about snatching them up when they become available... I know this , thus why I will have a kick-ass seat on my scoot in about a week, and you wont...

Forget you , and forget this thread.

P.S -->
I will have no issues mounting the seat, so don't sweat it buddy...

dusterdude · « **Reply #33 on:** June 21, 2006, 10:44:09 AM »

damn,looks like i missed all the fun.

cben750f0 · « **Reply #34 on:** June 21, 2006, 03:11:30 PM »

indeed... a little cross communication i think...peace

noelocol · « **Reply #35 on:** December 31, 2006, 03:48:31 PM »

FYI...

http://www.brenn.ca/cafeforum/viewtopic.php?t=207

under "wrenching" the second sticky: "how Im building a Metal Cafe seat cheap and easy"

cben750f0 · « **Reply #36 on:** December 31, 2006, 10:07:22 PM »

cheers heaps for that mate, will check it out.....

peace

News:

Author Topic: WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR "CAFE" SEAT FROM, HOW DOES IT FIT, ETC....? (Read 13703 times)

prsman23@hotmail.c

blackinkdragon

blackinkdragon