Author Topic: Foam for cafe seat, what thickness should I go for?  (Read 1272 times)

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Offline Martin Thomassen

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Foam for cafe seat, what thickness should I go for?
« on: February 23, 2014, 12:53:10 PM »
I´m looking for a low budget diy seat pad for my cafe build, and found this on ebay:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycle-Race-seat-Foam-Back-Bum-stop-pad-40mm-Thick-Self-Adhesive-/170942403276?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts_13&hash=item27ccf612cc
It´s possible to get a piece 1, 2 or 4 mm thick (0.4", 0.8" or 1.6").
But does anybody in here have hands (or butt) on experience with this type of seat foam? If so what thickness would you advise me to get? The bike is only meant as an occasional fun bike, so it doesn´t need to be super comfy, on the other hand I don´t want to have a sore butt after only ½ hour riding the bike  ;D

Offline Powderman

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Re: Foam for cafe seat, what thickness should I go for?
« Reply #1 on: February 23, 2014, 01:07:12 PM »
I think your conversion is off a bit 1.6" is not 4mm, more like 4cm. So if you meant cm then it would be 3/8", 3/4", and  1-5/8". I went with 3/4"  on mine and fear it will be a very hard ride. Not noticeable when the adrenaline is running, but like you say, when you get off after a half hour ride your butt hurts.

The pieces in your link are only 6"x8"x1-1/2"
« Last Edit: February 23, 2014, 01:09:50 PM by Powderman »

Offline Martin Thomassen

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Re: Foam for cafe seat, what thickness should I go for?
« Reply #2 on: February 23, 2014, 02:01:53 PM »
D'oh, yeah I messed up the numbers. What I meant was of course 10, 20 or 40 mm  :)
I'm pretty sure the 10 mm can be ruled out at this point, but based on what you are saying I will properbly go for the 40 mm version  ;)

Offline Powderman

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Re: Foam for cafe seat, what thickness should I go for?
« Reply #3 on: February 23, 2014, 02:32:17 PM »
D'oh, yeah I messed up the numbers. What I meant was of course 10, 20 or 40 mm  :)
I'm pretty sure the 10 mm can be ruled out at this point, but based on what you are saying I will properbly go for the 40 mm version  ;)

I don't think you will regret going with the thicker.
The seat on my build is kind of a sore spot for me. I had an upholsterer volunteer to do a sponsored seat for me when he heard I was looking to redo mine. My old one was just 2" gray vinyl and cost me $50.



I gave the new guy 5 criteria for my seat and when I got it back from him almost 2 months later, while the build quality was very good, 4 of the 5 criteria were wrong. He refused to redo it for free. I told him it was unacceptable for my application. He told me I could burn it or throw it in the trash. It let such a sour taste in my mouth I even changed the whole color scheme of the bike because of it.



I told him I would pay to have one done by him if he wouldn't redo it free. That's when he told the first one would have been $750, he said the embroidery alone was $250 (I had the new embroidery done for $6). I think the last thing he heard on the phone was me laughing at him.

I found a new place to do a sponsored seat for me and I like it a bunch more than the old and black seat. One of the criteria being I wanted only 1" foam this time and though the new one is only about 3/4" I like it, but the first time I sat on it I realized it is going to be very uncomfortable and hard.


« Last Edit: February 23, 2014, 02:36:03 PM by Powderman »

Offline 750K

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Re: Foam for cafe seat, what thickness should I go for?
« Reply #4 on: February 25, 2014, 01:12:42 AM »
I built a lower profile seat for my 750 a couple years ago, I layered blue sleeping roll foam (the stuff you would put between your sleeping bag and the ground) till it was thick as I thought it should be. After 2 seasons and loosing 40lbs it needs another layer or two, its fine for around town but on longer rides my butt gets sore. You'll know quick fast if you need more foam, lol.
77 Cb750, 78 Kz1000

Offline Harsh

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Re: Foam for cafe seat, what thickness should I go for?
« Reply #5 on: February 25, 2014, 05:25:32 AM »
You might want to look into some closed cell foam like they use for kayaks and such.  It is water and UV resistant.  I used the 3/4" stuff for my seat and really don't have an issue with it.  Could it be a bit more plush...certainly, but I don't try to stay sitting upright a whole lot when I am riding.  When you sit on it it will form to you, but once you get off it will go back to it's natural state.

http://www.clcboats.com/shop/products/boat-building-supplies-epoxy-fiberglass-plywood/kayak-seats-foam/minicell-closed-cell-foam.html

Offline flybox1

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Re: Foam for cafe seat, what thickness should I go for?
« Reply #6 on: February 25, 2014, 10:02:19 AM »
Original seat pan and about 3" on the lower seat section. $300 total @ my upholsterer.
All open cell auto upholstery foam.  three layers, and three different densities.  softest on top.
No saddle sores after an 8+ hour day, and im not a small guy  ::)
If you aren't comfortable, riding isn't fun.   If you take it to an upholstery shop, dont let them cover it, or even make the cover until you a$$-test the foam thickness and shape on your bike. This way you can have them make changes until its what you want.
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1974 550K0 (stock), 1973 CB350F (stock), 1983 Yamaha XS400K (POS)
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Offline alacrity

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Re: Foam for cafe seat, what thickness should I go for?
« Reply #7 on: February 27, 2014, 10:08:27 AM »
sno gives phenomenal advice above here.
follow it.
I recently restored and sold a 77 cb750f, and am nearly finished with a (former basket case) cb750k5.  This is a place to share, learn and enjoy.  I am grateful to and for 99+% of this site's membership.