Topic: custom seat leather or vinyl

[Wbflyer]

I have selected vinyl but think I might change it to leather but the upholstery shop thinks leather is not a good idea. I understand why they think that but for $50 more to have leather... It will not see the rain or at least only by accident.

Thoughts?

[BomberMann650]

Leather requires maintenance.  That's the only real argument against that.

Vinyl will last for a long while.  But once it gets damaged, there's little that can be done.

[Wbflyer]

Would leather have a better look to it?  What type of stuff do you have to do to leather?

[BomberMann650]

Even a basic leather seat looks really good next to a vinyl seat.

As far as working with leather and leather tools, it all depends on what you want it to be when done.  You can be more artistic with most leathers, that is not an option when using vinyl

[Stev-o]

It's your bike...use leather if you want...

[Wbflyer]

Gotcha, this will be stored indoors so no big deal.  $250 vs. $300 for leather.  I might call them and say to do it in leather.  This bike is just a weekend (once a month) mountain ride.

[Dracon]

 I went through this same question a short time ago when I was looking to have a seat made. I believe I'm going to go with a leather top and marine grade vinyl sides. That way the sides won't stretch and lose shape but I will still get the breathability and look of leather for the top of the seat.

[Wbflyer]

how bad will leather stretch?

[Dracon]

 It also depends on the style of see you're going to have. A Cafe seat with a 1/2" of neoprene over it and then leather is not going to stretch nearly as much as a brat style seat that has 3 inches of foam under it…

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Use a good conditioner on the leather periodically -- every couple of months -- and it will hold up great.  I've never had stretch on any of mine. 

If you want a synthetic, you may think about alcantara.  It's pretty stain resistant and holds up to elements.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Use a good conditioner on the leather periodically -- every couple of months -- and it will hold up great.  I've never had stretch on any of mine. 

If you want a synthetic, you may think about alcantara.  It's pretty stain resistant and holds up to elements.

I've always been told alcantara is not very durable, Don  That's why I opted for suede (more durable grade) for mine

Didn't know that.  I know that BMW and Porsche use it on car interiors (seats, steering wheels, shifters, etc.).  I presumed it was durable based on that usage, but hey you learn something new every day (or at least hope to).

[Wbflyer]

Yep, I am having my seat with 3 1/4 inches of foam with diamond pattern.  It will not see rain, hopefully, and will only be ridden about once or twice a month. I'll give it a shot with leather.  worse case, I have to have it reupholstered.