Topic: New Seat Foam Recommendations

[Popwood]

I'm looking to improve ride comfort for my 75 550K and 71-year-old butt and lower back. I've recently replaced fork shocks with progressive suspension springs and rear shocks with Ikons. Now I'm thinking about the seat. The seat pan and foam are original and while foarm has retained its shape, it's probably lost most of its actual cushioning. Question is, what foam to use if I decide to reupholster? I've read about options of closed cell vs open cell a combination or both (closed for the base and open for a softer top layer). Understand gel foam a bad choice and mixed reviews for a top layer of memory foam. And I've found a few DIY videos that are excellent for shaping the foam. Thanks.

[BenelliSEI]

Before you start ripping your seat apart, checkout “Air Hawk Seat Cushion”. Look at the different models and read the reviews. I tested one last Fall (on a friend’s motorcycle) and was really impressed. It has the advantage that it can be moved from one machine to another! I’m sure there are other products that are just as good........ Good Luck.

[Popwood]

I've looked into the Airhawk seat cushions and understand how they work. Thanks for the suggestion, BenellieSIE. Interesting concept. Looks like they are mostly made in different sizes for cruiser saddle shapes although there is one that's rectangular for the cruiser back seat. Wonder how this might work on stock CB550 or 750 seat? Anyone have experience with the product on stock bike?

[BenelliSEI]

The one I tried was rectangular and my buddy looped in some long Velcro straps so he could move it bike to bike.......

[Doobie]

Sorry, I can't tell you what foam to buy but if butt comfort is your aim, then a gel pad insert may be all you need.

I took the seat cover off my Z900RS and cut out a section for the gel pad, which I bought off Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/ULTRAGEL-Motorcycle-Seat-Gel-Pad/dp/B00KSMCFOO#customerReviews

Also bought a new cover (wanted a different style) that I'm waiting to be delivered.

Lots of how-to vids on YT. I randomly chose one as an example:

[turin39789]

Popwood,

Curious what you ended up doing.  I'm in the same boat on my 550, except my seat cover has a tear so I need to re-upholster anyway.