Topic: Honda CB750 and CB550 Seat Covers

[kyle750]

Very impressed with the detail of a Honda CB750 Seat Cover.   The bottom trim is inset slightly above  the bottom edge.  Incredible build quality! 

[kyle750]

CB550 seat cover (replaced by the previous owner).  Losing all the incredible detail is such a loss

[kyle750]

Apologies for the off-topic diversion.  Decided it was about time to try to remove the left side cover on the CB750 and take a look at the air filter. I am very clumsy and ham-handed and I was afraid I would break the side covers - they are very old and fragile.
 
The side cover was on super tight - like it was bolted on   Sprayed the tabs and grommets with WD40 and let it soak for a long time.  2 tabs were coming out easily but one was impossible to move. I read that pulling from the front is a big No-No.  I tried pushing from the backside with a flat screwdriver  but it would not budge.  Finally decided to cut the unyielding grommet out.  Replacement grommets are cheap . . .  original side covers are not   I found that the only way to cut the grommet out is from the backside.  I used a razor blade and cutting blind from the backside cut around the grommet surrounding the tab. Once I cut through about 1/2 of the grommet the tab slid right out. Whew!!!

[kyle750]

One of the surviving grommets - I think it's about time to replace 

[kyle750]

 . . .  maybe old and crusty . . . but at least the CB750 had an air filter 

I'm going to use the inside metal screen/mesh from the removed CB750 air filter to cut out and make the oval screen for the CB550 black plastic tool tray/air filter top 

[kyle750]

Cutting out the grommet.  In the case of my side covers that were on horribly tight this method worked well with no risk of cracking or damaging the side covers. Inexpensive replacement grommets ordered.   I will be looking at available replacement seat covers for the CB550 this weekend. Not exactly sure what is out there?

[newday777]

As to the gard grommets,  use a heat gun to soften them to get a stuck side cover off easier.

[jonda500]

Is that 550 seat cover glued on? That model originally had a chrome strip along the bottom integrated in the seat cover - along with a slot to fit over the edge of the metal pan and a bead for the tabs to grab around when folded back in..
The aftermarket seat covers instruct you to neatly cut the strip off the bottom of your original cover and use that with a little glue to secure the new one on.
John 

[kyle750]

Is that 550 seat cover glued on? 

The seat cover on the CB550 has no trim on the bottom edge and is just glued to the underside.  The vinyl is good quality, heavy, with a nice grain 

[kyle750]

 I would like to replace the seat cover on the CB550 and looking at this one as a possibility.  Large squares pattern