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Author Topic: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550 FINISHED PRODUCT WITH PICS  (Read 12052 times)

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Offline WarwickE36

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how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550 FINISHED PRODUCT WITH PICS
« on: June 21, 2011, 01:56:52 PM »
I decided to forgo an ebay seat today and try my own hand at making a cafe style.  I decided I wanted to have a style that was wrapped fully in vinyl instead of having a fiberglass rear piece...  I tried to design one that had to option of riding +1 on the  back should the opportunity for a 100lb spinner want to go for a ride :) ...

I started by tearing off the old fairly worn out seat cover and found some pretty nasty foam underneath...

From there i cut out the front section of foam and replaced it with some new semi rigid foam ... after shaping that foam and sitting on it I quickly realized that something more substantial would be needed...



Dont forget to clean up the rusty seat pan with a wire wheel before spraying adhesive

 I decided to grab a 5 dollar kneeling pad for gardening at the hardware store...  i placed it on the previously glued and shaped section of foam and traced around it with a sharpie... then i glued the new seat foam in the center. At this point I also glued a section of foam to the back of the seat to create the hump.  after a little shaping it looked like this...



I did some more shaping all the way around and made sure everything was fairly symmetrical ... layed the old peice of batting on top of it and it looks like this...



I picked up some vinyl when I bought the foam grand total of 35 dollars for all of it... I dropped it off at my friends fathers auto upholstery shop and should have it back next Monday ... grand total for the entire seat will be under $100 :)
I will make sure to post more pics when I get the seat back.

Thanks for looking.
« Last Edit: June 29, 2011, 11:42:15 AM by WarwickE36 »
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" Why does anyone get offended by what someone does to their own bike? I dont get it. "

You made me think about it after I cheered knowing someone else would like to know what these control freaks are up to.
 Every time any owner strips whatever precious Honda part the horrified purists parts go up in value. That's not the part that bothers them.
 What bothers them is they sat up late at night, their breast full of wonder and estrogen, unable to sleep, dreaming about their lovely darling and all her glory... and next thing you know someone else doesn't share their emotional deluge and their reaction is they must spread their mind museum as far as they possibly can, taking over as much of the real world as possible.

Drink fast, drive slow, but ride it like you stole it

1974 Cb550 with style
2004 SV650s

Offline socalenduro

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550
« Reply #1 on: June 21, 2011, 02:26:35 PM »
so when you shaved and shaped what tools were you using?

ps getting super discounts from a family member for professional services is cheating...and im jealous!
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Offline WarwickE36

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550
« Reply #2 on: June 21, 2011, 02:36:20 PM »
FRIENDS family member, huge difference :)

I used a cutting wheel with a 4 inch disc to cut the 90* cuts and to shape the foam I used a right angle die grinder with a wire wheel on it... the kind of wire wheel that is bell shaped. 
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" Why does anyone get offended by what someone does to their own bike? I dont get it. "

You made me think about it after I cheered knowing someone else would like to know what these control freaks are up to.
 Every time any owner strips whatever precious Honda part the horrified purists parts go up in value. That's not the part that bothers them.
 What bothers them is they sat up late at night, their breast full of wonder and estrogen, unable to sleep, dreaming about their lovely darling and all her glory... and next thing you know someone else doesn't share their emotional deluge and their reaction is they must spread their mind museum as far as they possibly can, taking over as much of the real world as possible.

Drink fast, drive slow, but ride it like you stole it

1974 Cb550 with style
2004 SV650s

Offline Nortstudio

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550
« Reply #3 on: June 21, 2011, 08:09:35 PM »
I'll be curious to see how this works out. Do you plan on having the light in the rear of the seat?  Or keeping the rear fender?
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1976 CB550K...in progress
1975 CL360...eventually custom
2009 Husqvarna TE610

a blog about wrenching in Brooklyn, NY

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Offline WarwickE36

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550
« Reply #4 on: June 22, 2011, 04:44:50 AM »
I will be keeping the rear fender... I cut my rear fender and put a new light scheme on the bike... i don't love the tail light but its better than stock for what Im doing.... If the seat doesnt work out Ill ebay it and put the $$$ towards a professionally done seat.

Heres the rear of the bike now...
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" Why does anyone get offended by what someone does to their own bike? I dont get it. "

You made me think about it after I cheered knowing someone else would like to know what these control freaks are up to.
 Every time any owner strips whatever precious Honda part the horrified purists parts go up in value. That's not the part that bothers them.
 What bothers them is they sat up late at night, their breast full of wonder and estrogen, unable to sleep, dreaming about their lovely darling and all her glory... and next thing you know someone else doesn't share their emotional deluge and their reaction is they must spread their mind museum as far as they possibly can, taking over as much of the real world as possible.

Drink fast, drive slow, but ride it like you stole it

1974 Cb550 with style
2004 SV650s

Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550
« Reply #5 on: June 22, 2011, 09:46:43 AM »
god yes you are finally fixing the seat!!!  ;D
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1975 CB550 (FINISHED?!?!?)
first motorcycle ever!!! ow and i dont know how to ride it either :D

raw rust rice venti quad shot cafe racing latte project aka my build..... http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88853.0

black and white equation godzilla chalkboard 
1972 cb750 - next in line for some <3

Offline WarwickE36

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550
« Reply #6 on: June 22, 2011, 10:22:48 AM »
At least I can ride mine smooth :)
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" Why does anyone get offended by what someone does to their own bike? I dont get it. "

You made me think about it after I cheered knowing someone else would like to know what these control freaks are up to.
 Every time any owner strips whatever precious Honda part the horrified purists parts go up in value. That's not the part that bothers them.
 What bothers them is they sat up late at night, their breast full of wonder and estrogen, unable to sleep, dreaming about their lovely darling and all her glory... and next thing you know someone else doesn't share their emotional deluge and their reaction is they must spread their mind museum as far as they possibly can, taking over as much of the real world as possible.

Drink fast, drive slow, but ride it like you stole it

1974 Cb550 with style
2004 SV650s

Offline Ryan66

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550
« Reply #7 on: June 22, 2011, 11:23:24 AM »
Warwick where did you get those rear blinkers? Im assuming the fronts are the same? Did you use the stock mounts on the rears?
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1976 CB550k (cafe project)

Offline WarwickE36

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550
« Reply #8 on: June 22, 2011, 11:50:00 AM »
I got the rears are a local bike shop, they were in a bin of clearance junk...I paid 13 dollars for the set!!! I have been meaning to order a set for the front too but just used another set they had in stock they sold me fore 15 bucks :) ...

The rears are EMGO "slimline bullet lights"  P#61-73190

To install I had to drill out the hole just slightly (enough to take out the threads) then they bolted right up.

Note they are NOT DOT approved for on road use.
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" Why does anyone get offended by what someone does to their own bike? I dont get it. "

You made me think about it after I cheered knowing someone else would like to know what these control freaks are up to.
 Every time any owner strips whatever precious Honda part the horrified purists parts go up in value. That's not the part that bothers them.
 What bothers them is they sat up late at night, their breast full of wonder and estrogen, unable to sleep, dreaming about their lovely darling and all her glory... and next thing you know someone else doesn't share their emotional deluge and their reaction is they must spread their mind museum as far as they possibly can, taking over as much of the real world as possible.

Drink fast, drive slow, but ride it like you stole it

1974 Cb550 with style
2004 SV650s

Offline WarwickE36

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550
« Reply #9 on: June 29, 2011, 11:27:49 AM »
I finally got my seat back from the upholsterer and wanted to show the finished product of the cafe seat.



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" Why does anyone get offended by what someone does to their own bike? I dont get it. "

You made me think about it after I cheered knowing someone else would like to know what these control freaks are up to.
 Every time any owner strips whatever precious Honda part the horrified purists parts go up in value. That's not the part that bothers them.
 What bothers them is they sat up late at night, their breast full of wonder and estrogen, unable to sleep, dreaming about their lovely darling and all her glory... and next thing you know someone else doesn't share their emotional deluge and their reaction is they must spread their mind museum as far as they possibly can, taking over as much of the real world as possible.

Drink fast, drive slow, but ride it like you stole it

1974 Cb550 with style
2004 SV650s

Offline DJ_AX

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550
« Reply #10 on: June 29, 2011, 11:32:22 AM »
That looks nice!

I'm now tempted to break out my big knife! :-)

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~ Vincent . . . '75 CB750 K5 . . . '97 BMW r1100rt . . . had; '75 CB550 K1 (sold) . . .  '73 CB350G (gifted) HELL YEAH!
Disclaimer: I could be wrong. :)

Offline WarwickE36

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550
« Reply #11 on: June 29, 2011, 11:33:34 AM »
I was turning the heads of some Harley riders on my way into work, first time that's happened! gotta be the seat :)
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" Why does anyone get offended by what someone does to their own bike? I dont get it. "

You made me think about it after I cheered knowing someone else would like to know what these control freaks are up to.
 Every time any owner strips whatever precious Honda part the horrified purists parts go up in value. That's not the part that bothers them.
 What bothers them is they sat up late at night, their breast full of wonder and estrogen, unable to sleep, dreaming about their lovely darling and all her glory... and next thing you know someone else doesn't share their emotional deluge and their reaction is they must spread their mind museum as far as they possibly can, taking over as much of the real world as possible.

Drink fast, drive slow, but ride it like you stole it

1974 Cb550 with style
2004 SV650s

Offline sopo400f

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550 FINISHED PRODUCT WITH PICS
« Reply #12 on: June 29, 2011, 04:08:16 PM »
How is the cover wrapped/secured to the seat pan?
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1975 cb400f blue

Offline WarwickE36

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550 FINISHED PRODUCT WITH PICS
« Reply #13 on: June 29, 2011, 04:22:46 PM »
the upholstery was done at Speeds Auto Top on Warren Avenue.  Matty did the stitching and binding to the foam I shaped.  He glued the vinyl down to the batting after steaming and shaping the vinyl.  He did a bang up job in my opinion. 

I should probably clarify that this DIY was more of a half DIY... I did the foam and shaping and he did the cover.  Having the steam machine is crucial, without it you would end up with bubbles and it wouldn't lay down flat.
Logged
" Why does anyone get offended by what someone does to their own bike? I dont get it. "

You made me think about it after I cheered knowing someone else would like to know what these control freaks are up to.
 Every time any owner strips whatever precious Honda part the horrified purists parts go up in value. That's not the part that bothers them.
 What bothers them is they sat up late at night, their breast full of wonder and estrogen, unable to sleep, dreaming about their lovely darling and all her glory... and next thing you know someone else doesn't share their emotional deluge and their reaction is they must spread their mind museum as far as they possibly can, taking over as much of the real world as possible.

Drink fast, drive slow, but ride it like you stole it

1974 Cb550 with style
2004 SV650s

Offline WarwickE36

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550 FINISHED PRODUCT WITH PICS
« Reply #14 on: June 29, 2011, 05:34:46 PM »
Here's one more, my computer wasn't cooperating earlier.

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" Why does anyone get offended by what someone does to their own bike? I dont get it. "

You made me think about it after I cheered knowing someone else would like to know what these control freaks are up to.
 Every time any owner strips whatever precious Honda part the horrified purists parts go up in value. That's not the part that bothers them.
 What bothers them is they sat up late at night, their breast full of wonder and estrogen, unable to sleep, dreaming about their lovely darling and all her glory... and next thing you know someone else doesn't share their emotional deluge and their reaction is they must spread their mind museum as far as they possibly can, taking over as much of the real world as possible.

Drink fast, drive slow, but ride it like you stole it

1974 Cb550 with style
2004 SV650s

Offline psycherhexic

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550 FINISHED PRODUCT WITH PICS
« Reply #15 on: June 29, 2011, 05:50:52 PM »
would the same thing work except about an inch shorter in height?

other than looking a tad bulky.. it turned out great!
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Offline WarwickE36

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550 FINISHED PRODUCT WITH PICS
« Reply #16 on: June 29, 2011, 05:56:11 PM »
The pics make it look bulkier than it is.   The reflections make it apear rounder for some reason.  The original seat pan adds to the problem as it is "tall" due to the fact that it wraps around the frame instead of resting on top.  I didn't want to hack the frame apart, and I also wanted to be able to retain the stock tool tray and helmet strap tab.  If you went much lower in foam you'll be sitting on the pan, if your cool with your grundel and balls resting on a metal pan, the sky's the limit to how low you can go.
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" Why does anyone get offended by what someone does to their own bike? I dont get it. "

You made me think about it after I cheered knowing someone else would like to know what these control freaks are up to.
 Every time any owner strips whatever precious Honda part the horrified purists parts go up in value. That's not the part that bothers them.
 What bothers them is they sat up late at night, their breast full of wonder and estrogen, unable to sleep, dreaming about their lovely darling and all her glory... and next thing you know someone else doesn't share their emotional deluge and their reaction is they must spread their mind museum as far as they possibly can, taking over as much of the real world as possible.

Drink fast, drive slow, but ride it like you stole it

1974 Cb550 with style
2004 SV650s

Offline WarwickE36

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550 FINISHED PRODUCT WITH PICS
« Reply #17 on: July 04, 2011, 02:43:51 PM »
Busted out the Cannon T2i for some better pics.



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" Why does anyone get offended by what someone does to their own bike? I dont get it. "

You made me think about it after I cheered knowing someone else would like to know what these control freaks are up to.
 Every time any owner strips whatever precious Honda part the horrified purists parts go up in value. That's not the part that bothers them.
 What bothers them is they sat up late at night, their breast full of wonder and estrogen, unable to sleep, dreaming about their lovely darling and all her glory... and next thing you know someone else doesn't share their emotional deluge and their reaction is they must spread their mind museum as far as they possibly can, taking over as much of the real world as possible.

Drink fast, drive slow, but ride it like you stole it

1974 Cb550 with style
2004 SV650s

Offline Ryan66

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550 FINISHED PRODUCT WITH PICS
« Reply #18 on: July 05, 2011, 09:03:31 AM »
Jealous. I think im gonna try this with my seat very soon
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1976 CB550k (cafe project)

Offline Lostboy Steve

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550 FINISHED PRODUCT WITH PICS
« Reply #19 on: July 05, 2011, 11:02:41 AM »
Quote from: Ryan66 on July 05, 2011, 09:03:31 AM
Jealous. I think im gonna try this with my seat very soon

+1 Look's great! Cheaper than an ebay special?
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1968 Honda Z50
1977 Honda CB550K
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Offline Ryan66

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550 FINISHED PRODUCT WITH PICS
« Reply #20 on: July 05, 2011, 12:19:49 PM »
I would think so. Those are what $229? foam is cheap. Guess it depends on how bad the upholsterer will get ya for
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1976 CB550k (cafe project)

Offline Lostboy Steve

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550 FINISHED PRODUCT WITH PICS
« Reply #21 on: July 05, 2011, 12:21:12 PM »
They have some pretty choice cafe seats for 160. Just the foam and cover you reuse your pan.
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1968 Honda Z50
1977 Honda CB550K
2018 Indian Scout

Offline WarwickE36

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550 FINISHED PRODUCT WITH PICS
« Reply #22 on: July 05, 2011, 12:45:22 PM »
Under $100, so yes cheaper than ebay... better IMO because I chose the foam I wanted... and done in 4 days instead of waiting 3 weeks to a month waiting for it to clear customs coming from Vietnam... not to mention being able to tell people I foamed it and my buddy's dad upholstered it, instead of "yeah some guy sent me this from Ching Chong Epay "
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" Why does anyone get offended by what someone does to their own bike? I dont get it. "

You made me think about it after I cheered knowing someone else would like to know what these control freaks are up to.
 Every time any owner strips whatever precious Honda part the horrified purists parts go up in value. That's not the part that bothers them.
 What bothers them is they sat up late at night, their breast full of wonder and estrogen, unable to sleep, dreaming about their lovely darling and all her glory... and next thing you know someone else doesn't share their emotional deluge and their reaction is they must spread their mind museum as far as they possibly can, taking over as much of the real world as possible.

Drink fast, drive slow, but ride it like you stole it

1974 Cb550 with style
2004 SV650s

Offline WarwickE36

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550 FINISHED PRODUCT WITH PICS
« Reply #23 on: July 05, 2011, 12:47:02 PM »
And also, on a side note,  I love the fact that I reused the stock pan,

Now if I ever decide to do some really long touring I can get a second seat-pan and foam it how I want it for 2up riding and long distance and change the seat out in 30 seconds on a whim.
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" Why does anyone get offended by what someone does to their own bike? I dont get it. "

You made me think about it after I cheered knowing someone else would like to know what these control freaks are up to.
 Every time any owner strips whatever precious Honda part the horrified purists parts go up in value. That's not the part that bothers them.
 What bothers them is they sat up late at night, their breast full of wonder and estrogen, unable to sleep, dreaming about their lovely darling and all her glory... and next thing you know someone else doesn't share their emotional deluge and their reaction is they must spread their mind museum as far as they possibly can, taking over as much of the real world as possible.

Drink fast, drive slow, but ride it like you stole it

1974 Cb550 with style
2004 SV650s

Offline Lostboy Steve

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Re: how to on DIY cafe seats... CB550 FINISHED PRODUCT WITH PICS
« Reply #24 on: July 06, 2011, 05:53:49 AM »
Yeah true. If my nearby upholsterer wasn't an asshead I'd go about it.
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1968 Honda Z50
1977 Honda CB550K
2018 Indian Scout
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