Topic: CB650SC seat mounting ideas

[papi_sosaa]

Hello everyone,

I'm almost ready to send my frame out for powder coating however I'm stuck on how I can get my seat to mount securely.

I had welded 2 brackets to the frame to act as structural support and as the mounting surface for the seat. I drilled two holes in both brackets so that the seat studs would slide into the bracket and it works nicely. The only issue here is that the seat is not secure and hitting a bump while riding could potentially cause the seat to jump too. The seat came with wing nuts however the reason why those won't work is because you won't be able to access the seat studs from the underside of the battery tray.

The only thing I can think of is possibly using a ball socket type of joint that would allow the seat to "click" into position. These ball socket joints are typically found on speaker grills. The issue with these is that they're made of plastic so they might not hold up to vibrations.

The last 2 images are examples of that same style push-on adapter that is on the side covers. That push-on clip that's formed into the plastic pushes into a rubber grommet on the side of the frame, I could potentially do something like that as well.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[papi_sosaa]

These are the speaker style ball socket joints.

[BenelliSEI]

These are the speaker style ball socket joints.

I’ll be interested to see what you decide. I have the same issue with my Rickman CR. It does use a locating screw through the rear rear fender extension and fits snugly along the seat rails. I might put a wide “L” shaped strap at the front that hooks under a fixed cross bar and then just the one screw at the back…..  or maybe a few of those pop fasteners at the front?

[papi_sosaa]

I'm thinking maybe a threaded ball stud that would screw into the bottom side of the seat and then whatever the female side is on the bike.

These are similar to what you would find on/for gas struts. Just not sure what the "female" fitting would be called. I've only been able to find 90 degree fittings, nothing vertical.

[BenelliSEI]

I'm thinking maybe a threaded ball stud that would screw into the bottom side of the seat and then whatever the female side is on the bike.

These are similar to what you would find on/for gas struts. Just not sure what the "female" fitting would be called. I've only been able to find 90 degree fittings, nothing vertical.

Good ideas! Keep posting.

[papi_sosaa]

Another option I'm exploring is a hinged system similar to this guy.
https://www.hondatwins.net/threads/honda-cb450-cafe-racer.135942/

I don't think the other options will work long term and I don't want to damage the frame once it's been powder coated.

[BenelliSEI]

Another option I'm exploring is a hinged system similar to this guy.
https://www.hondatwins.net/threads/honda-cb450-cafe-racer.135942/

I don't think the other options will work long term and I don't want to damage the frame once it's been powder coated.

That looks good. The way my Rickman seat wraps around the frame won’t allow the hinging action…… I need to drop in, straight down.

[papi_sosaa]

That looks good. The way my Rickman seat wraps around the frame won’t allow the hinging action…… I need to drop in, straight down.

Dropping in is the preferred method for sure.

[RAFster122s]

Would a captive spring loaded cable that attaches to a pinned shaft that slides through a U channel bracket allow you a single point of retention. Then you locate a flange for the U channel to slide over. The flange retains the seat and the flange could bolt onto the frame rails.bush the frame rail attachments so it doesn't cut into the powder coat. The cable end is located to a spot of the end of the seat or since it is a cable it is located to a point it is out of the way but accessible and non-obtrusive location. Or reverse it and have the cable mechanism be on the bike frame.

[papi_sosaa]

Would a captive spring loaded cable that attaches to a pinned shaft that slides through a U channel bracket allow you a single point of retention. Then you locate a flange for the U channel to slide over. The flange retains the seat and the flange could bolt onto the frame rails.bush the frame rail attachments so it doesn't cut into the powder coat. The cable end is located to a spot of the end of the seat or since it is a cable it is located to a point it is out of the way but accessible and non-obtrusive location. Or reverse it and have the cable mechanism be on the bike frame.

Sounds intricate, are you able to draw it out?

I had seen a video where a guy used a locate/latching mechanism from a GS500. Looked pretty good, I wouldn't mind doing that and hooking up a cable/key lock just below the tray. I don't think the GS500 seat lock will bolt up to my seat but there should be another latching system similar. Wonder if I could use ball studs in the front rather than a slide though.

[Tracksnblades1]

I’d continue looking at other motorcycles and small car hood and trunk latches before I went and reinvented the wheel..
But sometimes new wheels are the best…😇

[Tracksnblades1]

If you have plenty room underneath, you may check out the smaller over center devices.
There’s all types. I’ve seen the smaller ones used on air cleaner box half’s, Toyota.  And snap over center devices on older 90’s Donaldson OEM air cleaner housing lids, Vermeer track trenchers.

McMaster Carr might have some good ideas of what’s available. Airplanes have a lot of neat inspection  panel locks and latches too..

[papi_sosaa]

I ended up doing the hinged seat like in the previous post. I'm almost finished it and it's coming out really well.