Topic: CB500 Seat Ideas - what, where, and why???

[chopstar500]

Here I am... facing the biggest dilema since the start of my resto-modded '71 500: I can't decide on a proper seat for the bike.



From the start, I planned to use a Moto Carrera Laguna seat/tail (see pic below) and I had a wicked plan for three '59 Caddy taillights peeking out the back. As the build progressed and started to take shape, I really started to envision the bike with a classic "bubble" cafe seat/tail - just seems to "fit" the bike (in my imagination of course). My girl never liked any of the fiberglass seat/tail options, and told me repeatedly that I should go with a nice OEM unit. Funny thing is, I've started to get onboard with the OEM line of thinking - problem is '71 seats are a sum#$%* to find.

Moto Carrera Laguna Unit:



I'm hoping you guys can help me finally make up my mind - and maybe a few 500 guys can chime in with some pics. Thanks!!!

[Shenanigans]

I think that bike is too cool for a pre-made fiberglass tail.

How about something along the lines of a stockish looking seat. Maybe something a little smaller with better lines but that still hints at the OEM seat?

[hopterfixer]

Use the back half of a 500 tank for the cowl mounted directly to the frame, wrapped right over that rear tire.  Make a thinly padded seat pan that lays on the frame rails and curves up to the top of the cowl for a butt stop.  Are you planning on using the standard peg position or forward controls?

[Jeff]

Here I am... facing the biggest dilema since the start of my resto-modded '71 500: I can't decide on a proper seat for the bike.

Damn that bike is just looking killer!

I think the OEM seat will look... like something is missing. The bike looks like it's going to do 9s in the 1/4 mile. You need a bumstop. What about a Giuliari (sp?) like on Proteal's 750 or Andy's orange, er, polished cafe?

Jeff

[chopstar500]

I think that bike is too cool for a pre-made fiberglass tail.

How about something along the lines of a stockish looking seat. Maybe something a little smaller with better lines but that still hints at the OEM seat?

You know Shenanigans, we think alot alike. I was thinking much shorter version of the stock seat, kinda like a "brat" style unit. Problem is, I still need to find a seat pan. Scratch that - I suppose that I could fab my own, but I want to use the hinge and latch if I go the OEM style.

Brat Style Bike:



Hopter - I'm using the stardard "mid" controls.

Jeff - I tell ya, if I could afford a "Giuliari" seat, that would be my first choice.

[Jeff]

Oh man, the pipes on that I think are exactly what I need for mine.

Could you do the fiberglass seat unit, then cover it in leather? I wonder what that would cost?

Jeff

[FunJimmy]

Pro Stock drag style with number plates!
You definitely need the bum stop. 
Making a seat pan and seat isn’t difficult; it’s just a lot of work and a big mess.
How are you with fiberglass, bondo and finishing?

[hopterfixer]

I was thinking along the lines of the bratstyle stuff.  Take a piece of 18 gauge steel and make a pan.  You still need something to cover the loop over the tire, the back half of a tank would cover that and finish the back end up .  Good Luck.

[Jeff]

Ask tsflstb where he got or how he made his seat.

Jeff