KZ440 Seat Help

[hightower]

I've got a KZ440 (G1 I believe). Anyway, the frame is the same shape as this image below.

I'm trying to work out how to design the seat for a brat style bike. I quite like these bikes and seat styles but can't see how I can make it fit with my frame.

I am 6'4 so I don't mind the seat being stepped up a bit (more area to house battery, better riding position for me) but only if it fits with the overall look of the bike.

I'm just after some advice from you guys on what you think, and how I might be able to achieve it.

EDIT: I must add I'm not willing to cut the frame, except to detab it - I don't want to modify the frame for a seat to fit, I want to use the frame as it is now.

Thanks in anticipation.

EDIT 2: This one looks similar to my frame.

 

[jbeebe]

All of your inspiration pics have modified frames, you'll never be able to have it look like that without cutting it up a bit. If you look at my old build thread below, you'll see on the last page what I did for my seat, it took a few hours at most.

http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=43338.60

Some people make seats that flare up a lot to follow the frame like yours, but personally I think it's hideous. With your frame it might be easier and less fab work to make it a bobber instead.

 

[hightower]

All of your inspiration pics have modified frames

All except that last picture? That last picture follows an unmodded frame.

 

[J-Rod10]

Then build one like the last pic. Looks simple enough. Thicker foam in the front, thin in the rear. Make your pan, then trim your foam to level it out.

 

[hightower]

By pan you mean something for the foam to sit on? What would you make it out of, just sheet alloy or something? Would that be strong enough?

 

[J-Rod10]

Piece of sheet metal would suffice.

 

[M.B Co]

I have the same bike (LTD 440) and went over my options for what seemed like forever. Went with a pan I made the shape of the frame, 3 layers of camping mat, foam cushion plus a simple pleated upholstered seat.

IMG_20140518_111119 by MBCo, on Flickr

Walk around to get a good view

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwdHK7_Ocfs

 

[zap2504]

At 6' 4" and no frame mods, you are taking on a huge challenge. I'm 6' 2" and would probably need to raise the seat height on my 440 LTD a good 3"-4" for a comfortable fit.
One advantage you have is that the G-model tank is less tapered at the tail than the LTD so a taller seat can be better integrated (assuming you are using a G tank). And the frame has less of a dip than the LTD. Also - think about an old-school platform seat (i.e., one with much less padding but up on springs), kind of like an old Indian solo seat. It would give you the seat height you need but much less visual weight. Go to http://cycle-ergo.com/, select a bike that is similar to the KZ440 G (like maybe the Kawasaki '79-'83 Z750 or W650) to see what "you" look like and what proper seat/bar ergos you would need for comfort.

 

[hightower]

Thanks guys, this is all so helpful. I like your motor mb, pretty close to what I have had in mind. All great food for thought.

 

[sprockett]

I have a cb400 nc31 that has a similar frame shape... I'll be doing something like that too! Thanks for the ideas!


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