Seat foam......
- Thread starter AzHonda
- Start date
There is a reason that Goldwing seats are more comfortable then a race bike seat.
I used to use the 1/2" thick seat foam on my race bike, my wife didn't even use that - she just sat on the fiberglass. But you don't sit on a race bike very much - even during longer races.
To get comfort, you will need a thicker foam. Dense foam will be too hard, thin foam will not mold around your bottom enough.
Look at street sport bikes with the best looking seats, the foam is thicker and the bodywork comes around the seat to hide the thickness. That would be the way to go - cut out the center of the seat pan and recess the foam, but then where would all the electronics that we hide go?
My plan is to make a thin covered seat held on by Velcro and if it is too agonizing for longer rides, I will make a thicker one and save the thin one for the bike night type rides where looks takes precedent over comfort.
I used to use the 1/2" thick seat foam on my race bike, my wife didn't even use that - she just sat on the fiberglass. But you don't sit on a race bike very much - even during longer races.
To get comfort, you will need a thicker foam. Dense foam will be too hard, thin foam will not mold around your bottom enough.
Look at street sport bikes with the best looking seats, the foam is thicker and the bodywork comes around the seat to hide the thickness. That would be the way to go - cut out the center of the seat pan and recess the foam, but then where would all the electronics that we hide go?
My plan is to make a thin covered seat held on by Velcro and if it is too agonizing for longer rides, I will make a thicker one and save the thin one for the bike night type rides where looks takes precedent over comfort.
Durgam_K
Been Around the Block
I have gone 2 different routes this past year on seat foam. First, I called Sargent Cycle. They Make great aftermarket seats for a lot of bikes. There selection isnt as vast as Corbin's, but they are more comfortable In my opinion. Also, they will modify your current pan with their own foam, right to your stock pan.
Better yet, You can buy a piece of their "atomic" foam they call it. Its a really nice closed cell memory foam. I bought a piece for $20 12x12 and had my local upholstry shop install my it when they put my new cobver on my CB1100F. NIGHT AND DAY Difference!! I rode from my house in Lansing Mi, Up over the bridge, and over to Escanaba in one day. Just over 600 miles. With little complaints form my Arse. Very nice foam!!!
Another option I did on my Cafe was from an online foam store. Foam by mail is one, but not the one I used. I spent under $55 and got 2 different foams. A dense closed base layer, and a softer top. I dont reccommend an open cell for the4 top, Its still way too soft, and I got the highest density stuff. Its like a hard pillow, Soft.
Still, Contouring your pan is going to add more comfort than one would think. A slight convex from side to side is a HUGE improvement over a flat pan. And when you opt for a single piece of foam... your ass will thank you later!!!
Better yet, You can buy a piece of their "atomic" foam they call it. Its a really nice closed cell memory foam. I bought a piece for $20 12x12 and had my local upholstry shop install my it when they put my new cobver on my CB1100F. NIGHT AND DAY Difference!! I rode from my house in Lansing Mi, Up over the bridge, and over to Escanaba in one day. Just over 600 miles. With little complaints form my Arse. Very nice foam!!!
Another option I did on my Cafe was from an online foam store. Foam by mail is one, but not the one I used. I spent under $55 and got 2 different foams. A dense closed base layer, and a softer top. I dont reccommend an open cell for the4 top, Its still way too soft, and I got the highest density stuff. Its like a hard pillow, Soft.
Still, Contouring your pan is going to add more comfort than one would think. A slight convex from side to side is a HUGE improvement over a flat pan. And when you opt for a single piece of foam... your ass will thank you later!!!
jaymi608
Active Member
Jt550 said:Ok, so what type of seat foam would be cool on a cafe street bike???
That black race foam aint worth shit in the long hall we all know that by now.
Then what is the right one???
This looks like a good link, Yet any one know what # type foam should I buy for a good riding seat??
http://www.rochfordsupply.com/shop/Foam/Foam_Sheets/Foam_Medium_Firm_HR_3319_-_Best_Value/index.html
((This is starting to keep me up at night))
...sorry for the lame post, I wasnt kidding about the sleeping....brains barley working....
I actually work at a foam manufacturing plant. At the website above the first 2 numbers represent the firmness. The higher the number the firmer the foam. The lower the number the softer the foam. The second 2 numbers are the wieght. Also Any HR foams are superior.
For example, the 6130 would be the best for a seat. 61 is very firm and the wieght is 3 lbs. We make a foam for harley seats thats 7022. At my work the wieght is based on a 15"x15"x4" piece of foam.
Hope this helps.
I just put together my own seat, and used the 2 layers of those foam mats you can buy at Home Depot for kids to play on (about 1.2" each), followed by 1/2" of foam I got at the local fabric store.
The seat looks good, but is pretty uncomfortable. Just an FYI for an approach I sure won't use again.
The seat looks good, but is pretty uncomfortable. Just an FYI for an approach I sure won't use again.
crazypj
Split personality, I fake being smart
I've tried various things over the years.
Camping mat/yoga mat is a bit too dense, 'ordinary foam too soft.
Even have some 1" thick Judo mat which is almost right but a little too stiff
There is a closed cell foam mat that is used in construction when the weather gets below freezing to prevaent concrete freezing and cracking that isn't too bad at about 1/2" thick
My 360 seat cost virtually nothing t make as the foam is from carpet underlay (padding)
It's 3 layers of the 'multi colour 'foam chips' about 3/8" thick
The cover is from a GS500 that had a tear in the front.
The only cost was spray adhesive to hold the layers together and glue the cover down
It's one of the best seats I've ever had (just got lucky I guess?)
Camping mat/yoga mat is a bit too dense, 'ordinary foam too soft.
Even have some 1" thick Judo mat which is almost right but a little too stiff
There is a closed cell foam mat that is used in construction when the weather gets below freezing to prevaent concrete freezing and cracking that isn't too bad at about 1/2" thick
My 360 seat cost virtually nothing t make as the foam is from carpet underlay (padding)
It's 3 layers of the 'multi colour 'foam chips' about 3/8" thick
The cover is from a GS500 that had a tear in the front.
The only cost was spray adhesive to hold the layers together and glue the cover down
It's one of the best seats I've ever had (just got lucky I guess?)
jaymi608
Active Member
I have not yet used the foam to make a seat for myself. I was going to but decided to reuse the origanal seat on the bike. I did cut 2" off the top though.
Yes this foam can be shaped. I use an electric kitchen carving knife. You can find them at Goodwills or stores like that for a few bucks. They cut foam like butter. Also a bandsaw and even a jigsaw work good. I built custom furniture for 14 years so I have worked with foam before. Just not on the bike yet. But I will soon.
Email me for more info.
Yes this foam can be shaped. I use an electric kitchen carving knife. You can find them at Goodwills or stores like that for a few bucks. They cut foam like butter. Also a bandsaw and even a jigsaw work good. I built custom furniture for 14 years so I have worked with foam before. Just not on the bike yet. But I will soon.
Email me for more info.
RoadRash
Coast to Coast
Might take you up on that sell, 360. been searching, locally, for good foam, without success. Although, I did notice at the local Giant Eagle grocery store, the other day, they had a contractor come in, and re-vamp their produce bins. Apparently they line the bottom of these with what looked to be 1" think black closed cell foam. I so wanted to snatch a piece!
jaymi608
Active Member
I would've just asked him for a piece. You would be surprised on what people will give if you just ask.
I"m sure you would like this foam. Firm yet comfortable. For a custom seat you could probably get 2 or more seats out of the chunks I have. Also, incase someone hasn't read it yet, someone on here used an old leather coat (I believe from Goodwill) to cover his seat. Genius if you ask me.
I"m sure you would like this foam. Firm yet comfortable. For a custom seat you could probably get 2 or more seats out of the chunks I have. Also, incase someone hasn't read it yet, someone on here used an old leather coat (I believe from Goodwill) to cover his seat. Genius if you ask me.