Rich's Custom Seats

Discussion in 'Gear & Accessories' started by 34468 Randy, Sep 13, 2017.

  1. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    I have been talking about it for several years now. And now, the welting on my Sargent seat has worn through and is looking ratty. Finally booked an appointment for Rick's Custom Seats & Upholstery in Kingston Wa. I know. A shameless plug but they are worth it.

    I was doing this on the heels of an annual September ride we have been doing for quite a number of years now. The ride was going to be over Sunday evening but I needed to stay in the USA for a minimum of 48 hours to bring back goods of certain value duty free. Rich's is not open Mondays so I was going to have to book at a flea bag motel to afford this excursion.

    Turns out, Rich's has a two bedroom suite he rents to customers who find themselves in a position such as I. The rate was far cheaper than what I stayed at in Kettle Falls where there, the room was a flea pit. Here are Rich's accommodations.

    The outside of his shop. He has a really nice spot here. Even has RV hook ups out in the yard.
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    The beds in the two rooms are as comfortable as you can get at any hotel. Bathroom was like a spa with a jet tub as well as shower. Living room are was fully furnished and not seen in this photo is a fully equipped kitchen.
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    So, here is the seat I was riding on. There are tens upon tens of thousands of miles on this seat. Likely close to 100,ooo miles. I crossed the 130,k mile point on this trip. The pipping was worn through and I was going to have to get it reupholstered anyways so why not follow through with what I have wanted to do for years. IMGP0077.JPG

    They removed the old covering and began building up the original foam of the seat. I didn't see if they removed any of my old foam, but I did see them remove old and replace it with new on other vehicles. It is clear they did not replace foam that was not in need of replacing. Rich had many staff working for him but he is hands on in just about every project. There were four of us there with bikes and a couple cars and even soccer mom vans being worked on. This is Rich himself working on my seat. He would glue foam, shave it down, re apply more foam and the day went on. After he roughed it out with a tool resembling a right angle turkey carving knife, the seat was off to a booth where he had one or two guys whop shaped it down the the final shape. Then off I went for a ride to test the fit. Back to the shop where Rich went back at it until the fit was just right
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    At some point, a gel insert was placed on the foam, padding and the seat was covered with a fabric. Rich then prepares a template for the cover.
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    I took his advice and upgraded from vinyl to leather. Also added a personal touch of embroidery. And this is the final product.
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    I must say, I am impressed. Not only with the end result, but the class this shop and its staff have. Understand, this is not a Walmart slip cover we are talking about here. The base cost for a one person seat fitting was $450.00 The leather upgrade and embroidery were add on's. If the seat was being fitted for a passenger as well, then the cost would have been more. But no one rides with me so just the rider's seat was to be done.

    I rode home mid day just before rush hour. Trip home was about 4 hours in the seat save for gas and dinner. Very comfortable. Never crossed my mind on that trip to get out of the saddle for a break other than for food.
     

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  2. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    Nice! I like the upgrades you did too. Now you're ready for another 100k miles!
     
  3. BCAl

    BCAl New Member

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    Randy, You have had a few months of riding time on the new seat, how do you like it?
     
  4. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    I really do like this new seat. I haven't done a ride like down to Atascadero and back or across to Manitoba but have been on the bike once or twice for over and hour and there were no instances of getting anywhere near as sore as I used to. To me, it was money well spent. Think is if my bike gives up the ghost, I have to find myself another 6th gen to keep the seat.

    I were to get a brand new 8th gen, first trip I would be making with it was down to Rich's for a new seat for that bike right off the start.

    If I go down to Custer, I will let you give it a ride and see. I know it was custom built for my toosh but I think anyone would see or feel the difference to some degree.
     
  5. BCAl

    BCAl New Member

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    I hope to be able to make a trip down Rich's before I make the trip to Custer. Thanks for the input. Hope you can make the trip down to Custer.
     
  6. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    They do have two suites above the shop you can stay in for something like 100 bucks. They are hotel quality suites with a shares spa and shared livingroom and kitchenette area. That puts you there the night before and they are right on your bike first thing in the morning. Done near the end of the day. Something for you to consider. When I had mine done, I just had the rider's seat custom fit as rarely has anyone been on the back. But they do custom fit for two as well.
     
  7. BCAl

    BCAl New Member

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    I think I will make a trip down before going to Custer for a night to get a seat done. If I tag getting the seat done on to the trip to Custer I would have to spend two nights down at Rich’s and meet the people leaving from home somewhere along the road. Plus if I get the seat done earlier I get to enjoy it for longer.
     
  8. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    I would start the process right now then. I think I waited a fair while to get in. Also increases the chance you could get one of those suites.
    You won't be sorry you did this. I paid a little extra for the graphics though.
     
  9. BCAl

    BCAl New Member

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    I took your advice Randy and have an appointment and a room booked near the end of this month. I will let you know how it works out.
     
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  10. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

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    That's a weird pot leaf you have on your seat there Randy
     
  11. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Rolled a couple of those up and smoked them. Tastes like shit. Didn't buzz worth a damned either.
     
  12. BCAl

    BCAl New Member

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    I have been and had a new seat made at Rich's. I stayed overnight and the accommodations are great had a two bedroom place all to myself. The property around is like a park. Getting the seat made was a great experience. I have spent some time riding with the new seat now and it has only gotten better.

    On a sad note I found out today that Quint, the guy who set up my appointment and was the first person I met from Rich's when I attended the motorcycle show here passed away on Tuesday. I am sure he will be greatly missed by the crew at Rich's. RIP Quint.
     
  13. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Quint was incredibly helpful to me when I was beginning my efforts to get my seat done. He treated me with kindness that was remarkable. He was definately part of Rich's talented team.
     
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