Shaved Seat Instead of Lowering VFR

Wa la, love a plan that works out like it's suppose too. SCORE!!! Nice job on the write up too, with photos..perfect. you are going to fit in just right here.

 

Hi
If I knew you were going to diy, one suggestion I would have made was to have a heat gun or even your hairdryer handy. When replacing the seat cover, staple one side and just give the area you are stapling on the opposite side a bit of a blast and it will help stretch the cover nicely. It will contract when it cools and voila, wrinkle free seat cover. But it looks like you done a good job anyway.

 

Very good job, looks fantastic well done

 

you don't need to lower the bike or worst the seat-which suks -replace it, just put sliders on instead -when it falls pick it up and ride on

 

you don't need to lower the bike or worst the seat-which suks -replace it, just put sliders on instead -when it falls pick it up and ride on-Blacky is bad luck

 

Anne, what ever this ASSHAT says, dont waste your time reading....
Ignore list is a must

 

+1 what RVFR said :thumbsup:

 

I did a similar job on my old SV650 for my girlfriend, but I used an angle grinder instead of a knife. I also modified the seat shape to conform to a human ass, which made the project a huge success

 

A second career for you!


.

 

I put you on my igore list, but took it off. Its too much fun poking a communist in CA.:joker:

 

Hi and a belated welcome to the MadHouse:welcome:



Thanks for the great write up - a virtually free mod which helps you feel more confident with your VFR is a great start.



In the same vein:

- consider investing in some decent R&G frame sliders - which are not cheap but will save your plastics and a lot of :censored: if (when) the bike does tip-over. These bikes are not just heavy, but with a full tank a lot of the weight is high up so they are quite prone to horizontal parking, as the point of no return is easily passed. Check out this thread http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthread.php/44298-You-dropped-it-how-many-time! As you will see you are not the only one struggling to keep these bikes upright!

- consider dropping the forks 10cm or so - another no cost change which will also help lower the ride/seat height (without wrecking the handling). http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthread.php/48536-Holy-freaking-hell!

- fitting quality lowering triangles will drop the back by the same amount but then you will probably need to cut down the side stand (and may need to ditch the main stand). Be wary of adjustable suspension links. A while back a rider (over on VFRD) had a nasty shock when one snapped whilst riding on a highway allowing the rear suspension to collapse which rapidly chewed her rear tyre to pieces, on the fast lane of an interstate. Sadly it appears the original blog has now been removed by VFRD.

- Free off and then carefully retighten the mirror pivot bolts - so the bolt is just tight enough to keep the mirror in place but loose enough so it will rotate harmlessly out the way if the bike goes over, rather than snapping off. Same for the levers tight enough to stay put, but slack enough to yield when really stressed. On the mirrors there is a hex(allen) key bolt located under a plastic cap which you pry off. The mirror is usually the first item to break when these bikes tip over. Genuine replacements are not cheap but quite a few on here have been happy with Emgo (Chinese) copies from eBay.

- There are a few manufacturers of quality motorbiker boots specially designed to help shorter riders. I am not sure if this brand is available on your side of the Pond but over here one of the top selling boots are these from TCX who make good quality motorbike boots with Italian leather and Gore-tex waterproof membranes which incorporate ankle and shin protection and an integral raised heel will make you instantly taller without going so far that braking and gear selection becomes a nightmare.

- If there is a decent circuit doing track days nearby - check if they have a suspension specialist available who can help get the bike set up right. Before spending out on any upgrades, it is well worth seeing what can be delivered by the stock kit with the help of an expert. Obviously the springs and other components have been under load for approaching 10 years now and they may be reaching the point where replacements or some renovation is needed. Sadly few dealers have the time, inclination or expertise to really do this for you.

- If you intend taking the VFR on really long trips - then fitting a cheap Vista throttle lock will really help on long haul days. Likewise if your reach is also limited you may find Helibars will allow a more upright riding position and help reduce pressure on your wrists on long trips.

Take care ATGATT





SkiMad

 

did this make the reach to the bars better ? I am 5 '8 and touch the ground flat footed but find the bar reach a bit far .I was wondering if sitting "in the bike more" made the reach feel closer? thanks .

 

Again, refer to the attached link for full instructions. Simple and it works.

Larry

http://www.diymotorcycleseat.com/

 

very nice link!! thanks.