Choosing Seat Foam

[Clem Kevin]

So, I was given a 1989 transalp that I'm turning into a custom build, and the bike came with a Corbin seat that is completely thrashed. I'm going to throw away the old cover and foam. I bought a cover that looks more like an XR seat cover as I'll be using this bike as an adventure bike, and just need to choose the foam material I'll use.

Seems there's a CRAP LOAD of choices for foam, and I have zero idea where to start.

I'm looking for recommendations for any type, or brand of foam that you have specific experience with and can recommend. I'm not looking for a shop, I'm off grid and far away from everything, just doing things on my own here.

 

[295566]

Depending on your budget, you can send back to Corbin... though just recovering the seat alone is nearly as much as a whole new saddle from them which I think is crazy :loco

 

[ratsblast]

Go to the junkyard and find the firmest foam you can. Volvo back bench seat or rear SUV seats. I just did seat on buell and used regular upholstery foam, too squishy. Get some marine vinyl and have fun. Make sure if you use crown Staples they like 1/4 or 5/16, first time I used to long staple and poked through.

 

[Racinfrk]

Call Sargent. They sell just their foam and it is comfy.

https://www.sargentcycle.com/

 

[ThumperX]

You need to figure out what shape you want the seat, probably as an ADV bike you want it narrower. Build the shape from a firm piece of foam leave about 1 1/2" for a nice gel foamon top and edge sides. Watch out with the shape, a lot of seats have hard edges pair them down so you have nothing making your legs go to sleep.

 

[mrmarklin]

Use only closed cell foam. Open cell foam collapses too much and will be uncomfortable.

 

[bobl]

Maybe take a look at re-bonded foam. Several densities, fairly cheap.

 

[CDONA]

I have replaced seating foam in my rig, in Lake Havasu.
Here I learned about upholsterers foam, and boat foam.
Upholstery foam is used with other padding for over stuffed chairs, couches.
Boat foam has to be stiff enough to support over plywood, without extra padding.
Boat foam is what you need for a base layer.

 

[ST Guy]

And as someone mentioned, closed cell foam only.

 

[RVFRick]

Be bold and get padded bike shorts :leghump

 

[bunnygoat]

There is this honeycomb padding use in fighter jets and wheelchair seats. Its made here in the BA and from what I read, is fantastic on MC seats as it distributes load evenly.
Supracor is the product.

 

[Clem Kevin]

There is this honeycomb padding use in fighter jets and wheelchair seats. Its made here in the BA and from what I read, is fantastic on MC seats as it distributes load evenly.
Supracor is the product.

I wish. I'm on a shoestring budget here.