Custom Seat

[Cornfish]

I did not ride the stock seat on my Hypermotard for long, and didn't find it to be terribly uncomfortable, but it was pretty darn slippery. A friend had a Renazco Racing suede seat on an old KTM 950SM and I had ridden his bike enough to know I liked the feel. When I bought my Ducati I also purchased a used seat off eBay that was torn for $50 so I could keep the stock seat, and have the seat pan to send to Jim Renazco as a base to build up a new seat. I've ridden the new seat for a year or so and really like it. It is very comfortable and the improved grip on the bike is much nicer than sliding around on the original all vinyl seat. Jim talked me out of going with suede on the sides because to quote him "it is too grippy". The vinyl on the sides is a faux carbon fiber.

 

[Grissom]

How long did it take to have your seat made?

 

[Cornfish]

How long did it take to have your seat made?

It took about three months. Pretty sure James does all the work himself and it sounds like he is sought after by a lot of riders. James mentioned that the fitting that goes into the seat on the Hypermotards was especially difficult (I believe he called it a Dzus fitting) to work with.

 

[Johndicezx9]

Looks good.

 

[gixxerjeff]

I believe it was Shelly Berman (not 100% sure) in the 60's that did a bit called "You can't get sneeze off suede."
I think of that line each and every time I see the stuff....can't help myself.
I'm kinda curious what the fade factor will be. The sun is not kind.

 

[Johndicezx9]

Is it suede, or Alcantara?

 

[Cornfish]

Is it suede, or Alcantara?

Probably Alcantara, although I am not certain. The seat seems to be holding up very well and doesn't have any stains. The seat my friend had on his 950SM went through all kinds of conditions and came on the bike when he bought it and looked great.

EDIT: Here is info from his website, I guess it is suede.

Suede is a natural material that will absorb moisture and may be a concern for those who ride in the rain. We recommend vinyl over suede if this is a concern. Our suede seats are lined with 3mm of a closed cell foam rubber to prevent water penetration into the foam. Most suede purchasing customers are more concerned with the performance and comfort of the material. UV protection is another concern; suede will more than likely fade with sun exposure. Some have been succesfull using chemicals to treat the suede, proper care equivelent to that of leather will always extend the life.

 

[Cornfish]

I still have the stock seat if I wanted to throw it on for rain riding, but I really don't ride this bike in the rain.

Edit: I also don't leave my bike in the sun unless my skinny ass is planted on it!

 

[Cornfish]

Looks good.

Thanks!

 

[Cornfish]

:laughingToday I applied a suede protector I had at the house to my seat! Didn't realize it was actually suede!:laughing

 

[SCC Ryder]

That looks like a very nice seat ! What ballpark price would one expect to play in one of these custom seats ?

 

[Cornfish]

http://www.renazco.com/pricing.cfm

Let's just say it's an investment.

 

[dbc]

I have the suede/carbon fiber combo also.
What suede protector did you use?

 

[Cornfish]

What suede protector did you use?

The brand is Saphir and the product is called Super Invulner. It is a fancy schmancy product I use on some expensive suede shoes I own. Never had an issue with it changing the color or look of my shoes so I figured it would be good for the seat and as predicted it made no negative changes to the look. I think any suede protector designed for suede jackets, shoes or handbags would work well.

 

[295566]

http://www.renazco.com/pricing.cfm

Let's just say it's an investment.

Cheaper than Corbin...

 

[dbc]

The brand is Saphir and the product is called Super Invulner. It is a fancy schmancy product I use on some expensive suede shoes I own. Never had an issue with it changing the color or look of my shoes so I figured it would be good for the seat and as predicted it made no negative changes to the look. I think any suede protector designed for suede jackets, shoes or handbags would work well.

Thanks!