PSA regarding sheepskin seat covers and DIY building

2440 Views 14 Replies 9 Participants Last post by om28, 8 mo ago

Wastelander

Discussion Starter · 8 mo ago

So first of all, if you've never tried one, you seriously should. Very comfy, cool in the summer, and gives off almost a Mad Max apocalyptic vibe. Gives me a more comfy riding position also, as the added height provides a tad bit more leg room. Second, as far as building your own... I grabbed a $40 sheepskin from Ikea, (you can order one online but I rode 30 minutes to a physical store just so I could hand pick the widest, floofiest one they had). Now, as is it was, it had a tendency to bunch up and shift around while getting on and off the bike, so what I did was grab a roll of 5mm thick EVA foam from the hobby store and cut a semi triangular shape that matched the top portion of the stock seat, from where it meets the tank, all the way to the hump that separates the passenger area. I trimmed the skin to match the length (let the sides hang free cause it drapes down to cover the straps, and looks cool) then used contact cement to attach the EVA foam to the sheepskin. I had a few adjustable claw-buckle straps I'd harvested from an otherwise destroyed military rucksack (elastic might have been a better choice) which I sewed thru both the foam and the skin, situating one strap near the tank removal bolt, and the other near where the battery is. With the foam attached to the skin, it can't bunch up, gives me more padding, and grips the seat so it can't move around. Since the foam section is rather small, I can still roll the rest of the skin around it to create a perfect camping pillow or stow it when I don't feel like using it. I also used the leftover foam to line the bottom of my pelican case that I use for a top box. Anyways, just wanted to share how I did it, since I've never heard of anyone using a foam backing, and I'd highly recommend the foam addition) to anyone building their own cover. I also recommend making one over buying one, because nothing out there will be a perfect custom fit to your exact bike. Hope this helps someone!

See less See more

Reactions: 5

1 - 15 of 15 Posts

realshelby

· #2 · 8 mo ago

I have a really good fitting sheepskin cover. Made for a bike, has high quality fur and good leather. Attaches with a cord and several eyelets on each side.
I have tried more than once on both the RT and the Strom to prove they add comfort.
Just rode back from WV to Houston and tried to use it the first day. By noon ( probably 450 miles or more) I took it off. Way too hot! Caused sweating and irritation. Seat felt better with no cover. I do have russell seats so I don't have any real comfort issues anyway. Even in colder temperature I have tried them and always take them off.
That said, if you have a stock seat they may help. In spite of myself I still try stuff like this.
Tried the beads. They do have airflow! But my butt hurt from the pressure points within a few hours.
I have taped foam to stock seats to get by....that helps. I have an Airhawk. That helps a seat that you cannot sit on all day in many cases. But not on a good seat.
Not saying to not try stuff, that is the only way you learn!

See less See more

STCorndog

· #3 · 8 mo ago

Mine came from Alaska Sheepskin and I love it. The elastic straps have stayed tight and it’s around 4 years old now. I asked for the darkest natural color, but non-dyed they had.

Tire Wheel Vehicle Fuel tank Automotive fuel system

See less See more

Reactions: 1

Wastelander

Discussion Starter · #4 · 8 mo ago

Oh wow, mine is way fluffier. As soon as I figure out how to post pics I will

Spec

· #5 · 8 mo ago

Tried one didn't like. Too slippery moving around to corner. Hot too in the summer.

Reactions: 1

nvr2old

· #6 · 8 mo ago

Been using the Alaska sheepskin for at least 10 years (and 2 bikes) now. Works well in most temps. for me. Both my Stroms have had Sargent seats. Did buy an Airhawk last year for some of my longer rides, as the Sargents seem to break down after 50K. Upholster added foam to my 05 650 and that took it another 50K. Need to find someone in Spokane to do the one on the 1000. When the seat isn't right the add ons only help, not cure problems.

scritch

· #7 · 8 mo ago

Thumbs up on sheepskin seat cover. Mine works great, just as you claim. I was lucky enough to find a random piece of fleece at a garage sale for the princely sum of $1. Trimmed it to fit the seat and attached it by stringing a couple of thin shock cords through holes on the sides sheepskin and passing them under the seat. They are thin enough that they don't interfere with the fit of the seat pan to the frame. For $1 it's hardly Jason's Golden Fleece, but it's quite comfy.

Reactions: 1

Wastelander

Discussion Starter · #8 · 8 mo ago

Spec said:
Tried one didn't like. Too slippery moving around to corner. Hot too in the summer.

Really? Was yours really shaggy or shorter? Mine is crazy shaggy. I just got back from an hour ride, felt like mine was almost too grippy. At least compared to the stock seat. Could just be the way my textile pants interact with the surfaces.

Spec

· #9 · 8 mo ago

Wastelander said:
Really? Was yours really shaggy or shorter? Mine is crazy shaggy. I just got back from an hour ride, felt like mine was almost too grippy. At least compared to the stock seat. Could just be the way my textile pants interact with the surfaces.

I had the Alaska sheepskin.

I've tried various seat covers going back to my KLR days. Haven't liked any of them, just me probably.

I've had Seat Concept seats on a couple of bikes. Liked them. I've got the tall OEM seat on my 1000 it's OK. I haven't tried the high dollar seats.

My opinion is no seat is comfortable after prolonged riding. Yea people talk about their Day Long or whatever but I don't believe that if your not used to riding all day anyway a seat any seat is going to transform your butt.

I could be wrong but I'm not spending $500+ to find out. I'll just get off the bike once in awhile.

Reactions: 3

realshelby

· #10 · 8 mo ago

Spec said:
My opinion is no seat is comfortable after prolonged riding. Yea people talk about their Day Long or whatever but I don't believe that if your not used to riding all day anyway a seat any seat is going to transform your butt.

I could be wrong but I'm not spending $500+ to find out. I'll just get off the bike once in awhile.

I have not been riding long distance for the past couple years other than a couple shorter trips of 4-500 miles. So, far from used to riding high mile days. Due to a family matter in WV I had to handle I rode my RT back and forth from Houston with about 10 days between the trips. Both times I rode between 750 and 800 miles the first day, then just under 600 the second day to complete the trip. At no time during either day was my butt hurting. At no time did I squirm around. My legs were wanting off the bike WAY more than my butt was. That is why I pay for Russell seats. The only seat I have ever been able to do that on.

Reactions: 3

Wastelander

Discussion Starter · #11 · 8 mo ago

realshelby said:
That is why I pay for Russell seats. The only seat I have ever been able to do that on.

I just took a look at those seats, I guess they're all custom made? How much do they generally run, they look nice/expensive!

realshelby

· #12 · 8 mo ago

They cost over $500 for the most basic build as I recall. But cost is relative. If you can double the riding pleasure and utility of your bike over a number of years, they cost nothing at all in my opinion. I have had the one on my V Strom for 10 years and the one on the BMW for 8 so far. So cost per year is minimal. That is how you have to look at upgrades like that. They are all custom made on a seat pan you ship to them. That is the only real drawback to getting a Russell seat. You will be down for a few weeks waiting on them....

Reactions: 1

r60rider

· #13 · 8 mo ago

Been using a sheepskin from Aerostitch since 2007, about 310,000 miles on three bikes. The last 113,000 on my 2011 dl650. Its a stock seat, slightly modified by me. Sheepskin is short-hair, straps from four locations go to velcro on the seat underside. I just like it! Never comes off, rain or shine, and has been comfy through a 1,560 mile in 24 hour ride.

As to custom seats, there are things you can do short of spending big money on a custom seat. Upfront, I tried Russell years ago and wasn’t impressed. I’ve got over 400,000 and 40+ years on a Rocky Mayer on the BMW, put a Rocky on the FJR for a hundred thousand, but went a different way on the Vstrom. Some friends had customized their stock seats and loved them. One Long Distance veteran noted that farmers sit on steel seats all day, it’s all how they are shaped. The short version, I pulled back the stock seat cover, sculpted the stock foam to resemble a tractor seat, and pulled the cover back on. I did this at 700 miles, in 2012. I then went on a key west to prudhoe bay ride. The seat worked beautifully. Still does.
Ride safely

See less See more

Reactions: 1

slovcan

· #14 · 8 mo ago

Well, I have an Alaska Leather Sheepskin I do use sometimes - when I dare to ride without ATGATT (jeans only instead of the riding pants over them). Then it is fantastic. In the Joe Rocket riding pants, the sheepskin does nothing, can't feel it. The girl at Alaska Leather sent me a sheepskin and said try it. If you like it, pay for it. If not, send it back. Not only that, she sent it to me in another COUNTRY. Incredible!

I have a Rick Mayer seat on my Trophy. I just could last an hour with the original Triumph seat. I did an Iron Butt ride and a bunch of other long hauls on the Rick Mayer. Maybe the RDL is better, don't know.

I think Bill Mayer invented the RDL design and sold it to Russell. I also think he had two sons - Rocky and Rick.

Here's my Rick Mayer.

Land vehicle Tire Vehicle Wheel Automotive tire

See less See more

Reactions: 1

om28

· #15 · 8 mo ago

Sheepskins don't work for me for some reason, in fact seems to make butt discomfort worse, no idea why. I keep my sheepskin in the closet and away from the motorcycles. Hmm...maybe I'll see if my cat might like to sleep on it.

Reactions: 1

1 - 15 of 15 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.