How to Change a Motorcycle Seat

Riding a motorcycle is a fun way to get around and add a bit of adrenaline to the mix. As any motorcycle owner knows firsthand, the seat is the key to a comfortable ride. When it comes to upgrading this area, here are a few tips on how to change a motorcycle seat.

Is it time?

Before we dive into how to change a motorcycle seat, let’s take a look at when it is time to do so. For starters, if your motorcycle seat is old, worn thin, or simply uncomfortable to sit on and takes away from the environment of going for a ride, it is time for an overhaul to this important area. If the seat has a few areas where the foam has given out or a few holes, you may be able to simply repair it rather than replace the entire the seat. When the tear is in the cover itself, you can keep the seat and just reupholster the cover in some models. If the damage is in the foam seat, you may be able to repair the foam and then recover the seat rather than installing an all new seat. While this can be a quick fix and more budget friendly, you should keep in mind that you will spend a lot of time siting on the seat of your motorcycle and you want to be as comfortable as possible. It can even be dangerous to ride with an uncomfortable seat since it may distract you from the more important matter of driving and navigating safely on the roads.

Changing a Seat

Once you have decided if your seat needs minor repairs or a complete overhaul, you should always consult the owner’s manual before changing the seat. You may find helpful information there and general guidelines to help make the process easier. It is also worth noting that in many motorcycle models, the seat is placed on top of important components such as the battery or air filter so you should take care when removing one seat and adding a new one for this reason alone. If you do not have an owner’s manual on hand, these are the basic steps on how to change a motorcycle seat.

1. Gather tools: For this task, you will need the new seat, a basic tool set with a screwdriver and ratchets of various sizes, and a lamp to see what you are doing. You may also need new blots and screws, depending on the wear and tear or age of the old screws. If you are installing an all new seat, it is a good idea to take this time to install all new screws and bolts so you don’t have to worry about them stripping later on.

2. Remove screws/bolts and then the seat: With the motorcycle on level ground in an area with plenty of light so you can clearly see, remove the screws from the seat and frame. These screws are usually in clear view along the edge of the seat where it meets the frame. There may also be screws near the center of the seat you will need to remove, depending on your model.

3. Release the pin: Once you remove the screws and bolts, you may need to release a small plastic pin holding the seat to the frame. This pin is usually something you simply push on and then the seat will lift right off the frame.

4. Install the new seat: After releasing the pin and removing the old seat, you can place the new seat on the frame. Make sure it has a proper fit and sits on the frame the same way as the old seat, if not you may have ordered the wrong seat replacement. The seat should line up with the pre-drilled holes for the screws on the frame similar to the old seat. If this is not the case, you need to reevaluate the seat and find the right size/specs for your individual model. The owner’s manual or a trusted retailer will be able to help narrow it down if this occurs so you can get the right seat with a proper fit.

5. Replace the pin and screws: Once the seat is lined up, install the pin and make sure it snaps in place. Finally, install the crews and bolts in the same place as before, making sure they are securely fastened in place. Before finishing the task, make sure the seat doesn’t move or wiggle, and if it does, tighten the bolts even more.