K11 Owners Group

atlantaboblutz@live.com · Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2015 5:03 pm Post subject: Seat and Seat Cover

Well, due to its FL heritage, the vinyl on my seat is cracking to the point that I really need to replace it. After considerable angst over all the options and wide swings in cost ... I'm going with HT Moto seat cover and their gel insert kit.
http://www.htmoto.us/

I've been quite comfy on the K11LT seat and have put in an over 1,000 mile day on it. So in short, the seat as is - is not the bun burner of other BMW models... others may think differently.

In light of all this, instead of putting out all the cost of a full saddle replacement, I thought the new cover with more modern looking material (mixes of Carbon Fiber plus non-slip on the seating surface) ... coupled with the gel insert for the pressure points should do the trick at a much lower cost. I'll do the labor myself. My seat foam still seems fine, so the gel pad insert and foam wrap isn't intended to radically transform the seat, just make it a bit better with the new cover making the appearance massively better.

If anyone is interested I'll post pics of the finished job.
_________________
Thanks,
Bob
Atlanta GA

'94 K1100 LT
'76 R75/6

ljjohns · Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2015 7:34 pm Post subject:

Bob: Do keep us informed

Larry Johnson
El Paso TX
_________________
1993 K1100LT (Washington)
1995 K1100LTSE
1996 K1100LTSE (parts)
2003 K1200LTC
1991 K75RT

Steve L · Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2015 11:22 am Post subject:

Yes, definitely interested. I've been thinking about a custom saddle to replace my original which is still fine, but looking for something more comfortable and better looking. I'm wondering how much work this type of cover is to install.

Steve
_________________
SL

1996 K1100 LT

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Sun Mar 29, 2015 7:19 am Post subject:

On a somewhat related topic, I recently needed a new seat for my other ride- a Suzuki DRZ 400. The OEM seat was only slightly more comfortable than a 2x4.

http://seatconcepts.com/ has covers and new foam for many bikes- no K11 models though.

They send you the cover and foam with detailed instructions. Easy to do and the finished product looks good and works GREAT.
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

koapono · Joined: 01 Apr 2014 Posts: 4

i built a seat from scratch using original seat pan. i purchased some good quality foam and built a seat around an aire-hawk inflatable bladder.
works great i especially like being able to add/remove air and change firmness of seat.
i paid for upholstering by a pro as i was just ruining vinyl with my attempts.
a web search will lead you here: http://www.diymotorcycleseat.com/index.php
g'luck

atlantaboblutz@live.com · Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2015 7:37 pm Post subject:

thanks for the words of encouragement. I got the gel kit for the pilot's seating area. Also have memory foam I acquired from an aircraft hobbyist shop (a big shop) that is used in aircraft seats. I'll use the memory foam as an insert in the passenger seating area.

I have wide dimensions in that particular area of the body, so I might need to split the gel pad (leaving a gap in the middle - to ensure my backside's pressure points rest on gel. We'll see.

I'll post pics (of the seat work only Very Happy

).
_________________
Thanks,
Bob
Atlanta GA

'94 K1100 LT
'76 R75/6

Ernie-NH · Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2015 8:10 am Post subject:

Hi guys…

Well. Ive been searching and searching for a K1100lT REPLACEMENT SOLO SEAT and have yet to come up with anything I really like or can be convinced will be more comfortable. My Custom Seat is now so ratty and the stitching rotted out that I will have to put the OEM saddle back on for the upcoming HMSP, but I haven't ridden the OEM saddle in so long Ive forgotten if its 'good/bad/' or just plain UGLY!! .. guess we'll have to see! There have been so many reports of the Corbins being uncomfortable and the mfg hard to deal with, I won't go to them in any case. Ive also looked seriously at Saddlemen and they are wicked expensive for a custom in a design they don't currently offer.. , and then there's Seargent, nice folks but as far as I could find out they have only covers… The Russell Daylong gets the very best reviews BUT IMO the thing is as ugly as original sin ! At this point. with the FULL riding season still ahead, I think I'll just bite the bullet and go to a custom upholsterer, pick out my materials and let him/her work their design magic… Might be money mis-spent, but then who knows !! That's my saddle predicament as of 28 days before HMSP !!

Best regards all… ride safe….// Ernie in NH
_________________
AMA,, American Deaf Bikers
Airhead Beemers Club
'11 G650gs
'95 K1100LT
'76 R100/7

wvoutpost · Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2015 6:49 pm Post subject:

Sargent does offer custom seat services. I had them take my GSXR1000 seat, strip it to the pan, build it up with their foam and some dimension modifications to better support my fanny bones, then cover it with the material of my choice. Worked really well. Took a 150mile/day seat and I can run 300 miles/day on the back roads in better comfort now. Worth it to ask them price and suggested mods. They were very helpful and produced a great looking seat. Hope this helps.
_________________
93 K1100RS (2up)
98 VFR800 (Reddog)
06 GSXR1000 (Gixter)

Ernie-NH · Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 12:22 pm Post subject:

Good morning "WV….""

Who did you talk to at Sargent ?? Their response to me, though very sweet, was "..What we offer is in the catalog !!" and I found zero on the K1100LT other than the std cover! So HOW did you manage??… and is the leather quality on your custom everything you expected ??

Fill me in by PM if you'd rather…..

Thanks…...// Ernie in NH
_________________
AMA,, American Deaf Bikers
Airhead Beemers Club
'11 G650gs
'95 K1100LT
'76 R100/7

wvoutpost · Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2015 5:18 pm Post subject:

Ernie – Sorry it took a while to reply to your question on Sargent seat modifications. Too much going on...

I had my GSXR seat rebuilt in Feb 2009. I worked with Rudi and sent him pictures and diagrams of the seat so he could see where I sat on it and where my butt bones were contacting it. I actually got a spare seat off e-bay and had him rework that one so I could keep the original. The only time I ever put the original back on was for a track day/school at VIR. The rebuilt one is always on the bike and gives me 300 mi days on the 2 lanes before I get sore vs 100-150 for the original. BTW it cost $200 back then. Keep in mind the GSXR seat is rider only unlike the larger K11 seat.

I see they still have the custom services on the web site, but I haven’t had a need to call them since 2009. Hope this helps.
_________________
93 K1100RS (2up)
98 VFR800 (Reddog)
06 GSXR1000 (Gixter)

Ernie-NH · Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2015 7:24 pm Post subject:

Hi there "wv…"

OK.. I followed your lead and re-connected with Sargent. I told them (Duane) of my experience last year and ring told "…the catalog is what we offer !" and they told me that there is a cover ( S656) for the K1100 in the catalog and it will come up without pic. However they will remake sets when asked along more/less standard lines with new foam and materials wherever asked !! S Duane and I let it that I would photo my seat, and sketch the areas where I want modifications…. and they will either "yea/nay" it and give me a price.. I don't think anyone could do any better than that eh?

So "WV" thanks for pushing me back to Sargent it may very will be the answer. To late for the ride to VA, but Ill put the OEM set back on for that ride and leave my ratty old one on the barn !! If/when Sargent does make the new seat for me Ill send pics along to your inbox !!

Thanks again and ride safe…...// Ernie in NH
_________________
AMA,, American Deaf Bikers
Airhead Beemers Club
'11 G650gs
'95 K1100LT
'76 R100/7

atlantaboblutz@live.com · Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2015 9:11 pm Post subject: Well... the new cover is on..

Here was my starting point.

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_________________
Thanks,
Bob
Atlanta GA

'94 K1100 LT
'76 R75/6

atlantaboblutz@live.com · Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2015 9:31 pm Post subject:

So, assuming that 21 yr old foam could also use some help, I got the HT Moto cover with GEL insert kit..

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the gel pad will be for the drivers saddle, for the passenger, I had memory foam aircraft seat foam. It has three densities, so I cut the middle layer out... choosing the middle.

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I then carefully measured and marked where the pressure points were on the hip bones for orientation on the seat. I wanted both the gel pad and memory foam inserts to be placed where they would make a difference.

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I did this for the passenger as well, and transfer the marking to the seat pan knowing the cover would be removed.

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After removing the cover and the inter "smoothing" white foamy stuff.. I transferred the marked "hot spots" to the foam. As said, for all this work, I wanted to make sure the hoped for improvements were placed properly.

As a note... my backside isn't that off kilter... I'm just not a precise drawer! Embarassed

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The gel pad and memory foam was then placed for cut out, ensuring the right positions...

_________________
Thanks,
Bob
Atlanta GA

'94 K1100 LT
'76 R75/6

atlantaboblutz@live.com · Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2015 9:42 pm Post subject:

Then, it was onto cutting out. 1/2" deep for the gel pad and about 1 inch deep for the foam. The cut outs need to be as good as possible, so the top remains smooth and of the proper shape. No bumps, nothing sticking up. I use a dremel tool and the metal cutting disk. It did a great job.

Both the inserts and the covering foam (for smoothing) was secured with 3m 77 adhesive. following HT Moto's guidance, the first fitment of smoothing foam showed I didn't smooth my inserts enough... more dremel smoothing happened before this final photo.

If you do it right, the finished job looks something like this when the stretching and stapling is done.

_________________
Thanks,
Bob
Atlanta GA

'94 K1100 LT
'76 R75/6

atlantaboblutz@live.com · Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2015 9:45 pm Post subject:

So why not pics of the actual attachment of the cover? Well, in a word, its a bear. You need to use the heat gun on LOW. Let me repeat that LOW. Be patient and work a little at at time. I put the nose on first and aligned everything. Based on trial fitment, I new the tightest point was the transition to the rear seating position.

That was my second focus of attachment. Once those two were done, I slowly worked my way around.

BTW, all the vinyl choices are customized on the HT Moto website. If I had to do over, I would replace what is current gray side panels with Red.

Two things I did that I think worked out well. the seat top is in a material they call "no slip". Mine is "no slip" black.

Also I have red stitching. Up close it stands out. gives it a custom finished look.

Hopefully this is useful to someone.
_________________
Thanks,
Bob
Atlanta GA

'94 K1100 LT
'76 R75/6

atlantaboblutz@live.com · Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 11:59 am Post subject: Quick update

well due to getting the heat gun a bit to close on the first try ... and really wishing for red trim... I contacted HT Moto and without specifically asking they offered a significant discount for just a replacement cover.

Having done this once... I installed the new cover in my garage (door closed no distractions) ... and here she is. The red gives the ol girl quite a look!

Now I can call this project "done"!
_________________
Thanks,
Bob
Atlanta GA

'94 K1100 LT
'76 R75/6

charles · Posted: Wed May 06, 2015 8:40 am Post subject:

This is a job I have set aside for this year. I have a new cover and only require a warm day to do the work ... Did you replace all those neat rivets on the underside of the seat? Or did you staple it? What does the underside of your seat look like now?
_________________
1993 K1100RS

atlantaboblutz@live.com · Posted: Wed May 06, 2015 8:47 am Post subject:

I went with staples ... If you don't get an OEM seat cover, you have no way of knowing if the new cover will allow reuse of the rivit holes or if you will end up drilling and riviting a boat load attach points.

I went ahead and purchased a pnumatic staple gun. I would DEFINITELY recommend this if you decide to staple. Makes it really easy to add more staples in worrisome spots if you want but most importantly, you can adjust the air pressure so the staples go in the same way every single time.

Underside isn't as "pretty", so I put thin black weatherstripping foam - autoparts store - and trimmed to cover the staples. Nothing particularly fancy but gives it a bit more finished look.
_________________
Thanks,
Bob
Atlanta GA

'94 K1100 LT
'76 R75/6

charles · Posted: Wed May 06, 2015 12:25 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the prompt reply. It looks really good, you did a great job. I'll have to source a pneumatic stapler!
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1993 K1100RS