Seat covers/compatibility

[Joe Garfield]

I am looking at seat cover options for my '82 1100g. Manufacturers (Saddlemen, Pit Replica, and Sargent to name a few) seem to list covers separately for:

• 1981 GS1100
• 1981 850g and 1000g
• 1982 GS850g and 1100g

Does anyone know if a seat cover from the 81 bikes or any other bike will fit an 82 seat? I know the way the seat mounts to the bike had changed and Suzuki got rid of the chrome detail on the side of the seat but I don't know if that would affect the actual replacement seat cover.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[jsandidge]

I am looking at seat cover options for my '82 1100g. Manufacturers (Saddlemen, Pit Replica, and Sargent to name a few) seem to list covers separately for:

• 1981 GS1100
• 1981 850g and 1000g
• 1982 GS850g and 1100g

Does anyone know if a seat cover from the 81 bikes or any other bike will fit an 82 seat? I know the way the seat mounts to the bike had changed and Suzuki got rid of the chrome detail on the side of the seat but I don't know if that would affect the actual replacement seat cover.

Thanks,
Joe

Do you still have your cover? If Pit Replica doesn't have your pattern, send them your old cover. They will then make you a new one FREE!

 

[chuck hahn]

Yes..they will make a free one but its gonna take about 90 days for it to be sent to you. Least thats how long it took for the 78 1000E cover to get to me. Of course I sent mine just fater they had a huge flood so that was also a factor.

I can say they do a heck of an awesome job though!!!

 

[Griffin]

I just bought and fitted a Pit Replica cover for my '82 GS1100G and couldn't be happier with the results. It fit perfectly.

This is the one you want:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUZUKI-GS11...Parts_Accessories&hash=item41644675e9&vxp=mtr

 

[Joe Garfield]

Griffin, can you share a pic?

The reason I started this thread is because I was originally interested in a Sargent cover (they make them for the 81 bikes), and also noticed the Pit Replica for the 81 bikes is cheaper. I'm not opposed to the proper Pit Replica or Saddlemen, I'm just making sure I know my options.

 

[1980GS1000E]

Pit Replica is so close, you can hardly tell the difference. Very durable, thick material.

 

[Griffin]

Griffin, can you share a pic?

The reason I started this thread is because I was originally interested in a Sargent cover (they make them for the 81 bikes), and also noticed the Pit Replica for the 81 bikes is cheaper. I'm not opposed to the proper Pit Replica or Saddlemen, I'm just making sure I know my options.

Here you go, Joe:

The only places that there is any looseness is a tiny bit near the rear top corners where the seat "ducktails" up. Other than that, it's as good as factory new. In fact, the vinyl from Pit Replica is thicker and better stitched than the original cover, so I imagine it will last longer before splitting.

 

[Griffin]

The cover from the '80-'81 850G/1000G WILL NOT fit your 1100G by the way. I ordered one for my 1000g (haven't fit it yet though), and it is definitely different in the cut and width.

The older seats are flatter and not as sculpted on the edges as the newer ones. It's obvious when you compare the seats side by side and sit on them. When you look at the covers (off the seats) side by side, the differences are even more pronounced.

 

[Joe Garfield]

Thanks Griffin - I appreciate the pics and the info. The install was not too painful, I take it? For some reason I have dreaded working with the metal tabs in the seat pan, thinking it would tough to get things tight and having to re-tear holes in the vinyl.

I was originally thinking of doing something fancy with the seat, but as I get deeper into the overhaul and find other parts that need repair/replacement I am thinking it's best to be conservative with spending until the bike is (what I consider) road worthy. So I may opt for a straight seat cover replacement this year and save the complete seat overhaul for a future project.

 

[Griffin]

Thanks Griffin - I appreciate the pics and the info. The install was not too painful, I take it? For some reason I have dreaded working with the metal tabs in the seat pan, thinking it would tough to get things tight and having to re-tear holes in the vinyl.

I was originally thinking of doing something fancy with the seat, but as I get deeper into the overhaul and find other parts that need repair/replacement I am thinking it's best to be conservative with spending until the bike is (what I consider) road worthy. So I may opt for a straight seat cover replacement this year and save the complete seat overhaul for a future project.

It wasn't difficult at all. I recommend warming up the seat cover with a hair dryer to make it more soft before starting, then beginning in the center of the rear part of the seat and working your way around, alternating sides as you go forward. Also, the points on the metal tabs will be curved inward, so once you remove the old cover, make sure that when you straighten them, you get the tips as well so they will poke right through the seat cover with little effort.

It took me 30-45 minutes total to remove the old cover, clean up the foam, and install the new cover.

 

[Joe Garfield]

Thanks again!

BTW - you can get 1/2" (chrome? maybe polished stainless?) covers from Lowes for the open ends of the rear grab bar for less than $2 and they fit and look good. It's a small detail but it really does give a finished look to the seat.

 

[Griffin]

Thanks again!

BTW - you can get 1/2" (chrome? maybe polished stainless?) covers from Lowes for the open ends of the rear grab bar for less than $2 and they fit and look good. It's a small detail but it really does give a finished look to the seat.

I've got OEM plugs for the ends of the grab bar, just haven't put them in yet. I just slapped thevgrab bar on before I took the pic so you could see the bar with the new cover on.

 

[Joe Garfield]

Aw shucks, thanks for doing that I only mentioned it cuz I just put some on my bike.

 

[Joe Garfield]

I cheaped out and got the Saddlemen cover. It had it a long time before installing it, but it came out pretty decent. It's kind of obvious (to me, when comparing pics) that the material isn't as thick or rugged as the Pit Replica, and it's a little smoother, but for the money it works well and doesn't look bad at all. No pics at the moment, but maybe I'll get one soon. The bike is apart at the moment so I'm thinking I'd rather wait until it's in showing condition