Leather or Vinyl seat cover? Gel? how thick?

[sicnarf442]

Just got a quote from the local upholstery shop (Grateful Threads) for redoing the seat on my 1980 GS450ST:

$250 for new foam and vinyl
add $100 for 1/4" gel, $125 for 1/2" gel
add $100 for leather instead of vinyl.

Am thinking it is worth the extra $125 for the 1/2" gel. Any thoughts about whether Leather is worth another $100?

Thanks,

Francis
Austin, Texas

1980 GS450ST

[nvr2old]

I think I would go with vinyl. Leather doesn't like water. I'd pass on gel, too. They're pretty cushy already.

[sicnarf442]

Gel or no gel

I think I would go with vinyl. Leather doesn't like water. I'd pass on gel, too. They're pretty cushy already.

Never ridden on a get seat, but it seems to be such a big deal in some of the forums. I'm trying to figure out if I am actually missing something. The guy at the shop said the existing foam was shot, so I figured new foam would firm things up to where I was no longer sinking into the seat.

Thanks,

Francis
Austin, Texas
1980 GS450ST

[gs scott]

This is a real personal decison, leather or not. I prefer leather, always have. True, rain isn't great for a leather seat, but, a little care and the seat is fine. My leather jacket, and leather Corbin seat have held up pretty well over the years.

I've never had a gel seat, but I've heard you have to be careful not to let them sit in the direct sun, or they got quite warm, and that then transfers to your behind . I imagine they're quite comfortable, probably just need a little care, like leather.

[mrbill5491]

Had my seat redone here recently, new foam and vinyl cover for $132 bucks, there is pic of it on a thread here. Seat look better now then when it was new.

[sicnarf442]

Am begining to wonder whether to just do it myself

I've been thinking about the cost and since the vinyl cover is in good shape, that perhaps I might be able to pull it off before I spend the $$ to have someone else do it. Wondering what others' experiences have been.

Francis
Austin, Texas
1980 GS450S

[1980GS1000E]

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=188954&highlight=pitreplica

[Dodik]

whichever you choose make sure they dont stitch tru material on top, my travelcade cover has a stitch pattern that allows for water to get into cushion during long rains.

[FreshmanJoe]

I was planning on redoing my seat this winter and I was thinking bout going with 1/2 of memory foam on top of new regular foam. Way I was thinking this would put a stop to the hot gel problem but still get that riding down the street on a lazyboy feeling.

[wally]

I got my 450ST's seat recovered (in original stitch pattern) and foam reupholstered for ZAR300 (roughly US$40).


Bargain!