GS450T Seat Size ... Need a Measurement Please

[Mr.humbucker]

I have a couple of 1981 GS550T's that I am restoring for a 35th anniversary reunion ride next year. My friend and I had them and drove them across Canada that year. We're not going as far but we hope to have as much fun.

As luck would have it we owned bikes that were only made one year ... which as we all know makes a restoration more difficult. One of the hardest things to find in good condition, other than fenders, are seats. I have looked high and low for a source for a reproduction and the closest I have found is the GS450T seat offered by Pit Upholstery. What I need to know is the top length of the seat from the tip to the end seam along the top. If they're the same I should be ok ... so if anyone out there with a GS450T could help me out I'd be most thankful!

http://www.bikeupholstery.com/suzuki-gs450t-x-z-gs450-t-gs450tx-gs450tz-1981-1982-seat-cover-sssr.html

[Gorminrider]

If you have an original, Pit Replica can make you a new one. Get in touch with them via email see here

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?231582-Group-buy-for-GS-seat-covers&p=2177955#post2177955

they are very good.

or you can try a local upholsterer. There are several around me that can do motorcycles so I'd expect Vancouver to be as good...but pit replica will get the vintage imprints and lettering together where a local outfit isn't going to for a one-off.

OR if you insist, and are in a hurry, I can measure/compare my 81 gs(x)400T seat which I believe to be identical to the 450T apart from the engine...

http://www.suzukicycles.org/All-Suzuki/all_suzuki_models.html

have a look here too for examples

http://motorcycle.goobike.com/motorcycle/bike/suzuki.html

[Mr.humbucker]

Thanks for the advice! I have emailed Pit and will see if he will replicate the orginal ... I have, like a nut, four seats for
my GS550T's in various condition. I will send him the worse one as it has a few cuts but is perfect to use as a reference. How much does he usually charge for a custom replication?

[terrylee]

Don't believe they charge anything (maybe shipping) if it's the first cover of that kind that they haven't made before, so they can sell more in the future.

[Gorminrider]

that's right! It's free if they don't have yours- they are happy to get the pattern. It does take awhile, as I think they have to machine a heat-impression pattern to get the seat-top correct etc, so you are starting this project out at the right time of year, MrHumbucker. Be patient, though they are very good communicating.

(and look!terrylee has a 450T)

[C_OUELLET]

I've got a friend who happens to have an old Suzuki Gs seat sitting in his crawl space, it looks to be an L seat though, however its in PERFECT condition, may fit your bike. He said I could have it and sell it, he'd probably let it go for a growler of beer. Located in Abbottsford if you're in a pinch for a seat to modify or wrap your T seat with. PM me if you're interested.

[Mr.humbucker]

Heard from Pit today. And they are going to check to see that they do not have it. I am positive they do not as this was a one year run for the 550T. And the comment is correct, they are very good at communicating. As for the time, I can wait as I have been working on this for well over a year, more like two. Once I learn out how to post pictures I will share the story. A new seat cover will make a big difference.

[Mr.humbucker]

So In late Nov I sent him the old seat cover (original off my project bike that was torn and cut) and they have recently replicated it and a new one is in the mail to me now and the only cost to me was the that of the cost of shipping the original to them! I am very much looking forward to receiving the replication in the mail and seeing how well it fits and looks. I will post the results. A gem of a guy Pit is to deal with, great communiation and a very good ethical business person! Soon they will be selling this reproduction GS550T seat cover on their website for anyone else who is restoring one. Pretty cool!

[Mr.humbucker]

In early Jan I received the new reproduction seat cover for my 1981 GS550T from Pit Upholstry. It is perfect. Probably better than a new one from 35 years ago. I can not recommend this company enough! http://www.bikeupholstery.com
they do not have the seat listed on the website at the time of this post but if you are interested simply email Pit and he will set you up with one. I will be getting another to keep on hand in case of a rip somewhere down the road or for my second GS550T ... Long story I will share later this year!