New seat: Now how to clean and maintain it?

[GS750]

I bought a new seat from bike bandit about 6 mths ago, now Im wondering how to maintain it and clean it if needed (dust, bird droppings etc)

What would be best to use on the cover to keep it nice and stop it going hard (like my old seat did)

I dont know if i should use something like vinyl cleaner etc or something like armour all or protector 303 etc.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

[denydog]

Products like Armour all are usually not recommended because they can make the seat slippery, which reduces safety. I do have to confess that I use a vinyl dressing once in a while.

For cleaning, I would recommend a vinyl cleaner/protectorant made for the purpose from the auto parts or marine department. Hopefully one that doesn't leave the seat too slick. I know over here that 3M, Meguiars, and Star Brite make a range of products for vinyl, from cleaners to conditioners. The ones labled as cleaners may be less slick, but the conditioners will help more to prolong life (of the vinyl, not the rider )

I like to use a cream formul like this, http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/119755/0/0/vinyl%20cleaner/All_2/mode+matchallpartial/0/0 rather than a silicone based spray on product.

[Zooks]

I use black boot polish. It works a treat.
Just be sure to rub it in well and polish it clean so you don't get a black bum.
It protecets the vinyl beautifully and doesn't make the seat slippery. It looks fab as well.

[Dave8338]

I use black boot polish. It works a treat.
Just be sure to rub it in well and polish it clean so you don't get a black bum.
It protecets the vinyl beautifully and doesn't make the seat slippery. It looks fab as well.

Yo Zooks...Is this another trick to get someone out there walking around with a Black A$$? Are you serious? No seriously...are you?

[Steve]

Bird droppings? :shock: Just how do you get bird droppings on a seat that is being sat upon and ridden? 8-[

Many things you can use, but Armor All should not be one of them. STP Son of a Gun is probably in the same category. They just make it too slick.


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[GS750]

erm, I never said it was while I was riding, it happened whilst it was parked up after a 900Km ride to work.

I dont have an under cover parking area at work and it means the bike sits outside. I did have a very expensive mylon? cover for it but I found that it was leaving fine scratches in the paintwork so I would rather just leave it uncovered.

Thanks for the tips, Im still doubting the boot polish though, I think I would prefer to not try that one, sounds really sus to me.

I did ask several of my local upholsterers but they all said that something like armour all or 303 would be best..... so im still at a loss to decide.

[bwringer]

Just protect the seat from the sun and birds somehow when it's parked, and it'll last a lot longer.

The guys with leather seats have vinyl rain covers with elastic edges they can easily slip over the seat when needed. You might look into having a local upholsterer make something similar.

Or just bring an old towel and throw it over the seat when you park for the day.

I wouldn't use any sort of protectant or dressing -- it'll be too slippery.

[robertbarr]

Corbin has a conditioner for their seats (OK, saddles...). It's about $16.00 for a 1-pint container, and I don't see why it wouldn't work for other brands of seats.

[snark]

I personally like Kiwi Mink Oil. You can get a can pretty much anywhere for under $5.

[Red Rocket GS1100]

Saddle Soap

Saddle soap is another good product that you can find where they sell shoe polish.
It's basically an oil based product for cleaning...well saddles.
It has a natural oil base in it that treats leather with what it needs. Pretty sure it will do the same for vinyl. It's what I use anyway. But I have a leather seat.

[argonsagas]

The cheapest and most effective way to protect the seat from birds etc.
while the bike is parked is to cover the seat with a large-size grocery store shopping bag.


You should poke a few holes in what you will use as the bottom, so that any moisture and built-up heat can escape.

Cost is nil and the storage space needed to carry it is almost nothing.