GS1000L seat interchangeability?

[Birdman]

I just got a 1979 GS1000L in fairly decent running condition (though I thing the charging system may be getting squirrelly). I want to replace the stock "stepped" seat with a double-bucket style. I've looked at Dennis Kirk and JC Whitney, and while thay have that style seat for similar models (including the GS1000G shaft-drive), I haven't seen one listed for the '79 GS1000L. Does anyone know if any other seats will readily interchange with my bike's stock seats? The kit I want to get re-uses the stock seat pan (costs about $100-$120). Thanks!

[mdole]

Check this link.

https://www.saddlemen.com/easy_chair_dbl.html

Mike

[bgk]

Birdman,

I've also got a 1979 GS1000L, and I just went through this whole seat interchange search issue myself this season. Here's the deal:


The 1979 "L" model seat pans are unique to that year only and "L" models only (550L, 750L, 1000L). Travalcade/Saddleman makes an "LTD" seat foam and cover kit for the stock pans for these bikes. The same LTD part number is listed for all three "L" model engine sizes for that year. However, they do not make a stock double bucket seat kit for 1979 L models.

I bought a Travalcade/Saddleman LTD kit this past Spring (for just over $100) and was not happy with the comfort. However, the product quality is excellent, it's just that the "hi-low" profile of the L model seat does not work for me, and the LTD replacement kit is basically a close copy of the stock seat, but not exactly the same. However, you can contact Travalcade/Saddleman and custom order a seat to suit your specifications.

For that matter you can contact Diamond, Corbin, Sargent, Mustang, or any local upholsterer, and get a seat custom made. I had my LTD reconfigured a few weeks ago at a local upholsterer (using the new Travalcade foam and my original stock pan as a base) and got additional foam, reshaped seating area, and a new marine vinyl cover. It looks a little odd, and the New England GS riders give me a little guff, but I'm now comfortable on long rides on an L model for the first time.

Ultimately, in hindsight, the best route if you can afford to spend the dough, is to contact a motorcycle seat specialty company (i.e. Diamond, Corbin, etc.) and have a custom foam and cover installed on your stock seat pan to your specifications, that you work out in consultation with them, based on your height, leg length, etc. I recall from other posts that Nick Diaz did this with Diamond, and was very pleased with the result.

Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

Our 79 1000L had a Travelcade seat cover when I bought it. The comfort is ok, not great. The fit is not good in my opinion. This winter I plan to have a friend rework it for better fit and a bit more room.
If you have a good pan your best bet may be to have a shop make you a custom seat, I doubt that it would cost much more than buying aftermarket and taking your chances with quality.

[Birdman]

Thanks!

Thanks, all, for the info! I honestly hadn't considered the custom route. Have to wait until I have a bit more time, and then drop it off at the shop of a friend of my dad's. He does upholstery, and did a great job re-covering the bucket seats on my '73 IHC Scout II (using the original foam, of course).

[mdole]

I have a Travelcade double bucket on my 750 and I have found that is is better than the stock seat and while I didn't thing it was that comfortable I have found that if I make sure not to put anything in my back pockets is is actually a comfortable seat for long distance riding. I usually have a tank bag and just have to remind myself to but my wallet in it.

It is acutually a really good value.

Mike