Cheap custom mods: trunk and seat cover

Update: the seat aspect of this post is null and void. It started shedding the rubber nubs just shy of 1k miles. However the trunk mod works great and is bulletproof
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The seat on my VFR was too slick. I got tired of doing push-ups off my handlebars every time I braked.

Easy solution: black tool box liner from Home Depot. A roll can do 2 seats and only cost $10. (Same roll at Sears is $30).

I wrapped right over my existing seat material.

Cool thing is it creates ventilation, adds a little cushioning and might help keep your butt dry if the seat gets wet.

It looks nicer in person too. Not sure how it will hold up against UV rays and friction. Might be a good idea to treat it with a product that helps block UV and nourishes the rubber -if it is in fact rubber. It feels like a visco-elastic material. Rubber?? Anyone??





My actual seat material is carbon look vinyl. Probably a recover at some point. I debated on turning the material on a diagonal so the lines of the beads ran in alignment with the carbon "weave". In the end I just tried to make it straight down the centerline of the seat.

For the trunk I had a Pelican Case. These things are waterproof and durable.

I picked up metric hardware from Ace Hardware (better selection than Home Depot).
Some threaded rod where the grab handles were, and then a combination of nuts, a metal sleeve/spacer and washers both smaller and "fender" size.
I found some plastic wire/cord cover material to hide the metal sleeve/spacer.
I then used a piece of cardboard to mark the location of the studs and then drilled the case accordingly.

I like that it centers my load more evenly in the middle of the bike unlike a traditional rack setup.

If I wanted routine access to under the seat Id do one of two things:
1- put a longer threaded rod on so the case allows clearance so the seat can pop up and slide back enough for removal over the tank.
2- drill sideways through the threaded rod and put in retaining pins. Maybe some wave style washers or neoprene washers to create tension so it doesn't jiggle.
As it is, 4 nuts and it pops right off. No biggie- unless you want grab handles for a passenger. Maybe put em on top??




I've got a few hundred miles on the seat and the material is holding up well so far! Would like to put a UV protectant on it eventually. As for it collecting dirt the way it stretched over the seat it seems to leave a little gap near the rear "pocket" so I would imagine a little hose off and it'd be cleansed.

Can I get a hallelujah!?

 

hallelujah !!!
Before seeing the pic I didn't think too much of the seat cover idea, it actually looks pretty good.
The Pelican Case is also an interesting idea. I have a few spare ones at work that I might just have to try out.
Nice write up.
It would be interesting to make some sort of a removable clamp for quick removal to the grab handles.

 

My son sometimes complains when he rides with me that he slides back and forth a bit on the seat. This might be just the cure. Nice work on the case. Gives you a bit of storage and yet it doesn't really detract from the look of the bike with the slim profile.

 

Great idea.....:thumbsup:
Thanks for sharing

 

That looks really good!

 

Tool box liner... That's a freaking awesome idea! I have a spare seat that has a pretty worn and sun damaged cover on it. This sounds like an excellent way to freshen it up. Thanks.

 

If enough people are interested I could put together some trunk kits. It would be everything (case, hardware and directions) to give you the only thing a vfr lacks- a trunk!

Me and a buddy bought a bunch of these to outfit our bikes with trunks and panniers but his wife surprised him with full monokey givi. I realized I don't need or want panniers and voila- a closet full of cases.

Even he admits his looks like alien eggs while the hard case looks "commuter badass".

Let me know...

 

That seat cover looks great! Kudos on the pelican box mount too! Awesome.

 

I use this stuff on the armrest & dash of my work truck to keep everything from sliding around and ending up on the floor. Works well, UV doesn't seem to bother it all that much.
For the price, it's worth trying...
Thanks for the idea! :thumb:

 

Bad news: the anti slip material is shedding. I rode in the rain and it started wearing quickly. I wouldn't recommend it

 

Thanks for the update. Damn I hate that! Looked GREAT!

 

I was hoping for a "long-term" review before I went to all that effort of removing the seat. Too bad it didn't work out.
Thanx for the update.

 

Yeah I know. I saw a review about a guy that mods the factory seat for like 50 bucks. People swear by him. Better than 300 for a sargent!

Check it oooot!
http://greatdaytoride.com/