LTD Seat

Hi,

I'm new to these boards. Quick question: is it possible to replace the stepped seat on a KZ440 (1982 D4 model) with a flat seat? I'm tall and would appreciate being able to slide rearward so I've been looking for something with a flat seat but I might have a good deal on the LTD I mentioned. I spent about 2 hours on a kz250 last night and while I managed OK, it was a bit cramped in the legs. The 440 is a bit longer, but I'm not sure I will be comfortable on it for longer rides with the stepped seat.

Thanks

Not that familiar with the 400 but 900/1000 LTD/Kz seats do interchange.

About the only thing you could do with a 440 LTD seat would be to have it re-done by an upholstery shop. There is no way to swap a seat off a 440 std. to an LTD since the frames are totally different. I don't know how tall you are but one of the selling points for the 440 LTD was the low seat height. It made begining riders and women feel more secure being able to flatfoot the bike. I'm neither tall or long legged and I find the 440 LTD to be kind of cramped.

Thanks for the info. I think I'm better off trying to find something that works outright rather than modifying something.

aju wrote:

Thanks for the info. I think I'm better off trying to find something that works outright rather than modifying something.

There is nothing that will work outright as far as a bolt on swap. Your choices are live with the cramped seating position you currently have, or find a competent upholstery shop and have them custom make something that will suit you. It really is not that hard to do, just a little foam and a nice cover. Shouldn't cost more than $150 tops maybe less.

i usually sit about mid way up on the slope of my ltd seats 900/1000 anyway to give myself a little space.i dont use the ironing board seats since i have this condition with my right wrist that causes sudden jerking of throttle anytime something with a reasonable amount of power pulls up along side ,i learned that from sliding off the back of my 1st z1 a couple times as a young skinny kid!:laugh:

PLUMMEN wrote:

i usually sit about mid way up on the slope of my ltd seats 900/1000 anyway to give myself a little space.i dont use the ironing board seats since i have this condition with my right wrist that causes sudden jerking of throttle anytime something with a reasonable amount of power pulls up along side ,i learned that from sliding off the back of my 1st z1 a couple times as a young skinny kid!:laugh:

:huh: I think I have that condition as well.:S Must be a zapper thing. I don't think a 440 would have that problem though, although I guess I could be mistaken. I can't wait to get my engine out and start with it 1327 turbo. :blink: :ohmy: :woohoo:

aju, one other option may be going with a set of drag bars or clamp ons. It will allow you extra room for your arms, but won't help with the legs, for that I might suggest highway pegs.

Just a thought.

I'll second the handlebars thing. I put lower euro style bars on my 440. That makes a HUGE difference in room. You can find them and other styles for about $40 shipped on fleabay. Cable routing can get tricky but is still doable. I also found that the bike hadled much better without the LTD bars.

Anyway my 2 cents

Thanks all - I think the handlebar swap makes sense. I can't say I really like the riser look of the stock bars. One clarification: I don't own the bike but am considering buying it and wondering what options I have.

I have a kz440 and had the same issue. I bought some 1 inch neoprene seat foam and used a cover I bought (accidentally got the wrong one) and made a much more comfortable seat height for myself. I cut off the pasenger rise and added an inch to the drivers seat plus some shaping and stuff. It is more like the way a kz400 seat sat with I'm assuming the "straight" frame. I will try to post a photo, my camera needs to be charged.

I would also like to say that adding KZ400 bars was a HUGE improvement over the "pull-backs" that came one it. I felt like I was pushing a wheelbarrow with those!