Leather or Vinyl - Not a Sexual Question!

So like the title says, what is the going opinions about custom seat exterior material? Have to go meet with the upholstery guy and was considering the pros and cons to both materials.

Rough mock up foam prior to sanding just so he can make the seat shape correctly....

Cory

Curious about this myself as Ill have a seat to do soon. Being a vegetarian,Ill not be going for leather but I want to know what sort of vinyl is best. Is it even actual vinyl that is used or a variation? Are there other options ?

The vinyl they have now is as good if not better than leather - "according to my local upholsterer"
Redid mine a couple of years ago - still perfect and pattern is exactly the same as original .

Unlike vinyl, leather may be a problem if is gets wet. Ed

Yeah the marine grade vinyls are suppose to be really good. My other bikes run Corbin's which are leather and have held up really well with minimal care. This bike is going to be a rider, but not going to see much other than nice weather. Sun will be the most damaging it should see if I have my way.

Cory

Leather is much nicer to sit on,just keep it dry.

I had mine done in vinyl over 30 years ago and have had no problems. Can't tell you what kind, but a pro shop did it. I keep the bike in a heated space when not riding though. :lol:

I prefer leather but will echo the sentiment that vinyl these days is incredibly good and the price difference can be substantial. I had the seat on my BMW K75S redone (it was an old Corbin) in vinyl and I bet you couldn't tell the difference in the leather when it was new. Good stuff.

Like others mentioned, Sun & Rain are not friends of Leather, & Leather is not a friend to your wallet, :laugh:
you can get Marine grade vinyl in many different textures & colors at a Marine upholstery shop, that's what I had done on my seat, especially after I compared the price of Leather to the Vinyl, & used the money I saved for some other goodies for the bike
Pete

There are various grades to "marine grade" vinyl. Make sure you get a sample before purchasing, you want to look for sturdy backing and look close at the edge for a thick color layer. There's some stuff labeled as "Marine" that is total crap.

On that seat, I would suggest another layer of a thinner foam sheet to hide those edges. You see every detail under the vinyl after it's installed. To shape the foam I use an air grinder with a 80 grit Roloc disc.

Did this last winter-

Thanks. That was just holding the foam together while it sets. It is sanded and contoured already, but then again it is simply a mock up guide for the upholstery shop to make the foam out of one block and get the shape the way I want. Expected to have a thin layer of foam, especially since it will need backing for the stitching the diamond or tuck and roll.

Cory

Looks like you are going for the high compression foam for the entire seat - great move - your arse will thank you for that