1981 KZ550A2 Update

Got my seat cover off ebay and I will say it is top notch quality, looks great and made to fit the stock 550A pan. It is pleated and has a top cover seam where the pleats join the sides. Seller doesn't recommend using the grab strap. Will get some pics and vid when I take up the job tonight. R

When fitting seat covers, I do it in front of a gas fire and carefully heat the vinyl, it stretches better for that skin tight look. I use a stapler, also if the foam is damaged use some thin upholsterers wadding, but don't over do it, no-one wants a fatty seat.

Here are the seat pics. Like everything on this bike, I did my best. It all has turned out 99.5% to my liking.

What do you think?

R

Looks good. You may want to tighten it up a little after it gets broken in. I wish you had left more material in the back. It might have to move forward a bit.
Steve

Thanks Swest.

The pleated section has a heavy backer and 1/2" of foam stitched into the seat. If it does stretch and I am 200# so it probably will my guess is it will be the back and side panels. Nice thick vinyl all over and quality stitching. A bargain for $28.

Not the easiest job. If I have to do over at some point I will use the upholstery tack strips that can be riveted to the pan. Even though I made a few tangs and checked carefully, some of the original tangs were difficult to punch through the thicker material at the section seams. The tack strips have much larger tangs and are sharp as hell. Used a little contact cement on the front flap and tucked one corner under the rubber.

Anyway It feels good on the butt. :lol:

R

That's what matters.
Steve

Let the fun begin :woohoo:

Will post through the job.

R

Here are the pics. Out late tonight, wooohooo.

There are some marks on the crimp band that I am not willing to obsess over. For 19$ including glass and paint I am happy with the resulte. If I can find a proper size rubber band or trim piece I will cover the crimp band. Pretty easy job overall take a bit of patience.

R

Very nice. I use my lineman's pliers with the wide square jaws to recrimp them. less marks that way.
Steve

Got 10 miles in yesterday, 50 today. It is running as it should. I really like the Shinko 712s. Good cold and wet traction. It was a summer like 40 here the past two days, A few pics. A vid link will be around shortly. R

Let it perk a bit and the HD will get up to 1080-60p. Bad camera angle, but you get the drift. :evil: R