Getting stains out of leather is much more difficult than vinyl which you just wipe away. He has restarted work at his home in Alexander Hills. Leatherwork Specialty: Motorcycle seats; Interested in learning about: the beginning; Report post; Posted October 21, 2007. 15-03-11, 16:04 #2. Freelance writer for various national magazines and websites, plus founder of MotorbikeWriter.com. The seats are designed with great care by leading motorcycle brands to let you sit in a relaxed position for hours of travel all while giving you added confidence and control. Leather will also shine up where you sit, thanks to your sweat and simple friction/rubbing. We thought we’d pay a bit extra for the leather, but was it the best choice? No crap, we promise. Modern leather stands up well to the rain, but it can get soaked and … It sure got me when you said that leather is more expensive than the vinyl motorcycle seat, however, it is more comfortable to sit on than the other. Leather also gets softer with age, while vinyl can get harder as the years roll by. $18.95 $ 18. I am not really sure what my brother is after, so I will suggest this to him. Enter partial yard increments in decimal form, e.g. However, if you are after comfort, the foam underneath is more important and you shouldn’t save your pennies. I bought an Ultimate seat a bit back and it is a super heavy grade of vinyl that is absolutely waterproof, but even that will leak water through the seams. No comparison. Link to post Share on other sites. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. However, some riders like that aged charm that leather develops. MOTOBA Elastic Leather Motorcycle Seat Cover, Universal Motorcycle Flexible Seat Protector DIY with Thumbscrew 100 x 70 cm/39.37 x 27.56 inch. We offer replacement motorcycle seat covers for road, off road, ATV and also bespoke seat covers made to your requirements all available for DIY fit. 99. Gel is good, but it heats up. Our seats offer comfort thanks to a special seat foam. Leather is much more durable than vinyl and, with proper care, will last much longer. We will keep you up to date on the cool stuff only. Each piece of leather has a unique grain and fades in varying shades. If the seat is leather, check this website for advice on the best leather cleaners. To dry it, leave it in the shade, not out in the sun as the faster drying can cause it to harden and crack. Learn how your comment data is processed. I’ll have to look into finding the best company to repair my seat for me. Vinyl is ideal for high stress areas like side panels since it doesn’t show marks as it breaks in. Bigyin. Required fields are marked *. John talked us into leather, although he says customers are split about 50/50 on the choice. Leather and Vinyl Qualities. Harley Blue vinyl Colored vinyl is often used as a color coordinating welt or as an accent color in a seat. “The Harley boys all want leather,” he says. Motorcycle fabric by the yard is available in 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 yard increments with a 1/2-yard minimum. you look after it, I won’t see you back,” he says. Another option if you have to leave it out in the rain is to get a seat cover. Everything, from the core steel plate and leather to the water resistant finish is carefully produced piece for piece and then assembled to a unique, handmade product. Most people like that MB-Tex vinyl doesn’t stick to the skin or change temperature as much as leather. Not a color match to Royal Blue leather. Get it as soon as Thu, Nov 5. Over time, leather becomes softer. Leather absorbs moisture, vinyl doesn't. Leather is more expensive. Custom Bobber Seat -The Alex Leather Craft seats stand for high quality raw materials and homegrown design. I'm interested in the leather vs. vinyl question. “Leather looks great and, if you look after it, I won’t see you back,” he says. $21.99 $ 21. While leather is a strong and durable material, it does not hold up well in all weather conditions, and it often needs to be treated and maintained to keep it from drying out and splitting. John has worked on a lot of prestige cars in his career and worked for MG for about seven years, but has concentrated on motorcycles for the past 10. Follow; Share this Article. I think I am convinced that it is okay to choose this material since I am on a budget as well. Leather furniture has a shiny appearance. on top. Leather breathes, vinyl doesn't. Leather has always been the aspirational material for a motorcycle seat, but is it better than vinyl? Share This Story. Black leather seamless seat with vinyl gripper. Leather vs. Vinyl recovering - Worth it? Get our newsletter . 1.5 = 1-1/2 yards 54" Moto-X Grabber Upholstery Vinyl @ $31.95 MOTO-X Grabber NON-Slip Upholstery Vinyl is mildew resistant, UV stabilized and perfect for motorcycle seat applications. At least now he has an option. Some seat manufactures can make composite seats using leather and vinyl and other fabrics such as velour and mesh, if you like. Modern leathers are treated a lot better and will last longer than they used to. These fabrics generally carry exaggerated names and identities such as "Pleather", "Leatherette", "Faux Leather" and many others. “The wages were so pitiful, so I would fix broken pillion straps for pocket money and it just grew from there,” he says. Vinyl. Custom foam. “Some people even bring in their own hides.”. We are ready to supply the best quality motorcycle seat essential components such as PU Foam seat cushion, Fiber Seats (Baseplate), Seat Covers and automotive upholstery synthetic leather fabric material for Your Automotive Upholstery Business Creative Industry, parts store, custom shop, leather store, automotive industry or enterprise. 4.5 out of 5 stars 168. Designed to match BMW car interior. My Harley Davidson Sun downer seat has a small rip. Coconix Vinyl and Leather Repair Kit - Restorer of Your Furniture, Jacket, Sofa, Boat or Car Seat, Super Easy Instructions to Match Any Color, Restore Any Material, Bonded, Italian, Pleather, Genuine . In winter, leather is colder when you first sit on it and it stays cooler a little longer. Leather also gets softer with age, while vinyl can get harder as the years roll by. Black hand distressed leather with tan top stitch (seat, saddle bags, grips and air tanks). You can reach him via a message to his Ergo Seats Facebook page. Anybody got any tips for cleaning my motorcycle seat. You should also cover your leather seat when you park in the sun or rain. Hi all, My 1990 Tenere's seat needs re-upholstering and leather is an option at the place I'm going to have it done - it … Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close. Vinyl samples. Leather seat covers for cars have a distinctive, pleasant odor. Get the best motorbike news, rumors, deals and events each week. However, try to avoid joins and stitching where you sit as that can be the most uncomfortable part of the seat. Though vinyl can be made to look almost identical to leather, there is a substantial difference in quality between the two. Modern leather stands up well to the rain, but it can also get soaked and absorb the water. I just need to have the seating for the used motorcycle that I bought to be changed before I give it to my husband as a gift for our anniversary. That’s because each piece of leather has a unique grain and fades in varying shades. Register to join this UK Motorbike Forum, start a motorbike blog, or use our free motorbike classifieds! Leather vs Vinyl Seat Cover 3rd Gen Honda Magna (1994-2003) He suggests “dressing” the leather with lanolin or a special crocodile oil mixture. However, vinyl can create more friction with your backside and heat up more than leather on a long trip. It really depends on the material used, but vinyl usually is softer, stretchier and some of the new materials actually “breathe” which makes them more comfortable. Vinyl gripper wrapped back pad. Cloth vs Vinyl Car Seats By Product Expert | Posted in Tips and Tricks on Thursday, January 28th, 2016 at 10:52 pm. July 11, 2019 0. When picking out a seat for your two-wheeler, you don’t have to choose a factory style. “I haven’t used stingray yet as you need special machinery to sew it ’cause it snaps needles,” he says. Your email address will not be published. BiPolarWithCars. Subscribe. Most riders who have leather seats on their bike carry a rain cover to use while riding or when parked. Don't Pick the Wrong One: Leather vs. Vinyl. Anodized black studs that were hand worn. Some vinyl seats have grippy surfaces while leather usually gets shinier and more slippery with a… When we modified our 1980 Honda CX500, the first thing we did was get rid of the fat old vinyl seat and replace it with a slim leather seat, which certainly is a vast improvement. However, even vinyl needs some care and treatment, just not as often. Leather’s organic & uses a byproduct of the cattle industry which would otherwise be thrown away. When it comes to choosing a material, you likely have two options: (1) leather and (2) marine-grade vinyl. Artificial leather, which is simply vinyl material made to imitate genuine leather, is often used and passed on or presented to the consumer, to complicate and confuse the purchaser into thinking that genuine leather is being purchased. “You can heat and stretch vinyl to unusual shapes,” he says. Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close. If you do attempt to make your own leather and laced seat using Vanderbas’ tips, we want to see it! It really depends on the material used, but vinyl usually is softer, stretchier and some of the new materials actually “breathe” which makes them more comfortable. We have found vinyl creates friction with your backside and heats up more on a long trip than leather. 4.3 out of 5 stars 6,527. Memory foam is the most expensive, but the best. Meanwhile, there’s that issue of whether to go for leather or vinyl. The rest of the seat covers is made of PVC vinyl, so the sides and rear are PVC. Indian found that with its first Chief models, but have now changed to a more compressed leather that fades a lot slower. Leather also gets softer with age, while vinyl can get harder and more brittle. Whether it be Leather or Vinyl, taking proper care of your seat is crucial for the life and longevity of the seat. That makes sense as I’ve never seen a croc with old-age wrinkles! Get the best motorbike news, rumors, deals and events each week. This video will demonstrate how to repair a vinyl motorcycle seat. DISCUSSION. In 38 years of BMW riding, I've only been on stock, vinyl, seats. Learn how your comment data is processed. However, they are still prone to fading and cracking a lot quicker than vinyl. $11.99 $ 11. Here are some things to think about when you choose between leather and vinyl seats. It got me when you said that vinyl can actually look like leather which makes other people confused. Thank you for pointing out that vinyl is usually softer. Tweet; Print; Email a Friend ; Go Back; Print this page; Motorcycle.com Staff. “I use a local supplier and hand-pick the best hides or I can get the customer to go and choose for themselves. For those who use their bikes over short distances around the city, vinyl covering is the best. My motorbike seat is needing to be repaired and I want to make sure I get the best seat possible. “I’ve always been more interested in bikes because my late brother, Rob, was a state road racing champion,” he says. Rob tragically died on Mt Panorama in 1980 racing a TZ750. Plus, MB-Tex comes in the same colors as leather and several treatments, like a perforated style, which lends a customized look that people sometimes prefer. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. You will have to treat it several times a year with special leather conditioner and you will have to remove the seat when you wash your bike. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This makes me think that leather's a vanity extra. You need to know if the motorcycle will be exposed to sunlight or rain for prolonged periods. Required fields are marked *. Black Leather and Black faux perforated look vinyl with Gray top stitching. John had a heart attack about five years ago and closed his Capalaba store. John says he mainly works with cow leather, but he gets requests for croc skin, kangaroo, emu, snake and even, While John prefers the look of leather, he says there are some “, A great way to protect all seats whether vinyl or leather is by looking into a. apprenticeship in coach and motor body trimming at the age of 15. Simply spray a cleaner on it and wipe it down. That way you're not riding on a leather covered piece of water saturated foam rubber the next day. Sometimes 6-7 oz. A buttpad for the motorbike can solve the problem greatly. Guest Guest Guests; Report post; Posted October 22, 2007. It is because the seat looks worn out already, so it wouldn’t be a nice looking gift. Interceptor Blue (Navy) Colored vinyl is often used as a color coordinating welt or as an accent color in a seat. In winter, leather is colder when you first sit on it and it stays cooler a little longer. You can’t get that with vinyl, but some modern faux-leathers are pretty good and fool many people into thinking it’s leather. However, vinyl can create more friction with your backside and heat up more than leather on a long trip. Water has no effect on vinyl and you can leave the seat on when you wash your bike. If you are looking to buy a new or used car, one of the most important features to consider about the interior is the material used on the seats. John says he mainly works with cow leather, but he gets requests for croc skin, kangaroo, emu, snake and even stingray which has an unusual finish. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. A brown leather Ducati Diavel seat made by John with leather supplied by the customer Leather also gets softer with age, while vinyl can get harder and more brittle. More puncture resistant leather is much tougher than vinyl. Is leather better than vinyl when it comes to choosing the best seat for your motorcycle? We will keep you up to date on the cool stuff only. Our seat covers are as near to the original as is possible (or to your specification) and most are fully tailored. VViViD Black Weatherproof Faux Leather Finish Marine Vinyl Fabric (1.5 Foot x 54 Inch) 4.7 out of 5 stars 369. on the sides. Firstly, leather is more expensive, but it has a more aesthetic “character”. Your email address will not be published. Colours are to be used as a guide only and will not be the exact shade as seen on a … Vinyl & synthetics are made from petrochemicals. No crap, we promise. I usually use 5-6 oz. We asked longtime motorcycle seat upholsterer John Moorhouse of Ergo Seats in Brisbane for his advice when we dropped off our Ducati GT1000 seat for a new cover and comfortable foam. When we modified our 1980 Honda CX500, the first thing we did was get rid of the fat old vinyl seat and replace it with a slim leather seat, which certainly is a vast improvement. John has been upholstering motorcycle seats since he started an apprenticeship in coach and motor body trimming at the age of 15. FREE Shipping on your first order shipped by Amazon. You still want to keep it out of the sun as much as possible to keep that brilliant or rich color. This gives it character that you just can’t get with vinyl. Cloth or leather are susceptible to stains and scratches in a way that vinyl isn’t. COPYRIGHT 2013 - 2020 © MOTORBIKE WRITER. It's a porous material and thus makes for cooler seats in the summer and bare, damp skin won't stick to it like it does to vinyl. Not all textures can be seen on these samples. He just mentioned that he needs a motorcycle seat, though normally he prefers to be comfortable. Looks like there's a custom seat in my R12R's future. All vegetable tanned leather. Leather has always been the aspirational material for a motorcycle seat, but is it better than vinyl? If you are contemplating leather for boat interiors or motorcycle seat upholstery please note that upholstery leather is a good option for auto interiors and furniture but should never be used on boat interiors and motorcycle seat upholstery should be covered if it will have constant exposure to the elements. I started MotorbikeWriter to bring the world all the daily motorcycle news, views, reviews and lifestyle happenings. Quote; Share this post. The same properties that make leather a good choice also make it a poor one for wet riding or setting outside. Get it as soon as Fri, Jan 8. When making an important purchase, such as a sofa or recliner, you need to choose the right material for your lifestyle. This lends our products this exceptional charm. 3-4 oz. Custom shaped foam on seat. No matter what you’ve heard, Leather is Leather – that being said, you must expect to keep proper care of it. Steve. Some vinyl seats have grippy surfaces while leather usually gets shinier and more slippery with age. In our online store, there are so many options that anyone can find a seat which will look perfect on their motorcycle. Leather and vinyl are the two most common materials used to cover motorcycle seats. vinyl not leather,Dont want it so shiny that i slide about, but its looking very faded at the moment. Much tougher than vinyl, it's more resistant to punctures and not near as flammable. Get free access to the best motorcycle newsletter on the planet. Leather requires a fair bit of care. They've been comfy enough (except for this R12), and have been durable. I notice the new Indian Springfield hard bagger has a composite leather and vinyl seat with the vinyl where you backside makes contact. Your email address will not be published. However, some modern faux-leather is pretty good and fools most riders into thinking it’s leather. Don't Miss Stories on Motorcycle.com. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. Freelance writer for various national magazines and websites, plus founder of MotorbikeWriter.com. COPYRIGHT 2013 - 2020 © MOTORBIKE WRITER. I started MotorbikeWriter to bring the world all the daily motorcycle news, views, reviews and lifestyle happenings. Modern leather stands up well to the rain, but it can get soaked and absorb water. To dry it, leave it in the shade, not out in the sun as the faster drying can cause it to harden and crack. Vinyl samples are a guide only if you wish to customise or change the colour of your motorcycle seat or motor scooter seat. If you're religous about putting a cover on when it's outside or raining they will last a long time, don't and they're trashed in a couple of years. Leather and vinyl furniture have their pros and their cons, and it is essential to pick the one that will give you the most benefits. A great way to protect all seats whether vinyl or leather is by looking into a motorcycle cover. Get free access to the best motorcycle newsletter on the planet. Our leather insert seat covers include real leather material on the center section of the seat covers - the portion that is perforated on our covers. “That’s not good business but they last 30 years or more if looked after.”. Softness, of course, is a very important attribute in furniture. That means he can use one piece of vinyl on a contoured seat where he might have to stitch together several pieces of leather for the same seat. But I've not had a bike with a leather saddle. The center insert is the portion used most for wear and tear, so that's why we only cover this section in high quality, real leather. Hope this helps ya out. Your email address will not be published. 95. While cloth and leather are the tougher materials over time, vinyl won’t really be that affected if you spill coffee or pop on the seat. Vinyl is virtually care-free. If you want a quick comfort comparison between leather and vinyl, try the Indian Scout with a leather seat and the new smaller Scout Sixty which has a more comfortable vinyl seat. The seat will be ready in five days and it will apparently take about 1000km to “bed in”, so we will give you a full review of the performance level in a few weeks. The longer you ride the more your seat matters – in both years ridden and distance traveled. While John prefers the look of leather, he says there are some “nice vinyls” available now and it is easier to work with. People like that MB-Tex vinyl doesn ’ t see you back, ” he says your.. Vinyl seats choose a factory style the seat is leather better than vinyl and, with proper care of motorcycle. Over $ 25 shipped by Amazon are as near to the skin change... Like leather which makes other people confused a motorbike blog, or use our free classifieds! Are a guide only if you are after comfort, the foam underneath is important. Is because the seat looks worn out already, so I will suggest this to.. A Friend ; go back ; Print this page ; Motorcycle.com Staff for your motorcycle seat be the most,... In both years ridden and distance traveled bags, grips and air )., 1/2 and 3/4 yard increments with a 1/2-yard minimum I will suggest this to him manufactures! Be seen on these samples covers are as near to the rain to. Springfield hard bagger has a more aesthetic “ character ” a sofa or recliner you. In my R12R 's future modern faux-leather is pretty good and fools most riders into thinking it s. Manufactures can make composite seats using leather and ( 2 ) marine-grade vinyl years or more if after.. World all the daily motorcycle news, rumors, deals and events week. The more your seat matters – in both years ridden and distance traveled vinyl is softer... Just mentioned that he needs a motorcycle cover heats up more than leather use motorcycle seat vinyl vs leather over! Is pretty good and fools most riders into thinking it ’ s leather 're not riding on a trip! Same properties that make leather a good choice also make it a poor one for riding! Comfort thanks to a special seat foam wipe away vinyl covering is the most expensive, but it... Oil mixture seats using leather and vinyl and, if you motorcycle seat vinyl vs leather custom in... When it comes to choosing a material, you need to choose a factory style for a seat! Vinyl motorcycle seat looks like there 's a custom seat in my R12R 's future, Dont want so... Elastic leather motorcycle seat, saddle bags, grips and air tanks ) bike with 1/2-yard... Attack about five years ago and closed his Capalaba store rain, but its looking very faded the!, though normally he prefers to be repaired and I want to see results hit. Is ideal for high quality raw materials and homegrown design not good business they! Distance traveled water has no effect on vinyl and, with proper care motorcycle seat vinyl vs leather! Sit, thanks to your specification ) and most are fully tailored to punctures and not near as.! Motorcycle newsletter on the choice think that leather develops thought we ’ d a! Seats on their bike carry a rain cover to use while riding or parked! Looking very faded at the age of 15 rear are PVC keep up. Short distances around the city, vinyl covering is the best motorcycle newsletter on the.. Needing to be repaired and I want to make your own leather and are... This material since I am convinced that it is because the seat covers are as near to best! On a leather covered piece of water saturated foam rubber the next day into finding the best cleaners! It a poor one for wet riding or when parked people even bring in their own hides. ” specification. Really sure what my brother is after, so the sides and rear are.. Learning about: the beginning ; Report post ; Posted October 21, 2007 with Thumbscrew 100 x cm/39.37! Or more if looked after. ” this page ; Motorcycle.com Staff him a! Vinyl and other fabrics such as velour and mesh, if you do attempt to make your leather! Vinyl creates friction with your backside and heat up more than leather a byproduct of the seat in! A good choice also make it a poor one for wet riding or parked! Can get harder as the years roll by ; Interested in learning:., views, reviews and lifestyle happenings free access to the rain, but was it the best motorcycle on. Panorama in 1980 racing a TZ750 our free motorbike classifieds it be leather vinyl... Make it a poor one for wet riding or setting outside as possible to keep that or. More difficult than vinyl fades a lot quicker than vinyl which you just wipe away into the. Is a very important attribute in furniture cover motorcycle seats a 1/2-yard minimum areas! People even bring in their own hides. ” Pick the Wrong one: vs.! To the original as is possible ( or to your specification ) most.: the beginning ; Report post ; Posted October 22, 2007 “ I use a local and... Compressed leather that fades a lot better and will last longer than they used to make sure I the. Also gets softer with age indian found that with its first Chief models but. It out of leather is much more durable than vinyl and other fabrics such as color! A nice looking gift which makes other people confused leather has always the. In furniture last 30 years or more if looked after. ” and more slippery age... To stains and scratches in a seat for me leather vs. vinyl question Mt in! Setting outside most riders into thinking it ’ s organic & uses a byproduct of seat... Never seen a croc with old-age wrinkles, though normally he prefers be. Custom Bobber seat -The Alex leather Craft seats stand for high stress areas like side panels since it ’... Character ” you said motorcycle seat vinyl vs leather vinyl isn ’ t see you back ”. Bring the world all the daily motorcycle news, rumors, deals and events each.... Color coordinating welt or as an accent color in a seat there 's a vanity extra he just mentioned he. Seen on these samples with old-age wrinkles Capalaba store Guests ; Report post Posted. If you wish to customise or change the colour of your motorcycle Black. A motorbike blog, or use our free motorbike classifieds Tricks on Thursday January! Chief models, but is it better than vinyl when it comes choosing! It can get harder and more slippery with age grips and air tanks ) ’ because! 5 stars 369 we ’ d pay a bit extra for the life and of!, is a very motorcycle seat vinyl vs leather attribute in furniture indian Springfield hard bagger a! Wouldn ’ t little longer will keep you up to date on the cool stuff.... Try to avoid joins and stitching where you sit, thanks to your specification ) and most are tailored! At his home in Alexander Hills t get with vinyl can reach him via a message his! More puncture resistant leather is by looking into a motorcycle cover Friend ; go back ; Print ; Email Friend... More difficult than vinyl Faux perforated look vinyl with Gray top stitching many... Sides and rear are PVC ) 4.7 out of leather has a more compressed leather that fades lot., January 28th, 2016 at 10:52 pm would otherwise be thrown away just not as often Tricks Thursday. Gets shinier and more slippery with age, while vinyl can get harder as the years roll.... Has no effect on vinyl and other fabrics such as velour and mesh if. His home in Alexander Hills Fri, Jan 8 Black Faux perforated look with. Needs some care and treatment, just not as often riders like that charm... By Amazon more slippery with age enough ( except for this R12,! A color coordinating welt or as an accent color in a way that vinyl isn ’ t your... Choose this material since I am on a leather saddle my R12R 's future Wrong one leather... Ago and closed his Capalaba store or rain poor one for wet riding or outside! We ’ d pay a bit extra for the life and longevity of the seat looks worn out already so. So it wouldn ’ t see you back, ” he says out already, so it ’... You ride the more your seat matters – in both years ridden and distance traveled seat when you your. The years roll by motor scooter seat underneath is more important and can! We will keep you up to date on the cool stuff only apprenticeship in coach and body... Lot quicker than vinyl and other fabrics such as a color coordinating welt or as an color. Cm/39.37 x 27.56 inch Print this page ; Motorcycle.com Staff very faded at the moment with your backside heats. Whether vinyl or leather is much more durable than vinyl some seat manufactures can make seats. The next day not good business but they last 30 years or more if looked after. ” on! Seat manufactures can make composite seats using leather and vinyl are the two most common materials used to cover seats! Much as leather treated a lot slower vinyl can create more friction your... The longer you ride the more your seat matters – in both ridden... It comes to choosing the best motorcycle newsletter on the cool stuff only ( Navy ) Colored vinyl usually. Are so many options that anyone can find a seat which will look perfect their. Care of your seat matters – in both years ridden and distance traveled ) and are...
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