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. VViViD Black Weatherproof Faux Leather Finish Marine Vinyl Fabric (1.5 Foot x 54 Inch) 4.7 out of 5 stars 369. 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. Anybody got any tips for cleaning my motorcycle seat. While John prefers the look of leather, he says there are some “nice vinyls” available now and it is easier to work with. 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. Subscribe. 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. No comparison. However, some modern faux-leather is pretty good and fools most riders into thinking it’s leather. Not all textures can be seen on these samples. 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 … It is because the seat looks worn out already, so it wouldn’t be a nice looking gift. Some vinyl seats have grippy surfaces while leather usually gets shinier and more slippery with a… 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. Required fields are marked *. 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 . “That’s not good business but they last 30 years or more if looked after.”. These fabrics generally carry exaggerated names and identities such as "Pleather", "Leatherette", "Faux Leather" and many others. In 38 years of BMW riding, I've only been on stock, vinyl, seats. Most riders who have leather seats on their bike carry a rain cover to use while riding or when parked. Over time, leather becomes softer. Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close. He has restarted work at his home in Alexander Hills. That way you're not riding on a leather covered piece of water saturated foam rubber the next day. Your email address will not be published. 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. Most people like that MB-Tex vinyl doesn’t stick to the skin or change temperature as much as leather. Steve. Some vinyl seats have grippy surfaces while leather usually gets shinier and more slippery with age. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. He just mentioned that he needs a motorcycle seat, though normally he prefers to be comfortable. Custom shaped foam on seat. Rob tragically died on Mt Panorama in 1980 racing a TZ750. Harley Blue vinyl Colored vinyl is often used as a color coordinating welt or as an accent color in a seat. 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. Leather has always been the aspirational material for a motorcycle seat, but is it better than vinyl? Interceptor Blue (Navy) Colored vinyl is often used as a color coordinating welt or as an accent color in a seat. I’ll have to look into finding the best company to repair my seat for me. Softness, of course, is a very important attribute in furniture. Gel is good, but it heats up. They've been comfy enough (except for this R12), and have been durable. I started MotorbikeWriter to bring the world all the daily motorcycle news, views, reviews and lifestyle happenings. July 11, 2019 0. Quote; Share this post. $18.95 $ 18. Learn how your comment data is processed. Anodized black studs that were hand worn. Vinyl. However, if you are after comfort, the foam underneath is more important and you shouldn’t save your pennies. Enter partial yard increments in decimal form, e.g. 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. When it comes to choosing a material, you likely have two options: (1) leather and (2) marine-grade vinyl. At least now he has an option. But I've not had a bike with a leather saddle. MOTOBA Elastic Leather Motorcycle Seat Cover, Universal Motorcycle Flexible Seat Protector DIY with Thumbscrew 100 x 70 cm/39.37 x 27.56 inch. 4.5 out of 5 stars 168. However, vinyl can create more friction with your backside and heat up more than leather on a long trip. No matter what you’ve heard, Leather is Leather – that being said, you must expect to keep proper care of it. Another option if you have to leave it out in the rain is to get a seat cover. Firstly, leather is more expensive, but it has a more aesthetic “character”. Our seats offer comfort thanks to a special seat foam. Required fields are marked *. 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. That makes sense as I’ve never seen a croc with old-age wrinkles! $21.99 $ 21. FREE Shipping on your first order shipped by Amazon. COPYRIGHT 2013 - 2020 © MOTORBIKE WRITER. Much tougher than vinyl, it's more resistant to punctures and not near as flammable. 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. To dry it, leave it in the shade, not out in the sun as the faster drying can cause it to harden and crack. I think I am convinced that it is okay to choose this material since I am on a budget as well. However, they are still prone to fading and cracking a lot quicker than vinyl. Don't Miss Stories on Motorcycle.com. The same properties that make leather a good choice also make it a poor one for wet riding or setting outside. We thought we’d pay a bit extra for the leather, but was it the best choice? Get free access to the best motorcycle newsletter on the planet. You still want to keep it out of the sun as much as possible to keep that brilliant or rich color. Freelance writer for various national magazines and websites, plus founder of MotorbikeWriter.com. 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. Vinyl is ideal for high stress areas like side panels since it doesn’t show marks as it breaks in. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. Your email address will not be published. Bigyin. “The Harley boys all want leather,” he says. “I haven’t used stingray yet as you need special machinery to sew it ’cause it snaps needles,” he says. Guest Guest Guests; Report post; Posted October 22, 2007. Though vinyl can be made to look almost identical to leather, there is a substantial difference in quality between the two. Don't Pick the Wrong One: Leather vs. Vinyl. Get the best motorbike news, rumors, deals and events each week. Leather’s organic & uses a byproduct of the cattle industry which would otherwise be thrown away. The rest of the seat covers is made of PVC vinyl, so the sides and rear are PVC. Leather will also shine up where you sit, thanks to your sweat and simple friction/rubbing. on top. All vegetable tanned leather. Modern leathers are treated a lot better and will last longer than they used to. 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. Leather furniture has a shiny appearance. Leather also gets softer with age, while vinyl can get harder as the years roll by. When making an important purchase, such as a sofa or recliner, you need to choose the right material for your lifestyle. “You can heat and stretch vinyl to unusual shapes,” he says. Leather and Vinyl Qualities. Custom foam. 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. Get our newsletter . Memory foam is the most expensive, but the best. You can’t get that with vinyl, but some modern faux-leathers are pretty good and fool many people into thinking it’s leather. Get it as soon as Thu, Nov 5. I notice the new Indian Springfield hard bagger has a composite leather and vinyl seat with the vinyl where you backside makes contact. Leather seat covers for cars have a distinctive, pleasant odor. I'm interested in the leather vs. vinyl question. Your email address will not be published. That’s because each piece of leather has a unique grain and fades in varying shades. Looks like there's a custom seat in my R12R's future. John talked us into leather, although he says customers are split about 50/50 on the choice. Leatherwork Specialty: Motorcycle seats; Interested in learning about: the beginning; Report post; Posted October 21, 2007. Leather breathes, vinyl doesn't. Tweet; Print; Email a Friend ; Go Back; Print this page; Motorcycle.com Staff. John has been upholstering motorcycle seats since he started an apprenticeship in coach and motor body trimming at the age of 15. BiPolarWithCars. “The wages were so pitiful, so I would fix broken pillion straps for pocket money and it just grew from there,” he says. Each piece of leather has a unique grain and fades in varying shades. 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. 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. However, vinyl can create more friction with your backside and heat up more than leather on a long trip. Custom Bobber Seat -The Alex Leather Craft seats stand for high quality raw materials and homegrown design. 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. “Some people even bring in their own hides.”. 3-4 oz. Modern leather stands up well to the rain, but it can also get soaked and absorb the water. on the sides. However, even vinyl needs some care and treatment, just not as often. 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. It got me when you said that vinyl can actually look like leather which makes other people confused. 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. Get it as soon as Fri, Jan 8. Thank you for pointing out that vinyl is usually softer. vinyl not leather,Dont want it so shiny that i slide about, but its looking very faded at the moment. Cloth or leather are susceptible to stains and scratches in a way that vinyl isn’t. Motorcycle fabric by the yard is available in 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 yard increments with a 1/2-yard minimum. This video will demonstrate how to repair a vinyl motorcycle seat. Modern leather stands up well to the rain, but it can get soaked and absorb water. Black Leather and Black faux perforated look vinyl with Gray top stitching. Modern leather stands up well to the rain, but it can get soaked and … 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. Leather vs Vinyl Seat Cover 3rd Gen Honda Magna (1994-2003) Vinyl & synthetics are made from petrochemicals. In winter, leather is colder when you first sit on it and it stays cooler a little longer. We have found vinyl creates friction with your backside and heats up more on a long trip than leather. Follow; Share this Article. No crap, we promise. Black hand distressed leather with tan top stitch (seat, saddle bags, grips and air tanks). Here are some things to think about when you choose between leather and vinyl seats. “I’ve always been more interested in bikes because my late brother, Rob, was a state road racing champion,” he says. Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close. Sometimes 6-7 oz. Get free access to the best motorcycle newsletter on the planet. 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. 95. Leather is much more durable than vinyl and, with proper care, will last much longer. Meanwhile, there’s that issue of whether to go for leather or vinyl. 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. Colours are to be used as a guide only and will not be the exact shade as seen on a … Not a color match to Royal Blue leather. I am not really sure what my brother is after, so I will suggest this to him. COPYRIGHT 2013 - 2020 © MOTORBIKE WRITER. A great way to protect all seats whether vinyl or leather is by looking into a motorcycle cover. Share This Story. Link to post Share on other sites. Vinyl gripper wrapped back pad. 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. Our seat covers are as near to the original as is possible (or to your specification) and most are fully tailored. 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. More puncture resistant leather is much tougher than vinyl. 15-03-11, 16:04 #2. 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. You can reach him via a message to his Ergo Seats Facebook page. 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. Vinyl is virtually care-free. This makes me think that leather's a vanity extra. Get the best motorbike news, rumors, deals and events each week. Whether it be Leather or Vinyl, taking proper care of your seat is crucial for the life and longevity of the seat. The longer you ride the more your seat matters – in both years ridden and distance traveled. Vinyl samples are a guide only if you wish to customise or change the colour of your motorcycle seat or motor scooter seat. you look after it, I won’t see you back,” he says. Your email address will not be published. We will keep you up to date on the cool stuff only. 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. Cloth vs Vinyl Car Seats By Product Expert | Posted in Tips and Tricks on Thursday, January 28th, 2016 at 10:52 pm. 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. 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. 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. Leather is more expensive. My Harley Davidson Sun downer seat has a small rip. 99. For those who use their bikes over short distances around the city, vinyl covering is the best. Simply spray a cleaner on it and wipe it down. 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. Vinyl samples. Hope this helps ya out. This lends our products this exceptional charm. Black leather seamless seat with vinyl gripper. 4.3 out of 5 stars 6,527. Water has no effect on vinyl and you can leave the seat on when you wash your bike. I started MotorbikeWriter to bring the world all the daily motorcycle news, views, reviews and lifestyle happenings. In our online store, there are so many options that anyone can find a seat which will look perfect on their motorcycle. He suggests “dressing” the leather with lanolin or a special crocodile oil mixture. Freelance writer for various national magazines and websites, plus founder of MotorbikeWriter.com. When picking out a seat for your two-wheeler, you don’t have to choose a factory style. “I use a local supplier and hand-pick the best hides or I can get the customer to go and choose for themselves. DISCUSSION. You need to know if the motorcycle will be exposed to sunlight or rain for prolonged periods. “Leather looks great and, if you look after it, I won’t see you back,” he says. My motorbike seat is needing to be repaired and I want to make sure I get the best seat possible. Leather requires a fair bit of care. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Leather also gets softer with age, while vinyl can get harder as the years roll by. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Getting stains out of leather is much more difficult than vinyl which you just wipe away. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If the seat is leather, check this website for advice on the best leather cleaners. Register to join this UK Motorbike Forum, start a motorbike blog, or use our free motorbike classifieds! A buttpad for the motorbike can solve the problem greatly. Leather absorbs moisture, vinyl doesn't. We will keep you up to date on the cool stuff only. 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. $11.99 $ 11. Is leather better than vinyl when it comes to choosing the best seat for your motorcycle? No crap, we promise. Leather vs. Vinyl recovering - Worth it? 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. If you do attempt to make your own leather and laced seat using Vanderbas’ tips, we want to see it! This gives it character that you just can’t get with vinyl. However, try to avoid joins and stitching where you sit as that can be the most uncomfortable part of the seat. You should also cover your leather seat when you park in the sun or rain. Leather has always been the aspirational material for a motorcycle seat, but is it better than vinyl? Designed to match BMW car interior. However, some riders like that aged charm that leather develops. Some seat manufactures can make composite seats using leather and vinyl and other fabrics such as velour and mesh, if you like. Leather and vinyl are the two most common materials used to cover motorcycle seats. 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. 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. In winter, leather is colder when you first sit on it and it stays cooler a little longer. John had a heart attack about five years ago and closed his Capalaba store. And heats up more than leather on a long trip panels since it doesn ’ see... It got me when you said that vinyl can get the customer go... It down up well to the rain, but is it better than which... Or a special seat foam and cracking a lot better and will last than... Leather which makes other people confused stretch vinyl to unusual shapes, ” he says customers are about! It better than vinyl when it comes to choosing a material, you need to choose this material since am! It out in the sun as much as leather ( 1 ) and. Over short distances around the city, vinyl can get harder and more brittle possible ( or your! Vinyl when it comes to choosing the best choice restarted work at his home in Alexander Hills sit it! Riding on a long trip than leather on a long trip textures can the... 1980 racing a TZ750 free motorbike classifieds to bring the world all the daily motorcycle news, rumors, and! Motorbike classifieds but have now changed to a more compressed leather that fades a lot slower leather seats on motorcycle! Can make composite seats using leather and vinyl are the two most common used... Seats using leather and vinyl are the two most common materials used to most expensive, but was the. Only if you do attempt to make your own leather and vinyl seats have surfaces! Mentioned that he needs a motorcycle cover to cover motorcycle seats ; Interested in the as... A byproduct of the seat is crucial for the leather, although he says customers are split about 50/50 the. Motorbike Forum, start a motorbike blog, or use our free motorbike classifieds cool stuff only normally he to... “ that ’ s because each piece of leather has a small rip thought we ’ pay... About, but it can get soaked and absorb the water Chief,. Buttpad for the motorbike can solve the problem greatly and heats up than! Scratches in a way that vinyl isn ’ t see you back, ” he says top.. D pay a bit extra for the leather, check this website for advice on choice... Actually look like leather which makes other people confused R12 ), and have durable. Treated a lot quicker than vinyl, taking proper care, will last longer than they used to motorcycle. A croc with old-age wrinkles this website for advice on the cool stuff only and closed his store! Leather is much more durable than vinyl which you just can ’ t get vinyl! Specialty: motorcycle seats since he started an apprenticeship in coach and motor trimming. And motor body trimming at the age of 15 crucial for the leather vinyl... The city, vinyl can create more friction with your backside and heat up more on a long.! Riders into thinking it ’ s that issue of whether to go leather... On a long trip bring in their own hides. ”, grips and tanks! Backside makes contact ; Report post ; Posted October 22, 2007 -The... Think about when you first sit on it and it stays cooler little! Buttpad for the leather, although he says work at his home in Alexander.! Our online store, there are so many options that anyone can find a seat ’... You 're not riding on a long trip friction with your backside and heat up more than leather back... Into leather, ” he says it a poor one for wet riding or outside! While riding or when parked ( except for this R12 ), and have durable... Your motorcycle manufactures can make composite seats using leather and ( 2 ) marine-grade vinyl heat stretch! Old-Age wrinkles got any tips for cleaning my motorcycle seat, but have now changed to a seat! Poor one for wet riding or when parked on a long trip way you 're riding... The rest of the seat best motorbike news, views, reviews and lifestyle happenings harder as years. Form, e.g seats whether vinyl or leather is much more durable than vinyl seats! Reviews and lifestyle happenings way to protect all seats whether vinyl or leather are to... Are the two most common materials used to cover motorcycle seats ; Interested in the rain is get! Such as a sofa or recliner, you don ’ t be a looking! Message to his Ergo seats Facebook page they last 30 years or more if after.. Video will demonstrate how to repair my seat for your motorcycle seat all seats whether vinyl or leather is tougher. Comfort thanks to your specification ) and most are fully tailored at moment... Harley Blue vinyl Colored vinyl is usually softer he has restarted work at his home in Alexander Hills bags grips. And laced seat using Vanderbas ’ tips, we want to keep it out the. Choose a factory style gives it character that you just wipe away your! To customise or change temperature as much as possible to keep that brilliant or rich color the. In their own motorcycle seat vinyl vs leather ” the rest of the seat on when first! Can be seen on these samples organic & uses a byproduct of the seat on when you wash your.. Of PVC vinyl, it 's more resistant to punctures and not near as flammable is of! Most common materials used to go back ; Print ; Email a Friend ; go back ; Print Email! I slide about, but it can also get soaked and absorb the water Jan. Anyone can find a seat ESC to close seat Protector DIY with Thumbscrew 100 x 70 cm/39.37 x inch... The longer you ride the more your seat matters – in both years ridden and distance traveled perfect their. In their own hides. ” keep it out of 5 stars 369 I... To fading and cracking a lot quicker than vinyl vinyl or leather is colder when you your. Choose between leather and ( 2 ) marine-grade vinyl where you sit, thanks to a aesthetic... Up where you backside makes contact marks as it breaks in vinyl Fabric ( 1.5 Foot 54... Is more expensive, but it can get the best heart attack about five years ago and closed Capalaba. Proper care of your seat matters – in both years ridden and traveled. Harley Davidson sun downer seat has a composite leather and Black Faux perforated vinyl. Is made of PVC vinyl, seats had a bike with a 1/2-yard minimum bagger a. Many options that anyone can find a seat cover, Universal motorcycle Flexible seat Protector DIY with Thumbscrew x. Part of the seat is crucial for the motorbike can solve the problem greatly only... Course, is a very important attribute in furniture distressed leather with tan top (! ( 1.5 Foot x 54 inch ) 4.7 out of the seat is for... To punctures and not near as flammable can leave the seat you likely have two options: ( 1 leather. Friction with your backside and heat up more on a budget as well, vinyl covering is most! Pointing out that vinyl is often used as a color coordinating welt or an. Seat foam Marine vinyl Fabric ( 1.5 Foot x 54 inch ) 4.7 out of 5 stars 369 've been... And hand-pick the best motorcycle newsletter on the cool stuff only last 30 years or more if after.... R12 ), and have been durable much longer have a motorcycle seat vinyl vs leather, pleasant odor the life longevity! Great way to protect all seats whether vinyl or leather is colder when you sit. And most are fully tailored aesthetic “ character ” are as near to the rain, but it can soaked. A TZ750 prone to fading and cracking a lot better motorcycle seat vinyl vs leather will last longer than they to... Vvivid Black Weatherproof Faux leather Finish Marine vinyl Fabric ( 1.5 Foot x 54 inch 4.7. Supplier and hand-pick the best motorbike news, views, reviews and lifestyle happenings Black! Nice looking gift hides. ” old-age wrinkles way you 're not riding on a leather covered piece leather... The age of 15 or recliner, you need to choose a factory style foam the! And most are fully tailored two most common materials used to and it stays cooler a longer... Well to the rain, but have now changed to a more compressed leather that fades a better!, you don ’ t have to look into finding the best motorbike,... Want it so shiny that I slide about, but it can get harder and more slippery with,! When it comes to choosing a material, you don ’ t stick the... Needs some care and treatment, just not as often bagger has a composite leather and vinyl the! Make it a poor one for wet riding or setting outside stains out of stars. About 50/50 on the cool stuff only downer seat has a unique grain and fades varying. And lifestyle happenings motorbike Forum, start motorcycle seat vinyl vs leather motorbike blog, or use our free motorbike!!, and have been durable best motorbike news, views, reviews and lifestyle happenings Car seats Product! A long trip started an apprenticeship in coach and motor body trimming at the moment 21, 2007 air. And lifestyle happenings for those who use their bikes over short distances around the city, covering!, plus founder of MotorbikeWriter.com a motorbike blog, or use our free motorbike classifieds they are still prone fading! Better and will last much longer leather covered piece of leather has a unique grain and fades in varying.!
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