Seat Wear showing! Any comments about Seat Replacement and expected life?

[JimH]

I noticed the left side of my seat (2017 F3-L) is starting to crack and rip on the edge. I keep my spyder covered overnight and during the winter. Is this normal wear to expect? I know there are seat discussions often here, and if I need to replace, I would like something that is close to plug and play - oh... and comfy.

Thanks in advance.
Jim

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I noticed the left side of my seat (2017 F3-L) is starting to crack and rip on the edge. I keep my spyder covered overnight and during the winter. Is this normal wear to expect? I know there are seat discussions often here, and if I need to replace, I would like something that is close to plug and play - oh... and comfy.

Thanks in advance.
Jim

Waaaaaaaaaaaaay back over a decade ago, I bought a replacement seat cover for an '08 GS seat - didn't get to use it ..... I have a 14 RT with over 81000 mi. and there is some slight cracking in the same area as yours. However, the NYLON mesh (which is almost unbreakable) that the seat plastic is attached to is fine. I don't know if a cover is available for your seat or not. I have a spare seat and don't plan to use it. However, shipping a seat today would prohibitively expensive. I would put a WTB on the forum and see if anyone near you has one to sell .... Mike

Ps: The reason I mention how strong that mesh is, is because years ago when someone here tried putting a gas door on their RT seat, they discovered that even a very sharp drill bit would get the mesh entangled on the bit and pull the mesh loose from the plastic seat material. I solved that by using a very hot nail to start the hole and melt the nylon mesh before using a drill ..... Good Luck .... Mike

[JimH]

Thanks Mike for the response!
Jim

[Allen42]

I wonder if using a leather conditioner regularly (even though it's not leather) would keep the seat more pliable and prevent the cracking and wear.

[racoon]

Since the leather conditioner can't soak into the pleather of the seat I don't think it will do any good.

Google seems to think the major car cleaning companies, like Meguiar's, Mothers, Armor All, etc, make vinyl cleaners and conditioners.

[Motorcycledave]

Leather Cond. will do nothing for the seat it is made of vinyl.

[Tango]

Easy fix. Stop and talk to an auto upholstery shop. They more than likely have done a lot of seat covers for bikes. Tom

[ARtraveler]

I wonder if using a leather conditioner regularly (even though it's not leather) would keep the seat more pliable and prevent the cracking and wear.

There are also conditioners for vinyl. They do help.

I also believe that "products for leather" will make the vinyl very slippery.