1. Find a clean work surface to protect the seat cover during installation.
2. Remove the seat assembly from the motorcycle, noting how to reinstall.
Refer to the owner's manual for seat removal instructions.
3. Remove the original cover from the seat base, plate or pan. The cover is
usually secured to the pan by one of four methods:
a. Steel hooks- With a screwdriver, open each hook to an angle of about 45 degrees to the pan. When all have been opened, the cover can be easily pulled free by pulling toward each hook point.
b. Staples- With a screwdriver and pliers first pry up each staple as shown, then remove with the pliers.
c. Speednuts- Remove speednuts with a screwdriver by inserting the blade
of the screwdriver under the head of the speednut then lift.
d. Rivets- Riveted covers are removed by drilling thru the center of each
rivet with a small drill and then pushing each rivet out.
4. Carefully remove the cover from the foam cushion. On some motorcycle seats the cover is glued to the foam; if this is the case slowly separate small sections of the cover from the foam to prevent damage to the foam. If the cover is not glued it will remove quickly and easily.
5. The foam under layer of your new cover will hide minor damage of your foam
cushion. (i.e. holes or abrasions less than 1/2") If more major damage
is encountered it must be repaired before the new cover is installed. Major
repair requires the damaged foam to be cut out and replaced by new foam. The
new foam should be of a similar density to the foam it is replacing. New foam
is available at most upholstery shops.
6. The new foam must be cut to the shape of the foam removed and then glued
in place, with contact cement; 3M Super 77 spray adhesive or equivalent is
recommended. The foam can be easily shaped by using a sawing motion with a
knife, electric carving knife, razor blade or hacksaw. Carve the foam first
to fit the damaged area then glue it into position. Finally carve the surface
to match the seat contours. Remember the foam inner liner will hide minor
imperfections.
7. Turn the seat cover inside out. With the seat on the work surface with
foam side up, center the cover over the seat and pull down over the foam beginning
at the nose and working toward the rear of the seat.
8. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the seat cover is straight.
9. Carefully turn the seat over (foam side down) and install one staple at
the front and one staple in the back.
10. With firm, even pressure, pull upholstery and install a few staples in
each side.
11. Turn seat back over and make sure that the seat cover is straight. Make
any adjustments by removing staples and re-installing staples if necessary.
12. Continue working your way around the seat by applying even pressure and
installing staples one to two inches apart. Periodically turn the seat cover
over and check for straightness until entire seat cover is securely installed.