SV 650 2001 front seat is split
 

Any ideas on how to repair/replace the seat cover on my SV.
After almost 5 years in the blazing sunshine here in Southern California my seat cover has finally given up the ghost. [UV is not good for the seat, it makes the seat brittle]
I just checked on line and it will cost $155 for a new seat which for an old bike is a lot of dosh.
Has anyone managed to replace the cover and if so how difficult is it?

Other than the seat the bike is doing great 32,000 miles and still on original chain and sprockets (Scottoiler fitted). Just filled with petrol and changed the oil/filter every 6000 miles!!

any info/ideas are appreciated

andy [originally from Edinburgh]

Try e-bay for a second hand one.


Having tried replacement seat covers from Suzuki and Honda, I've never found them to be all that good.


Can you not find a furniture repair place. Quite often they can do a good job, even if it does mean having to order in some suitable material.



Or you could just go for the traditional grean leather, button back, chesterfield look.


Be different go for it.

I reshaped the foam on my SK1 seat, so have taken the cover off and refitted it.

It's held on with reasonably heavy duty staples. Carefully prise them out with a flat screwdriver and suitable pliers.

Refitting you need a heavy duty stapler (Arrow/Rapesco or whatever your local makes are, I'm sure Walmart will have a selection :lol: ) and staples that are not too long or they will come through the outside! I used some Rapesco galvanised staples with 8mm=5/16" legs.

You need to hold the seat base firmly against a heavy solid surface (workbench etc) or the seat will bounce with the staple-gun strike and they will only go halfway in.

Whatever cover you get, warm it with a hairdryer or similar to get it to pull to the right shape.

Start fixing at the mid point of each side, and work forwards and backwards to the ends, keeping it symmetrical.

That's what I'd say too... You'll pick one up for next to nothing ;)

Try www.corbin.com/suzuki/sv650.shtml

Just by some black vinyl, Remove staples and old vinyl. Staple new cover on and away you go. That's what I did, Did it in front of the telly one night.