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 Your email address will not be published.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