lowering seat

[dano1946]

has anyone tried lowering a 99 IS seat on their own (by removing the cover and cutting the foam) - if so, what are the pitfalls?
thanks.

[Dorkman]

Never tried it, but bookmarked some info:

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/howto/cut_motorcycle_seats/

Seems to me that it takes some skill and if you don't get it right you end up with ugly.  I would take it to a pro that does motorcycle seats.  Some automotive guys have the skill, but not repeated experience.  A search and/or recommendations may land you a lead.  A nearby craftsman would be best, so he can see you and the Valk together.

[BF]

Shorter shocks.   

[john]

(by removing the cover and cutting the foam) .....                             
yer butts gonna love you for that                                       

[PhredValk]

Check with local bike shops for an upholsterer with bike seat experience. Most shops will know a guy, and these guys really know their stuff. I know two here and they are miracle workers.
Fred.

[ricoman]

I did some work on my Std. seat. Cut the foam along the front sides so my legs would be together with feet on the ground. Came out well, but I did get an upholstery guy to put the cover back on.

Here's a site with good stuff:

http://www.diymotorcycleseat.com/index.php

[larryh0841]

I have lowered the seat on every motorcycle I ever owned.  I even did the Corbin seats on my Valkyries.  Take your time when you cut the foam and do a little bit at a time checking for fit as you go along.  The seat will actually be more comfortable as it will fit you better with a more even distribution of the contact area.  I leave the seat cover attached at the rear of the seat to assist in positioning the cover when reattaching.  Use an electric knife to cut the foam and a disc sander to smooth it.  Finish with rough sand paper.  I start by making a criss-cross pattern with the edge of the sander to establish the depth of material to be removed.  If the problem is getting your feet on the ground you can also refer to my article in the tech section referencing Lowering Valkyrie Forks.
                                                                                  Larry

[garyheskett All 49 x 3 st.louis]

Cutting the foam with the electric kitchen knife is pretty easy. Just remember to cut a LITTLE at a time. An inch can make a huge difference. Make some minor cuts and try it for awhile, you can always go back and cut some more out. After you are satisfied, then you or a shop can put the cover back on. Or, if you have a shop do it, now is the time to put on a different colored seat cover on, that will really change the look of your bike.

[Momz]

On my I/S I wanted a seat that allowed my to move around a bit, let me sit back further, was lower and didn't crush my testicles. After riding other bikes with "Ultimates", Mustangs, Corbin, and "Russells", I contacted Sargent Cycle Seats. They have a website that has more info than most people could/would not believe. And like the Mayer and Russell seats, they are based your stock seat pan. You will have to phone them so that they can guide you and answer your questions. They had my seat back within a week, properly reshaped, firmer foam, better upholstery, and all that for $268.00. They also did the seat on my GL1100 for $90.00.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!