How to Make a Gel Seat

The most important aspect of good motorcycle riding is safety. Being able to "flat foot," or place your feet flat on the ground while straddling the bike, is essential to safe riding and stopping. For riders with shorter legs, lowering the bike's seat allows the rider to flat foot, and can increase comfort and safety. The easiest way to lower a motorcycle seat is to remove some or all of its foam padding and replace the lost cushioning with a gel pad, therefore creating a gel seat for your bike.

Things You'll Need

  • Metric hex wrench
  • Pliers
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Marker
  • Electric knife
  • Scissors
  • Gel seat insert
  • Box cutter
  • Spray adhesive
  • String
  • Electric staple gun
  • 1/4 inch staples
Show More

Instructions

  1. Reshaping the Seat

    • 1

      Unscrew the bolts attaching the seat to the motorcycle. The seat will be attached with allen bolts. Use the metric hex wrench to remove the bolts holding the seat in place.

    • 2

      Remove the vinyl cover from the seat. The cover will be secured with staples that you can pry out. Loosen them first with a screwdriver, then pull them out with pliers, being careful not to damage the seat cover. The foam should now be exposed.

    • 3
      These instructions can also be used for scooter seats.

      Place the foam seat back on the motorcycle and sit on it. Mark the foam where your body meets the seat with the marker, and estimate how many inches you would like to lower the seat.

    • 4

      Use an electric knife to shave off layers of foam in the marked area. Make the cuts as even as possible, and make sure not to gouge the foam. You can also trim the foam with scissors.

    • 5
      Sit on the seat to make sure it's comfortable and level.

      Test the seat height as you go along, to ensure the seat remains even and that you don't shave too much foam.

    Adding the Gel Pad

    • 6

      Place the gel pad on the foam. Mark any areas where you need to trim the pad so it will fit nicely on the seat. Also mark on the foam where you intend for the gel pad to go.

    • 7

      Shave an indent into the foam where you have marked it for the gel pad with the electric knife. Cut the foam deep enough that the pad will sit flush with the foam when it is installed.

    • 8

      Cut the gel pad to fit the space with the box cutter.

    • 9

      Spray the indent and the back of the gel pad with adhesive. Allow each surface to become tacky before mating them. Press the gel pad firmly into the foam, then tie in place with string, securing it until the adhesive dries completely. Remove the string.

    • 10

      Test the seat on the bike one more time before replacing the cover, making any adjustments necessary.

    • 11

      Re-wrap the seat with the vinyl cover. Staple the cover to the underside of the seat on the front end, and while pulling the vinyl tight, staple again at the back end. Repeat this process with the sides of the cover. Add staples along the perimeter of the underside of the seat, pulling the cover taut, until it is completely secured. Fold pleats into the cover on the underside when securing it around corners or tight curves.

    • 12
      Your motorcycle is now ready for safe and easy riding.

      Place the seat back on your motorcycle and sit on it. If you are satisfied with the modified seat, screw it back onto the bike.