3/4 solo seat for 1988 monoshock bike?

[plexiform]

I recall seeing a picture online a long time ago of a guy's monoshock R100 with the older style 3/4 solo seat that used to come on the earlier R100RS models. Does anyone know if this seat will just fit right on to the newer monoshock frame or would it require some customizing? I appreciate any advice.

[lkchris]

It won't.

[28796]

Why not? Hinge spacing, larger tail light???

[lkchris]

Subframe has no compatible mounting points.

[plexiform]

wouldnt it be possible to reposition the hinges on the 3/4 solo seat pan so that they match the position of the original seat for the 88 bike? And I suppose the locking oint will also need to be repositioned. I have seen a monoshock with this seat on it that is why i'm asking how that person must have modified his seat to make it work.

[28796]

I have a 3/4 seat & a monoshock twin so I will look at both in a day or two and see exactly what the problems would be.

[deckes01]

I have an '86 Monoshock and have wondered the same thing. John, I will be interested in seein what you come up with.

Steve

[28796]

I just took measurements off my 3/4 seat comparing hinge/lock pin spacing to the stock R80/100 Mono seat & they are identical. With the stock seat & rear cowl removed the solo seat should mount right up. Spacing on the sides looks good to clear the side covers pretty much as the stock seat does. Also looks like the small storage compartment would bolt on at the rear of the subframe same as it does on the earlier twins if you wanted to use it.

I only saw two problem areas: First is the stock tail light that mounts to the rear cowl assy. Ideal solution would be to replace it with the /6-/7 style tail light. This would mount directly to the rear fender & clear the solo seat rear edge.
Second is strictly cosmetic & that is the pinstripes on the side covers would have to go as the painted area of the seat runs directly above them.

As far as projects go I'd say installing the 3/4 seat on the Mono frame bikes looks pretty simple.

[Stuff2C]

Look at the Corbin Gunfighter seat...I like mine and it looks great.

[28796]

Look at the Corbin Gunfighter seat...I like mine and it looks great.


I attempted to do just that & ordered one for my R80 project last April. What arrived in May did not fit the bike & the rear portion of the seat looked like an overstuffed sofa! No matter how many times you hear their recording about how they have improved their customer service while you sit endlessly on hold I can tell you it ain't so.

I won't go into the whole sordid story but if I had charged shop time for all the time I've spent trying to get my money back I could recoup what I paid for the bike, nevermind the seat. My advice is never buy a seat from these guys unless you can go their in person.

[Stuff2C]

I must admit I've had my share of problems with Corbin...but I like this seat.

[plexiform]

I've ordered a 3/4 solo seat and should have it in a few weeks. I will take pics once installed to show how it fits. Thanks for your help.

[lkchris]

Good luck.

Your situation hints at a problem IMHO.

Being the MOA forum, one should think we are club members and clearly if we are there is someone in the club with the parts you need to "test fit" your proposed modification. Even trying an older dual seat will reveal the problems you'll encounter.

My advice (!) is to always look for advice from local club members before seeking Internet advice.

[Ridealot]

I've ordered a 3/4 solo seat and should have it in a few weeks. I will take pics once installed to show how it fits. Thanks for your help.

Where did you order the 3/4 seat from? I have thought it would be nice to have one on my '84 RS. I just assumed that they where not available anymore unless you found a used one.

[plexiform]

availability of this 3/4 solo seat is limited and very expensive in the USA. However, there are some international sites that have more access to reproductions of airhead parts. contact Stephanie Meyer in germany.. The seat will cost $400 for a new seat and the cowl in primer coated ready for painting. Shipping will run close to $50. Tell them I referred you..maybe I'll get a discount next time. :) Thanks

Here is the email address:
S.Meyer-BMW-Motorraeder@t-online.de

Hope this helps,

Asad Shah
plexiform@aol.com

[lkchris]

Where did you order the 3/4 seat from? I have thought it would be nice to have one on my '84 RS. I just assumed that they where not available anymore unless you found a used one.

ETK lists all the individual parts but not a part number for complete seat.

You could assemble one this way, after having frame painted.

[Ridealot]

Cool, thanks for the info. One more thing to add to the want list for my Airhead.

[plexiform]

I've gotten my 3/4 solo seat and the fit is not perfect, but it does fit. The problems are:

1. Seat cowl along sides of seat do not come all the way upto the tank. There is a 1inch gap between end of cowl and fuel tank. Not a big deal...I can live with it. The seat itself makes contact with teh tank as it should, but there is small gap between the tank and seat cowl portion.

2. The right (when sitting on bike) side seat cowl does not allow seat to be opened because it hits the metal subframe portion attached to the monoshock. So, the seat opens but with some limitation. The seat hinges line up properly with the subframe, however it takes some extra manipulating and contorting to actually get them in place. I have found it easier to remove the front seat hinge and just attach the seat to the bike at only the rear hinge and the seat lock connection points.

3. There is a small 1 inch metal piece protruding upward from the subframe on the lock-side of the bike. This is protruding vertically upward approx one inch from teh subframe...it gets in the way of the 3/4 solo seat pan. I simply bent it laterally out away from the seat pan, and it no longer causes a problem. In its bent form, it also still allows the attachement of the stock dual seat. So, I really dont know what its there for in the first place.

4. The protruding portion on the seat pan that inserts itself intot he locking mechanism doesnt go in and out as smooth as the stock seat. It requires a more firm push downward when closing the seat, and requires a firmer press on the release button when opening the seat.

5. The side covers of the 1988 RS do not pose any physical barrier to mounting this seat. The seat cowl and side covers come right upto each other when mounted and actually look like they fit nicely together. Cosmetically, my version of the RS is the pearl white with blue decals and does not have any pinstripes on the side covers. The 3/4 seat will have its own pinstripes, so this should work out nicely. On versions that have pinstripes on the side cover may look odd having two body parts with pinstripes redundantly next to each other.

6. The 3/4 solo seat adds about 1/2 to 1 inch extra to the seat height.

7. The tail light assembly from the stock seat cowl easily comes off and can be simply mounted directly on the rear fender like all the older airheads. There is no rewiring, rerouting of wires, etc needed.

I have sent my solo seat and side covers to be painted and expect them back in a week or so. I will certainly post pictures ones everything is ready for viewing. Here is a preview before painting.

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=4873359

[plexiform]

The seat fits fine, and the paint looks great. now just waiting for a few more accessories to arrive. I will post the finished product when available.

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=5013300

[Boxerkuh]

Looks good. That gives me some thoughts..... :stick

[28796]

The seat fits fine, and the paint looks great. now just waiting for a few more accessories to arrive. I will post the finished product when available.

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=5013300


Looks great! Glad the project worked out so well. I have a 3/4 seat I've had sitting on a shelf for years as well as a Solo Seat Specialties seat. One of these will get painted in Marakesh Red & installed on my 87 S project bike this winter.