A Leather "blank" is needed on my GS

[geoelement]

As a leather hobbiest and a R1150GS rider I am finding it necessary to make something during this beautiful white season for the bike. Since I can't ride it maybe I can make a gift for it to celebrate another wonderful year together.

The problem is that after making dog collars, wallets, leashes, purses etc. I am running a blank with ideas for the bike:banghead . Does anyone have any farkles made out of leather that they would recommend? PLEASE, I must do something to fill the riding void!:bikes

[Newstar]

Do you use a tank bag? How about a nice leather tank protecter? Or how about a custom tank bag?

[crazydrummerdude]

Someone was talking about lever covers once.

Maybe a seat cover or hand grips would work?

[r11rs94]

I have a leather Cover for my GPS..Hope this helps

[geoelement]

I do use a tank bag and I was wondering about this in the past. I could run something from the top of the tank to the bottom, by the seat. This is definitely an option and would go well with the clear 3M paint protector.


Do you use a tank bag? How about a nice leather tank protecter? Or how about a custom tank bag?

[rinty]

Geo:

What about re-covering the seat with that waterproof leather that they use on yacht deck furniture? That would be exotic. And you could have a seat professional re foam it with multi density stuff at the same time.

Tank bag would be good too. Start with a used Multi-vario base, which is probably as good as it gets, and then you do the rest.

[knary]

Go weird, go big, go fetish

Leather beak extender

Leather forehead cover (that thing above the lights)

Leather instrument cluster cover

Leather gators

Leather *everything*

[AKBeemer]

Make a tool bag or roll that is custom designed to carry the tools and spare parts that you carry. I'm always trying to find the perfect way to carry that stuff and can never seem to get it just right. Yours will be perfect for you and can be embossed with neat designs as well.

[rinty]

Leather *everything* knary

No. Would detract from full sensation.

[26667]

leather ...bar?

[86755]

How about tank panniers? You could then stich patches all over them representing places you've visited.

[dbrick]

A leather tankbag, with conchos and fringe, would allow you to meet a whole new group of riders.

[geoelement]

Since I only ride 1 up I have room behind my seat for a bag of some sort. I could make something to go there for items that I may need quickly or at stops. Thanks for the sparks :wave I think the fire is about to start again.:twirl

Keep the ideas flowing!

[lkchris]

Check out the leather saddlebags and leather top case from BMW's past.

[hlothery]

How about some black chaps and black leather jacket with the Roundel on the back.........a few conchos and fringe might look nice too!!




Oops....................wrong forum!:D

[The_Veg]

Hell, while you're at it, why not get some leather dyed to match the bike and make some lederhosen out of it? :D

[reitbmw]

How about one of these?

[Newstar]

How about one of these?


I think I like it!! And I have all the tools and accessories to make my own!

[rinty]

You can ride English on your German (Italian, in your case, Tracy) machine.

[geoelement]

How about one of these?

I have seen this photo before somewhere and would love to do this for fun but that is a pretty big expense in leather. Don't think I am quite that ready to give that one a try. Is it very comfortable? It sure looks cool!

[reitbmw]

I have seen this photo before somewhere and would love to do this for fun but that is a pretty big expense in leather. Don't think I am quite that ready to give that one a try. Is it very comfortable? It sure looks cool!


Hi,

The saddle is comfortable for me...for other's it may be an anti-theft device. The seat height is nearly 2 1/2 inches lower with an English saddle compared to a standard BMW seat. I barely have a 28" inseam.

My saddled GS looks like a gimmick, but its not. I've ridden from the San Francisco Bay area to rallies on the West Coast, Western Canada, and all the way to the East Coast with my saddled GS...including Deal's Gap.

A saddle does not have to be expensive. I have purchased used saddles on Craigslist and Ebay for a modest cost...often as low as $50.00. I helped a rider install an English saddle on his HD sportster and another on a 2007 R1200GS. A third wanted a saddle on his newer K1200GT, but it wouldn't fit well.

I started with a number or standard seats and eventually gave up.
1) BMW standard seat (uncomfortable, too tall, and slippery in the rain)
2) BMW low seat (very uncomfortable, height ok, and slippery in the rain
3) a made to order Rocky Meyer saddle (very comfortable, too tall...it is not used)

The attached photo was taken by an entrepreneur at Deals Gap in 2007.

I apologize for the the long winded reply...

Rick...aka REITBMW

[Newstar]

A saddle does not have to be expensive. I have purchased used saddles on Craigslist and Ebay for a modest cost...often as low as $50.00.


English saddles come in different styles, shapes and sizes - just in case someone is thinking about surfing craigs list or ebay. An adult would need an 18"-22" saddlle depending on your size. Know what you're purchasing before you buy.

I'm betting it would be comfortable but I'd have concerns about engine heat, not to mention regular cleaning and oiling. If I did something with my Norge, I think I'd opt for another Rick Mayer.

[Newstar]

Rick,

Is that a dressage saddle? I can't quite tell.

[reitbmw]

English saddles come in different styles, shapes and sizes - just in case someone is thinking about surfing craigs list or ebay. An adult would need an 18"-22" saddlle depending on your size. Know what you're purchasing before you buy.

I'm betting it would be comfortable but I'd have concerns about engine heat, not to mention regular cleaning and oiling. If I did something with my Norge, I think I'd opt for another Rick Mayer.

Tracy,

Good information...the size of my saddle is 17 1/2...my bottom isn't too large...

Ironically the finish on my Rocky Mayer saddle was damaged when I was caught in the rain. The leather used to make motorcycle seats appears to be of less quality than horse saddles. My English saddle is 35+ years old. Also, there are synthetic covered saddles.

Heat is an issue...thank goodness I ride a boxer...the heads are below the saddle.

Yes, a "normal" seat would be best for nearly all people...my needs were exceptional...too cheap to purchase another seat.

Rick...AKA...REITBMW

[reitbmw]

Rick,

Is that a dressage saddle? I can't quite tell.

Tracy,

It is an older styled English made jumping saddle with straight unpadded flaps made by Blue Ribbon. The model is an Avanti with spring tree. I used these when riding Three Day Eventing.

Rick...AKA...REITBMW

[geoelement]

I took the input of the group and then looked at what was needed and ended up making a tailbag specifically for my new Defender Rainmaster rain suit. Below are the photos (hopefully) of the completed project. Note the special attachment to the bike.

[geoelement]

Rear View

[geoelement]

On Bike

[Newstar]

Nice work!!!