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I've had a few questions pop up since my last post, mainly regarding rear fender bibs so I thought I would share some design thoughts and a few tips on making them along with some photos for inspiration. For most riders, a rear fender bib is purely decorative. When someone switches to solo riding, there is now a big empty space on the fender that many feel needs to be customized and fender bibs are a great way to do it. Shapes: There are 2 common shapes, along with limitless design variations, that a fender bib typically comes in. The standard "U" and a tapered shape. The photo below shows a few standard variations (R to L) Standard U, Bullet, Taper and long U. The shape will be somewhat determined by the fender width and the style the client is looking for. Thinner fenders like on Harley Softails, Blacklines & Slims work better with a taper or long U. Wider fenders like on Harley Street Glides, Road Glides and most import crusiers like the Honda VTX, Suzuki M109, etc. work better with a standard U or Bullet variation. And occasionally you'll find someone who breaks the trends and goes with a different combo to carry on a theme like this VTX1800 with a tapered style fender bib. Size: Length: The size of a fender bib is pretty much a fixed variable. The length will be determined by the pillon (rear seat) holes & bolts that were left after taking the seat off and by the distance from the rearmost pillon bolt to the driver's seat back edge. Most Harley's have two sets of bolts, the driver seat rear bolt(s) and the pillon bolt. Most imports will have only the rear pillon bolt and are secured using velcro under the driver's seat. Width: Width of a fender bib is preferential to the maker/buyer but I stick to a guideline of 1" - 1 1/2" narrower than the top of the fender. At 1 1/2" narrower than the fender, this provides almost full coverage without having to worry about the edges falling over the side or catching in the wind and flapping. The double & triple loop edge lacing (or mexican round braid if you prefer) will add approximately 1/4" to the width leaving 1/2" of fender top on each side of the bib making a nice framed look for your custom leather. (to be continued after lunch, please don't comment yet so all the text stays together...Thanks!)

I’m looking for motorcycle seat patterns??, I’m working on a 448 Sportster, I love the last pic, but it doesn’t suit the seat style I have and I’m not good at designing Sheridan patterns from scratch

Wet molded and dyed leather skulls, 8oz W&C bridle leather. Got a little crazy and put LED's in eyes. Red in rear flap skull, amber in two sides. Working on a way to lock it to bike. Bike is in storage for a couple more weeks.

Just finished up this tank bib for a 2016 Fat Boy

Well here it is... my first seat. It was tough. It's not perfect but I'm pretty pleased. Also, if anyone can tell me what bike this fits that would be great. I bought it at a flea market for $15. The showed me what it was for but all I remember is 2007 and newer FLH___ . Not sure what letter I'm missing or the common name for the bike. Thanks, Cheryl

2001 Road King seat complete (finally). Design partially based on family crest. All comments welcome. Thanks for looking!

Seat finally complete. About 15-20 hours of lacing. Designed off my last name and family crest. All comments welcome. Thanks for looking. There is some amazing work being posted lately! Good job by all.

Here are a few of the latest pieces to roll off the workbench and onto client bikes. It's been awhile since I posted so I'll likely do this in a few replies. Whaletail Tank bib - 2002 VTX1800C with stitched hot rod flames in 207 flame red thread Rear fender bib and handlebar tool roll bag with matching "Black Swan" icon tooled into them - shown on a 2011 Harley Blackline Whaletail tank bib with VTX logo on a 2006 VTX1300R Dragon with bagpipes tooling for a tank bib project Cheers, Chris http://www.threemuttscustoms.com