Seat Pans...not A Bobber

[ikewineb]

I've been wanting to try my hand a a seat. I'm confused a little about pans. The thing is, I don't want a bobber style seat and my girlfriend would get the wrong idea if I made a solo. Does anyone know anyone that offers factory styled pans that are reasonably priced? I'd like a two up or solo with pillion. I could make either of those choices work if someone knows of a source.

Before everone jumpst on the obvious. I know I could make the pan from fiberglass myself. I have given some thought to that. For my own bike, I might would do that. I would eventaully like to make several for different bikes. If I could buy pans like that, it would be much quicker and easier. I also don't like the idea of using my bike as a tool...

I asked the local HD dealer, and they said that HD doesn't offer just the pan, you've got to buy a complete seat. They told me to check out drag specialties...I could only find bobber style pans there though.

[paprhangr]

If you decide to make your own pan.there is a good video at dimecitycycles.com that shows how to make a fiberglass seat for a café racer

Todd accufast2d.net might make you a pan.

[ikewineb]

Yeah, I checked them out, they are making steel pans in a chopper style. I sent him an email just in case though. I've seen the videos on how to make the pans from fiberglass. The thing is, if i was going to build one for someone else, I'd have to have their bike for an extended period of time.

[eglideride]

what if you used "stock/used" seats...example: I have a 2004 Road King Custom stock seat sitting in my basement..needs a good home...seems like no one really wants the stock seats- strip it, use the pan...just a thought.

[ikewineb]

That is certainly an option. What I've found though is that people want quite a bit for their stock seats, which really surprised me. My local HD store is having a take off parts sale next month. I'm going to go snoop around. Who, knows, they might make me a decent deal if I took them all. If anyone in NC or southern VA has a seat that would fit a 12 FXDWG they would let go cheap, I'd be interested.

[benlilly1]

Ikewineb, Look on Craigslist for used seats. You may get off cheaper.

[ikewineb]

I've checked Craigslist and the like. Most folks are looking at $150 - $200 for a stock seat. I have a feeling the people that have damaged and torn seats, probably don't sell them because they don't think anyone would be interested.

An interesting twist, I got an email back from Saddlman (I emailed a lot of seat companies), and they said they would sell me just the pan and foam. I'm waiting to get a quote, to see if it is reasonable. I just can't imagine I'm the only one that has wanted to cover and make a standard style seat. I'll let you guys know what they say...in case you are interested.

[paprhangr]

Once you get your Hands on one, might could make a fiberglass mold of it for making future seats

[olds cool]

Keep an eye out for local swap meets. Most guys bring in loads of stock crap and ripped up seats are usually pretty cheap.

[Uncle Fester]

I hate to be the one to point out the obviouse, but couldn't you use Kidex to make a custom seat pan?