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TECHNICAL MOTOBRICK WRENCHING In Remembrance of Inge K. => The Motobrick Workshop => Topic started by: bocutter Ed on March 28, 2015, 07:22:33 PM
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In this thread http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,6011.msg39817.html#msg39817 (http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,6011.msg39817.html#msg39817) k75newb offered up a very dead Corbin Dual Touring Saddle which has been in my hands since last August. Johnny & k75newb asked for pics when I got around to the recover. And so it starts. BTW, this may take a while. :yes
This is what I'm starting with, materials wise: most of half a red cowhide, lots of cream-tan leather that was skinned off a dying couch, same for black dead-couch leather, and some white goatskin from my stash.
Here's what the coloured leather looks like on the bike.
(http://www.motobrick.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=6011.0;attach=8310;image)
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First thing is to try a few colour (yeah, Kanucklish) combos, so I traced some photos in Illustrator ...
I think I'm leaning toward going with the first one but comments would be appreciated. I could also play with the pattern, but staying with the originals seams for now.
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greetings be...
# 1 . . .
j o
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Agree with #1 -- the red isn't an good mAtch with the tank red so to use it as base color would clash...keep the red as secondary accent.
My $0.02...
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I vote for 1
Going to look great.
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I like #1, but with all the different colors, all of them look a bit too busy. On the other hand, that busy thing is very hip right now.
I would like to see a choice where the piping is done in black, and just the center of the seat is done in tan or maybe red if its a good match for the paint(can't tell on my monitor).
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#3 then dye the whole thing black :neener:
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Chaos is right...it's busy and I don't see the red as a good match at all.
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I still like #1 best too.
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About the red ...
The bike is an '87, so that red should be Marakesh Red. The tank is faded big time. It also has a really beeeg dent on the right top side like somebody dropped a 2x4 on it. The tank may be replaced or repainted at some point. The leather's red is close but not an exact match* to the red whats under the seat.
*I doubt that there is any way to get an exact match. With different substrates and different pigments the colours will react differently under different lighting. BTW, I've 35 years in the print business and my company specialized in matching colour work, things like fine art reproductions, short run art gallery catalogs, Chromalin matches for magazine progressive proofs, etc. Twas good while it lasted, then digital came in.
I'm not normally a big fan of flash/bling, so #1 was a departure from my usual. 3 & 4 are too blah even for me.
What do you think of these somewhat toned down 2-colour versions?
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I'm liking that two tone with the red. Not too busy, maybe even a little classy.
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87 did not offer Marakesh Red. Your bike was what I think was called "Lava Red", a drop dead gorgeous dark red metallic that quickly faded to orange and even light pink, and faded very un-evenly at that. Marakesh was introduced in 88, a non metallic and lighter, brighter red. Here's my K in it's original glory, and my LS that I think was the Marakesh red.
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I'm liking that two tone with the red. Not too busy, maybe even a little classy.
+1
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Wow, can my Corbin seat be redone in Canada? Mice (or possibly sguirrels) trashed it... :dunno2:
Who, who? I only want all black - but for less than the price of a new seat. Corbin wants almost new seat price to recover - and $us + shipping, ugh
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Yes, you can. I had my corbin recovered:
http://k75retro.blogspot.ca/2013/12/seat-is-complete.html
Inexpensive and in full leather.
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#05 red/black is my favorite. I agree the 3-color variants are too busy. I also wonder if the tan would get grimy or stained easily.
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Thanks Robert, what did they charge for the seat recovering?
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$CDN 230 if I recall properly.
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Thanks Robert - that's a good deal.
Been trying to connect to their website for a few hours, no luck...
I'll keep trying :bmwsmile
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I need to fix a tear in mine, on the front band. I think there is actually enough slack with the frontmost piece to be fixed and re-riveted. Been meaning to take it to an upholsterer.
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I got a price of $250 US to recover a custom seat in black leather in Delaware, another guy there gave me a price of $300. I'm going to try a boating upholsterer -- JO mentioned they may be cheaper.
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For some of these, you might be able to get a cobbler/luggage repair guy to do them. I was planning to take my seat to a local shoe guy in my hometown who has done some work on my leathers. This is probably more the case for patches than full re-covers though.
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Puch forum buddy of mine dropped off his portable Rex sewing machine with walking foot last week, so will get started on this soon, soon as I finish the wok top box kitchen ...
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Just for reference I had a guy in Albany recover my LT seat for for $200 USD.
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I like #1. The red may not match but the seat looks classy like that. So with a leather seat, what would you do for "wet" riding? I have a stock seat(vinyl), and it is the most comfortable seat I have ever had on a motorcycle! The only thing I don't like about it is it is "slippery". It will need to be reupholstered soon. So I am curious about different covers. How do you treat leather to make it waterproof?
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I have a leather seat and I haven't done a thing to it except maybe Lexol too infrequently to make a different. If it gets wet, it dries out -- I lived and rode I. Seattle rain or shine for years. Never had a problem. It's lasted 12 years, started cracking a little after 10. Actually, it's not even the leather that's failing...it's the stitching.
I'll get it recovered again in black leather, but this time I'm treating my ass to a gel pack.
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Thanks bocutter, never connected with your upholsterer - found a local guy who recovered my seat for $225, looks just like the Corbin but it's done in Skidoo seat material.
Cheers, Lorne