Cyril Huze Blog » Seats

Embossed Italian Leather Seat. Sweet.

Cyril Huze — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 10:59:00 +0000

LePera is now offering virtually any of their unique seat designs covered with Italian Embossed Premium grade Leather.

The embossed leather is available black or tan in several patterns. Shown here is their black tribal pattern featured on the King Cobra seat with black leather sides.

As shown the seat retails for $612.00. For complete pricing, style, design and application details call 818-767-5110 or visit LePera.

Kalin Custom Motorcycle Seats

Cyril Huze — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:40:20 +0000

Sometimes I think that I know all vendors in the business. Until I discover a new company that I never heard of although in business longer than I have been. Kalin has made custom seats in Connecticut during the last 30 years! And when you look at their online portfolio you can even see how custom seats have evolved during 3 decades. They have done everything in leather and exotic skins, from smooth to embroidered to embossed. Starting from your seat pan, they even accept to modify your existing seat, something that few upholstery shops accept to do. Kalin Motorcycle Seats.

Last Ride Custom Seat

Cyril Huze — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 11:18:42 +0000

Fast, the picture of the most recent seat completed by Adam Croft at Last Ride Customs. Great hand-tooled job.

His work and those of other airbrush, tattoo and skateboard artists are exhibited until September 29 at Street Art Exhibition in Decatur, Illinois. Decatur Arts.

Gel Seat. Thank You From The Bottom Of My Ass…

Cyril Huze — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:02:13 +0000

Joe Bonnello is a friend of the crew at Saddlemen. With 4 other friends he did a ride that I would really like to do, up to the highest roads in the world in the northwestern Himalaya mountains. The bikes used were India-made Royal Enfields Motorcycles and when Joe and group reached the highest road peak he wrote to Saddlemen “The shocks on those Enfields are simply non-existent. Without the seat gel we would have not survived.Thank you from the bottom of my ass..…”.

Ready To Order Complete Chopper Solo Seats

Cyril Huze — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:02:13 +0000

Paughco realized that many of you would like to get a cool solo seat without having to fabricate a steel pan then visit an upholstery shop to dress it in leather. So, check out some of Paughco’s new additions to their popular line of seats. They are designed for use with many factory style frame and most custom applications. Hand crafted from some of the finest hides and riveted to a beautifully finished chrome steel seat pan. All Paunch seats shown feature feature a beautifully braided trim with custom embossed flame patterns, smooth finish or braided insert. All custom mounting hardware, bracket & springs, are included. They are very reasonably priced starting at just $231.95! Call 775-246-5738 or visit Paughco.

Lightning Rod Hand-Tooled Seat

Cyril Huze — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 03:20:48 +0000

Like paint jobs, custom seats can make or break your bike. Loving hand-tooled seats I will not miss an opportunity to show you what I like. Another fine example created for a new bike built by Steve Carr and Rick Bonin at Lighting Rod Motorcycles. It is a collaboration between Kevin Baas for the hand formed steel pan and Duane Ballard for the leather hand-tooling featuring the shop name/ logo and stitching.

Send me good pics of what you have seen or done, and I will publish…if I agree.

Bikers. It’s Official. Distressed Leather Look Is Back.

Cyril Huze — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:42:27 +0000

What is dictating what we wear when we ride? Of course the weather and the distance to be ridden. But also the type of motorcycle we ride. After the big chopper/beanie craze, and because most of what goes on the road has a retro feel, welcome to the Bobber/Brown “Distressed Leather” fashion statement.

Even Harley-Davidson embraces the vintage trend, not only with its new models but also by launching new accessories inspired by the WWII look. Harley just launched brown “untreated” accessories like seats, saddlebags, sissy pads and I am sure, much more to come. Harley states that “each is styled to impart the minimalistic style of a garage-built custom and that the supple untreated leather surfaces will age and weather like a vintage bomber jacket for a warm and comfortable feel”. I just went to my closet and I still have mine more distressed than ever and begging for a vintage ride. You have 3 years to wear this look, not more. Because in fashion, like in the custom motorcycle industry, trends change constantly. Especially when “Motor Boy Subculture” is for sale at your favorite Harley Dealer.

Best 2009 Custom Hand-Tooled Motorcycle Seat

Cyril Huze — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:45:55 +0000

Soon in Sturgis Billy Lane will ride around town on his new custom-built Crocker motorcycle.

For his seat, Billy worked with master seat maker Adam Croft at Last Ride Customs. Here the gorgeous result. Because of the extensive hand tooling work involved (wish I could show you a larger picture to demonstrate the intricate details) I consider it the best custom seat of the year. And of course, it’s only my opinion…(I am certain I missed a few…)

Paul Cox Intricate Leather Seats

Cyril Huze — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:44:06 +0000

His leather work, especially the one of his intricate hand-tooled seats, was very well known in the industry before Paul Cox became a celebrated custom motorcycle builder. And Paul is still at it with top quality leather and designs. Considered one of the best in his field, each seat project is unique, presenting new challenges and requirements. His very cool seats can be inspired only by very cool custom bikes…if you know what I mean. To see more of his work, go to Paul Cox Industries. If you’d like to discuss a project, call 347-689-9556.

LePera Seats New Catalog

Cyril Huze — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:57:30 +0000

Leather, vinyl, metal flake vinyl and many other exotic custom styles are since 1972 the specialy of LePera Seats. Hot off the press, Le Pera’s latest catalog is every bit as stylish and well thought out as the company’s legendary seats. The table top quality directory to premium custom seating opens with a tribute to industry icon, Bob Le Pera Sr. who left us last November. You can read an extremely interesting history that follows the amazingly successful, family owned and operated business, from its opening 37 years ago present. Thumbing through the beautiful and informative directory, you’re treated to page after colorful page of some of the finest in custom, contemporary and traditional seating. Fine leathers, hides, carbon fiber design, Gator, Serpernt Stingray, Ostrich and even Old School Metalflake adorn each page. Inlays bordered with intricate pinstrip stitching, nostalgic ribbed and Tribal embossed set the Le Pera line of in a league of their own. You can get your hands this catalog by calling on my behalf 818-767-5110 or visiting them on the Web at LePera Seats.

Last Ride Customs Hand Tooled Seats

Cyril Huze — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 16:02:24 +0000

Another good address in Michigan for all your custom seat needs. As in most good upholstery shops, it’s the boss himself who is going to hand make and stitch your seat or bag.
Adam Croft just redid his website and shows you a wide selection of his awesome seats ordered by the custom builders who are household names. And remember, there is no great custom bikes without great custom upholstery Last Ride Customs.

Café Racer Custom Seat

Cyril Huze — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 01:22:47 +0000

I told you several times that Café Racers are back. And the best in the seat business begin to receive orders to fit the new ones built around the country. For example seat master Duane Ballard got a request early this month from Bill Dodge at Blings Cycles to form a seat for his new Café Racer project. Most café style seats are just made out of a piece of foam, covered with vinyl and attached with snaps. Duane has created a full seat, starting off with a custom pan, then shaped and formed the foam for maximum comfort. The top of this one is made out of 7 oz #1 grade cowhide that can be tooled with anything you desire. The sides are #1 grade cowhide and include snaps needed to attach the seat to the tail section. Visit Duane Custom Leather or call 603-377-0517.

Solo Seats By Biltwell

Cyril Huze — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:32:18 +0000

Biltwell co-founder Chris Collins created his seat pans to be both functional and comfortable. The shape and curvature of the company solo seat was hand hammered to include a narrow profile, a short, supportive nose, gently sloping sides and a subtle rear kick to keep you from sliding off your ride. The pan is stamped from heavy gauge high-tensile steel and features ribs and indents for added rigidity and stiffness. The four threaded mounting bosses are TIG welded into position and the entire seat pan is powder coated for beauty and weatherproofing.

The foam inside the upholstered solo seats is custom-molded, medium-density polyurethane padding. Not a shapeless wedge of open-cell foam. What’s the difference? You will know for sure after a 150-mile ride. Molded foam will hold its shape long after the cheap padding inside most solo seats has compressed into oblivion. Two cover styles are available: “diamond tuck” and “tuck-and-roll”. Each style is available in black or white vinyl. Covered seats cost $129. The raw pan with foam is $77. Order at Biltwell.

Saddlemen New Universal Teardrop Smooth Saddlebags

Cyril Huze — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:51:19 +0000

Today’s cruisers are streamlined and need bags with a matching feel. For a modern look, a teardrop shape is the name of the game. Besides looking great, the streamlined shape allows stock turn signal locations to be used, eliminating some of the hassle of mounting other saddlebags. These bags include solid adjustable mounting brackets and hardware needed to fit most popular cruisers, including those with hard to fit forward mounted turn signals. Unique forward opening lid stays open for easy access to the bag’s interior space and freeing up both hands for loading your gear. Rigid bag construction holds its shape even when empty. Lockable twist lock closures and padlocks included Chrome saddlebag supports and mounting hardware are included, so you don’t have to buy anything else. Saddlemen.(V-Twin Expo Booth 357)

Leather Solo Bags For Whatever You ride

Cyril Huze — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 12:50:09 +0000

Solo bags are making a big come back. Why? Not only because of the retro trend but because real bikers ride a lot and want to make their pit stops as enjoyable as possible. But a lot of junk bags on the market are not holding their promise of keeping their shape and enduring the weather. These ones, hand made by Robert at Garage Leathers are made out of heavyweight leathers (your choice a color), attach easily on & off with 4 straps (no brackets necessary), and great news are available for almost anything you can ride on 2 wheels. Stock Harley Softails, Sportsters, Dynas, Pans, Shovels, and any rigid frames. What can I add? Robert is very nice guy, top notch at what he does, and offers one of the fastest turnaround in the upholstery business. Personalization of your solo bag is encouraged and Robert will also make for matching pouches. Call on my behalf. 888-917-6789, or visit Garage Leathers.

Custom Seat For Harley-Davidson Crossbones

Cyril Huze — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 21:25:10 +0000

This new custom seat for Harley-Davidson Crossbones is an all leather direct bolt on application. It uses all the original OEM hardware & springs. Lowers the seat height by 2 inch and has built-in curve for back support, with a base made from nine-gauge steel. Black with gray top stitch. Custom colors & hand tooling upon request. New-York City Choppers.

Extreme Leather Tooling Art

Cyril Huze — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:44:49 +0000

His name is Josh Ellingson. He was discovered” not a long time ago by Miles and Lorrie Brown of “Evil Twin Motorsickle” a custom motorcycles shop in beautiful Alberta, Canada. They first met him at a farmers market where Josh had a small table displaying some of the items he had made in his spare time to enhance his income. Small items like dog collars, watch staps and belts. Immediately they recognized Josh’s untapped raw skills and on the spot commissionned him for a seat & bags for a custom project that Mikes & Lorrie are currently building. Here the result, leather tooling at its best with a quality of details and a style I never seen before (wish I could publish big size pictures). Josh doesnt have yet a website to show his extreme leather tooling art, but you can contact him at dr.skinstitcher@hotmail.com or call 403-748-3909.

Mesinger Racer Seat. You can’t find one. Make one.

Cyril Huze — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:27:00 +0000

With its base in wood, its bicycle look, the Mesinger Seat was standard equipment on race motorcycles during the teens & twenties. And you would love to find an original one for your restoration or new old school bobber or boardtracker project. You could spend years with no success just looking for one. Don’t despair. A good upholstery shop can make a repro for you, patina on cowhide included, but only if you can show him or her a good picture. So, this image is my gift to you to help you get a period correct one and help all the good upholstery shops make a little bit of money.

Duane Ballard Handmade Tool Bags

Cyril Huze — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:15:46 +0000

You already know about the quality of Duane Ballard’s work, especially his hand-tooled seats that I already featured here. Because of the customization old school trend, the tool bag is getting popular again…and is re-discovered as a must on our bikes to carry a few wrenches and spark plugs we may need from time to time. Right? So, Duane wants you to know that he can custom make a tool bag for your bike in any size and shape to match your custom seat. His bag work is crafted for your tool bag to retain its shape whatever you want to store in it. Get creative about the design you want, then call Duane on my behalf at 603-781-7505 or visit first his website at Duane Ballard Leather.

Gator Solo Bobber Seat

Cyril Huze — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:52:09 +0000

Spring mounted Bobber solo seats are not necessary very comfortable, but at least you can make them look beautiful. I like this Gator style seat (as matter of fact, it’s embossed leather) sold complete with it’s steel pan to which are welded 4 mounting bolts (2 in front for hinge mount, 2 in rear for springs or just bolt to frame and rear fender. Comes in black and many other colors. Reasonably priced at $385.00. Anvil Customs.

Duane Ballard Hand Tooled Seat

Cyril Huze — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 21:40:58 +0000

Hand tooling leather is an old technique craft. With the return of the retro looking bikes, hand tooled seats are in popular demand. But not all upholstery shops are able to do them correctly. One of the best is Duane Ballard who, since many years, is a master at the art of stamping, lacing and oiling leather. His most recent seat featured here was done for a Vet in Texas. Be aware that it takes more time to do a hand tooled seat than a regular one. That almost any design/lettering is possible but you need to give very clear indications at the time of briefing. Because of the labor involved, no re-do or change of mind. Ok? When you are ready, contact him via his website where you can see fine examples of his work.Duane Ballard.

Crack Attack Pinstripe Seat

Cyril Huze — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:08:03 +0000

You are on a budget, need a pinstripe seat to complement the stripes of your paint job and will not settle for less than top grain leather A sleek low profile looking seat that follows the lines of your bike and is electronically stitched for perfection and consistency every time. Fitments include: 2000-up FXST, FLST models except the FLSTN and Deuce. This seat does NOT fit 2006-up models with a 200 mm rear tire. Price: $159.95. Mammoth Choppers.

Last Ride Hand-Tooled Leather Seats

Cyril Huze — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 15:16:03 +0000

Last Ride Customs has made quite a few seats for the custom builders having a household name. As a matter of fact, all the seats are made by Adan Croft himself. His upholstery shop specializes in hand-tool seats made using the best tools and leathers (both are very important). A one-off hand-tooled seat is never cheap, but it can make or break an old school bike. So, you are better off working with one of the best in the business. Last Ride Custom Saddles.

Harley-Davidson Rocker Passenger Riding Position

Cyril Huze — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:50:48 +0000

I have built a custom swingarm bike (named Stardust) where the rear fender was attached (welded) to the swingarm. Advantage: you can place the fender very close to the tire which always look better (like with a hardtail frame). Of course, the solo seat pan must be off the rear fender with enough clearance for the swingarm/fender to move freely. But Stardust was a solo seat bike. This picture shows the new 2008 Harley Rocker FXCWC being ridden with a passenger. I like the new Harley Rocker, but as a designer, I have difficulties assimilating this passsenger riding position. For me, the new Harley Rocker should be a solo seat bike. Your reaction?

Do-It-Yourself Leather Solo Seat Kit.

Cyril Huze — Sat, 05 May 2007 12:34:13 +0000

For $ 67.50 you can get all what you need to create that seat you have always wanted. The kit comes complete with 1 Piece of 3/16"exxtra thick smooth finish natural tan domestic "A" grade tooling leather, 1 piece of high density seat foam, 1 piece of medium density seat foam, 25 solid brass screw rivets in either natural solid brass or nickel plated finish, 4 oz bottle of black/tan/brown or mahogany leather dye & 4 oz of acrylic leather color sealer to prevent any color rub off. What you will have to do? Finish cut the leather and form the foam into the shape you desire, drill the pan and punch the leather to accept the screws. This kit and other options are available online at Guilty Customs.

Duane Ballard Hand Tooled Seats

Cyril Huze — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 12:54:15 +0000

I already gave you a couple of good addresses to have your seat hand tooled. Here is another one. As always, the roster of clients says a lot about the quality of work you can expect. Duane Ballard custom makes seats for some of the best motorcycle builders of the industry: Dave Perewitz, Hank Young, Cole Foster, and Greg Westbury to name a few. Now, remember that if distance from your location is never an issue (Duane is based in New Hampshire), no upholstery shop will be able to work on your seat without you providing a seat pan. It doesn’t matter if your pan is in steal, fiberglass, plastic, carbon fiber, polypan, etc. Then you will need to talk to Duane himself since all his seats are one-off and done by himself. Duane Ballard Custom Leather.

Roland Sands Vintage Conversion Kit For Harley Softails

Cyril Huze — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 18:43:33 +0000

Roland Sands Design has expanded their widely popular Vintage Conversion Kit to include new fender and seat kits that accommodate a 200mm rear tire on stock Softails. The new product builds on the successful Roland Sands Vintage line, while eliminating the need for costly wide-wheel conversions. These two new kits carry the same vintage look of the Sands Vintage Handlebars, Vintage Gas Tank and Cap, and the Sands Vintage Cover Line. The 200mm Vintage Seat Kit fits all 2000-2006 stock Softails and includes a hand laid fiberglass battery cover, CNC machined billet aluminum seat pivot, laser cut steel seat pan support, stainless steel “torsion” seat springs, stainless steel spring perches, hydro formed steel seat pan and all necessary hardware. The Vintage Seat Kit retails for $599.95. The 200mm Vintage Fender Kit is designed to be used on OEM Harley Davidson Softail frames from 1990-2007 accommodating any tire up to 200mm. (180mm tire has to be used on 18” x 5.5” rear wheel, 200mm tire on an 18” x 5.5” to 6” rear wheel). The kit includes CNC machined billet aluminum fender struts, one piece formed, 14-gauge steel fender and all necessary hardware. The RSD Vintage Fender Kit retails for $899.95. Both kits are manufactured in the U.S.A. by Performance Machine, Inc. Roland Sands Design.

Close Up On Alligator Bob Seat

Cyril Huze — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 23:29:26 +0000

I never worked with Alligator Bob, one of the masters of upholstery work for custom bikes. The reason is that I am very faithful to my vendors and never change if I am satisfied by their work. So, it means that I know a lot of good people that I never used but that I respect a lot just by looking at their production. Alligator Bob custom makes seats and bags in many different styles, materials and skins and shows a great sense of design by the way he lays out his pattern. Like with all upholstery shops if you live far away from his shop in Illinois, you will have to send your seat pan (you can make it out of poured fiberglass, or have a custom shop make it for you locally). Then he will cut the foam (at your specific comfort zone), then will propose to you one of his exotic skins or fine leather or even vinyl. Intricate work as on this picture and hand tooling for pure retro look are also in his wide range of skills. Alligator Bob.

Alu, Black & Blue

Cyril Huze — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 15:50:03 +0000

I am not much in bolt-on seats for any custom bike, but I must admit that there are a few available that I could use on my bobbers to both look great and save a lot of money.

Not necessary to wait for the boat coming from China with its new load of flakes vinyl seats. Flyrite Choppers has one of the best selection of spring solo seats with unusual patterns at a very reasonable prices.

The seats are made in the USA by the boys of Flyrite. This one, for example, is 13" x 9.5" (my preferred seat size) in brushed aluminum (love it), black & metallic blue. Sold with all the hardware: 2 springs, bracket, bolts, nuts & washers. Does your Bobber deserve one? On their site, quite a few other cool parts for all your Chopper or Bobber needs.

How To Make A Custom Motorcycle Seat

Cyril Huze — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:59:45 +0000

Every day, I receive numerous calls with requests about custom seats. Can you do one for me? (no, if I don’t have the bike with me). Can you do the seat pan? (no again, if I don’t have your bike with me). How much? (I don’t know because I don’t know what you want). Can you tell me how to do a seat pan? To this one, the answer is yes, yes, yes. And to know how to do it, you will not have to call me anymore. My upholstery shop is Jeffrey Phipps Custom Saddles. Jeff does all my seats upholstery with a seat pan that we make and provide to him. Jeff can make your seat pan (I repeat, only if you give him your bike), or if not, his website tells you how to make your own fiberglass pan.Then send it to him for a 1st class seat. For instructions and material necessary Log on to Jeffrey Phipps.