Motorcycle enthusiasts with older bikes often take the time to replace some parts to keep the machine looking nice and running well. One of the most common DIY projects involves replacing the motorcycle seat cover. Learning how to replace your motorcycle seat cover isn’t that difficult. It does, however, call for some level of dedication.
With that in mind, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to replace your motorcycle seat cover with the help of a sewing machine.
Note: If you don’t want to use a sewing machine, there are readily available seat covers you can buy. Many seat covers, such as CoverMyMoto Seat Covers, have been designed to serve you well in hot climates.
These motorcycle seat covers have a unique design that works well with motorcycles, ATVs, and scooters. This is a new and revolutionary product that would work perfectly well if you want to simply replace your old motorcycle seat cover with a newer, better option.
Necessary Tools and Materials for Replacing a Motorcycle Seat Cover
As with any DIY project, it’s best to gather all the necessary tools before starting the job. These are the tools you will need to successfully replace the seat cover on your old motorcycle.
Tools
✔ A familiar sewing machine (or hire a tailor)
✔ A sharp pair of scissors for thick materials
✔ Staple gun
✔ Sewing tools: tailor’s chalk, pin needles, clothespins, measuring tape, etc.
✔ Your motorcycle toolkit
Materials
✔ New seat fabric (preferably water-resistant and durable, like synthetic leather)
✔ Spray adhesive or double-sided tape
✔ Synthetic thread
Step 1: Remove the Worn-Out Fabric
To remove the old fabric, you’ll first need to remove the seat. Depending on your motorcycle model, you may need a special wrench to unscrew a nut at the back of the seat, or you might be able to unlock it using your motorcycle key.
Once the seat is removed, check how the fabric is attached—most often, it’s secured with staples or hooks. Remove the old cover carefully, keeping it as intact as possible. This will serve as a template for cutting the new fabric.
Step 2: Prepare the New Fabric
Cutting the new fabric requires precision and patience. If you removed the old cover carefully, you already have a ready-made template.
However, if you used scissors to remove the fabric, leave an extra 10mm allowance around the edges to ensure a proper fit. This extra fabric will provide enough room for adjustments.
If your seat has symmetrical sections, cut them carefully so that both sides match.
Sewing Instructions:
- Cut out all necessary pieces based on the old fabric.
- Sew two outer pieces together 10mm from the edges with the outer faces facing each other.
- Fold it out and sew two parallel lines 4-5mm from the middle to reinforce it.
- Finish with a zig-zag stitch in the middle for extra durability.
While this process may seem simple, it requires accuracy and patience. If you prefer, you can hand over the fabric to a tailor for a professional touch.
Step 3: Attach the New Seat Cover
Once the new fabric is ready (either sewn by you or your tailor), it’s time to fit it back onto the seat.
To prevent the fabric from shifting over time, use an adhesive to secure it to the foam. You have two options:
✔ Spray adhesive – Strong and long-lasting, but difficult to adjust if you make a mistake.
✔ Double-sided tape – Easier to adjust if needed, but may not be as strong as spray adhesive.
Apply the adhesive of your choice, then carefully attach the fabric from the center outward. Stretch it evenly to avoid wrinkles and ensure a smooth, snug fit.
Once the fabric is in place, pull it tightly over the seat edges and secure it with a staple gun or reattach hooks using pliers. Ensure that the fabric is taut and evenly secured to prevent loose spots or creases.
Final Steps: Reinstall and Test
After securing the cover, reattach the seat to your motorcycle. Take a quick test ride to check for comfort and fit.
✔ If the fabric feels loose, tighten it further by adding more staples or adhesive.
✔ If the seat doesn’t feel right, consider making minor adjustments or redoing the process for a better fit.
Upgrade Your Seat the Easy Way
If you want to avoid all the hassle of sewing and installing a new cover, consider using a CoverMyMoto™ Seat Cover. These premium seat covers are designed for motorcycles, ATVs, and scooters, offering durability, weather resistance, and a stylish finish.
Check out CoverMyMoto Seat Covers for a quick and hassle-free way to upgrade your ride today!