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[bryanmartin]

Hi everyone. I'm looking to make a new seat for my Harley. I know there are many different types of leather for different applications, I'm wondering which would be best for this, and possible suppliers. Thoughts?

[Mikesimpson]

I've been curious about this as well. I've had a couple of guys ask me about reshaping the foam on their stock seats and making a new cover. Most of the motorcycle seats I've seen are actually vinyl and not leather. Hopefully someone can chime in on this that actually knows what they are doing haha. I would think any quality marine vinyl would make great material for a cover. I recently saw some marine vinyl that is sold in black that is supposed to stay cool to the touch sitting in the direct sun. That would be a pretty sweet option.

[sandmanred]

I've done a few motorcycle seats mostly for myself. A few in marine vinyl as recommended by one local supplier. A few in upholstery vinyl, those are the ones that I've had the longest and have held up just fine. My bikes are parked in the garage most of time and don't spend a ton of time in the sun. I've had one leather seat that I did myself, it was formed rather than stitched. Even with several coats of waterproofing leather product it would still soak up water and get stained if it got wet.

If it's a daily rider I'd stick with marine vinyl. If it's mostly for show and won't get wet leather sure looks nice.

[John]

Yeah I agree with @sandmanred It depends on the application. Leather doesn't hold up as well to the elements. If thats not a concern any automotive grade leather will work. I am not aware of any leather specific to motorcycle seats.