I have torn my saddle, any suggestions?

[Muleears]

Not a major tear just a couple inches but the vinyl is old and will continue to tear. I have seen replacement covers but not one that fits the front seat of a Voyager. I'd rather not invest in a new seat if I can avoid it, too many other things I'd rather invest in. Is it worth taking to an upholsterer to patch or should I opt for a complete recover? Any ideas on costs? Or should I just save up and buy a custom seat later on? I greatly respect the suggestions I get here so someone give me some ideas

[voyager55]

I'd ask the upholster what's best. Patch might hold up ok. They'd know

[SgtSlag]

+1 to Voyager55's answer. I'd add that if the vinyl is aging poorly, then it is time to replace it (re-cover the seat with new, heavy-duty vinyl). Custom seats are typically cut to fit your specifications only -- it won't be comfortable for anyone else... Go that route if you plan on keeping it for a long while, and you will be the only driver. My wife and I switch places on long tours, so a custom seat would NOT work for us -- heights, inseams, and weights are too different.

I had a seat re-upholstered, with additional foam added, and custom shaping (not a custom seat to my measurements, however). It came out beautiful, and I loved it, but it wasn't cheap, either. Still, the marine-grade vinyl was nice, heavy, and durable. The custom piping on the seat matched the rest of the bike, so it really made it eye-catching. That was a Honda CB750, though, not a Voyager. Just some food for thought. Cheers!

[Muleears]

+1 to Voyager55's answer. I'd add that if the vinyl is aging poorly, then it is time to replace it (re-cover the seat with new, heavy-duty vinyl). Custom seats are typically cut to fit your specifications only -- it won't be comfortable for anyone else... Go that route if you plan on keeping it for a long while, and you will be the only driver. My wife and I switch places on long tours, so a custom seat would NOT work for us -- heights, inseams, and weights are too different.

I had a seat re-upholstered, with additional foam added, and custom shaping (not a custom seat to my measurements, however). It came out beautiful, and I loved it, but it wasn't cheap, either. Still, the marine-grade vinyl was nice, heavy, and durable. The custom piping on the seat matched the rest of the bike, so it really made it eye-catching. That was a Honda CB750, though, not a Voyager. Just some food for thought. Cheers!

I agree too, I think the current vinyl will continue to tear so I think another seat or at least a reupholster is in the near future. Thanks for the advice, both of you.

[debron]

Also you might check an auto/boat upholsterer specifically.

[dmwoost]

Check on bulletin boards for local guys that redo furniture stuff. that way they can custom colors for you have them to use Marine grade vinyl.

[ekap1200]

Also check out facebook's Kawasaki Voyager XXI page. There is a member parting out a bike.

[kjsett]

Also check out facebook's Kawasaki Voyager XXI page. There is a member parting out a bike.

Wow, I didn't know there was a Voyager 21 (as in 2100cc's)
Sorry, couldn't let it slide... Merry Christmas!!!

Ken and family

[SgtSlag]

Here is a link to photo's of my old CB750 with its custom upholstered seat. This might inspire you to look into recovering what you have. Price will vary, depending on the shop, and if you ask them to do more than just recover it. The Honda's seat had additional foam added. The vinyl was marine-grade; the piping was added (extra cost), and I had the diamond stitching added (extra cost), as well. Cheers!

[ekap1200]

just spoke to Dan Ellis, on the facebook ( Kawasaki Voyager XII )he will post the stock seats he has on the ava classified if he goes with a new hartco .

[Muleears]

just spoke to Dan Ellis, on the facebook ( Kawasaki Voyager XII )he will post the stock seats he has on the ava classified if he goes with a new hartco .

Thanks Gene, I have joined that page, I also have a line on a used custom seat as well. I'll get her taken care of one way or another!

[debron]

Also check out facebook's Kawasaki Voyager XXI page.

I googled "facebook kawasaki voyager xii" and came up with nothing (no facebook) in the first six pages of results. Not a problem as this was just an academic search because I don't have facebook account anyway. . . .

[voyager55]

Try Kawasaki Voyager 1200 facebook, it shows up

[kjsett]

Try Kawasaki Voyager 1200 facebook, it shows up

It could be that Ron not having an account prevented finding it. I tried the "Kawasaki Voyager 1200" and got this: KAWASAKI VOYAGER 1200/1300/1700 MALAYSIA
I don't read Malaysian, but they do have 16 members.
I then tried the "Kawasaki Voyager xii" and got the right group. So I submitted a request to join.
Got to go to work (on my '03). A little rainy, but that just reminds me of my Oregon riding days.
Be Blessed during your holidays (yes, I do say MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!)

Ken and family

PS. My sweetheart has informed me we are not taking the bikes to our son's for Xmas. At 6000ft, they have already had snow where they live a half hour east of Albuquerque, NM.