Essential Mods for the Kawasaki Z900RS Part Two: Luimoto Vintage Seat Cover Install

[@pards92]

Am a rider from the Philippines who has a brother living in Surrey, BC. Your mod to your Zed900RS particularly to your seat created a fashion statement. Now more heads do turn when it's parked! 👍✌🤗 Ride safe bro!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Cool, ID. Thanks.

[@badbug69]

Great job, it's nice to see someone being so honest about how hard it can be, with something that at first glance may look easy. Nice one.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks. Glad I did it, but never again!

[@AjGalloway95]

Hated the seat at first but I love it

[@luciabaker2045]

Great job on the installation. Definitely looks like a two person job! Looks amazing.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks Lucia. I really like the way it looks - the quilted diamond pattern is classy.

[@philippstahl4509]

"I got blisters on my fingers" Ringo says that after playing "Helter Skelter" fifteen times. ;-)

[@bryanstoll7104]

I'm liking it!

[@darylnoble5711]

Excellent work! I did add a black radiator cover (removing the silver sidings) and replaced the front fender sides with carbon fiber for a bit darker look.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Any pics?:-)

[@darylnoble5711]

@@BlueMarbleRider Yes but I’m having a time trying to figure out sending pics via KZbin duh

[@andrewedmond7738]

More patience than me by the sounds of it! Nice job mate. Stay healthy.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

I think I used up my life's supply of patience on that one...As far as the C word, so far so good. Same you, Andrew.

[@TheMudslug]

Looks great nice job.

[@bigal6684]

I'm afraid that with my patience level, I'd have the neighbors sending Johnny Law to lock me up from all the cursing if I tried this! I'd agree with having a local upholsterer tackle it. The seat cover does look very classy in that shade with the diamond quilt pattern.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Cheers. Yes I'm still recovering!

[@brookcampbell2940]

I’ll pay the local upholsterer! I looks great though, well done.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Definitely get someone to do it for you unless you grow two more arms and have access to tranquilizers on an industrial scale. :-)

[@brookcampbell2940]

BlueMarbleRider well...I may not purchase the Z. Triumph unveils the 2021 Bonneville line up with "performance" improvements at 0700 on 2-23-21. I'm hoping for a Speed Twin R or RS. If nothing, the. Getting a CandyTone Z. Hey can you give an update on the Enfield 865 Big Bore Kit review? Still interested.

[@thenigelfinley1]

My seat goes to the upholstery shop for sure.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Very wise! :)

[@thenigelfinley1]

@@BlueMarbleRider I do need extra padding on my 2021 Z900 RS. My behind starts hurting after an hour ride.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

I have slightly lower bars, which get me sitting forward a little on the low seat, and this has improved comfort, although more padding is always welcome. Cheers - and cute Westie!

[@thenigelfinley1]

@@BlueMarbleRider Thanks, his name was Nigel and passed year and a half ago. Heartbroken for ever.

[@markellott5620]

Definitely one for the professionals. I believe they make a suede black version which would look nice.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

The suede black one was a serious contender for me. Retrospectively glad I didn't because putting the moisture barrier on underneith would have been an added complication that may have got me a one way trip to the local asylum...:-) The alternative would be to go over the original seat cover - there is enough material in the cover and length in the strap to do that, and you know it's waterproof. Cheers.

[@pierremartin9048]

Thanks for the heads up to 3rd party it to a pro. Great craftsmanship though. Not sure about the brown colour, but that is just a personal choice. Nice work.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Agree on the colour. Probably going to get the luimoto in black...and give it to an upholsterer! Cheers.

[@daninthepan]

Looks awesome but thanks: I think you talked me out of doing a job beyond my patience level. (Enjoying the vids).

[@BlueMarbleRider]

No worries! I know my limitations; it's waaaaay beyond my skill level. Cheers.

[@stablestoic1491]

I dig the diamond pattern. Personally I probably would have opted for the black leathers

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes, I think it would fabulous in the black diamond too.

[@elwood62]

Looks good, and good job. You have, however, convinced me to never try it myself.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

then my job is done! :-)

[@mikemcclernon1723]

I want this vidi played at my funeral.

[@thewanderingsquid8387]

lol

[@brianw391]

Looks awesome! Let me know if you're selling, for real! I'm in Okanagan and searching for a black RS right now.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks Brian. Presently I don't have any plans to sell her, still got lots of mods I want to do. But good luck with the search. Cheers.

[@lcdubs7847]

I love the pattern, but I'm not a fan of the colour on a black bike. I think the black cover would've been nicer.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes, I'm still torn on it too. May go for the black patterned one next. Cheers.

[@ldisipio]

Hello! Thank you for the accuracy and honesty of your video! You make us feel how you love this bike! i'm thinking about buying a z900 rs and I'd like to ask you about the seat: this one on the video is the reduced reach, isn't it? If so, a part from the height, is there any other difference? Is it shorter? why did you change with the standard? would you recommend it? May I even ask you, if a 5/6 hours ride is confortable with this bike? Many many thanks for your answers!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Hi, Luigi: I appreciate the feedback. I think, compared to Europe, all the seats in North America are the lower variety. I don't know for sure, or why that is, but many people have commented on that. The seat is comfortable for a couple of hours, but 5 or 6 would be a stretch without a break. Cheers. BMR.

[@NVK85]

I liked black one more. Not sure why, maybe because bike is black too, but new brown seat stands out too much imho.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

For sure it's not for every one. There is a plain black diamond one and a black suede quilted diamond seat too. Worth a look. Cheers.

[@R3RLEE]

Sorry but looks so much better with the black seat, maybe with the orange colour bike it would look better!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

No problem, Lee. You could be right on that one. Eventually the colour of the bike will be changed to an original Z1 colour scheme...so perhaps it will match better then :-)

[@mmaaddict78]

You did a nice job on the seat. I'm going to stick with the stock on mine(seems like way too much work!). Have you considered some bar end mirrors? I just installed the Puig Trackers on mine and love them(had to buy the adapters for Kawi bars). The bike looks very nice in black with the brown seat. Mine is the rootbeer or jaffa variant. Keep up the great vids!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks. Yes I am looking at some bar ends by Rizoma...But they are incredibly expensive - $200 per mirror! I'm finding it hard to justify 500 with shipping taxes and adaptors - that's the price of a great drone, or some lovely CNC bling bits! Why was I born with expensive taste :-)

[@PappyfromtheKeys]

Does this cover fit both the standard and Ergo seat styles?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

I can't give you a difinitive answer on that, as I haven't seen the ergo seat. But, I believe the ergo seat is one inch higher than stock. If that is the case, we're looking at roughly two inches more covering needed on the sides - that would be close. I trimmed off a fair amount on the stock cover (3/4 inch either side) and still had and 1.25 inches left. I would email luimoto and ask. They're pretty quick at replying. Cheers, and good luck. (My mum in law lives in the keys - love it down there!).

[@PappyfromtheKeys]

@@BlueMarbleRider The Ergo seat is actually around 1" lower and is a bit more narrow at the front. What I do not know is the outline of the seat panel that is designed into the cover. Thanks for the video though.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

@@PappyfromtheKeys In that case there will be plenty of material, but like you say, the pan shape might be different - although I would be surprised if it was - it still has to butt up to the tank at the front and meet/cover the top of the side panels. Have tried this question on the Z900RS forum? Someone on there will know for sure. Cheers and good luck.

[@stevebarnes5822]

I'd prefer the black to be honest.

[@orobiller1]

Nice job my man! And I want to thank you because I have none of those skills so I will not be taking this on with mine. Looks gorgeous!! Next mod?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

No problem, I took one for the team, but I now know my limits and upholstery is more than this man can handle. Wise decision on your part. Next mod - I'll hint at that one in my next vid. Cheers.

[@mitchpeddicord3715]

A heat gun would have made short work of shaping the vinyl.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks - I didn't think of that - I could have used that info a year ago. Cheers!

[@petertaylor2148]

That counts me out .. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😍😍🤣

[@1dancier]

I thought the 900 was well specked, no mods needed, a guy at work has the cafe racer version.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

It is well specked. I just wanted to start with an RS and add my own stuff. The first year (when I bought mine) the Cafe was only available in Green up here...and it was too green for me:-) Also the bars are lower and I think the bike is slightly lower overall. Sharp looking bike though! Cheers.

[@pcgkjrn]

👍

[@dougg1075]

Looks good but I would have went black

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Me too...in hindsight :-) Possibly in the future.

[@scottybaccus]

You must not want us to see it clearly because you kept the camera moving, instead of just letting us take it in for a moment.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Just hit pause. 👍

[@briantouchette3564]

The bike was beautiful until that God awful brown seat cover went on.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Now you know :-) You should see the colour I'm going to paint it. LOL

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

No, just no, never doing that ever!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

You are a wise man!

[@philalbion867]

Brown seat? Never in a million years. Hideous.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes it gets strong opinions both ways. For me a black diamond would be great too. But the brown is doing it for me. Thanks for your thoughts.

[@philalbion867]

@@BlueMarbleRider I.didnt mean to sound too critical. The colour is a matter of personal choice I suppose. You did a great job and I enjoy the vids. Keep em coming

[@GBMatthew07]

Not liking that at all the original looks so much better.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Appreciate the feedback. Cheers.

[@bradleyb.425]

A pleather seat cover is an essential mod? 🙄

[@suertedeti6404]

You just fault it up.

[@malexder0082]

Not much point tp making a video that purports to show a seat cover install that doesn't actually show the job being done while telling me not to do the job myself. What a waste.

[@richmontminy3079]

MichAlex Oh I disagree MichAlex. First, there is no way he could have filmed the entire 5 hour process in a way that is easily digestible. Secondly, he gave quite a good account of how he managed to do the work, and why this should probably not be attempted on a whim. Lastly, people viewing this video are doing so because they are wondering “can I tackle this job myself?” This clearly answers that question and may very well save someone from attempting a job they shouldn’t. Good video. 👍

[@davemonday5381]

What have you done. That’s horrible. Only the colour, why brown. The shame of it.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

"The horror! The horror!" (Kurtz). Each to their own. It's an interesting mod, just because, like marmite, it really splits people down the middle - there are no middle ground opinions. Many compliment me on it, but like your (perfectly valid) opinion, there are just as many who loathe it. I do think a black luimoto cover would also look excellent. Perhaps a future mod (although I'll get someone else to do it). Thanks for the feedback. Cheers.

[@davemonday5381]

@@BlueMarbleRider it’s not that bad. I did see another of your videos. You was asking to buy a standard seat. I think I’ll be going for a Eddie Lawson type seat. Like I had on my gsx1100et back in 1981. The mods back then ohlins shocks. Seat, Harris exhaust. Oil cooler,Tyres, Flat bars, Tuning. Not a lot as charged really, wouldn’t you agree.

[@davemonday5381]

@@BlueMarbleRider but I love that Bikini fairing. Good call , I’ll be steeling that idea. Love the videos.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Cheers, Dave.

[@robertgoodman6495]

Yuck! I hate that seat.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

HI, Robert - for sure it's not for everyone, and it does take away from the all black vibe of the bike. Thanks for your feedback.

[@stevemcguinness40]

The original looks far better.. Brown 😭

[@BlueMarbleRider]

I guess it's true: looks are in the eye of the beholder :-)