Most of us like to add to and alter our bikes from the stock item that rolls out of the factory gates. These mods can vary from useful, attractive performance improving items to the downright tacky bolt-ons that only the owner could appreciate.
Anyone who sits on a motorcycle for any length of time will appreciate the importance of comfort. If you are relaxed, you ride better, for longer and don’t feel like you have done a couple of rounds with Ricky Hatton when you dismount. However, with a large proportion of modern motorcycles, the seat seems to be almost an afterthought, a miserly bit of foam under a cheap bit of vinyl surrounded by high performance, quality engineered components, but it is a vital element in the enjoyment of the machine and the ride.
Replacement seats and various comfort devices are available from several companies, but for many the cost is prohibitive and difficult to justify.
Seat height is another vital factor that has a huge effect on our confidence on our bike. Motorcycles are built to suit an average height rider with little adjustment, but of course motorcyclists vary in size from four foot nothing to well over six foot. With many more women taking up biking this is even more of an issue.
There are solutions to this; having the bike lowered by various means such as altered shocks and dropping the forks through the yokes, but this can be expensive and also cause other issues with the steering geometry and stand clearance. It is vital to have confidence in yourself and the bike when paddling it around or simply holding it at a junction with a tricky camber.
However there is a cost-effective solution available that many riders have been using for years, but many others are probably unaware exists...meet Viking Vinyl.
Viking Vinyl offers a personalised service to bikers who want a seat lowered, re-upholstered, covered or customised.
Lee is the man behind the sign, operating out of a workshop in Ash, Kent. Situated close to Brands Hatch, the shop is easy to reach from most of the south east. Lee is an experienced upholsterer who can insert gel pads or do pretty much whatever the customer requires for an extremely reasonable cost, often while the rider waits.
His custom work has been featured in several bike magazines.
Prices start from £40 for a seat re-shaping and normally Lee will do it while you wait, make you a cup of tea or, if you prefer, there is a handy country pub just around the corner. Booking is not essential though advisable to make sure you are guaranteed a spot. A basic re-shape takes between half an hour and an hour.
I want to go faster, I want to go faster..
