Seats from Honda Classics on eBay?

Has anyone dealt with these guys?

I'm looking for an interstate seat (although I'm *dying* for a modified Gunfighter seat which doesn't seem to be popping up) to match up with my new tank and they sell three different seat designs:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Norton-C ... 5d2ccf7958
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Norton-C ... 5d2ca4ca01
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Norton-C ... 5d2c85c1a2

I'm not really sure which I like *best* (probably because I really, *REALLY* like the Gunfighter), but I haven't found anything else I really like much better, either. The last link is probably their most similar design to a Gunfighter although it definitely looks "cheap" in comparison..

Thoughts?

-Jordan

Hi- I have not dealt with them, though I too looked at their seats and several others. The question I asked myself was, "How many seats do I want to buy?" Once I answered that question, I ordered the Corbin. Good luck!

askdoctorday said:

Hi- I have not dealt with them, though I too looked at their seats and several others. The question I asked myself was, "How many seats do I want to buy?" Once I answered that question, I ordered the Corbin. Good luck!

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See, that's what gets me, too. I know the Corbin is what I want but I don't feel comfortable hacking into something I just paid $400 to get. This damn interstate tank (which I love, btw) is going to drive me nuts!

-Jordan

In looking at the closeup of the underside of the seat the pan looks like it is hand beaten out of sheet metal or really lumpy fiberglass.
Not sure if that is a good sign.

rx7171 said:

In looking at the closeup of the underside of the seat the pan looks like it is hand beaten out of sheet metal or really lumpy fiberglass.
Not sure if that is a good sign.

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Mmmm..yeah..

Ugh. ;/

I might suggest that you call Corbin. This is not their first rodeo- I am certain that they have been asked about altering their seat for the I-tank. If they won't actually make one for you (which they won't ) maybe they can send you a copy of their pattern for trimming the pan. They make their pans out of a pretty solid composite material- if you get the trim right, then pulling the fabric and riveting it, trimming the foam, etc is something that a competent upholstery shop should be able to do easily.
I have a Corbin seat on my 1986 Yamaha FJ1200 that I had reupholstered a few years back. The guy did a fantastic job, matched the original material perfectly, piping, everything- even retained the original Corbin logo patch that covers the back support hole. So if that can be done, yours can be done. Again, this cannot be the first time someone has done this, so ask around and I bet someone on this forum might even have a template for you to use.
I like the I-tank too- when I am foolish enough to take on another Commando (notice I said WHEN not IF) I will do an Interstate. Something about those lines... Good Luck!

Doug McAdam said he could give me all of the measurements from his template but he suggested I find an older gunfighter seat without corbin's new lock mechanism. Ugh.

Regardless, if you find a gunfighter and modify it you are going to end up paying extra to modify it. One thing it took me 40 some years to learn is if you have your mind set on something, you are better off going the extra mile to get it or you won't be satisfied. As for the ebay seats, #3 is closest, but #2 is kind of nice. I think I've seen #2 on this forum on a few interstates.

No2 is a copy of one from Old Britts which are made in the UK and available from Mick Hemmings, I have one and the bottom is not cratered like the moon, not that you see it when its mounted :shock: .

Hey Jordan, (I see I am late to the party but will leave this post as is)
First have you talked with Corbin about an Interstate seat? I have seen posts here saying they don't make them any more but I wouldn't take anybody's word for it except Corbin. Next you might consider talking to Matt at CNW or send an email. In a conversation early last spring he mentioned that they were working on an Interstate. I can't imagine that they haven't done something about a seat for their build.
I would also consider finding a usable pan and then finding somebody who can custom build one for you. The seat is not complex, the secret is going to be in the foam used. I plan to make my own from the Roadster seat that came off my 850. The pan is completely rusted away in the first inch or so. I figure I might as well cut it off and experiment with it for my Interstate. I plan to do my own...so accent on "experiment". See if there is somebody who does leather goods or other custom work that might want to tackle a seat project. I know it all costs money, but if you are going to keep that bike until you are an old fart, then you might as well work toward it. I am guessing the seats from Vietnam would be something that just got you by until you found something else.

One other thought. I saw an Interstate on Ebay that had a tractor style seat on it. They had gone overboard on the bobber look but the seat had possibilities. Something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... MEWAX%3AIT

It would be a very vintage look with the pillion seat bolted to the top of the fender. I have actually considered this for my Interstate.

Norvil lists an Interstate seat that will run you around $200 shipped. It has a steel pan and if it's like the one I got from them 15 years ago then it's a good one. Sargent has been around a long time and have a good reputation if you want a custom seat, but you might have to supply the seat or bare pan.

http://www.sargentcycle.com/

Russ, I like the idea of a some kind of modified tractor style single seat with the space over the fender for a rack. The Interstate piano bench seat gets old on long rides. Maybe something like the Interpol.

I think Corbin makes the sexiest seats around but had heard many say they were uncomfortable hard after a time and I now 2nd that opinion - though I would not have a behind w/o a wallet and pocket knife back there. My poor warewhouse job Cdo buddy saved up to get special order black and tan Gunfigher, sexiest as hell on his burnt orange HyRyder tank/covers, but I only like looking at it anymore.
I must agree with Tim/britbiker220, we don't last forever and can't eat or ride money, so kinda like times of dope but no money will get ya through happier than times of money but no err a ease...

I ride ~10 miles per day and haven't ever taken any long trips. My current ride is a 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 500LTD. I'm not overly worried about comfort, but being able to stand flat-footed (or close to) while on my Norton would be very nice. Additionally, I just think the Gunfighter looks outstanding on the Commando. It makes it look very ''modern', IMO, while a lot of the other seats make it look kind of 'old'. This is just my opinion, that of a 25 year-old kid..

Oh, and I have talked with Corbin (just through email) and their response simply was that it would not fit. Not particularly helpful. :/

Kind of "old"...LOL! Skip the vintage look of the pillion on the fender then. I agree with you Bob that a tractor style with a luggage rack behind would be another good way to go. Put it together right and it could look really sharp. In fact design the rack to be the mount for the seat as well since that would need to be figured out.

I'd still check with CNW and find out what happened with their Interstate build.

Russ

I agree that a Gunfighter transforms the look of a Commando. I had one on a 900 Ninja that I liked it because it had a bump stop on the back. On a Commando, depending on your bars and peg layout, you can be forced to use the bars to keep from getting blown back by the windblast. It's tiring and a deathgrip on the bars doesn't do anything for the handling on a Commando. I don't see why you can't shorten a Roadster Gunfighter to fit an Interstate tank. It's major surgery but it's not brain surgery.

P.S. Jordan, maybe your rides will be a little longer once you're on your Commando.

I have never been on a Gunfighter seat. My question would be that if you shorten it a few inches in the front to accomodate the Interstate tank, will there be room for you in front of the hump? Or does the whole seat need to be moved back?

rvich said:

I have never been on a Gunfighter seat. My question would be that if you shorten it a few inches in the front to accomodate the Interstate tank, will there be room for you in front of the hump? Or does the whole seat need to be moved back?

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I'm kind of wondering that, too. Dad said it looks uncomfortable as sh1t. /shrug.

And yes, I'll be more inclined to take longer rides when I'm not on a goofy 500cc Kawisucky, I'm sure. Kind of makes you feel like a wuss riding the Vulcan, but you know the mantra--all that matters is that you're riding..I guess. :/

I should probably feel lucky the wife will even let me ride anymore considering she lost her mom on one..I think she realizes her entire family is big on bikes, though..

-Jordan

The corbin on my roadster has a concave indent that the fender fits into. I bet if you took a dremel, and cut out the pan extending that indent a few inches forward, all you would need to do is move the brackets up. A little fiberglass underneath and no need to muff around with anything else....

on second thought, the pan looks like its something like pvc, or another molded plastic. don't cut it, try to soften it up with a heat gun and then push it into place over the fender...