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HOW TO CUSTOMIZE SEAT HEIGHT

HERES HOW....

Murray Walters

If your scoot is, (or merely feels) too tall, you can shorten the suspension or go straight to the source and slice a centremetre or two from the saddle. Here at Scooter Central we can arrange to have your seat custom cut to your leg length for around $150 in most cases.  This is a worthwhile investment if you are a learner, smaller or lighter rider, as it will allow both feet to be fairly planted on the ground on both sides giving you greater confidence.

You can even do it yourself if you are a particularly handy type.  Here’s how it happens.
Firstly, you will need some basic tools: a good screwdriver, a heavy-duty staple gun and sharp long blade knife.

Remove the saddle and invert it on your workbench to remove the staples. Place the screwdriver under the staples and pull them out; you may discard the staples. Carefully peel the seat cover back from the base , watching for sections that may be glued down or otherwise held in place; some seats have supplemental restraints in difficult corners, for example.
Determine how much you want to remove from the seat. As ever, take it a step at a time, considering how much material there is on the seat and how much you want to lower the overall seat height. You can always perform the operation again to take more off next time. Place a level or some other reference method across the top of the seat and measure the desired amount of the cut down the side of the foam. Mark several points along the side of the seat from front to back and then connect the dots to form your cutting line. Repeat this operation on the other side of the seat.

Secure the seat to the bench so that you can see both sides. Insert the blade at the front of the seat slightly above the cut line, and carefully edge down to it as you move back. Slide the blade carefully left and right; don't ever force the work—allow the blades to do the cutting. If you tear the foam, you'll have visible divots under the cover later. Continue working back, keeping the blade level and as flat as possible. Go slowly.

For additional legroom, consider increasing the cutback or chine of the forward part of the seat; such a move will normally not impair comfort but will allow you to more easily balance the bike at a stop.
Tightly stretch the old seat cover over the foam and staple in place. Trim excess material and congratulate yourself on a job well done.
The finished should see you sitting comfortably on the seat with your heels no more than 30mm off the ground on both sides.
Call us on 9938 5858 if you would like to have your seat customized on 02 9938 5858

published 24/08/2008