Post by phamster on May 11, 2008 18:35:04 GMT -5
Updated 05/15/08
final version here..
ok.. i have a solution..just finished the job. here are some pictures of the process..
i know why kymco made the seat platform the way they did = to be able to get more space under the compartment.. like a 3/4 helmet... but that causes comfort issues for the rider, because the seat platform isn't flat, it is domed and the surface area isn't big enough for true comfort..
after considering what to do with this problem, i had to root cause it down to just that, the platform shape and size. And because i work in AUTO plant, i sorta understand kymco and their decisons.. they made a seat that was both able to support a rider for short commutes and place their helmet under after, if they didn't have a big trunk in the back.
but with me, i have the GIVI 450 double size trunk.. so that isn't a problem, not having the helmet storage place.
So in my solution i can afford to cut out the space and replace with comfort...
so some materials and tools you will need for this project.. he he..
some foam and the walmart brand cutting board, basically high density nylon.. both for under 16 bucks.
and you will need the dremel kit for cutting, a good staple gun and a basic socket set, and your safety glasses.. dremel parts fly at you fast !!
some had asked what staple gun i used and staple size.. 1/4 inch staples.
we have to cut or slice out that crazy uncomfortable undersized dome platform...
this is the original shape:
note the center area is higher than the edges, and there is a slight or gradual radius as it goes to the outer edge.. not really a good flat surface to be sitting on for more than 15 mins or so..
after the dremel chopping action....
some deflashing, take your time, and enjoy the project.. no need to get into a hurry now....sit back and take a short break..
remember the high density nylon cutting board? well that is used for the replacement platform.. this stuff is very hard to cut, take your time.. i had to use a band saw.. i don't think anything else would work.. so plan before you start.. and find a friend that has a good band saw... he he..
so cut the board to fit on top of the seat frame.. make it 10 percent oversized..
how to attach this lid to the frame? well i thought about it pretty long..
but with out much effort, tie wraps came to mind.. and i got some high quality ones.. so here is what i did..
drilled holes and tie wrap it together..
others can probably come up with much better solutions.. but i think this was quick and will work..
you can see with this picture the original piece and how narrow the supporting area was..
clip off the excess tie ends.. and then the foam padding process
and then the extra pad for extreme comfort !!!
now that i have placed the new 2 pieces of foam on the new platform, then place the original foam on top of the others and you have a super comfy seat, like it should have been in the first place.. (happy butt certified !! )
finished and after clean up, i was so excited to ride !!! so a well deserved test ride to the local grocery store was in hand..
the results are truly worth the mod. the flat platform with the extra foam pieces really made a difference..
i didn't make the seat any higher or lower, just more cushy.. (cons was lost of storage space under the seat)
i will finish off the underneath with some bond do for a cleaner look.. or maybe get some carpet or fabric to line the under seat for professional look..
Here is my Kymco People 250 , with modded seat.. and the GIVI trunk..
i think i have a very nice bike now !!! what do you think?
phamster..
final version here..
ok.. i have a solution..just finished the job. here are some pictures of the process..
i know why kymco made the seat platform the way they did = to be able to get more space under the compartment.. like a 3/4 helmet... but that causes comfort issues for the rider, because the seat platform isn't flat, it is domed and the surface area isn't big enough for true comfort..
after considering what to do with this problem, i had to root cause it down to just that, the platform shape and size. And because i work in AUTO plant, i sorta understand kymco and their decisons.. they made a seat that was both able to support a rider for short commutes and place their helmet under after, if they didn't have a big trunk in the back.
but with me, i have the GIVI 450 double size trunk.. so that isn't a problem, not having the helmet storage place.
So in my solution i can afford to cut out the space and replace with comfort...
so some materials and tools you will need for this project.. he he..
some foam and the walmart brand cutting board, basically high density nylon.. both for under 16 bucks.
and you will need the dremel kit for cutting, a good staple gun and a basic socket set, and your safety glasses.. dremel parts fly at you fast !!
some had asked what staple gun i used and staple size.. 1/4 inch staples.
we have to cut or slice out that crazy uncomfortable undersized dome platform...
this is the original shape:
note the center area is higher than the edges, and there is a slight or gradual radius as it goes to the outer edge.. not really a good flat surface to be sitting on for more than 15 mins or so..
after the dremel chopping action....
some deflashing, take your time, and enjoy the project.. no need to get into a hurry now....sit back and take a short break..
remember the high density nylon cutting board? well that is used for the replacement platform.. this stuff is very hard to cut, take your time.. i had to use a band saw.. i don't think anything else would work.. so plan before you start.. and find a friend that has a good band saw... he he..
so cut the board to fit on top of the seat frame.. make it 10 percent oversized..
how to attach this lid to the frame? well i thought about it pretty long..
but with out much effort, tie wraps came to mind.. and i got some high quality ones.. so here is what i did..
drilled holes and tie wrap it together..
others can probably come up with much better solutions.. but i think this was quick and will work..
you can see with this picture the original piece and how narrow the supporting area was..
clip off the excess tie ends.. and then the foam padding process
and then the extra pad for extreme comfort !!!
now that i have placed the new 2 pieces of foam on the new platform, then place the original foam on top of the others and you have a super comfy seat, like it should have been in the first place.. (happy butt certified !! )
finished and after clean up, i was so excited to ride !!! so a well deserved test ride to the local grocery store was in hand..
the results are truly worth the mod. the flat platform with the extra foam pieces really made a difference..
i didn't make the seat any higher or lower, just more cushy.. (cons was lost of storage space under the seat)
i will finish off the underneath with some bond do for a cleaner look.. or maybe get some carpet or fabric to line the under seat for professional look..
Here is my Kymco People 250 , with modded seat.. and the GIVI trunk..
i think i have a very nice bike now !!! what do you think?
phamster..
