• Handy Guide How To Repair Dirt Bike Seat Cover

  

  Handy Guide to Repair Your Seat Cover

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• How To Replace Dirt Bike Seat Cover

  

  Handy Guide to Replacing a Dirt Bike Seat Cover

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• Full Guide to The Best Dirt Bike Seat Covers

  

  TOP 7 Best Seat Covers in 2022

  Full Buying Guide

Welcome to the ultimate guide to the best dirt bike seat covers in 2022. You may be considering upgrading your seat covers to match a new look, plastics, and graphics. Maybe you’re replacing a damaged seat cover? It could be that your seat has simply become less comfortable over time, so you are considering a more comfortable dirt bike seat.

This article will highlight ways to clean and maintain your current dirt bike seat cover, how you can easily replace a worn-out seat cover, and provide a buying guide for some of the best motorcross seats available in 2022.

 

How to clean your Dirt Bike Seat Cover

At Motocross Advice, we like to save you money whenever possible. So, before rushing out and purchasing new a dirt bike seat cover, it may be worth considering maintaining or cleaning your old one. Follow the simple guide below, and you could have your seat cover look brand new again.

Note: you should never use a pressure washer on your seat cover. Water can get into the foam causing long-term damage over time. Instead, remove the seat from your dirt bike and splash cold water on to the seat cover. Rub off any excess dirt with your hands or a soft cloth.

Next, take a cleaning product such as Slick’s degreaser spray. Apply directly to the seat cover and leave for 3-5 minutes. Using a medium-firm brush, clean away the dirt and grease.

Lastly, wipe your seat cover with a clean microfiber towel and leave to dry out of direct sunlight.

Another great product is Mother’s VLR (VLR standing for vinyl, leather, and rubber) care. Mother VLR cleans, conditions, and prevents cracking.

 

How to repair a Dirt Bike Seat Cover 

Another money saver is to repair your seat cover and depends on the extent of the damage. If you have gaping holes, then the cover may be beyond repair. In this case, an upgrade may be your only option. However, for smaller holes or cracks, a repair is possible. 

Riding with holes can cause problems, including excess water seeping into the seat foam. This water can transfer to your ass, and unless you’re wearing waterproofs, this can be uncomfortable.

A cost-effective, short term solution for repairing holes in your seat cover is patching. 

1. Start by purchasing a piece of vinyl, matching the color of your seat cover from a fabric store.
2. Get some vinyl, fabric and plastic adhesive, super glue, and electrical tape to hold things in place. Cut the patch to size, making sure there’s plenty of overlap to edges of your hole. You can work with the seat cover in place, or remove the seat and cover.
3. If working while the seat cover is in place, tuck the patch under the edges of the hole. You are aiming for the patch to be positioned between the original cover and the foam within the seat. (If you have removed the old seat cover, you can apply the new patch from the underside of the seat cover). 
4. Ensure the patch is flat, and there’s enough material overlapping the damaged area to create a seal.
5. Pull the edges of the hole together and use the vinyl adhesive to seal. Work the glue all around the hole and the new patch utilizing a flathead screwdriver or small applicator to coat the edges thoroughly.
6. Next, pinch the damaged area together, closing the hole as much as possible to seal it off. Stick some electrical tape over the top to keep the hole pinched together until the glue is dry. You may need to hold the tape in place to ensure all surfaces bond to the adhesive.
7. Lastly, remove the tape, and when happy that the join is bonded, use the superglue to add a final seal.

While this solution won’t give you a brand new looking seat, it can provide a watertight seat cover and a dry ass in the meantime. Crucially, those small holes and tears won’t get any bigger while you are waiting for your new seat cover to arrive. 

 

Replacing a Dirt Bike Seat Cover

Replacing your dirt bike seat cover isn’t difficult. Once you have received your new seat cover, check everything is in order, and you’re happy with the quality as described by your supplier. 

Start by placing your new seat cover in a warm room or sunlight to make it more malleable. Remove the whole seat and brackets from your dirt bike.

Work the staples out from the older seat cover using a staple remover or flat head screwdriver.

Staples may be rusted, if so, a good tip is to work the staples slowly left and right. Staples snapped off inside the plastics can be harder to remove. Ensures the staples come out evenly by working slowly. Use pliers to remove any ends or protruding pieces.

Keep some older staples as a reference for ordering new replacements. Most crucial is the depth that the staple penetrates. Try to order the same size if possible. 

The staples you choose are equally important. Choose a sharp staple to penetrate both seat cover and plastic (upholstery style Z1-5, galvanized 20 gauge, for example) rather than flat (paper style).

With the seat upside down, it’s an excellent opportunity to check for cracks and damage to the seat itself.

Lay the new cover on your seat, rechecking dimensions. At this stage, also check that the foam of the seat is dry. If not, leave aside in sunlight or in a warm room, to dry out before putting the new cover on.

To install your new seat cover, start at the front end (or nose) of the seat to get the cover straight. Line up seams and logos, flipping over to check everything looks good.

We recommend you use an air compressor powered stapler or heavy-duty manual stapler. When happy, pop a staple through the front of the seat cover.

Repeat the process for the rear of the seat – lining up the seat cover, so there are equal amounts of fabric on either side. Again, flip over to check the seams and designs look symmetrical.

Pulling the fabric tight, also ensure there is enough slack to go into the dip of the seat. Too tight and it could leave a rise in the seat cover or bend the seat plastic.

A trusted method is to lay your seat on a dirt bike stand and put your knee into the dip. This acts as though a rider is in place and maintains the desired tightness as you pull the material into place.

Hold the seat cover in place and pop another staple in the center at the rear underside. You should now have secured the seat cover at the front and rear. Recheck tightness; don’t panic if not quite right as staples can always be removed. 

Lastly, pull the seat cover tight around the sides, one side at a time, checking everything is aligned as you go. Starting at the rear, staple around the edges at regular intervals, pulling tight as you go. Regularly flip the seat over and push out any slack or creases in the seat cover.

Your goal is to pull out any wrinkles, but not to pull the seat cover too tight. Seat plastics are flexible and can bend easily, causing improper fitting or damage.

With the staples in place, have one last check that the cover is aligned as it should be. If you spot any problems, remove certain staples, adjust the seat cover fabric accordingly and affix again.

There may be some overlapping fabric, and this can be cut away with sharp scissors; – fabric scissors are best for the job.

Lastly, reattach seat brackets and the seat to your dirt bike. Your new seat cover is now ready for action.

 

Best Dirt Bike Seat Covers Buying Guide 

Buying the best seat covers you can afford is always a good idea, buy cheap buy twice. Our buying guide recommends a range of off-the-shelf replacement seat covers for the most popular dirt bike models. Suppliers list bike models and years from a drop-down menu. Always double check before ordering that the seat cover will fit your bike model, year, seat dimensions, and foam height.

 

1. D’Cor Visuals Dirt Bike Seat Covers 

California based D’Cor offer a range of seat covers for the leading factory race teams. D’Cor has a vast array of off-the-shelf colors and options. Although at the top end of the budget range, D’Cor products are race-proven, and the company offer excellent customer service.

The design and durability of D’Cor seat covers are reputedly excellent, and the seat cover ribs keep you gripped to the bike, even when riding hard. As with all covers, D’Cor seat covers should be fitted with time and care being taken.

 

CHECK PRICE FROM MOTOSPORT >>>

 

2. Factory Effex Dirt Bike Seat Covers 

Factory Effex has specialized in graphics and seat covers for more than twenty years, with quality products and leading designs.

In the mid-price range, Factory Effex offers a fantastic choice of off-the-shelf seat covers for most dirt bike manufacturers.

Talk to your supplier about custom seat covers to suit your team, brand, or color scheme.

Quality materials such as ‘ballistic nylon’ are used for knee contact areas of the seat cover increasing grip. ‘Dura-Grip’ material is used for integrated, embossed seat ribs. Factory Effex claim these materials are ‘never before used technology.’

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive; riders found Factory Effex’s seat covers. They are easier to install than some of their competitor’s products. Dirt bike riders have enjoyed many years of riding on the same seat cover, and factory colors are a great match.

 

CHECK PRICE FROM MOTOSPORT >>>

 

3. FLU Designs Dirt Bike Seat Covers 

At the lower end of the price range is FLU Designs, a newer company that is growing in global popularity and many pro riders are starting to use FLU products.

Customizable seat covers are available, speak to your supplier for details.

Off-the-shelf options include a choice of grip options. These include Pro Rib, pleated grip, 3-panel grips, and a plain gripper seat cover without ribs. 

Materials used in manufacturing FLU seat covers include DuPont Kevlar™, for maximum traction when riding. FLU covers have a quality, durable feel about them. 

 

CHECK PRICE FROM MOTOSPORT >>>

 

4. Throttle Syndicate Dirt Bike Seat Covers 

Based in Lancaster in California, Throttle Syndicate offers dirt bike seat covers for the full range of dirt bike manufacturers. Again you can customize your covers, and your supplier will help you with this. 

Budget wise, Throttle’s seat covers are in the mid to top-end price range, supplying seat covers to race teams including Pro Circuit and Team Green Kawasaki. 

Products include a 3-panel ribbed grip seat cover, with extra assurance and durability from double-stitched seams.

All seat covers are fully customizable to customer specifications. There are even options for 4, 8, or 12 ribs, plus different colors to the top and side panels. 

Factory brand logo removal is optional, as is the addition of your rider number for further customization. Covers may need a little trimming when fitting, however, the range of choice available more than makes up for the short extra time required to install. Customer service and shipping can be a bit longer than some other suppliers so always double-check if you are in a hurry for your seat covers. You can use a short term repair to tide you over by following the repair guide above. 

 

CHECK PRICE FROM MOTOSPORT >>>

 

5. Think! Technology

Think! Technology is known for extremely lightweight seat foam, also used in aerospace applications. The specialist foam is MXA tested and means overall dirt bike weight is reduced by 1.5lbs (0.7kg). Crucially, the foam doesn’t take on water for further weight saving and damage prevention. Worth knowing if you want to replace the whole seat. 

Think’s seat cover range also promises to be lightweight, with a reduction of up to 50grams from a conventional seat cover. Available for most popular bike models, the seat covers are manufactured from a ‘solid gripper material’ meaning slide is reduced, and grip is increased.

The Think! seat covers are in the mid-range price, meaning they are accessible to most, but seat foam is more premium-priced. 

Think’s specialist seat covers live up to expectations in terms of grip and durability. Easy to fit with plenty of excess material, fully customizable including an optional race number to the front.

 

6. Guts Racing

Established in 1985, Guts Racing Products will be familiar to many readers for high-spec seat covers and foams.

Their Hardcore Solid Gripper seat cover is used for performance racing and features excellent traction, while also being lightweight. The Hardcore product has a seamless surface for extra durability and longevity, and Husqvarna and Rockstar racer Jason Anderson favors this model.

The Guts GR1 ribbed seat cover ships in a range of factory colors and combinations, with a high-traction ribbed design. These are quality products in the mid to high price range.

Guts Racing have a patent-pending Velcro System (VS), available with the Solid Gripper and GR1 seat covers. The innovative VS eliminates the need for stapling new seat covers to your dirt bike each time. This is great for those who wish to change their covers more regularly and with ease. We love this idea and believe the Guts cover has really scored a home run here. 

The VS seat covers are available for most 250 and 450 bikes in the biggest factory dirt bike brands. Guts VS seat covers can be expensive but are worth the investment for added convenience.

 

CHECK PRICE FROM BTO SPORTS >>>

 

7. Moose Racing 

Founded in the 1980s, Moose Racing set out to design kit that riders would be comfortable in for a full day of riding. Developed with the help of championship riders, Moose offers a full range of comfort-enhancing gear including seat covers.

With standard, gripper, and ribbed seat cover products proudly made in the USA, materials used include heavy-duty marine-grade vinyl.

Products also include UV protection and double stitching, increasing the overall life of the products. The gripper seat covers are rubberized giving extra traction. Available in a range of factory colors for the leading bike manufacturers 

Moose seat covers are in the mid-price range. Moose seat covers are easy to install with a ‘stretchy’ rubberized design. Due to the thickness of materials, a decent pneumatically powered stapler is recommended.

 

CHECK PRICE FROM BTO SPORTS >>>

 

Summary 

The importance of a good seat cover can be easily overlooked by newer riders. It is crucial to keeping your grip on the bike. And it’s not just your backside to the saddle. Seat covers ensure the bike stays between your legs with ergonomic considerations for knees and thighs. Seat covers may also be more comfortable when riding for more prolonged durations such as enduro riding. Where affordability is a concern, pocket-friendly repairs are possible.

With technology always improving, such as Guts Racing’s Velcro System, there has never been a better time to upgrade your seat to suit your look and riding style.

All the options provided will give you peace of mind when on the tracks and trails, helping you stay comfortable and stable on your dirt bike.

We’ll be back with more Motocross Advice soon.

Have fun out there.

Martin.