GreatDayToRide.com
  Welcome to the new home of Spencers Motorcycle Seat Mods                                 
   Seat Mod FAQ                                    
 How do you do it:  Ancient Chinese secret..........just kidding...actually I use a process that was developed by me, it involves 
  undercutting the original seat foam from the nose to the tail and using it as a form only, then replacing the removed foam with 
  different types, shapes and densities of  material between the original pan and the form.  Some seats require some minor pan
  modifications to relieve specific pressure points.  This allows the seat shape to remain the same at rest, but change once weight
  is applied.  It also ensures that your stock cover fits correctly and the surface "skin" on the stock foam is left uncut, so the seat
  remains smooth and water proof. 
  This unique method also allows your seat to have different parts of the seat feel..well....different.  You can have firm support in
  the thighs for good bike control, medium support on the tail bone for long distance comfort, and a softer mid line to take pressure
  off of your more sensitive parts. This process is done completely by hand, no mechanical grinders or electric turkey knives. 
  Since material is not being added to the top of the seat it also allows many seats to be lowered (but not raised) without effecting
  the increased comfort level.  It takes longer and requires more experience, but I feel the results are well worth the extra effort. 
  Unlike the traditional method of grinding away at your seat to form a new shape, this type of modification is not only reversable,
  but can be re-shaped if your needs change. Each seat is different and tailored to your needs, so please contact me directly for
  more information.                             

 What makes and models do you work on:  Just about any stock seat can be improved. If you can describe your problem areas,
  together we can form a plan to make the seat right for you.
  **Goldwing riders please go HERE

 What will it look like:  My process does not change the stock look much, if at all. Please see the Gallery page for samples.
 
 Where can I find rider reviews:  I could post reviews and e-mails on my site but would rather you hear it directly from other
  riders and be able to join in and ask questions.  Please visit ST-Owners.com, MVAugusta.net , Stromtrooper.com, ST1300.US
  Maximum Suzuki, or ZZR Riders for a sample of Sport, Sport Touring, and Dual Sport reviews.  Or just follow the forum links on
  the Friends page.

 How much does it cost: For a two section seat the riders section comfort mod is $50, lowering at the same time is an additional
  $10, the passenger section $25*. For a one piece seat the riders section comfort mod is $50, one piece seats cannot be lowered
  enough to charge for, passenger section done at the same time is an additional $15*
  The "LD" upgrade pricing is based on the amount of Supracor used in your model, usually adds $25 to $35 (e-mail for quote)
  (*passenger section/area pricing is only valid when done together with the riders section/area)

 How long will it take:  I strive for a 24/48 hour turn around once a seat is received. This of course is based on work load. If you
  are pressed for time please contact me so we can discuss your specific needs. 

 What is Supracor:  Supracor is the new material that has replaced Flex Gel and is added to your seat in the "LD" (longer distance)
  upgraded modification. It is a "honeycomb" of thermoplastic urethane material that was developed for aerospace and medical
  applications where a form fitting, supportive,flexible, breathable, and shock reducing surface is needed. (please see the Supracor detail
  photo on the Gallery page) It is nothing like the normal gel pads used in most other motorcycle seats, it is not a solid block of material,
  it is "breathable", does not hold heat,  it does not harden in cold weather, it is much lighter, more flexible and durable.  It is used between
  the seat pan and reshaped seating surface to create a "suspension" in the skeletal contact area, increasing comfort, reducing vibration,
  soaking up shock, and reducing fatigue.   Each model "LD" upgrade is priced separately, please contact me directly for a quote.
  Supracor has the same benefits of the previously used Flex gel but is newer technology, much lighter in weight actually allowing your
  seat to be lighter after modification.  It also allows more flexibility in application, allowing it to be used in even the thinnest sport bike seats.
  Its higher cell density also helps to eliminate any floating or rebounding  feeling so that unlike the Flex Gel it can be used in passenger
  seats and the passenger sections of single piece seats.       *For a full detail of the Supracor material please go HERE 

 How do I ship my seat:  First e-mail me before shipping so that we can discuss your needs and the current schedule, do not ship
  unless we have made contact.  I recommend using UPS or FedEx. They deliver to me every day and I am able to return ship directly
  from the distribution center in my area. It cuts days off of your down time. Please refer to my ORDER FORM for shipping
  instructions.  You can click the links above for their shipping rate calculator. You can also find a map of estimated shipping times
  on the Contact page. Please, if at all possible do not ship using the US Postal Service, they do not include any insurance in the
  rate, do not have progress tracking, and will be more expensive.  If you must ship using the postal service it WILL add one to three
  days to your turnaround time as I must take time out of the schedule to deliver it to the post office. The only seats that I have ever had
  lost or damaged where sent USPS.  I do not have a local DHL shipping center only unsecured drop boxes so cannot return ship via DHL.

 As of March 1st, 2010 I can no longer accept seats shipped from outside of the US, hopefully this is temporary.

 How do I make shipping really easy and save a bunch of $$$:  In about two minutes you can open your own FedEx or UPS
  account, print your shipping and return labels right at home,  save an average of 16% on the shipping cost, then just drop them off
  (or even have them pick it up )  Anyone can do this online by visiting their sign up sites here :  
                                     UPS Account Sign up                       FedEx Account Sign up                             

 If I overnight my seat will it get done quicker:  NO, not unless we have prearranged a specific arrival date and discussed you
  expediting the shipping.  In order to maintain my turnaround the schedule is built based on ground shipping times from your 
  location.  Overnight, 2-day, expedited, or Priority shipping your seat without previous discussion will only cost you a bunch of 
  $$$and cause your seat to sit here waiting on your original scheduled spot.  Every riders seat is important so the schedule will 
  not be adjusted.
 
 How should I pack my seat:  Carefully, I recommend placing it in a large garbage bag, then in the smallest box it will fit in,
  (your shipping cost will go up dramatically with an oversize box) surrounded on all sides with crumpled newspaper, (I like to read
  the news from your area ) paying special attention to protecting the ends Your seat will be returned in the same box, packed the
  same way as you did, I will not be responsible for seats damaged in shipping, damaged boxes will be returned unopened.  When
  packing the magic number is 54. Try to do everything you can to keep your box size under 54" combined length + width + height. 
  Under this dimension your shipping will be based on actual weight.  Over this you are charged "dimension weight".  In other words
  they add weight to compensate for an oversized box and your rate goes up quickly. Pack it  up prepared for being mistreated, and
  mark "DO NOT CRUSH" Do not seal it up until you have made arrangements with your  shipper. **A word about packing peanuts,
  if you must use them make sure your seat is not in direct contact with them. Something about the styrene and the vinyl doesn't mix.
  They end up sticking to your seat and are a pain to clean off. Also my shop is in South Florida, I keep a fan going all the time, they
  make a mess, which brings work to a stop. 

 What about return shipping:  When you ship your seat out, have your shipper print a prepaid return shipping label back to you
  and drop it in the box with the seat. This way you know your seat will return to the desired address, you have control of the cost,
  and you will have your tracking number both ways. **Some shippers have a problem with prepaid return labels and insist on
  processing a "pick up ticket" If your shipper operates this way have them issue the pick up for the next weekday after the expected
  delivery date (delivery Friday/Pick up Monday).   As a last resort you can include your return shipping cost (same as your
  outbound) with your modification payment.  If you have your own account you can print out a return service ticket or just write your
  account number and billing address zip code on your order form, then I can process the return trip for you.
 
 Why don't you include return shipping in your price:  As I work on many makes and models of seats, and every rider will
  pack differently, it is impossible to predict the return shipping cost. I could over estimate the cost but that would not be fair to you.
  It also helps to keep your modification cost down. The few extra minutes you spend at your shipper, saves me hours of work each
  week. Your time invested saves everyone money.
 
 What should I include with the seat:  A copy of the ORDER FORM, your prepaid return shipping label, and payment if not
  using PayPal.  If you have a photo of you in riding position it would also be appreciated.

 How can I pay for my mod:  I prefer that you include a money order with your seat. Please make payable to: Frank S. Turnier
  Or you can use PAYPAL to process a credit card payment or online check,
                                        my PayPal account is my E-mail address:  Spencersmotocare@aol.com 
  Any other method must be approved before you ship, please contact me directly.

 Do you re-cover seats:  Not at this time, my goal is to provide you with comfortable seat at a reasonable price. It is usually more
  cost effective to replace a damaged seat rather than repair it.  If your seat foam is in good shape but your cover has a little damage
  I do have a list of aftermarket replacement cover suppliers (Yamaha is the only manufacturer who sells replacement covers for their
  seats) if your seat is in good shape ( not duct taped together) but you need a new cover you can try one of these :
   B&H classics   NZ dirt bike covers   Dirt bike covers   AMS covers - various    Metzi sport skinz   Luimoto   Second Look

 Do you do "ride in" mods:  Not at this time, I have seats shipped in from all over the US and Canada every week, the schedule
  is tight, and with my promised turn around time it is crucial that I keep on track. As much as I would enjoy your visit, It is just too
  easy to spend an evening talking bikes and telling lies.

 Do you work on seats that are not stock:  Some yes and some no, I do regularly modify custom seats, as well as many Sargent
  seats, I will not touch any Corbin or Russell. I have many options so that we can get your seat fitted to you and your riding style.
  If you have an after market seat, please contact me directly so we can discuss your specific needs.

 If your seat is damaged or has been previously modified in any way:  whether it was by you, a previous owner, a buddy that
  thought he knew what he was doing, or a guy down the street that does auto upholstery,  it must be approved before you ship.  
  **I  reserve the right to refuse work on any seat that is in my opinion not suitable for modification**

 What can be done to make the stock seat even better: In many riders opinions a mod'd stock seat combined with an
  ALASKA LEATHER unpadded sheepskin cover, is all most will ever need. Short of hard core Iron Butt rides (not that it can't
  be done) this combination of reshaping the seat combined with a breathable layer between you and the vinyl makes for comfortable
  all day rides in any weather. I have contacted Alaska leather and if you enter "deadsheep" (one word, all lower case) in the
  coupon section of their order page you will receive a 10% discount on your entire order.

 How do I submit a photo for the Gallery:  Please send comments and pics of you and/or your bike to SeatModPics@aol.com 

 Phone policyI have a small operation and prefer it this way. I do not have someone who answers the phone for me, calls are taken
  as I am able.  As I personally work on every seat this is difficult so most calls are forwarded to my voice mail in an effort to keep the
  schedule on track and get your seat back to as quickly as possible.  E-mail is absolutely the best way to get a quick and complete
  answer to your questions.  Thank you for  understanding that getting your seat done right, in a timely manner is most important to me.

  Thanks and ride safe, Spencer