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 sit e 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)
 
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 seperately, 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:  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, and do not have progress tracking.  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.
Canadian riders, please contact me directly to discuss the shipping proceedure

If I overnight my seat will it get done quicker:  NO, not unless we have prearanged 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. 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 payment. This does however add a day to your downtime because I must drive your seat to the shipper rather
than have them take it with my normal pick up.
 
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 Turnier
Or you can use PAYPAL to process a credit card payment or online check,
                                        my 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.  
 
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, and can lower as well
as fit most Sargent seats, the only seats that  I will not touch are any Corbin or Russell. I have many options so that we can
get your seat fitted to you and your riding style. If your seat 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 apporved before you ship.  I do reserve the right to refuse work on any seat that is in my opinion is beyond repair.  If you have
an after market seat, please contact me directly so we can discuss your specific needs.

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 absolutly 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