Looking for Great Motorcycle Seat / Saddle Shop in GTA

[Tinkerfreak]

I have done an overhaul on my seat and need to find a shop in the GTA that does excellent work and does as they are told. I want to do the cover in leather and need someone that has an extensive background with leather. Have used a couple of shops in the past that did the work as they saw fit and not as per my instructions so I really need a good shop this time. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

[4badboyz]

Barry's in Mississauga, 905-276-2060. He's not cheap, but he does some nice work.

[alpi]

Not only does MeHi at the SaddleShoppe follow your instructions, but it will allow you to use the shop and tools to do it yourself if you have the time and inclination. MeHi has an extensive leather and upholstery background and is a great guy to work with. I am one of his happy customers and will go back again to fix the seat on my next bike without a doubt.

[jon_l]

Just rec'd my Seat Concepts kit (foam & cover for original seat pan) for the WR250R. In the US, the going rate seems to be $20 or so for installation. Probably costs a little more here.

I decided against doing my own, as an electric or pneumatic stapler is expensive, and not something I own or think I would use enough to justify the expense.

I would appreciate suggestions of shops that have done seat work for you. I found some upholstery shops using Google, but I want it done right the first time, so referrals are best.

Thank you.

Jon

[oscar95]

For you my friend I have this:

Innovative Auto Interiors 2200 Markham Rd. Unit 4

416-754-0061 owner is Steve Bettencourt.

He made repairs to the hatched seat on my 08 Dero this summer. A more awesome job I can't imagine. Great work good prices. The 20$ thing I would abandon as fantasy. But for good work a fair price will be paid.

Thsi man will look after you and treat you well . Trust me as Nixon said.

Really you will be pleased. Cheers Oscar.

[Dr E]

Give Dan Wickersham a call

He is the owner of Apex Stitching:

2633 NW Market St
Seattle Washington 98107

Phone	(206) 669-3367
Website	http://Apexstitching.com

He just refoamed/covered my Corbin for less then what Corbin would have charged. He does a lot of dual sports and uses specific fabric for long wear and slip prevention for riders. His work was better then OEM!

[bungie4]

Kinna in the same boat. Seat Concepts foam and cover for my CRF250L.

I think, how hard can this be? So I go and buy an electric stapler and a box of 1/4" stainless steel staples.

After getting the old cover and foam off I find out that the Crappy Tire electric stapler would have a tough time stapling a wet noodle to water. The staples might penetrate the plastic seat pan about 2mm. Feck.

Return the stapler and go buy the heavy duty manual jobby.

That works better. About 1 in 10 staples are what I consider good. I can just imagine doing a flying-w and having that seat come up and smack me in the ass and blow all the staples out of it. So I stop and am in the same boat as you are. Either having it done somewhere (I'm thinking an hour at $65/hr?). Ouch.

Or, I could go rent or buy an air stapler and use my buddies air compressor.

Nothing is easy anymore.

[jon_l]

Originally Posted by Dr E

Give Dan Wickersham a call

He is the owner of Apex Stitching:

2633 NW Market St
Seattle Washington 98107

He just refoamed/covered my Corbin for less then what Corbin would have charged. He does a lot of dual sports and uses specific fabric for long wear and slip prevention for riders. His work was better then OEM!

Thanks Dr. E, but shipping would cost way too much. This is supposed to be a 20 minute job.

Jon

[jon_l]

Originally Posted by bungie4

Kinna in the same boat. Seat Concepts foam and cover for my CRF250L.

I think, how hard can this be? So I go and buy an electric stapler and a box of 1/4" stainless steel staples.

After getting the old cover and foam off I find out that the Crappy Tire electric stapler would have a tough time stapling a wet noodle to water. The staples might penetrate the plastic seat pan about 2mm. Feck.

Return the stapler and go buy the heavy duty manual jobby.

That works better. About 1 in 10 staples are what I consider good. I can just imagine doing a flying-w and having that seat come up and smack me in the ass and blow all the staples out of it. So I stop and am in the same boat as you are. Either having it done somewhere (I'm thinking an hour at $65/hr?). Ouch.

Or, I could go rent or buy an air stapler and use my buddies air compressor.

Nothing is easy anymore.

We all know stuff costs more here, but seriously, in the US this is about a $20 job according to dozens of posts. If it is going to be $50 or more, I'd rather buy the tool.

With all the Seat Concepts around, I bet somebody will post up some options soon.

I'll call Innovative Auto Interiors and see what they say.

[jon_l]

Well I got impatient, and dropped off the seat pan and Seat Concepts at Manny's Auto Trim and Glass, 1974 Dundas St. West, Toronto 416.534.3653. This shop was recommended by a rider on GTA Motorcycle forum.

Negotiated price is $50. I'll post up feedback when I pick it up in a week or so.

[alpi]

Originally Posted by jon_l

...
I would appreciate suggestions of shops that have done seat work for you. I found some upholstery shops using Google, but I want it done right the first time, so referrals are best.

Thank you.

Jon

There is another thread on the subject where I posted my experience with the Saddle Shoppe, and I have some pictures below. MeHi is a super nice guy and likely allow you to DIY, if that's what you really want.

BEFORE


In the process


AFTER

[jon_l]

Originally Posted by alpi

There is another thread on the subject where I posted my experience with the Saddle Shoppe, and I have some pictures below. MeHi is a super nice guy and likely allow you to DIY, if that's what you really want.

Thanks Alpi. I found that shop with Google, and based on the website, it looked promising.

I got a referral on GTAM, and dropped it off at Manny's Custom Auto Trim at 1974 Dundas St West, Toronto. Seems to be a decent guy. Won't know until I get it back in a few days whether that was a good choice.

[Natnewt]

Originally Posted by jon_l

Thanks Alpi. I found that shop with Google, and based on the website, it looked promising.

I got a referral on GTAM, and dropped it off at Manny's Custom Auto Trim at 1974 Dundas St West, Toronto. Seems to be a decent guy. Won't know until I get it back in a few days whether that was a good choice.

I did mine on the xrl back a few years ago and was recommended manny by cyclewerx which isnt that far away. I was going to tell you the same thing.

[jon_l]

Seat Concepts, carbon pattern material, for WR250R

Just picked up my seat from Manny. Looks great, and I am very pleased.

Manny's is at 1974 Dundas St West (at Sorauren Ave.), 416.534.3653