1996 Vulcan 1500 C3 L: Need seat suggestions, please!

[RogueJD]

Hey all. First time here.

I have a 96 Vulcan 1500 C3 L. (Carburated, Not the classic). I need a new seat, and I made the mistake of buying a Mustang seat.

Ideally, it would have been great, but it was for the Classic, and doesn't fit my bike. (Trust me, I tried.)

OEM stuff is a Solo lower and upper with a sissy bar.

I'm considering going a Solo-seat route with a bib on the stock rear fender (I liked the slim look of the upper on the mustang seat, but they don't make a seat for the C-class.

Any suggestions on what I should be looking for and where I can find it? I'm looking to keep under $300, but I'll consider higher if I'm impressed.

Thanks, all! Judging by the sheer volume of members, I'll likely have a good response.

[knkt]

Originally Posted by RogueJD

Hey all. First time here.

I have a 96 Vulcan 1500 C3 L. (Carburated, Not the classic). I need a new seat, and I made the mistake of buying a Mustang seat.

Ideally, it would have been great, but it was for the Classic, and doesn't fit my bike. (Trust me, I tried.)

OEM stuff is a Solo lower and upper with a sissy bar.

I'm considering going a Solo-seat route with a bib on the stock rear fender (I liked the slim look of the upper on the mustang seat, but they don't make a seat for the C-class.

Any suggestions on what I should be looking for and where I can find it? I'm looking to keep under $300, but I'll consider higher if I'm impressed.

Thanks, all! Judging by the sheer volume of members, I'll likely have a good response.

WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!!

The only seat I have found that would fit our bike is the Corbin gunfighter seat ($439 plus shipping). I just got mine about a month ago and it is beginning to break in. At first, it was definitely hard, but now it is starting to fit me very nicely. I looked around quite a bit and was even tempted to get the seat you purchased. Thank goodness I didn't.

I don't have any recent pictures of it on my bike, but if you'd like to see it, I'd certainly take a couple for you.

Here's a picture from their site.



And here's a link...

Corbin Motorcycle Seats & Accessories | Kawasaki Motorcycles | 800-538-7035

Take care and good luck!

[RogueJD]

Thanks!!

Not too shabby, but a bit pricey. I like the style and the way it fits.

I don't think the flame pattern would work for me. I'm going for a more subdued look on the bike - but after looking at the website, it would seem that you can custom order the designs, colors, and stitching in the panels, so I don't think that would be an issue.

All things considered, I think I have my new #1 pick.

I'd still like to hear other suggestions, though.

[knkt]

Originally Posted by RogueJD

Thanks!!

Not too shabby, but a bit pricey. I like the style and the way it fits.

I don't think the flame pattern would work for me. I'm going for a more subdued look on the bike - but after looking at the website, it would seem that you can custom order the designs, colors, and stitching in the panels, so I don't think that would be an issue.

All things considered, I think I have my new #1 pick.

I'd still like to hear other suggestions, though.

I agree, I was going with more subtle too. I have a plain black seat. It looks very nice. I too love the way it fits and looks. I was contimplating the solo seat too, but this one is definitely the next best thing.

Again, if you'd like to see it plain, I'll take pics, just let me know. (I need to get some updated ones anyway... )

ALSO, how 'bout posting some pictures of your bike. I always love seeing the VN1500C L bikes...

[RogueJD]

Sure!

I'd love to see some pics. Of course, I don't expect you to run out there right now and take some, but whenever you get some time, post 'em here, or PM me.

Thanks again!

[knkt]

Originally Posted by RogueJD

Sure!

I'd love to see some pics. Of course, I don't expect you to run out there right now and take some, but whenever you get some time, post 'em here, or PM me.

Thanks again!

Well, I did just that and went and took some pictures. They aren't the best pictures and you'll have to ignore the oil leak, I need a new gasket on the front jug. AND she needs a bath!!!

Anyway, here you go!

[RogueJD]

Damn.

My bike would be jealous of the way I'm looking at those pictures.

Very nice! The seat is slick. Looks just like what I'm looking for.

You mentioned that you were going for a subdued look for the seat, eh? Kinda went the other way with the paint job, huh?! (Kidding, of course. It looks amazing!)

I'd post some pics of mine, but it's a work in progress. I just bought the bike last week, and it still needs a lot of work.

I have an OEM rear fender on order. I just bought some new drag bars, has Vance & Hines pipes. Removed the windshield, saddlebags, chrome trim on fenders / tank. Removed emblems on tank / side covers. Removed upper seat / sissy bar. Removed Taillight assembly in favor for a new integrated LED (Blinker / Taillight all-in-one, smoke colored) assembly.

The following is a picture of the bike "before." Aside from a small dent in the tank, It'll be ready in a week or so - as soon as I can settle on a seat. - I'll have the tank repaired before spring - I'll likely paint the bike when I have the tank fixed. Considering a flat black. I'm not a fan of chrome and flashy stuff. (Though, I again admit - your bike is a head-turner!)

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...res/Vulcan.jpg

Small picture - I copied it from the craigslist listing the original owner had.

PS - Take out the trash - before the wife yells at you.

[RogueJD]

Thought it's not in line with the original topic - what size tires do you have on yours?

I just got new tires on mine - 170 80 15 rear. Cuts it close to the shaft housing, but so far, no issues.

[knkt]

Originally Posted by RogueJD

Damn.

My bike would be jealous of the way I'm looking at those pictures.

Very nice! The seat is slick. Looks just like what I'm looking for.

You mentioned that you were going for a subdued look for the seat, eh? Kinda went the other way with the paint job, huh?! (Kidding, of course. It looks amazing!)

I'd post some pics of mine, but it's a work in progress. I just bought the bike last week, and it still needs a lot of work.

I have an OEM rear fender on order. I just bought some new drag bars, has Vance & Hines pipes. Removed the windshield, saddlebags, chrome trim on fenders / tank. Removed emblems on tank / side covers. Removed upper seat / sissy bar. Removed Taillight assembly in favor for a new integrated LED (Blinker / Taillight all-in-one, smoke colored) assembly.

The following is a picture of the bike "before." Aside from a small dent in the tank, It'll be ready in a week or so - as soon as I can settle on a seat. - I'll have the tank repaired before spring - I'll likely paint the bike when I have the tank fixed. Considering a flat black. I'm not a fan of chrome and flashy stuff. (Though, I again admit - your bike is a head-turner!)



Small picture - I copied it from the craigslist listing the original owner had.

PS - Take out the trash - before the wife yells at you.

I bought my bike back in May and it looked TOTALLY different then. I have made a ton of changes.

http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/fo...ng-speedo.html

http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/fo...ut-stupid.html

The paint happened only because I made a mistake and gas ate the other paint job... I went with lightning, because flames are somewhat over done (IMHO) and I wanted something "different". They didn't have a "lightning" option at Corbin or I might have done that. Although, it might have been "too much".

Anyway, your bike looks really nice too. I know you will make it your own and am very interested in seeing the progress you make. There aren't too many BUBF models on this forum. It's nice to see another.

I noticed you had the forward controls. Do you like them? I was debating between those or a set of floor boards.

Anyway, keep me posted on your progress.

Again, WELCOME!

[knkt]

Originally Posted by RogueJD

Thought it's not in line with the original topic - what size tires do you have on yours?

I just got new tires on mine - 170 80 15 rear. Cuts it close to the shaft housing, but so far, no issues.

Standard tires on mine at the moment. Although, I can't say I haven't thought about going larger. I'm still learning all the in's and out's...

I will dig up some links for you as well and post them with sites that have tons of information on our BUBF's.

If you have any questions, let me know, I may be able to help...

[knkt]

Unofficial Information Web Site for the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500-88, 1500-88SE, and 1500L BUBF V-Twin Motorcycles.

Gadget's Fixit Page For Kawasaki Nomad & Classic Modification Maintenance & Repair (not exactly for the VN1500C, but a great information page none-the-less)

VROC :: Vulcan Riders and Owners Club (not advertising for another forum, but there are quite a few BUBF owners there. The people here tend to be friendlier, but like I said earlier, there aren't many BUBF models here.)

[RogueJD]

I love the forward controls (Jardine). I had some issues with one of the linkages on the shifting mechanism when I bought it.

I literally had to fabricate a fix from an old shifting lever - but it works great.

I'm over 6'3", so I was glad that the original owner went that route.

Thanks again for all the info. I'm seriously considering that seat. I'd love to see what other people have for a solo / bib option.

Oooh! Thanks for the links! I'll check those sites out tomorrow.

I need to shut this computer off, or else I'll never get to bed tonight. - I could go on all night talking about what I'd like to do to this bike.

...I'm sure I'll be wasting a lot of time at work tomorrow. But if I get fired, I'll have more time to ride!

[knkt]

Originally Posted by RogueJD

I love the forward controls (Jardine). I had some issues with one of the linkages on the shifting mechanism when I bought it.

I literally had to fabricate a fix from an old shifting lever - but it works great.

I'm over 6'3", so I was glad that the original owner went that route.

Thanks again for all the info. I'm seriously considering that seat. I'd love to see what other people have for a solo / bib option.

Oooh! Thanks for the links! I'll check those sites out tomorrow.

I need to shut this computer off, or else I'll never get to bed tonight. - I could go on all night talking about what I'd like to do to this bike.

...I'm sure I'll be wasting a lot of time at work tomorrow. But if I get fired, I'll have more time to ride!

Sorry for highjacking

Ok -if there are any others out there that may have other options, let's hear it for RogueJD...

[RogueJD]

I just spent a few hours (at work!) checking out the above sites. As I suspected, I now have a whole list of stuff I want...

Sadly, I can't seem to find any information regarding seats for this specific bike.

The Corbin Gunfighter seat is really nice - it's just 150% of what I paid for the Mustang seat. I'm trying to get an RMA for the Mustang seat, but just from looking at their website, I'm going to have to eat the shipping cost PLUS a 20% restocking fee. Worst case scenario - I'll be stuck with store credit.

I ordered the seat from phatperformanceparts.com (The name alone would have turned me off from the site, but my buddy -insisted- that I use them.)

I'm considering just buying a $50 bib... /sigh.

Anyway, I'd still love to see some other pictures or hear suggestions for a similar seat.

Seems everything is made for the 1500 Classic / Nomad. Nothing for the C series.

[jeffs99vulcan]

WOW!!! Kevin, that's the new paint?! Haven't seen that yet!!! AWESOME!!! (sorry for the 'jack, couldn't help myself!)

[GregsVulcan]

I just ordered a Russell "Day Long" Seat. They get great reviews and they use your seat pan to make the new seat. Very expensive and not the sleekest looking seat but I am looking for comfort. I am sure it will be too late to give a review before you buy one because they won't even start my seat until November 10th then it will take about 2 weeks before I get it back. I am looking for a cheap stock seat so I can have something until the Russell seat is done.

[RogueJD]

I took a look at the Russel "Day Long" seats.

I'm sure they're quite nice, but it's not quite right for what I've got. I'm wanting to slim down the bike some.

In the end, I expect I'll be "sacrificing comfort for style."

Thanks for the info!

On a related note - the guys at the dealer I bought it from are giving me a hard time with the return on the mustang seat... absolutely won't budge from their return policy.

Been using my "Verbal Judo" typing skills all day to try to get this resolved. ...Now, all I wanna do is kick 'em in the "saddle contact point."

[knkt]

Originally Posted by jeffs99vulcan

WOW!!! Kevin, that's the new paint?! Haven't seen that yet!!! AWESOME!!! (sorry for the 'jack, couldn't help myself!)

Thanks Jeff!!!

Also, here's a bump for ya RogueJD!!!!

[knkt]

Originally Posted by RogueJD

Sadly, I can't seem to find any information regarding seats for this specific bike. Seems everything is made for the 1500 Classic / Nomad. Nothing for the C series.

Yes, and that is exactly what I ran into. I was actually down to the Mustang you got and the Corbin. I went Corbin because it specified my exact bike. As far as finding parts for our BUBF bikes, it is somewhat of a fishing expedition. I've been told many times that certain things have been discontinued. The places I shop are primarily:

Motorcycle Parts and Motorcycle Accessories for Cruisers: Honda VTX, Yamaha Roadstar, Kawasaki Mean Streak, Suzuki Volusia and more ...

Phat Performance Parts - Great Parts, Great Prices, Great Service, Great Website

MeanCycles - Motorcycle Accessories, Apparel, Helmets & Tires

Custom Dynamics Motorcycle LED Lights Motorcycle LEDs Lighting

Motorcycle Parts, Motorcycle Accessories by BikeBandit.com

I've purchased items from each of the above listed sites. Phat was a bit slow on shipping, but the others were spot on.

[GregsVulcan]

Originally Posted by RogueJD

I took a look at the Russel "Day Long" seats.

I'm sure they're quite nice, but it's not quite right for what I've got. I'm wanting to slim down the bike some.

In the end, I expect I'll be "sacrificing comfort for style."

Thanks for the info!

On a related note - the guys at the dealer I bought it from are giving me a hard time with the return on the mustang seat... absolutely won't budge from their return policy.

Been using my "Verbal Judo" typing skills all day to try to get this resolved. ...Now, all I wanna do is kick 'em in the "saddle contact point."

I just got tired of looking at seats and I talked to a friend of my brother who has a Russell Seat and he could not be happier. You definitely lose style with the Russell but I am hoping and praying it makes up for it in comfort. Good luck with yours.