What Is the Best Material to Cover a Motorcycle Seat?

Summary:

• Leather, basic vinyl, and fabric are common materials for OEM seat covers—but they aren’t always best for durability, comfort, or weather resistance in the long run.
• Leather offers a luxurious feel but requires high maintenance and is sensitive to weather unless properly conditioned—and the leather used in OEM seat covers doesn’t always come from high-quality sources.
• Basic vinyl is affordable and easy to maintain, but lacks comfort and long-term durability under extreme conditions.
• Fabric covers are breathable but also the least durable option, offering next to no protection against water and UV rays.
• Luimoto uses marine-grade vinyl in all our premium aftermarket seat covers. This material offers exceptional durability, weather resistance, and low maintenance needs.
• Our covers are also enhanced by Japanese synthetic suede, which adds luxury and sophistication while providing better durability than genuine suede.

You can’t ride without a seat, so it’s in your best interests to protect it. That means having a motorcycle seat cover that provides proper protection for the foam and gel inserts that keep you comfortable while riding—as well as one that complements the style of your ride.

But not all motorcycle seat covers are cut from the same cloth, and even OEM seat covers aren’t always the best option. So here’s our guide to the various materials seat covers are made of—read on and learn how to choose a seat cover that will keep you and your bike happy for years to come.

Buy Your Luimoto Seat Cover Here

• Rider Seat Covers
• Passenger Seat Covers

The Most Common Materials for Motorcycle Seat Covers

OEM seat covers often employ materials like standard leather, basic vinyl, or even simple fabric. While they may initially look appealing, these materials don’t always hold up under prolonged exposure to the elements.

Leather

Leather is a classic choice, offering a luxurious look and feel. However, it requires regular maintenance to prevent drying and cracking. While it provides a comfortable ride initially, leather can deteriorate quickly without proper care, especially under constant exposure to sun and rain.

Basic Vinyl (Plastic)

Basic vinyl, a more affordable option, is known for its ease of cleaning and maintenance. It's water-resistant but doesn't offer the same level of comfort as other materials. Over time, it can crack and fade, especially in extreme weather conditions, and it lacks the premium aesthetic of higher-quality materials.

Fabric

Fabric covers are breathable and come in a variety of designs. However, they are the least durable, particularly when it comes to water resistance and UV protection. Fabric can tear easily and often fades over time, requiring frequent replacement compared to more resilient materials.

A Cut Above: Luimoto’s Marine Grade Vinyl

Luimoto makes all of our premium aftermarket seat covers out of marine-grade vinyl, which we use for its exceptional durability and resistance to the elements. Unlike most of the materials covered above, it’s designed to withstand prolonged exposure to sun and rain without cracking or fading—which is why you’ll often find it on commercial fishing vessels and outdoor industrial equipment.

Key Benefits

• Superior Durability: Highly resistant to tears and abrasions, ensuring a longer lifespan.
• Enhanced Weather Resistance: Provides excellent protection against water, UV rays, and other environmental factors.
• Low Maintenance: Easy to clean and does not require the frequent care that materials like leather do.

Finishing Touches: Japanese Synthetic Suede

Our use of Japanese synthetic suede to finish our seat covers adds an element of luxury and sophistication. This material not only enhances the visual appeal of the seat covers but also offers practical benefits.

Key Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: It replicates the look and feel of real suede, adding a touch of elegance.
• Durability: More resilient to wear and tear compared to real suede, maintaining its appearance over time.
• Complements Marine-Grade Vinyl: Provides a contrasting texture that enhances the overall design, while also contributing to the seat cover's durability and comfort.

Comparing Your Options for Seat Covers

Frequently Asked Questions about Luimoto’s Marine-Grade Vinyl Seat Covers

How long does a Luimoto seat cover last compared to OEM covers?

Luimoto seat covers, made with marine-grade vinyl and Japanese synthetic suede, typically outlast standard OEM covers due to their superior material quality and resistance to weathering.

Are Luimoto seat covers 100% waterproof?

While the marine-grade vinyl we use to construct our covers offers superior protection against water relative to other materials, it’s important to note that trace amounts of water may still permeate the stitching when soaked or exposed to heavy rain for prolonged periods. We still recommend keeping your bike in a garage or putting it under a cover if you street park it.

Can Luimoto seat covers be customized for any motorcycle model?

Absolutely. Our team at Luimoto can create custom seat covers tailored to fit any motorcycle model perfectly.

Are Luimoto seat covers easy to maintain?

Yes, our seat covers are designed for easy maintenance, needing just a simple wipe-down every so often to keep them looking fresh and new.

How do I install my Luimoto seat cover?

Installing your cover is easy and can be done with just a few tools. Download our installation PDF for a complete list of instructions and required tools.

We can also install your seat cover for you if you mail your seat to us. You’ll need to pay a fee depending on the kind of cover you’re buying, and cover the costs of shipping both ways.

• Rider Seat Covers: $50
• Passenger Seat Covers: $35
• Large Seat Covers: $60