Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 19 Aug 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
someone on here suggested a horsriding 'numnum' or whatever, same thing but edged, trimmed and generally finished better than having a dead animal over your bike. a lot more expensive too of course......
__________________
dave
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 19 Aug 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by NigelPGrace View Post
Keep it Simple - I have one on my Africa Twin - just one bungee from Engine bar to Engine bar - very simple and it works... and it quick to remove when the heavens open.... Regards Nigel
That is my method as well. I keep wet weather gear handy, so it goes in the waterproof cover when the wet gear goes on. It is also a great thing to lie on as is very warm. I don't need the warmth these days since I got my new sleeping bag. (Coleman hudson 450.) bulky but very warm and light. Ideal on my camp bed.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 24 Aug 2010
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: England
Posts: 277
The sheepskin we used became our bed mat too, the only problem was that odd beasties would nest in it during the day and come out at night.

It was never washed from UK to CT, and still doesn't smell. Magical properties. Worth its weight in for the comfort it gave. Black seat - 50 deg temperatures - that's not fun - but no problem with a sheep.

We didn't bother with bungees either, the soft luggage held it on. As did sitting on it.

Birdy
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 24 Aug 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: scotland
Posts: 101
Ive been using a sheepskin fur at least 20years,, if ave heard it once, ave heard the slaggings a hundred times or more.. once i was cruising in a town,, an a doberman dog ran after me, jumped up to what i thought to bite ma leg.. a stood up an he bite the sheepskin, an ran off with it,, i followed him an ther he was sitting inthe garden of his home rippin the thing apart.... but their great,, a wont go anywhere with out one, hold it on wi two bunggees,, an sometimes double it up when ma arse gets sore........ can any tell me where to post some stuff I want to sell... racks an pannier racks an boxes for a yam XT660R. cheers
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 24 Aug 2010
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
I sew a strip of broad strong webbing (used at the top of curtains to hold the hooky things) across the sheepskin and then sew Velcro to the ends. Pop the seat off the GS, slap the ends together and put the seat back on. That way, if it gets wet and I am not wearing waterproof pants, I just attach it to the pannier frame and let it dry out in the breeze.

I buy cat sleeping pads made from sheepskin, for about NZ$20 (US$14). I recon they give me at least 30-40% longer distance before the numb-bum sets in.

Cheers bloke

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 24 Aug 2010
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Quote:
Originally Posted by bama3 View Post
Ive been using a sheepskin fur at least 20years,, i. but their great,, a wont go anywhere with out one, hold it on wi two bunggees,, an sometimes double it up when ma arse gets sore........ can any tell me where to post some stuff I want to sell... racks an pannier racks an boxes for a yam XT660R. cheers
For sale bits and pieces is here:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...r-sale-wanted/

Cheers bloke

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 24 Aug 2010
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Wirral UK
Posts: 226
cleaning

I use on all the time they are very comfortable and yes they double up as a pillow. It is held on with elastic at the front and and my throwover panniers at the rear. Cleaning is either throw it in the washing machine once or twice a year or jump up and down on it when you are in the shower. A good brush brings up the nap or pile and a quick spray of Lynx keeps the smell at bay.
__________________
www.frothandflames.com
2012 Kawasaki W800
1997 NX 650 Dominator
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 25 Aug 2010
mjredl's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Chilliwack, BC (outside Vancouver)
Posts: 40
Bought mine in 2001 and tried many of the attachment methods posted above, but found by far the best way to attach my sheepskin is with snaps. Buy a snap kit with screw in base snaps at a local outdoor outfitter shop or fabric store.

Start by positioning your sheepskin where you would like to fit it to you seat and, then locate areas where the snaps can be located. Use 4 snaps (2 each side). With the simple tools supplied in the snap kit install the snaps through the sheepskin first, Then screw the base screws snaps into seat pan at the side of your seat, one at a time, slightly stretching the sheepskin to make snug, but not tight.

Easy to put on, remove and no straps to sit on. looks great too.. When you sell your bike, the screw snap parts are removed and the small holes in the side of the seat are virtually un-noticeable.

Cleaning, use dish soap. A lot less corrosive than laundry detergent and use a little vinegar instead of fabric softener. Fabric softener attracts dirt, whereas vinegar helps to release the residual soap and separates the hairs to make it fluffy again. Air dry, but if your sheepskin was not the pre-shrunk type. install it on your seat while the skin part is still slightly damp, otherwise it will shrink to much and you will have to moisten and re-stretch it.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 25 Aug 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 235
Petmats

I've just ordered a new petmat (sheepskin) from 'SkyeSkins' at £15.00 (+P&P)

Sheepskin Petmats - SkyeSkyns Scotland

I had one for my previous travels and it was great. Buying the petmat instead of a 'perfect' skin saves money as the mat is a second, if it's good enough for the lovable pooch or moggie, then it's good enough for my arse! It'll only have a slight colour imperfection so I'm not that bothered.

Fastening the last one was with a single flat bungee which worked perfectly. This time I may sew sticky velcro on two sides of the skin side and stick the soft velcro strips onto the seat, more secure on the ride as I like to stand often in traffic and so I can remove daily as the last one got nicked..!

(I'm not affiliated with 'SkyeSkins' in any way other than being a satisfied customer and thought I'd pass on the info.)
__________________
Geoffshing

'Security is a product of one's own imagination, it does not exist in nature as a rule, life is either a daring adventure or nothing.'
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 31 Aug 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Eastbourne
Posts: 44
Sheepskin...

fitted to my would you believe Blackbird.Who cares what it looks like as long as you are comfortable.Although I will admit it is a bit slippery at times.
I used that and this seat when I recently went up to the Highlands and it was unbelievably comfortable.That was also proven when it punctured 100 miles from home and the ride from there was dire

As you can see from this link :Putnams Inflatable Stadium Seat Cushion.

for the price this was also well worth buying how many of these can you buy for the price of an Airhawk.

To secure to the bike you just need to sew some elastic to the sides of the seat.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 31 Aug 2010
Niklas's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Denmark
Posts: 33
I started using a sheepskin on the BMW Comfort Seat for the F800GSpot.
I find it very releaving.
I am able to crusie without stop between the needed tank tops now.
Great.
Thank you all for the idea/advise.

Niklas
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 6 Sep 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 28
Quote:
Originally Posted by geoffshing View Post
I've just ordered a new petmat (sheepskin) from 'SkyeSkins' at £15.00 (+P&P)

Sheepskin Petmats - SkyeSkyns Scotland

I had one for my previous travels and it was great. Buying the petmat instead of a 'perfect' skin saves money as the mat is a second, if it's good enough for the lovable pooch or moggie, then it's good enough for my arse! It'll only have a slight colour imperfection so I'm not that bothered.

Fastening the last one was with a single flat bungee which worked perfectly. This time I may sew sticky velcro on two sides of the skin side and stick the soft velcro strips onto the seat, more secure on the ride as I like to stand often in traffic and so I can remove daily as the last one got nicked..!

(I'm not affiliated with 'SkyeSkins' in any way other than being a satisfied customer and thought I'd pass on the info.)
stretchy black elastic,,cheap as chips ,,buy from boyes hardware..
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 23 Sep 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: County Durham
Posts: 3
Just ride.....

Stop worrying about what it smells like, do you care what your regular seat smells like? NO!

Just attach it and ride in complete comfort.

If it gets wet, it will soon dry, just forget about it!!!!

Best bit of kit available
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 24 Sep 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: somewhere on the road between Ushuaia and Alaska
Posts: 377
+1: Sheepskin DOES make a huge difference. I've got mine strapped to the seat with a regular tie-down strap. During camping, I take it inside the tent, and together with an Exped DownMat (short version = small pack size) it serves well for a cozy night's sleep.
__________________
__________________________
http://www.panomoto.com
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 24 Sep 2010
NearlyHomelessNick's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Germany
Posts: 96
I got mine from this company in Germany....
very cheap, and a good speedy service.

http://www.schaffellhandel.de/index.htm

Before hand I had a Numnah off ebay, that was shaped and had straps and was a perfect fit.
It was a wool synthetic mix, it did help but compacted quick and was no way as good as the real thing.
Copied the form of the numnah and atached straps under the seat, for anyone wondering a numnah is a pad that fits between the saddle and the horses back to give the horse more comfort over long periods of riding.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 3 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 3 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
2003 XT600E replacement seat cover bacardi23 Yamaha Tech 5 20 Jan 2010 19:19
1990 xt600. Need a seat cover.. skiboyracing Yamaha Tech 5 28 Dec 2008 20:45
Sheepskin seat covers and Quarantine Inspection? Chris D (Newcastle NSW) Australia / New Zealand 8 24 Nov 2008 05:04
XT600E - A Gel Seat or Sheepskin? kentfallen Yamaha Tech 15 1 Feb 2008 10:28
Seude Seat Cover mikesharp98 KTM Tech 13 29 Jan 2008 13:39

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:47.