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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.
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Photo by Hendi Kaf,
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  #1  
Old 12 Sep 2013
pjw pjw is offline
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Sheepskin seat cover
Can anyone please advise me about covering a saddle with sheepskin.

Does it add comfort from the point of view of cushioning. Does it help to keep your backside cooler. Can it be used in the rain or does it get wet and stay wet.

I have seen photos of various riders using them, but have never had the chance to discuss it with them.

Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks
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  #2  
Old 13 Sep 2013
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Never travel whitout!!!
Sheepskin over saddle:

-Add comfort from the point of view of cushioning.
-Help to keep your backside cooler when is warm.
-And warm when is chilly

I also use it as a complement of my short termarest for camp

Can be used in the rain if is shower one, if not I roll it and keep it dry in bag…

Here in country-side Patagonia are cheap and nicely hairy…

Saludos
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  #3  
Old 16 Sep 2013
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£10 sheepskin rug from Ikea

Sling it over the saddle and comfy is my middle name

Makes a great mat , pillow,, etc etc
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  #4  
Old 17 Sep 2013
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I’ve had one on my old R100GS for the best part of 10 years
I love it very comfortable and like everyone has said it helps in the heat the cold
Got mine from an add on one of the forums for about £20 second hand
It’s just a big bit of sheepskin cut to a rough shape and strapped to the seat by a bit of webbing strap that stitched to the bottom of it
Mine is in 2 bits one for the rider and one for the pillion
A few years ago in France After my wife had flown home I ended up lending the pillion pad to a mate I met up with out there so he could put it on his R1 he said it saved his life on that trip
Why not try an off cut from a local sheepskin coat type shop
I use mine in all weathers I just have a small waterproof sheet rolled up on my top box that I put over it if I stop out in the rain
And yes I know I am the most uncool men in the world I have a BMW and a top box in fact I have a collection of top boxes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not very good photos but here are some of bike with the sheepskin on in Morocco

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.5706058993.9268.607353993&type=1&l=25e43f77 31
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  #5  
Old 17 Sep 2013
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Bed ridden patients used to have sheepskins to lay on, they help prevent bed sores. Same principle on the bike, every time you move the piles move so the pressure points change.
IMHO don't get a fleece from a furniture store, they've been cleaned to an almost sterile state, without the natural oils, lanolin, they will retain water. I use mine as pillow, its 5 years old, been caught in too many downpours and doesn't smell. Could do with a good combing though

Signature;- Current bike, 1991 Africa Twin RD04
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Old 7 Oct 2013
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Even Dakar riders use them now.....

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Old 7 Oct 2013
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I've tried sheepskins on a couple of my bikes and have never found that they really worked for me. They help for a bit then they get just as uncomfortable as the seat. In rain they will get wet and take a long time to dry out.

About all that has ever worked for me is a leather covered aftermarket seat.

The seat & ergonomics of the bike are always my biggest challenge to get sorted out. I'm not really sure what model of person the manufacturer's build these bikes for but I know I'm not one of them.
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Old 9 Oct 2013
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I recently re did two DR650 seats (mine and a friends) In my mates I got 1 inch of foam added and then put a sheep skin over that, he says its loads better, but the additional foam was the best bit - only cost $40 from an upholsterer.
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Old 25 Oct 2013
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lambland uk have them for about £12

I love mine wouldnt settle for anything else sure spend 10 times the amount on an airhawk and you can suffer punctures.

I strap mine over the seat with one bungee cord and also use it in camp as a cushion or under my feet.

definatly improves comfort and probably doubles riding time before the numb bum sets in

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Old 25 Oct 2013
pjw pjw is offline
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Thank you all for your comments and advice regarding sheepskin seat covers.

Sorry for the delay in replying, been very bogged down for a few weeks.

Only question I still have, is regarding finding the appropriate quality sheepskin.

One of you has mentioned that "natural" is the best. Ideally with original natural oils. If this is the case, please could you tell me where to look and what I am specifically asking for.

Once again, Thanks to you all.
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  #11  
Old 25 Oct 2013
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Hi PJW,

You don't say where you are in the world??

If you look at this Australian site they have some great products to fit all sizes of bikes. I have 2 of the Solo Universal pad. They fit on my BMW 1200GS and on my Yamaha 660 Tenere.

SHEEPY HOLLOW sheepskin Seat Covers for Motorcycles

They post all over the world although that starts to push the price up.

The first one for the BMW is now 5 years old and has been all over the world. The sheepskin is still OK but the elastic is in need of replacement.

Definitely make riding more comfortable

Chris.
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Old 26 Oct 2013
pjw pjw is offline
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Sorry

Very new to this site ! Still learning my way around and it didn't dawn on me that my message was going worldwide.

I am based in Hertfordshire in the Uk.
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Old 27 Oct 2013
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sore butt
If you can find a local butcher that kills and skins the sheep himself he might give it to you for free.... thats where i got my one
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  #14  
Old 27 Oct 2013
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Like stuxtttr said:

Genuine Sheepskin Motorcycle Seat Pad in Black | Sheepskin Seat Pad | FREE UK DELIVERY

I've used mine for years, great on the bike and around camp, wouldn't be without it....
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  #15  
Old 6 Aug 2014
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Having look on the net and on here, I am looking for a sheepskin cover for my XT600E. Has anyone had a particular type/make they can recommend or even one made especially for there seat? UK companies would be better
Thanks
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