How To: Replace a Dirt Bike Seat Cover

Installing a new dirt bike seat cover is actually a much more simple task than what it looks like, provided you have the correct tools. We take some time to run you through the install process in the video below, replacing the seat cover on our 2017 Honda CRF450R Project Bike, or you can read our step-by-step guide.

For this task you will need, here are the tool you'll need:

• T-bar set (most seats will have 10mm bolts in the seat)
• Large flat blade screwdriver
• Set of pliers
• Air or heavy-duty spring loaded staple gun
• Staples
• Stanley knife

Step 1: The first step is to remove the seat from the bike, flip the seat over to expose the bottom where all of the staples are located, and then remove the staples. To remove the staples, use the screwdriver and lever under the middle of the staple until it pops out of the seat. Use the pliers to pull out any staples that are extra tricky. Take note of how many staples are used in the seat from the factory as many people use far too many staples when reapplying their new seat and it's not needed.

Step 2: After removing the old cover, now it's time to take your new motocross seat cover and check which end is the front and which is the back end. You can also warm your seat cover up with a heat gun or hairdryer, but in our experience, we have never felt the need to do this.

Step 3: Start at the front of the seat by pulling the cover over the end followed by doing the same at the back of the seat. The cover may feel tight to pull over both ends this way, but it will help assure a smooth and wrinkle-free finish. Once both ends are on the seat, check any logos on the seat are straight and centred. If there aren’t any logos check the seams of the stitching are sitting square and even on the bottom edge of the seat.

Step 4: Use your staple gun and punch one staple to the front and the rear of the seat, aim to add this approximately 10mm from the edge of the seat and ensure you are firing the staple into the plastic. Make sure you press the staple gun firmly down onto the plastic evenly or the staple will fire through the cover and cut a hole straight through it.

From there we simply work form the front to the back of the seat pulling the cover tight and adding a staple to each side of the seat all the way down to the back. Keep checking that the cover is going on straight and snug to the seat base. Using a heat gun at this point may help you stretch the cover over the seat, but be careful not to heat it too much or you may melt or warp the seat cover.

Add a staple approximately every 20mm until the seat cover is completely stapled down. You can use a Stanley knife to trim any excess seat cover hanging down underneath the seat, watch your fingers. Try to use staples between 7-10mm, any longer and they may poke through the top of the seat cover. Depending on the strength of the staple gun you may need to press the staples in a little further into the seat plastic as some staple guns aren’t strong enough to get the job done on their own.

What is the difference between seat covers?

Aftermarket seat covers are generally always gripper seat covers, although they come in a couple of options: a standard gripper seat cover, and a ribbed gripper seat covers.

A standard gripper seat cover has a 'rough' construction, giving you an adequate amount of grip on the bike, yet still allowing you to move up and down the seat with ease.

A ribbed gripper seat cover is for the ultimate amount of grip. It still uses a 'rough' construction, however a number of ribs, made from rubber, are stitched across the seat. This allows you to stay in place on the bike, reducing the chance of slipping down the seat in corners and off the start.

Check out the huge range of Dirt Bike Seat covers at MXstore:

• MotoSeat Seat Covers
• Factory Effex Seat Covers
• D'Cor Seat Covers
• Ballards Seat Covers
• Blackbird Seat Covers
• Strike Seat Covers