What year and model is your XS650?
1981, UK model custom.
Yes, the 1981 and newer 650s had a lift-off seat with a huge and ugly (in my opinion) hump in it, but it is pretty comfortable .....
The 1980 lift-off seat has much less of a hump and will swap right on. It's the best you can do for direct swap stock parts I think .....
It is or is not a lift off seat?
Post some pics when you can, we'uns love pics......
Have seat pan and foam (Thank you, Jim!), a Pfaff industrial walking foot sewing machine, and a really nice dead cow (good quality black garment leather). Amazingly, when I go looking for pictures of seats to model, I end up here at xs650.com. Surprise! This is my favorite of the pictures I want to model so far. Looks very doable. Once I get the seat foam shaped the way I want it I'm planning to make a linen (fabric mockup to make sure the pattern works) then permanently attach that to the seat with spray adhesive to protect/seal the foam before I add the leather upholstery. Anyone with upholstery experience have any hints?
Texavina has seats for your bike. "Heritage Special" fits your '81 since the seat is the same. You have options.
https://texavina.com/xs650-heritage-special-1978-1983/
If I may make a suggestion Shelby, start a thread in the garage, titled something like "Special Seat Modifications" ... or somesuch. That way you can gather info and pics and stuff all in one place. Will make a handy reference for you (and others) to go to.
