Looking for a seat.

Bobenns

Bobenns

17 years old on my1968 BSA Lightning
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First post.
I just acquired a 1975 xs650 in northern Alberta.
A good solid project bike. Had my first 650 bike in 1968. A BSA Lightning, I was 17, do the math lol.
The xs650 is basically a very upscale version of that bike. I recently decided I would like to have something like this to play with and went looking.
The bike I found needs many things looked after but it runs very strong. Currently has no seat what so ever.
I thought I saw complete new seats for these bikes for sale somewhere but cannot find it now.
Anybody have any leads or a seat, I would like to hear from.
 

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While looking for a seat, check around for a front fender too 'cuz it has a stiffener built- in that acts as a fork brace. The classified ads on here or E-bay will probably help you.......both items need to be for correct model and year but I think most standards {not specials} after about 72 or 73 could use the same seat...........
 
Cool, thanks for that.
The guy I got it from did some things to make it into a low buget scrambler, but he didn't destroy it. Front fender is missing alright.
He cut quite a bit of length out of the mufflers. You should hear it bark! Sounds like a Triumph Bonneville.
 
70-72 are different and won’t fit. 73 was a one year only seat. You will be looking for a 74 and later standard seat to fit your 75 frame. If you aren't worried about staying factory correct, check out Texavina seats. They ship from Viet Nam but are a good option. I have a low profile that looks great, but it is thin and not ideal for long trips. They do require the stock hinges to mount though but those should be easy to source.
 
Buyer be aware, the seat advertised above is for the Special model and not for the 1975 Standard. It will fit but the seats lines will not match the '75's lines and side covers.
 
Last edited:
Rented Mule said:
nj1639, You know the specifics of the seat model post above how?
Click to expand...
The trained eye......
I've had Specials with the hinged seats and the lift off seats. I have a Standard '77 now. The seat to frame lines on the Standards which include the '75 model, of which this thread is about, have a straight line from fore to aft where the frame meets the seat and coincides with the metal side covers.
The Specials, of which you're advertising, have the distinctive drop at midpoint and have a side cover to match that drop.
I'll add pics if need be.....
 
Here is my '77 with a special seat. Note the side cover angle with the seat and also the rear of the seat with the fender. Not all rubber bumpers fit the frame either.
77 w spec seat.jpg
 
IMG_0083.JPG I'll add that it have taken the foam and cover from a side hinged Special seat, '78/'79, and trimmed the foam flaps that hung down past the bottom edge of a Standard seat pan and then converted the foam and cover over to the Standard seat pan.
It lowers the riders position mebbe an inch or so and gives any passenger a little boost.
A pic of Willie C's bike with the bastard seat included......
 
Thanks for all the feedback. This forum is great, just what I need. Looks like that seat will work for me.

I am trying to figure out how to search the classifieds with my smart phone. Meanwhile is it appropriate for me to ask here about side covers and a front fender? I need both sides and the fender.

I am trying to free up the front brake caliper pistons as well. The seller couldn't get it apart. I have been soaking it with Deep Creep but I see a special tool is needed to remove the piston if it is free. Anybody have a work around for this?

Thanks for all the input.
 
Bobenns said:
trying to free up the front brake caliper pistons as well. The seller couldn't get it apart. I have been soaking it with Deep Creep but I see a special tool is needed to remove the piston if it is free. Anybody have a work around for this?
Click to expand...

Pump the caliper with grease or use compressed air. Be very careful with air. It’s clean, but the piston comes out like a missile. You have to be prepared for that.
 
Also most of the time when they’re stuck there is still a little room on each side of the piston if you need the clamp it to get it moving. You may have to work it in and out several times before it pops free.
 

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