KymcoForum.com

Scooters - 125 to 300 => Yager GT 200i => Topic started by: MotoRandy123 on November 27, 2012, 01:07:51 AM

Title: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: MotoRandy123 on November 27, 2012, 01:07:51 AM
Here's the seat, notice the dome in the front underneath to allow for 2 helmet's under there;
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/MotoRandy123/Newest/DSCN2285.jpg)

Removeing the cover;
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/MotoRandy123/Newest/DSCN2286.jpg)

Reveals this;
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/MotoRandy123/Newest/DSCN2289.jpg)

The padding has dimples molded into it to soften it a bit? Min has one filled when it should have been
empty. This show's we have about 1" of foam for a cushion;
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/MotoRandy123/Newest/DSCN2291.jpg)

The plan is to cut out the dimple (yellow), put in a flat piece of plastic and add more foam.
I'm not sure what to do about the horn (red lines). I slip forward a bit too and might add taller
shocks later so will have to tilt it back a bit;
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/MotoRandy123/Newest/DSCN2289_2.jpg)
Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: ludo on November 27, 2012, 01:36:29 AM
Thanks for sharing.
Just my 2c.... I don't think that the lack of comfort is due to that dome.
I blame more the lack of back support and the inclination of the seat.
The foam bump in the middle is a culprit also.

I bet that shaving the foam to a complete flat surface and maybe adding an extra layer of cushioning would cure most of the problems with the stock seat.
Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: Zimmerman on November 27, 2012, 01:50:41 AM
Ludo

I think the 'flat' seat would do the trick too.

I haven't done a flat mockup by filling in the saddle, but I wonder if doing so would raise the seat height too much . . . we still need to safety touch the ground at stops.

If it would be too high then you'd have to cut down the seat plastic and rebuild it flat, at a lower level, before refoaming it.

KZ

Randy - can you post a side view at about seat height? (with the plastic showing) ?
Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: ludo on November 27, 2012, 01:55:42 AM
KZ,
Seat height is a legit concern.
I bet that a flat seat with a thinner but more dense foam would do the trick.
I am still thinking of adding that gel/foam pad in the saddle and smoothing out the bump.
That will be my next project ;-)
Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: MotoRandy123 on November 27, 2012, 02:09:35 AM
Well The seat is unbolted right now. I'm not understanding what you want for a pic?
Pull the foam back and show it from the side on it's wheels to see flatness?

My first thought was to add 1" of foam to the top as the cover is loose over the foam;
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/MotoRandy123/Newest/DSCN2283.jpg)

Here's a side view. ;
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/MotoRandy123/Newest/Mod1.jpg)

Your right it might need to be lowered in the back red section in this pic;
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/MotoRandy123/Newest/DSCN2289_3.jpg)

I'll have to map it out a bit more before I make any changes! The foam seams really good. My two
problems are I feel pushed forward at times and after 1/2 hour riding it feels a bit hard (maybe because
of fighting to sit back or maybe the grippy cover is not soft?).
Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: MotoRandy123 on November 27, 2012, 02:32:08 AM
Ahh I see now! The tilt is in the back of the bump.
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/MotoRandy123/Newest/DSCN2294.jpg)

Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: Zimmerman on November 27, 2012, 09:59:11 AM
Thanks Randy,

The extra side view photo really helps.

My ole eyes were having a having a hard time with the depth perception - but the side view shows how far back the bumps are and what their angles are. It's much easier to see.

KZ
Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: MotoRandy123 on November 27, 2012, 06:13:22 PM
So the problem is at the dot in this picture, the foam there is only 1" thick!;
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/MotoRandy123/Newest/DSCN2298_2.jpg)

The plan is to get rid of that sloping area and add some flat plastic and more foam. Too bad I will
loose the space for a helmet under there...;
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/MotoRandy123/Newest/DSCN2309.jpg)

Looks good, or maybe a little more from the front. There is a flat area around it to bolt the new
plastic to I just hope it's strong enough. I can sit on it with the material cut out so should be OK.;
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/MotoRandy123/Newest/DSCN2310.jpg)
Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: MotoRandy123 on November 27, 2012, 07:30:23 PM
  Well I cut up an old poly bucket that I've been stealing pieces from and made a
1/4" thick filler piece;
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/MotoRandy123/Newest/DSCN2315.jpg)

(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/MotoRandy123/Newest/DSCN2314.jpg)

(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/MotoRandy123/Newest/DSCN2316.jpg)

It feels good! I need to add about 2" of foam to fill the new gap. Now where's an old memory foam
pillow? I'm sure the wife won't mind if I use that!...
Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: ludo on November 27, 2012, 07:45:41 PM
Dude! You are brave!!  :-)
Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: Zimmerman on November 27, 2012, 08:10:46 PM
That's what I was thinking - man, Randy's got guts !
Anyway there comes a time after careful planning that you've got to actually do something.

Randy - I like it - it's much more level going much farther back, but you still have the elevated flat section (at the far rear) that I would need for my kids to ride 2 up.

I do wonder how well you'll be able to get the seat cover to 'follow' the contours of that 'drop.'
But I'm no seat specialist.

Good job - please keep us posted.

KZ
Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: ludo on November 27, 2012, 08:36:31 PM
I can't wait to see the final result and your opinion after some riding.
Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: MotoRandy123 on November 27, 2012, 08:50:40 PM
The plan is to fill in the additional space under the stock foam. The cut out allows for
no pushing forward and more foam to soften so the cover should fit like it did. I'm
running into trouble finding some foam. I didn't plan on doing it this way! Couch foam
is too soft. The memory foam is meant for a larger area. Real high performance seat
foam is expensive. Anybody got any ideas for foam?

I found the soft foam works best, the others are rubbery and allow you to jiggle and roll.
It feels like sitting on a ball! The soft has one problem, you need 4" to start, it compresses
 to 1" once you sit on it but that might make getting the cover back on a chore!
Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: MotoRandy123 on November 28, 2012, 10:24:47 PM
I'm finalizing the seat today. I ended up with a foam floor tile (kids puzzle like thing)
as the first layer under the seat. Without that the seat was able to compress on the
sides if you rolled your hips. Then I put a piece of rug padding from under a 70's shag
rug pulled out of the old homestead. I glued them together with RTV and am waiting
for it to dry. I'll put another piece of rug padding on the top for softness and button
it back up! (pictures to follow).
Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: ludo on November 28, 2012, 10:35:16 PM
Awesome.
What a project!
Can't wait to see the result!
Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: MotoRandy123 on November 30, 2012, 07:31:51 PM
Here's some pictures. This is the underside where I added the foam and padding (see right);
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/MotoRandy123/Newest/DSCN2317.jpg)

Here's the padding with the plastic I removed beside to see how much needs to be added;
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/MotoRandy123/Newest/DSCN2319.jpg)

Here's the padding I added to the top. Stock the cover "drums" over the seat. It was tough to tell where
it might show. I ended up with a little "ridge" in front of the drivers backrest, it's not that noticable though;
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/MotoRandy123/Newest/DSCN2321.jpg)

 Here's the secret weapon. A Surebonder pneumatic staple gun. These take standard staples and only cost $25!
The electric or manual stapler allows kick back and the staples end up only half way in. The air seats them fully;
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/MotoRandy123/Newest/DSCN2324.jpg)

Here's the bottom of the finished seat. I even have a little stash pocket (for government papers).;
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/MotoRandy123/Newest/DSCN2332.jpg)

And here's the finished seat!;
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/MotoRandy123/Newest/DSCN2333.jpg)

It doesn't look much different but feels a lot better. It's tough to get firm yet soft. After a while I might
order some better foam and tweak it a bit. I found this place that has some reasonably priced;
http://www.sunmatecushions.com/Discounts.html (http://www.sunmatecushions.com/Discounts.html)
Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: Zimmerman on November 30, 2012, 07:36:25 PM
Nice job Randy.

Did this fix the seats tendency to push you forward ?

KZ
Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: MotoRandy123 on November 30, 2012, 07:45:44 PM
Yes, the problem was the rear of the seat only had 1" of foam on it. When you drive over rough
surfaces or just sink more over time you hit the hard plastic. I removed the 1" of hard plastic and
replaced it with softer material. I haven't ridden on it yet but it feels like you are still suspended
by foam at full compression. The angle of the original plastic was approximately 45 degrees now it's
more like 15. With better foam you might be able to take 1" out of the seat but molding it into the
passenger seat and covering it might be challenging.

Here's a picture;
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/MotoRandy123/MoreMods/Mod1.jpg)

The yellow line is the top of the foam. The inside of the seat originally looked like the red lines.
Notice the short green in the back. I changed it to look like the pink line so the foam is like the longer
yellowish line.
Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: ludo on November 30, 2012, 10:17:36 PM
Great job Randy!!
I hope it helps a lot for longer rides (and shorter too!!).

Kind of annoying that Kymco can't make comfy seats  ::)
The Yager is not the only Kymco's scooter with an uncomfortable seat.

The SYM RV200 looks pretty much exactly like the Yager. Check out the seat on it:
(http://alliancepowersports.com/models/images/RV/Content_Comfort2.jpg)

Flat seating and real back rest.... and still plenty of height for a full helmet to fit under!
Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: de-dee on November 30, 2012, 10:23:13 PM
I have a 300i downtown 2011  seat is a little diferent shape,  to low for me, I found some mattress foam 6" thick  that compresses just the right thickness for me, it is not covered yet, I am looking for leatherette that would be good for a seat, any ideas for type of leatherette to use , breathing vented,ect. color for the hot sunny days, all ideas wellcome, scooter is golden & black color,
Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: MotoRandy123 on December 03, 2012, 08:44:19 PM
Well I went for an hour ride today. The first half I didn't even think about the seat.
The second half I found it feeling a little hard. I think the original setup the cover is
stretch tight over the foam and that creates a lot of pressure. My new setup is good
but then compresses a little and creates some pressure (less than original). So some
better foam would completely fix it I think.
Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: Zimmerman on December 04, 2012, 10:38:03 AM
Yes, it was really nice down here too. I wondered if you were taking that seat for a test drive.

But the main thing is the seat wasn't pushing you forward, right ?

KZ
Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: MotoRandy123 on December 04, 2012, 12:14:09 PM
Nope, it never pushed me forward.
Title: Re: Fixing The Yager Seat
Post by: fshfindr on December 11, 2012, 12:11:38 AM
I am 5'9".  I sit at the very front of my Yager seat.  It is not the most comfortable seat in the world.  However, I would not be able to sit on your modified seat since I would have to balance on the peak at the front of your seat.  I would like to soften my seat not to change the configuration.  But I will continue to follow the thread.

Richard L.