New to To the concours and I have a ?

[kelly.janzen]

 I have just bought an 86 concours and I was wondering if some one could clear up a Question I have. The main one is that my seat has had 1 repair and is torn now, So I have found a seat from a 2000 model in near perfect shape locally but I am not able to see if it fits as the bike isn't here yet. Are the seats interchangeable? also from what I have gathered from reading what I can find now the body is pretty much unchanged from 1986-2007 is this right? I have no need for anything now other than the seat, but in the future if I do are all the parts interchangeable?  Thank you in advance!

[connie_rider]

Seats are all interchangable.

Fairing parts are "sorta" interchangable.
To my knowledge thay all bolt onto the bike in the same holes....
But, Over the years there were some small fairing chanages.
     The biggest was the instrument panel changed and caused changes on the dash area.
Bottom line is; all the fairing parts can be used, if you take care to see you have the matching parts.

Ride safe, Ted

[Outback_Jon]

Yes, the seats interchange without issues.  Even from the pre-94 and 94-later models.  All the external fairing pieces swap without issues, but the dashboard is the exception.  The bracket that holds the upper fairing and the dashboard is different, so the dashboards don't just swap.

The front end is the other major change for 94-later.  Wider front wheel, wider fender, different forks, different triple tree, different brakes. 

[kelly.janzen]

Thanks for the help. I guess the only other Question is who has ridden on a stock 86 seat and the newer 2000? which is more comfortable?

[kzz1king]

Mostly personal preference. The older seats were flat and the later have a step. I  have had both and prefer the later but could be ok with either.
Wayne

Thanks for the help. I guess the only other Question is who has ridden on a stock 86 seat and the newer 2000? which is more comfortable?

[Outback_Jon]

Mostly personal preference. The older seats were flat and the later have a step.

+1.  Some people like the flat seat, because they can move around on it more than on the stepped seat.  I prefer the stepped seat.

[kelly.janzen]

Thanks for the advise. I decided to buy the stepped style seat. I picked up the bike today and rode home, a 3 hour drive that was very enjoyable. I didn't feel the need to stop at all! If the newer style seat isn't as comfortable no big deal I think it was a good price, and a lot cheaper than getting the current 1 recovered. I haven't been riding for too long but this is the best riding bike I've had!

[westkyguy]

 You can get a cover for about 35 bucks and recover it yourself, there are several places that sell them.

[connie_rider]

Where can you get a cover for $35?

Ride  safe, Ted

[RFH87_Connie]

I did the Sargent one.  They are $60 plus shipping I think.  They turn out looking very nice it you have the time to do it.  So far it has lasted 4 years without issue and still looks great.  I'm prefer the "original" style but have a wide Corbin too.

http://www.sargentcycle.com/readyfit.htm

[Bob Young]

I have an '86 with the "stock" seat it came with. I just had it re-upholstered ($60). I also have a seat from a 2002 that I use. I re-use the seat hardware when changing seats and I like both. I change seat because I can, not for any other reason. I've done 400/500 mile days on both; but it's been awhile back. Keep both.

HTH,

[kelly.janzen]

I got the new seat this week and put it on! I went for my first ride on it and I love it. I'm very glad I bought it, it looks better and feels good. I will be keeping the old one as well. there is no need to get rid of it. You never know what mood may strike!

[Boomer]

Plenty of cheap seat covers over here.
http://www.wemoto.com/bikes/kawasaki/zg_1000_a1-a7_gtr_1000/86-93/picture/seat_cover_-_economy_from_far_east/
That's about $35 but once ya add shipping the $60 Sergeant one may be cheaper.