Do you carry passengers or are you looking for a solo seat? I couldnt find a decent priced solo seat so I just cut my factory seat up and made my own mounts for it.

 

I know what you mean, I have the sissy bar/backrest and a luggage rack and bag. So I have to lift my leg over the main seat and slide over onto the seat. You could cut off the aluminum sissy bar legs down low and get rid of the whole thing, and get an aftermarket rear seat.
Some even mount with suction cups for easy install.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-...y-Road-King/161927834596?epid=5021238931&hash=item25b3a6abe4:g:kwwAAOSwpLNX-xl~


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle...ad-For-Harley-Sportster-883/352493814502?hash=item521244c2e6:g:0CIAAOSwlelbyvfF

 

Yes definitely looking for a solo seat... I have to do the same thing, lift my leg up over the seat in front of me, dismounting is even worse, having to hop back a few steps so I have room to literally pull my leg back over the tank and seat. I have already had one Fusion back surgery and need another, so this problem is only getting worse...

 

I did the work myself so it only cost me about $10 for vinyl and staples but Im sure an upholstery shop could do the same for you for pretty cheap

 

I have tried the "Cowboy" style where you step up on the left foot peg and then push your leg over and it helps .
Feels funny but may be better for you.

 

You could try getting on from the right side of the bike. I have to do that sometimes as I'm in the same boat as you with a bad back.

 

I don't think I have seen an aftermarket solo seat for the '85/86.
You may have to just cut the backrest if it keeps you from getting on the bike.


I was going to say the same thing. I find it easier to get on from the right side.

Also try turning the bars the opposite way. If you are mounting from the left side with the bars turned to the left, it puts you further back on the bike, that puts the backrest in your way. If you mount from the left with the bars turned right, you can be further forward, making it easier to get on,

I think this is why I find right side mounting easier since I always park with the bars pointed left.

 

Kris that's exactly what I want... That teal and white bike is AWESOME by the way...
Don't mind paying upholstery shop to do it right, what I'm worried about are the bolts in the backrest that are the only ones holding the seat on. Not sure how to get around that unless I fabricate my own bracket of some sort.

 

At least One of our members has a VT500E Ascot, which might be a styling help....
it's a flatter seat, so it might work?

 

I put studs in the bottom of the seat pan where there are rubber bump stops from the factory. Those bolt lined up with holes in the cross brace that runs between the two side covers. To take off my seat the side cover comes off and I can reach under the seat and spin the nuts off. Note: I put the mounting bolts in before I covered the seat, when the foam was removable. Also, thank you. I'm glad you like my bike, I do all my own work and stick to a very tight budget

 

Um, you do know that the VT500C comes with adjustable shocks, right??

Just crank 'em down a little!


Also, and this is for everyone...join a Tai Chi or Yoga club.
I KNOW...but as we age, it's a needed thing.
The stretching becomes a REQUIREMENT as you age.
Otherwise you loose the ability to do a lot of things...
not to mention your balance changes as well...
So if you get into a steady program, it benefits you well into your 90's.

I actually went back to doing TKD forms that I hadn't done since the 80's...
because the Side Kicks help with tossing that leg over the bike!!
Also, if you do a nice sharp side-kick to get on, lets any do-badders
in the area know that you ain't an easy target

Here's a little Tai Chi for ya

 

Um, you do know that the VT500C comes with adjustable shocks, right??

Just crank 'em down a little!

I actually swapped the shocks out fof shorter Rebel shocks. The pic above is of the unfinished early incarnation of Blu. Not that Ill ever actually finish modifying it. He looks a little different these days

 

Waitaminit...aren't there Cafe-racer seats for the VT500 out there??

Coulda sworn someone made those...really flat suckers...

 

Probably but Im not hipster enough to cafè a cruiser. I do have a pretty gnarly Cafè-ish 79 Suzuki GS1000