Luimoto Seat Covers: Install Your Own Custom Motorcycle Seat Cover

Be more comfortable and make your bike stand out

By Tricia Szulewski, Editor
Apparel & Product Reviews, Products for Motorcycles, Seat Reviews /

Luimoto Seat Covers

Most motorcycles come with pretty plain-looking seats with variable comfort levels. What works for one rider doesn’t work for all riders when it comes to comfort and aesthetics. This is why there are so many aftermarket and OEM accessory options for seats. Luimoto seat covers offer riders the option of keeping their stock seat but replacing the cover with one that stands out from the crowd.

Canadian company Luimoto’s founders discovered this niche back in 2006 when researching seat options for motorcycles. Using premium materials, Luimoto designs covers that stand out and its gel inserts may also provide more comfort, too. Custom embroidery, colorful stitching, and a variety of materials can be used to design a one-of-a-kind motorcycle seat cover for your ride.

Preparing to Install a Luimoto Seat Cover

The stock one-piece seat on my 2016 BMW S 1000 XR is comfortable for me, but it does look dull. When Luimoto offered to send me a cover to install and test I was hesitant, because I didn’t want to ruin my stock seat in case I did a terrible job installing the cover. Happily, Luimoto suggested I just install its cover right over the stock one, and if I don’t like it I can just remove it. So I agreed.

stock 2016 BMW S 1000 XR seat
The stock seat is functional but very plain looking.
stock bmw s 1000 xr seat
This is what the stock seat pan looks like underneath. I wondered if stapling over the existing staples would present a problem, but it did not.
supplies to install luimoto seat cover
You’ll need a few things for the installation: heat gun to warm the seat cover (or you can leave it in the sun for a few hours), pneumatic stapler and staples, clamps, and a flat head screwdriver and pliers in case you need to remove staples.

When the Luimoto seat cover arrives, inspect it carefully. Check the stitching where the different materials meet, and also take note of any V-shaped notches. These are important and help you align the cover properly.

Luimoto seat cover for bmw xr
I am really impressed with the quality and craftsmanship of the Luimoto seat cover. Luimoto uses modern digital technology and CNC precision cutting techniques to ensure a perfect fit.
Luimoto seat cover details materials
The materials used on the $270 seat cover I selected include premium marine grade vinyl similar to what is used on open air watercraft. In addition, Japanese synthetic suede offers the look and feel of suede but won’t be ruined when washed or rained on. UV-resistant polyester thread is used for long term longevity.

Installing the Luimoto Seat Cover

luimoto installation
Because there will be stretching involved, it’s easier to work with a warmed seat cover. You can leave the cover out in the sun if it’s a warm day, but for the sake of time, I use a heat gun to warm the entire Luimoto seat cover before I begin the installation.
clamping luimoto seat cover
I place the Luimoto seat cover over the stock seat and align both long sides so that the V-shaped notches are in the center. Then I clamp it in place.
luimoto seat cover installation
Then I stretch the seat cover, making sure it’s all where it ought to be. This is surprisingly easy because it is so well-made.
stapling motorcycle seat cover
Now it’s time to staple. I begin with the front and rear.
stapling a motorcycle seat cover
Then I move to the most critical areas, the sides near the middle seam.
under seat pan
Taking time to turn the seat over, stretch, and staple, eventually, I end up with the finished product.

I did have to pull some staples out that didn’t go through all the way and try again a bunch of times. But making sure the cover is properly fixed, I was able to complete this project in just about an hour. And, if I ever want to, I can just pull out the staples and remove the Luimoto seat cover.

Luimoto seat cover final on BMW S 1000 XR
Installing the seat, I am really excited about how the Luimoto seat cover customizes the look of my XR.

More Info

Pricing for Luimoto seat covers vary depending on the motorcycle seat and complexity of the seat cover pattern. Current pricing ranges from $60 to $500. To check out the options and ordering information, visit Luimoto.com.

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