No restoration is complete without the seat being restored back to like new condition. On most early Japanese cycles the seat pan was metal, these have a tendency to rust out if they have not been taken care of. Like building a house, you must have a good foundation. The same thing goes for your seat. Whether you have to repair or replace your seat pan, it must be in good condition to get a proper restoration done. You may have to search the
Salvage yards to find a used seat pan.
Some manufacturers have stock replacement seat covers, if these are available that may be the way to go. There are a couple of motorcycle seat repair companies that do quality work. I have personally used Sargents Cycle SeatsSargents Cycle Seats located in Jacksonville, Florida. The last time I was there they were working on a hot plate that melts the pattern in the seat for a Z-1 900. One thing they cannot do is reproduce the manufacturers name on the back of the seat, if possible try to salvage this panel so it can be incorporated into the new seat cover. They also specialize in foam and strap replacement using your old seats hardware, so be sure to have this rechromed before you are ready to send the seat off.
Tires
No restoration is complete without a new set of tires. A few years ago your options were very limited when shopping for vintage replacements. The tires made today are much better for all road conditions than the tires of yesteryear. I get the question quite often about using the old original tires vs. a new set of the quality made vintage tires. My opinion is that if you are planning on driving your restored cycle than by all means put the most up to date "vintage tire" on your cycle. Consider the fact you are riding on about 2 square inches of tire surface at any given time and the compounds of the old tires are far inferior to todays tires.
Here is a place to check out if you are looking for vintage tires.
Vintage Tyres Supplies Here is another Vintage tire supplier.
Coker Tires
Even more Vintage Tires! Check out the Dunlops.
Dunlop Tires
Salvage yards to find a used seat pan.
Some manufacturers have stock replacement seat covers, if these are available that may be the way to go. There are a couple of motorcycle seat repair companies that do quality work. I have personally used Sargents Cycle Seats