kappy5003,
my seat custom seat, almost same shape as the OEM Honda seat, it's covered with leather and it was probably a bit more (not much) expensive than the other two seats made at the same time with the standard covering material used these days.
Three of us had the police solo seats removed and converted our ST1100's to duel seats when we first brought our ST's from an auction.
After being passed in three auctions in a row, auction starting price was $8500, a MUCH more reasonable price was negotiated for the purchase of the three best looking ST's at these auctions.
The seats, with the foam height cut to suit the individual height of each of us, (inside leg with boots on) including new fiberglass bases, made up from scratch by 'Two Wheel Trimming' 8 Steptoe Street. Chapel Hill. QLD. 4069. (Not sure if they are still in business or have the same owners these days)
The cost was $580 + $33 postage and handling, plus $58 GST. Total = $638. That was way back in November 2005 !
As Brock says, real leather does require more maintenance - especially in the heat and rain of Western Australia.
Since it was new, been giving my seat a liberal rub down with 'Putoline' Leather wax every few days when I'm riding daily, and a good clean and rub down before a weekend ride.
Rub enough wax onto the leather until it looks very wet, then leave it to dry out a bit for 5 - 10 minutes.
Give it another good rubbing over to with a clean cloth remove any remaining damp spots, that done, the leather has that look and smell that only REAL leather gives - plus it seems pretty well non-slippery.
The wax seems to have kept the leather very nice looking, shiny, soft, comfortable and pliable these past 9 &1/2 years.
Still looks GREAT ! Very much like the day I first got it.
Unfortunately, now due to body shrinkage from getting older. it's time to get the seat re-shaped (lowered) and recovered again.
Take my word for it - old age SUX !!!
Flip.