78-79 Seat, will it fit the 75-77 years?

[DET17]

I guess this is a tech question.... not sure where else to ask it.

Does the later GL1 Honda seat fit the early machines, and look correct? I know it has a bit more bling/chrome on it, but I'm not aware of any other differences. I'm led to believe the 75-77 has it's own PN..... cosmetic difference of physical size/mounting?

Thanks to the sages.... this should be an easy one.

[Lucien Harpress]

Best I know, the seat profile is different, but the pans are identical. Early seats are pretty flat, while later seats had varying degrees of a step between the driver and passenger sections. So it should physically fit, but looking "correct" will depend on how particular you are about such things.

[Whiskerfish]

yes all 1000 seats are interchangeable

[redglbx]

Yes as stated all 1000 seats will interchange,,, but (isn’t there always ) on the 78/79 seats where it contacts the back of the tank it is cut back on more of a taper that leaves a little bit of a gap at the bottom vs the 75-77 seats. But they all interchange.

In my opinion the 75-76 seats are some of the worst motorcycle seats ever, with their rounded tops they are like sitting on a lightly padded log putting pressure on the “boys”, not real good. The 77 seat is basically a copy of the 76 LTD that better match’s the back of the tank and is fairly flat & comfy. 78-79 seats are also flatter and Honda was trying to improve the seats with double density foam and such. They’re not to bad all together.

I personally have what I think is a 79 seat on my 76 that really isn’t to bad (but I really can’t remember which year it is) but a 300-350mi day is entirely possibly and still be able to walk at the end of the day. My .02

[Shadowjack]

I put an aftermarket seat on my 75 that must be made for 78-79, because the front end contacts the tank shelter lid. I have to pull it back a bit to open it to get fuel.

[DET17]

Thank you all for your input.

[redglbx]

Jack, does your “aftermarket” seat have a bit of a gap at the bottom between the shelter and the seat ? If so it’s probably a 78/79 seat.

[Shadowjack]

Jack, does your “aftermarket” seat have a bit of a gap at the bottom between the shelter and the seat ? If so it’s probably a 78/79 seat.

Couldn't say now. The manufacturer's name is still on the pan, but it's bolted down right now. It was a huge thing, plastic pan, big butt pockets for two people, with velour or something as a cover, but it was much more comfortable than the stock 75 seat. I did have the padding cut down, recontoured, and recovered with vinyl, but forgot to mention the interference in front.
Here it is when I brought the bike home. The ad called it "the world's most comfortable seat".

[DET17]

Well I did end up buying the 78-79 seat, allegedly a dealer "take off". Sure looks good in the pics, hopefully that good in hand. I"ll post up some pics of the installed seat on my 76 LTD.

[redglbx]

Det, a 77 seat will be a close to oe for the LTD if you’re looking for originality. That king/queen seat looks as though it was an intended 75-77 seat.

[DET17]

I'm actually looking for "near OE and comfy" for my 76 LTD. I'm keeping it pretty darn stock, but plan to ride it and am not a 100% chalk mark restoration guy. I've got one of the K & Q seats and will retain for any long rides, but I do like the OE seat look better and plan to run one for those 100 mile ride days.

[redglbx]

Det, I have the oe seat on my LTD which is pretty much exactly the same as the 77 seat, I have ridden that seat for a 400mi day and the 79 seat on my regular 76 is also good for a 300-400mi day. I was way more uncomfortable on the king/Queen seat I had because I could not move around in the bucket, personally I prefer the 77-79 seats. The 75 & standard 76 seats are probably some of the worst I’ve ever sat on, just terrible !

[DET17]

Thanks for the seat 411 ! My 76LTD is my first GL1.... had a GL1800 and did a 550 mile day, still felt good when I got off it. I don't plan to ride my Olde Wing those distances..... but the K & Q seat just looks a bit odd on a vintage bike. I'll test it for sure with the "butt dyno" but I like the looks of the 78-79 seat I just bought. Sounds like it will take care of those shorter days without issue. I'll test fit it, and see what the issue is with the surround / fuel entry area with said seat. Those 75-76 seats do look pretty horrible.

[DET17]

Well I just unpacked my eBay score alleged 78-79 seat. I got to say, it is a creampuff and looks like it will be quite comfy.

Will mount on the 76 LTD when time allows..... here are some pics on the kitchen counter (wife's GF drinking night)





I cannot confirm.... does this appear to be the 78-79 Wing seat?

[redglbx]

Det, Yepper that’s the same seat I have on my 76, pretty good seat ! Way more comfy ( everybodies butt is different though) than the oe 75-76 seat not including the LTD. I think that it’s a 79 seat but I’m not 100% on that. Good score !