GT Seat Leather or Vinyl?

[Azisbest]

OK.....It's definitive....vinyl. That means I won't be spending money on expensive leather products such a saddle soaps and conditioners. I'll stick with chemicals
such as Armorall and soap/water. Don't mean to start a discussion on vinyl cleaners ;-(

Far be it from me to discern the composition of the seat but my owners manual says it is leather. If it is not we need to get a class action suit going against Triumph.

 

[Azisbest]

it’s definitely not leather…

My owners manual says the seat is leather

 

[Jagster]

This thread has got me thinking.
Can anyone name some mass production motorcycles that come as standard with a GENUINE leather saddle facing?
A modern bike. Not a vintage bike.

I'm curious.
I can't think of one.

 

[stingray]

Looking under the seat where it is sewn together, real leather doesn't have a fabric backing like this material does. Mine is not real leather.

 

[Einar]

This thread has got me thinking.
Can anyone name some mass production motorcycles that come as standard with a GENUINE leather saddle facing?
A modern bike. Not a vintage bike.

I'm curious.
I can't think of one.

My Harleys all had real leather on the seating surface, but vinyl on the sides (you don't want real leather on the sides because it's more prone to cracking).

Easier than pulling it apart to look for the grain, you can usually tell by pushing hard with a fingertip. Actual leather will form fine wrinkles and the faux stuff won't. Also, leather will absorb water and swell a bit and/or show spots if untreated.

 

[Vector]

It is leather and for your information my GT has 90,000 miles on it and the seat looks new. I have never done anything to it other than mild soap and water for cleaning once in a great while,

90K wow! Is she still running well?

 

[zenbiker]

OK.....It's definitive....vinyl. That means I won't be spending money on expensive leather products such a saddle soaps and conditioners. I'll stick with chemicals
such as Armorall and soap/water. Don't mean to start a discussion on vinyl cleaners ;-(

Well then, it certainly is great Vinyl! Feels like and looks like leather, wears better and requires far less maintenance. Viva Vinyl!

 

[Jagster]

My Harleys all had real leather on the seating surface, but vinyl on the sides (you don't want real leather on the sides because it's more prone to cracking).

Easier than pulling it apart to look for the grain, you can usually tell by pushing hard with a fingertip. Actual leather will form fine wrinkles and the faux stuff won't. Also, leather will absorb water and swell a bit and/or show spots if untreated.

Must be a requirement in the US market.
To my knowledge, UK & Europe isn't looking for genuine leather seat facings.
For the reasons stated. i.e. water absorption and cosmetic 'durability' (low maintenance).
I've seen leather used for custom specials but not production bikes.

 

[zenbiker]

90K wow! Is she still running well?

90,000 miles and looks like new is NOT leather unless real attention has been paid to preservation.

 

[dd14x]

My Harleys all had real leather on the seating surface, but vinyl on the sides (you don't want real leather on the sides because it's more prone to cracking).

Easier than pulling it apart to look for the grain, you can usually tell by pushing hard with a fingertip. Actual leather will form fine wrinkles and the faux stuff won't. Also, leather will absorb water and swell a bit and/or show spots if untreated.

The newer Harleys (I had the 2019 fatbob) had seat covers identical to the triumph (unrelated - fatbob seat was slight more plush and comfier)
Maybe the older ones had real leather seating surfaces?