Triumphrat

lithium · 08-17-2006

I just noticed that the rear corners of the seat on my ’06 ST are curling upwards and there is a gap of ¼ inch or more between the seat and the bodywork. You can see right through to the heatshield or silencer, whatever is directly underneath. The seat can be pushed back onto the bodywork but just springs back. Are they all like that from new? Has the seat distorted from the exhaust heat? Has anyone else noticed this? I’m not about to take the seat off unless there is a good reason as I’ve read the posts on how difficult it can be to get the screws back in, so if it ain’t broke etc. etc…..

NinjaRAT · 08-17-2006

I would have guessed that frequent removal of the seat would cause your symptoms, as you're having to pull the corners back to reach the screws. However, it sounds like you may not have messed with taking the seat off, so there goes my theory. :hammer:

I haven't noticed this problem with my '06. Nor have I noticed any excessive heat from the under-seat exhaust.

Possibly, you have a defective seat that can be warrantied? :???:

lithium · 08-17-2006

Thanks. Yes, it might be a warranty issue. I just wanted some feedback from other owners in case the dealer says ‘they all do that sir, etc. etc.’ My nearest dealer usually has a couple of new STs in stock so I’ll go and see what the seats are like on those before I do anything else about mine.

iceman · 08-17-2006

mine sits in place nice and tight too - the black seat material is up against the body work all the way round except for where the grab handle comes out.

Can you see if the screws are actually in place to hold the seat down?You need to pull the seat material foward slightly along the back edge of the seat and there are 2 screws under there.

I have heard of some service techs struggling to get them in - so just leaving them out :???: - or putting them in to hold the rear bodywork in place and just sitting the seat on top of them.

It is not difficult when you know how - just needs some practice.

If the screws are there then sounds like something is out of place.

Grant.

[ This message was edited by: iceman on 2006-08-17 11:05 ]

NinjaRAT · 08-17-2006

Quote:

On 2006-08-17 11:04, iceman wrote:

or putting them in to hold the rear bodywork in place and just sitting the seat on top of them.

That's how mine is, but the Dealer asked me if I minded, and I said I didn't. Haven't had a problem with the seat or battery walking away, yet.

Whisperinsmith · 08-17-2006

I think I'd ask for a new seat.

upnet · 08-17-2006

My 05 is nice and tight. Remember, those two seat screws go in at an angle. Not straight down....like most people think.

lithium · 08-18-2006

The screws look OK and the underside of the seat where the screws are fitted is flat on the bodywork. Basically the back corners of the seat appear to be curling up like the edges of a dried up sandwich. It’s as if the covering is shrinking for some reason and is pulling up the corners.
A lotta people have read this thread and there is no overwhelming response like “Yeah, mine’s like that,” so best thing I can do is check out other STs at the dealers and see if mine is abnormal, or if I’m being too picky.
To get to the dealer I have to ride past the Triumph factory in Hinckley which makes any kind of problem or query more frustrating as it feels like the answer is in there, but locked away!
I’ll add a post when I have checked out some other STs.
Thanks for the comments guys.

SoCalSprint · 08-18-2006

I'd ask for a new seat too....shouldn't be doing that.

stmbs · 08-18-2006

I've owned my 2006 Sprint ST for 3 months with a little over 1,100 miles (mostly in 85 degree plus days) and don't have the problem you describe. The dealer delivered my bike with one of the two seat screw not screwed into the threaded clip on the bodywork. I ended up having to bend the threaded clips to get the seat screws to thread and tighten. It sounds your problem is completely different.

Do you park your Sprint outside or have your ridden in a lot of rain? Just checkin to see if the fabric on the seat is affected by exposure to UV or moisture. I keep my Sprint garaged and the only time it has been wet is when it is washed.