Most people who own a YFZ450 have most likely complained about the stiffness of the seat foam at one point in time. Yamaha recognized that complaint and for 2005 they made it 5 mm thicker, not much of a difference. And there were still a few complaints about the seat. This time Yamaha has added another 15 mm to the seat for the 2006 version.

So, for the owners of the earlier year YFZ, the fix to the problem might be to buy an expensive OEM '06 seat. Or, better yet, buy aftermarket foam from Verde Powersports. Verde Powersports has been manufacturing quality seat and shock covers for many years now, and with the release of their new seat foam for the YFZ, # 1 selling sport quad, a couple months ago, they have expanded their market greatly.

In addition, many people at one point in time change the seat cover on their quad either because it is torn or faded, or they don't like how it looks even when its new. The best time to put in thicker seat foam is when you are replacing the seat cover. It adds just a few extra minutes to the already short amount of time it takes to change a seat cover.

Project Wide Open YFZ had no graphics on it any longer because of the larger fuel tank recently installed, so I wanted a seat cover that would go well with the look of the rest of my quad. Nothing too flashy, but something noticeable. For this I chose the new Shadow Flame design.

The first step in installing your new seat cover, whatever design you've picked, is to remove the old one. When you pull the seat off of your quad, you should be able to see staples on the underside holding on the seat cover. Use a straight screwdriver to pry one edge of the staple out. You can then use a pair of pliers to pull the staples out. Be careful not to rip your cover if its in good shape - you might want to sell it or keep just in case something ever happens to your new one.

From here, it's your choice to either drop off your seat and seat cover at a local upholstery shop or do it yourself. I've seen some do-it-yourselves turn out great and seen some turn out disastrous. Before you decide if you want to do it yourself, check if you have the right equipment to do it. It takes a certain grade of staple gun to be able to install it. Without the proper tools, we leave the upholstery to the professionals.

I ended up going with the 1.5” thicker seat foam for my quad. At first I wasn't very happy about my decision when I saw it installed. My seat looked like one of the real tall desert seats. But after riding with it, I don't regret my decision at all. I really don't sit on my seat very much, since the majority of the riding I do is at high speed in a race, but it was nice when I did get a chance to sit down to have the extra padding.

I used it every time I rode at Oregon's Dunefest just days ago, switching it back and forth from my race quad to my practice quad because it was so much more comfortable than my stock seat. And the sewn flames look very custom and SWEET.

I haven't had a chance to use the seat during a motocross race yet, but within days we'll be at the NW Quad Nationals at Pacific Raceways for it's first true test. I know I'll get some weird looks at it because an oversize seat is not common MX equipment, but I am going to try it.

The Shadow Flame seat cover and taller foam will cost you about $180. A little bit expensive, but the price you have to pay is worth it to have your pride and still be able to walk okay after a long day of riding.

Verdepowersports.com

800-483-3134

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