How I Made a Super73 Z1 Custom Seat (And Finally Fixed the Comfort)
July 31, 2020
The Super73 Z1 is a vibe right out of the box. The stock seat looks great, but on real rides it’s the weak link—especially once you start stacking miles. I wanted something that kept the Z1’s style, but actually felt good day-to-day.
So I went the custom route: extra foam, a fresh cover, and a design that’s personal to me.
Why I Changed the Stock Z1 Seat
The OEM Z1 seat is aesthetically on-point, but comfort isn’t its strong suit. On longer rides, I could feel bumps and vibrations making their way up through the seat. The bike’s fun factor is high, but the seat was limiting how long I actually wanted to stay out.
My goal was simple:
Add more cushioning to absorb chatter and small hits.
Keep the seat looking like it belongs on the bike.
Build something I’d be excited to see every time I walked up to the Z1.
The Design Inspiration (Yes, It’s Shoe-Nerd Stuff)
I based the whole seat colorway around Realtree Camo—specifically inspired by a rare pair of Action Bronson Realtree Camo Adidas Ultraboosts.
That camo pattern set the tone, and then I worked in black accents so the seat wouldn’t just be loud for the sake of being loud. The end result feels like it was designed, not just re-covered.
Materials I Used
I kept the ingredient list pretty straightforward:
Foam for added padding (I went with a thick sheet to noticeably change comfort)
Realtree Camo fabric for the main upholstery
Black material for accent sections
A Super73 logo detail cut from iron-on vinyl
The big “secret” here isn’t exotic materials—it’s getting the shape and stitching right so the cover pulls tight, looks clean, and holds up.
Working Out the Shape: Foam + Paneling
Once the seat was opened up, it was obvious that this wasn’t just a “wrap it and staple it” type of job.
To get a cleaner look and a better fit, the cover needed multiple pieces/panels to handle the seat’s curves instead of fighting them. The foam also needed shaping so it didn’t look like I just glued a block on top.
The approach that made the most sense was building the foam up in layers and carving it so the seat could still roll over the edges nicely—without weird lumps or a loose-looking cover.
The Finished Seat: How It Feels on Real Rides
The first thing I noticed once it was back on the bike: it’s dramatically more comfortable.
The added foam takes the edge off vibrations and small bumps in a way the stock seat just doesn’t. Instead of feeling every little ripple, the seat now does a lot more of that “silent work” where the ride simply feels smoother.
It Changes Your Ride Position (In a Good Way)
With the extra padding, I sit a bit higher. For taller riders, that’s actually a nice side effect. The Z1 can feel compact depending on your height, and this subtle boost helps open up the cockpit feel.
Comfort Is the Upgrade You Notice Every Single Ride
Performance parts are fun, but a comfort upgrade like this is something I appreciate constantly—short rides, long rides, cruising, commuting, all of it.
Practical Add-On: Quick Access for the Battery
I’m picky about daily usability, so I also added a hinge and a simple Velcro-style strap setup to make opening/closing the seat easier.
The reason is simple: quick access to the interior so I can get to the battery without turning it into a project every time.
Warranty Reality Check
Important note: removing the seat can affect your warranty.
Before you tear into anything, make sure you’re comfortable with that tradeoff. For me, the comfort and personalization were worth it—but it’s a decision you should make with open eyes.
What We Like
Huge comfort improvement over the stock Z1 seat
The extra foam noticeably reduces harshness from vibrations and small bumps
Custom design makes the bike feel truly personal
Slightly taller seating position can be a win for taller riders
Battery access solution can make the bike more usable day-to-day
Things To Consider
Seat removal/modification may impact your warranty
Getting a clean, factory-looking fit takes real skill (especially around curves)
Extra padding changes ride height and feel—great for some riders, not ideal for everyone
This is more involved than a typical bolt-on accessory
Final Thoughts
This custom seat ended up being one of my favorite changes I’ve made to the Super73 Z1 because it improves the actual riding experience, not just the look.
The camo pattern and accents give it a unique identity, but the real win is how much more comfortable the bike feels. If your Z1 is mostly a style cruiser and short-hop machine, you might tolerate the stock seat. If you ride often, ride longer, or just want the bike to feel less harsh, a custom seat build like this can completely change your relationship with the Z1.
Links
Discount on a Super73 (promo code link): https://www.talkable.com/x/fqj0WT
RunPlayBack Merch: http://shop.runplayback.com/