What is a...
Seat pan: Simply the sheet metal or plastic base that supports the weight of the rider on the frame of the bike and gives the cover an attachment point. Usually poorly designed from a riders point of view as it is well hidden.
Pillion: A seat for the passenger behind the rider. (Irish: little couch)
Top Stitch: Mainly used on leatherette (vinyl) to level the seam. All the raw edge is folded one way and a "top" stitch run through.
French seam: Used to level the seam without adding as much thickness. The raw edge is folded either way and a thin backing applied, and then a double top stitch. We have a double needle machine for this.
Valance: The leather flap that hang over the side of the seat. Can be used as an area to add stitching or studs. Can be used to hide or change the side of the seat shape.
(This picture is of an OEM V-Star seat)
Insulator: The thin layer of foam between the leatherette, leather, cloth etc. and the support foam. It provides a certain softness can give a depth to decorative stitches and level the surface and give a tight look.
Piping (Welt): A round soft core matching bead used for decoration and to smooth a seam. May strengthen seam
