Frequently Asked Questions
about Second Look Tank and Seat Skins
Question: What is a Seat
or Tank “Skin”?
Answer: Seat and Tank
“Skin" is the name that Second Look originated to describe our custom
replacement seat covers and tank bras. Our marine-grade vinyl seat and tank skins are manufactured to
withstand extreme weather and riding conditions that the stock seats won’t. Our tank bras will protect your tank better than any glue-on pad or sticker.
Question: Are seat and tank skins easy to install?
Answer: Yes. The Seat Skin centers and edges are marked for easy
line-up. A small flat screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, staple gun, and 1/4 staples
are all that’s required to install the skin in less than an hour. We do provide
seat skin installation at a minimal cost for those who are too busy. Detailed
instructions and a customer support phone number are included with each skin.
Most tank skins install in less than 5 minutes without removing your tank.
Question: Can I install
the Second Look seat skin over the stock seat upholstery?
Answer: Yes, but we recommend
removal of old skin for a tighter fit and a more professional look. Longer staples would
be needed to install the skin over the existing seat, and some bulkiness will
occur in the corners on the underside of the seat.
Question: Is it a seat?
Answer: No, Second Look seat skins are replacement seat covers that are stapled onto the stock seat. The Second Look
skin will only fit the factory seat, and WILL NOT fit aftermarket seats that have had the foam re-worked.
Question: Is it a cowl?
Answer: No, but Second Look skins cost
much less than color-matched rear cowls. Many of our customers that do run a
solo cowl, also like the option of switching to the rear seat for carrying
passengers or cargo. Since our seat skins come as a set, you get the best of
both!
Question: Are they made
out of leather? Are they made out of plastic?
Answer: All Second Look
products are made using Marine Grade Vinyl! Marine Grade Vinyl is the most
resistant to sun fading, water, mildew, gas, oil and scuffing. They are NOT
plastic and do NOT have a shiny plastic look, similar to an older bicycle seat
which will fade and discolor. Some companies are using “Coated Cloth” or
other inexpensive materials that do not hold up to the weather and won’t be as
durable as our Quality skins..
Question: Is the vinyl painted or dyed?
Answer: No. In the vinyl manufacturing process, the color is
permeated into the vinyl, not applied like paint. (Permeated means manufactured
with the color blended into the product). This manufacturing process assures
the color will not crack, peel or flake off. Second Look has exclusive contracts
for certain colors of vinyl from the top manufacturers.
Question:
Will they fade?
Answer: Of all vinyl materials
manufactured, marine vinyl is the most colorfast and the most resistant to
fading. In many cases, the paint on the customer’s bike will fade first in
extended sun exposure. To protect both the paint and the skin, we
Recommend using a colorfast
bike cover.
Question: Will the white vinyl stay white?
Answer: Yes, if it is cleaned frequently with the recommended
cleaner. Marine vinyl is also the most dirt resistant vinyl made.
Question: Are they guaranteed?
Answer: Yes, the materials and craftsmanship are guaranteed for a
year from the date of purchase. With proper care, Second Look skins will look great for
well over a decade. We have been serving the motorcycle industry since
1976, and our reputation for quality and service is the key to our success.
Question: Is the color a perfect match to my bike?
Answer: Paint and vinyl are two totally different properties, and
must be viewed that way. Paint has the ability to show “depth” and “candy” as
it is applied in coats. Vinyl color is permeated, (manufactured into the
material) similar to rubber products. Customer’s expectations vary, but we
solicit opinions from riders before the final color and pattern is put into
production. The number one comment we receive is “It looks so much better than
the stock black seat.”
Question: Can I get a different design on the skin?
Answer: Yes. Color changes can be made on “same body” models. This
is the least expensive of our custom options. We can also design a total custom
for nearly any bike. Call for custom pricing. In all cases, our designs are
created for function as well as looks so check with us to see if we can change
design on your particular bike.
Question: Can I put skins for a different bike on mine?
Answer: Each model is specifically patterned for a precision fit on
that model. Skins are interchangeable only with bikes in which the seat/tank is
of the identical shape. Attempting to fit a skin from one bike to another with
a dissimilar seat/tank will usually distort the skin at best. Aftermarket seats
will not take a Second Look skin as they are shaped differently than stock seat
foam.
Question: How long does it take to get my Skins?
Answer: We normally have over 10,000 skins in stock. Most orders are
shipped within 24 hrs if we have it in stock, with the exception of weekends and holidays. Special
orders normally take 2-4 weeks, depending on the season.
Question: Why are Tank Skins the better choice?
Answer: Stick-on tank
pads, besides not offering much protection for your tank also don’t last very
long. They are made of the cheapest materials available. Magnetic tank pads
collect metal and dirt particles that will scratch the tank.
Question: Do I need to remove
my tank?
Answer: In most cases no.
Nylon hooks built into the tank skin slide under the edges of the tank. The
front bungie rests ON TOP of the front tank bracket.
Several models require that you may need to lift one end of the tank for ease
of installation.
Question: How much of the tank do the Tank Skins cover?
Answer: Full tank bras are available on certain models! Most tank
skins cover between 1/2 and 5/8 of the tank. The top of the bra starts as close
to the rear of the gas cap as possible, and covers the back and the lower
section of the rear of the tank. We always try to leave the brand logos exposed
when it does not compromise fit or function.
Question: Will they scratch the tank?
Answer: No, but dirt will. If there is any dirt between the tank and
the tank skin, it will have an abrasive action, Dirt between your knees and the
tank or tank skin will also have abrasive action. The surface between the tank
and the inside of the tank skin MUST be kept clean and waxed with a high
quality wax. Your seat and tank skin can be hand washed with mild soap and
lukewarm water and left to air dry. Use only “Vinyl Finish” vinyl cleaner on
the exterior of your skins.
