Re: [emrat:6801] Bonnie Seat Release

You know, Steve, my '01 Thunderbird had the same awful seat attachment system as the Bonnie series - in fact, I think the seat assemblies are nearly identical.  What's funny is that I think in the first year (95?) the T-bird did have a hinged seat with a lock, but that system was dropped by Hinckley, presumably as a cost cutting measure.  I've never seen an earlier T-bird seat up close so I don't know what the mechanism looks like but that might be a good place to start. 

However, fabricating a hinged seat system would require major modifications to the seat pan itself.  You'd have to start by removing the two "horns" that go into slots on the frame in the center and the other one that slips under the tank to hold down the forward part of the seat.  You'd have to make some kind of attaching plate. and then bolt it to the seat. 

Honestly, I doubt it would be cost effective and that's why even though the Bonnie platform has remained relatively unchanged since 2001, the only aftermarket solutions have been elongated attachment screws that make it possible to unscrew the rear attaching bolts without needing an allen wrench. 

Martin

 

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From: Steve Smith <shmitty74@gmail.com>
To: "emrat@googlegroups.com" <emrat@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2015 7:51 AM
Subject: Re: [emrat:6798] Bonnie Seat Release

I was thinking about my old 71 TR6 seat and its hinged seat. If someone is interested I'd be willing to look at their Bonnie to see if I could fabricate something to convert it. Of course the first one I make would be material costs only, no labor.

Steve

On Apr 23, 2015, at 6:45 AM, 'Martin Albright' via EMRAT <emrat@googlegroups.com> wrote:

Norm, don't even get me started on the Bonnie seat attachment system.  Even my 1983 Kawasaki had a hinged seat with a locking latch.  Why Triumph hasn't addressed this issue as the New Bonnie enters its 16th production year is baffling.  It seems that Hinckley just doesn't take the Bonnie platform seriously, and that's a shame. 

Martin
 

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From: Norm Wright <lowrtax@gmail.com>
To: emrat@googlegroups.com
Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2015 6:34 AM
Subject: [emrat:6796] Bonnie Seat Release

For those with Bonnies and Thruxtons:

 

You might have noticed the recommendation for the seat release mechanism mentioned on the Rat Forum.  I've ordered one and when I get it and install it I'll let you know my thoughts.  I like to add a D-Ring pad under my seat when touring to attach luggage, tents etc.  The allen bolts are a pain in the ass so this looks like the solution.  It's an aftermarket part from the UK.

 

Iron Butt- May be  product for you to look into making.

 

Why all seats don't have a key release like the street triples (and yes, all BMWs) is beyond me.

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