LW Mag LW Magazine
Related Articles
Any dirt bike rider knows the joys of customising their bike with factory parts and custom graphics kits. However, a custom seat cover is the cherry on top! Nithrone is a Cape Town based company that specialises in just that, customising seats for Motocross, Enduro and Off-Road bikes. We hooked up with Nithrone to get a custom LW Mag seat cover made and we were more than pleasantly surprised.
In the space of 1 week the seat was sent off to Nithrone and returned, ready to bolt on. The design and look of the seat is purely awesome and finishes off the bike perfectly. It’s not all about the good looks though, how does it perform?
We put the seat through its paces over the past few weeks riding at various motocross tracks. One thing we were worried about was the materials stretching out, but this didn’t happen at all and the cover looks just as good as the day it arrived. Being a gripper cover we concentrated on this the most. The seat has loads of grip but still gives you the freedom to move around on the bike when you need to. The suede knee area is great, protecting the seat from damage caused by the rubbing of knee braces ,etc whilst keeping the grip factor in play. All in all we are super impressed with the Nithrone custom seat cover and rate it as one of the best you’ll get in the country, if not the world.
We had a load of questions to ask Nithrone about their custom seat covers regarding turnaround time, pricing and more. Here’s what they had to say:
What made you come up with the idea to start producing custom seat covers and how long has the company been going for now?
When going for a training rides to Franschhoek with my son at Gordon and Leslie Holmes family playground. They had a BUD seat that was used up and needed replacement. My background in working with sewing machines in the kite and windsurf industry that I’ve been involved in for over 30 years made it easy to offer to make a new seat for Leslie. From that first seat in July 2013 many followed.
Explain the name Nithrone?
When I was looking for a name it was pretty much the period that Game of Thrones was on the television and Nitro Circus were coming to town. So I figured lets mix up the two best things. Throne being the seat of the king and Nitro gas being a pretty potent racing fuel. Also turned out that www.nithrone.com was still available.
How much have you learnt about the custom seat industry since you started?
All I know is that there is a few big brands from the States and Europe that are making aftermarket mass production gripper seats. Brands like Enjoy, One, BUD, etc. Nithrone is more focusing on personalised seat covers. Name embroidery, specific material and colour choices made by riders. Pretty much every seat we make is different. We’re always looking for upgrades in material that we can find locally in internationally.
What are your thoughts on the standard seat covers that come with dirt bikes?
Standard seat covers do the job. Problem is they are not the strongest , grippiest and best looking item most of the time. Especially when you get a sticker kit to personalize your bike, a custom seat cover and maybe some designer spokes will finish the total factory look off nicely. Leaving your standard seat on is then a bit dull. For this reason we get a lot of orders from Racestar Graffix and Solid Decals to finish off the sticker kits they make for their customers.
What are the benefits of having a Nithrone seat cover?
Hand made in South Africa, self designed with your name and number on it. Other options are your company logo, sponsors or your bike brand. We also have a unique clipper card pocket made from neoprene for protecting your cell-phone and keeps the mud and water off it if you carry it on the front of your seat. If you want you can also send your complete seat in to have the fitting done, foam work and application of a waterproof EVA foam layer. When you get your seat back you just have to screw it back on the bike and you are ready to ride.
How much work actually goes into making a seat cover and what materials do you use?
Depending on the seat design and bike size it will take about 3 hours to hand make a seat cover. If it’s a seat that has not been made before, we have to make a template to cut the panels from, another hour can be added.
We use vinyl gripper material or smooth vinyl’s depending on application and availability. For the knee area we use suede in various colours or Kevlar gripper material.
If you have to rate Nithrone seat covers to other custom seat covers from around the world, how would they fare?
It’s hard to say as I have not seen most covers out there in real life. I’ve only seen the brands that are mass produced and are imported to South Africa. None of them are real custom made as I explained before. So overall I think we make a product that is pretty unique and does the job.
What is the turnaround time to get a seat done?
Depending on the seat and embroidering it takes about 3 to 5 days from order to receiving your seat at your doorstep. But if need be and it’s a special order that needs to be done in a hurry for a race or something we will always make a plan to get it done in time.
What options does the customer have when it come to customisation of the seat?
Customers can choose their colours, layout and materials. Nametag and branding in embroidery is also possible. We also offer the option to add a neoprene integrated Enduro pocket for clipper cards or your cell-phone on the front of your seat.
How much does a Nithrone seat cover cost?
Full size Gripper covers are R850 or R950 with the embroidered nametag added. Enduro clipper card pockets are R 100 and postage to your doorstep is R99. Waterproof foam is an extra R150. Free fitting if the customer sends in the seat.
For more info or to order your custom Nithrone seat cover email info@nithrone.co.za or visit their Facebook and/ or website.
Many of the country’s top Freestyle Motocross, Motocross, Enduro and Off-Road riders endorse Nithrone and provide valuable feedback inspiring the company to progress and make longer lasting and better looking products.
Photo Gallery:
How much do you charge to cover a seat (DRZ400)
Regards
Dean
I would like to find about any sponsorship programs offered by your company,I’m planning to host an event in KZN during the month of December and I wanted to found out if and/or how your organization could assist me in any form of sponsorship. If the company does offer sponsorships,I would also like to get the contact details (phone number,email,etc) of your company personnel that deals directly with sponsorship issues. I would appreciate it if my inquiry could be aided by the company.
Thank you
Hi. I have a zx6 r sports bike.. I would like to customize my seats. Is this something that can be done. Also looking for non slip for rear pillion seat
hi my name is Anton and I’m from pietermaritzburg .I’m an upholsterer….the material you use to make the covers….is that for sale by the metre….I’ve been doing bike seats for about 25 years and my grandfather for another 40 years before me…I’ve fitted about 20 of your covers and I admire the quality….well done.also do cutting of cushions for moto x and other bikes……my number is 0835824884