Gripper seat covers are easy to install and remove, and they're great for keeping your mx bike looking good. But there are a couple of things you need to know before you buy and install them. 

Shop seat covers

1. Buy a quality cover.

There are many suppliers of mx gripper seat covers, many of them vary in price and quality so how do you sort the wheat from the chaff?

Check out the suppliers website, they should offer options ranging from "custom gripper" "custom ribbed" "custom pleated" and "full custom designs" You should have plenty of options to get the exact seat cover you are looking for.

Do a bit of research on your prefered cover, have a look on Instagram, check out reviews and ask peoples opinions on forums regarding quality / fitment and shipping / production times which can vary massively.

After trying multiple suppliers for our site we have chosen to be a re seller with Strike Seats. The quality is superb and shipment is super quick on standard covers. (custom orders including rider number may take slightly longer)

We use and trust Strike seats because we know they can deliver, and any delays or issues directly reflect on our business.

2. Know what type of bike you have. 

You'll need to know the make / model and year of the bike before ordering your gripper seat. Don't rely on the owners manual for year of manufacture, sometimes the manual states it was manufactured in 2016 but be careful if this year is near a change of design for the model as it could have been manufactured in 2016 but can actually be a 2017 "model" if in doubt check on google or send an image to your supplier for conformation. The same goes when ordering sticker kits. A good example of this is the KTM 85 which changed the shape of its radiator shrouds for the 2006 model, some of the the manuals for the 2006 say "manufactured" in 2005, while this may be the case they were manufactured using the new 2006 shape KTM 85 radiator shrouds.

3. Remove any old covers first. 

This seems like a no brainer but before installing a new seat cover, remove any old ones. Carefully remove any left over staples from the previous install with a flat screwdriver or a pair of needle nose pliers, once you think you have removed all the old staples CHECK AGAIN, if you have 1 or two stragglers they may puncture your new seat or cause unsightly bumps and will be difficult to remove once the new seat cover is on.

4. Check the Fitment Before You Start. 

Make sure that the seat covers fit properly before you begin installation by offering it up to the seat foam, you should be able to determine quite easily if the seat cover is the correct shape. If the fitment is way off and you havent started fitting it then contact your supplier to determine the problem and a resolution. 

5. Tools required.

Flat blade screwdriver, Needle nose pliers (helpful but optional), Stanley knife or craft knife, Heavy duty staple gun, these can be purchased relatively cheaply at bunnings or other hardware stores. We recommend the TROJAN from Bunnings which can be purchased for $19.99 (at time of writing) and comes with more than enough staples for the job.

6. Fitting.

Start from the front and whilst pulling the seat cover taught install two to three staples at the front of the seat. Repeat this action with the rear of the seat. Once the front and rear have been stapled concentrate on the middle of the seat pulling the cover taught throughout the process before installing each staple. Insert a staple approximately every 15mm until the seat cover is secured and completely stapled down.

7. Trim Excess

Once the seat cover has been completely secured and stapled down use a stanley knife or craft knife to trim off any excess seat cover material that is over hanging. Ensure about 15mm - 20mm of material is left remaining so that the staples have enough material to grip.

8. Aftercare

Keep your seat looking brand new with regular cleaning. If possible (especially with white and light colours) give the cover a wipe over with soapy water after a day at the track or on the trails before you head home. This will help remove grime and dirt before it has chance to tarnish the material.

As convenient as it is avoid jet washing the cover, any small holes can become larger when hit with a high powered stream of water, you also then run the risk of wetting your seat foam which does not dry out easily.

Warm soapy water and elbow grease work the best.