Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Equipment Reviews
Equipment Reviews Post YOUR REVIEWS of ANY Motorcycle, Camping or Travel Equipment and accessories. Tell us what worked and didn't work for you!
Photo by Danielle Murdoch, riding to Uganda - Kenya border

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Danielle Murdoch,
riding to Uganda - Kenya border



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Apr 2007
phoenix's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: London / Dublin
Posts: 339
Thumbs up Sheepskins.

I had been mulling over the idea of getting a sheepskin for my skinny KLR saddle, and today, I fulfilled that ambition. The supplier (which I found on google) is located in central London.. it was a major surprise to me that a sheepskin warehouse would exist in The City, close to "The Gherkin" building.. but there you go.

The 2 guys running the place were very helpful, and even let me rummage though a 2 foot stack of sheepskins until I found just the right one... it didn't exactly break the bank either. Check them out.

Here's where I found them: Stepan Tertsakian Sheepskins - Welcome To Our Warehouse
or..
Stepan Tertsakian Ltd
Unit 9
11 Plough Yard
London
EC2A 3LP

+44 (0) 20 76554944
john@stertsakiansheepskins.co.uk

Punch that postcode into Google Maps, and you can get door to door directions..

Tell them the Irish biker sent you (doing my bit for Ango-Irish relations).

Colm
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Apr 2007
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,653
Quote:
Originally Posted by phoenix View Post
I had been mulling over the idea of getting a sheepskin for my skinny KLR saddle, and today, I fulfilled that ambition. The supplier (which I found on google) is located in central London.. it was a major surprise to me that a sheepskin warehouse would exist in The City, close to "The Gherkin" building.. but there you go.

The 2 guys running the place were very helpful, and even let me rummage though a 2 foot stack of sheepskins until I found just the right one... it didn't exactly break the bank either. Check them out.

Here's where I found them: Stepan Tertsakian Sheepskins - Welcome To Our Warehouse
or..
Stepan Tertsakian Ltd
Unit 9
11 Plough Yard
London
EC2A 3LP

+44 (0) 20 76554944
john@stertsakiansheepskins.co.uk

Punch that postcode into Google Maps, and you can get door to door directions..

Tell them the Irish biker sent you (doing my bit for Ango-Irish relations).

Colm
Cool.. I might give them a bell.

I have always wondered. ! How to you fit the skin ?
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 18 Apr 2007
phoenix's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: London / Dublin
Posts: 339
Well, as a short term solution, I've just trimmed off the raggy edges with my trusty German army knife, folded the skin over twice (so I have 4 lovely layers of woolly sheep between me and the KLR), and secured it to the saddle (removed from the bike) with 3 pieces of flat cord, tied on the underside of the saddle. I'll fit it to the bike tomorrow morning, so that plan might have to change, if it doesn't work, or if the cord digs in.

I'm not sure how it should be done more professionally.. I suppose you could staple it to the underside of the saddle like most vinyl seats are upholstered, or you could put a very strong elasticated band around the rim, and have it pucker up underneath the saddle, for a more fitted approach..

I like my approach because it gives me multiple layers of skin underneath me. If someone wanted to steal it though, they could just cut the 3 cords, and bobs your aunty's second husband, it's gone.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 18 Apr 2007
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,653
Quote:
Originally Posted by phoenix View Post
Well, as a short term solution, I've just trimmed off the raggy edges with my trusty German army knife, folded the skin over twice (so I have 4 lovely layers of woolly sheep between me and the KLR), and secured it to the saddle (removed from the bike) with 3 pieces of flat cord, tied on the underside of the saddle. I'll fit it to the bike tomorrow morning, so that plan might have to change, if it doesn't work, or if the cord digs in.

I'm not sure how it should be done more professionally.. I suppose you could staple it to the underside of the saddle like most vinyl seats are upholstered, or you could put a very strong elasticated band around the rim, and have it pucker up underneath the saddle, for a more fitted approach..

I like my approach because it gives me multiple layers of skin underneath me. If someone wanted to steal it though, they could just cut the 3 cords, and bobs your aunty's second husband, it's gone.

Cool. keep the post updated.

One point though.. Make sure it can be easily removed for cleaning and drying. You dont want to use it in the rain. It makes them stink.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 18 Apr 2007
phoenix's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: London / Dublin
Posts: 339
Good point.. I don't want to be sitting on something that smells like dead sheep alright.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 18 Apr 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
I just throw mine over the saddle and run a bungee over it 'behind' where i sit ( dont sit on teh bungee).
They make good pillows.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 19 Apr 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Posts: 126
Mine fits perfectly under the straps of the tank bag, or i just ty a small rope (1 mm or so) over it, it does'nt take much to stay in place.
Get your own at some eastern european border, mine is from Poland, cheap and the good stuff.
Some guy actually asked me to pick a sheep if i wanted a new one
I think he was joking by the way...
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 19 Apr 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Rosenheim, Germany
Posts: 11
Hi,
since my saddle is fairly soft and I needed to raise my seatheight anyway (I'm 1,92m) I've put 4 layers carpet between a sheepskin, on the bottom an anti slip mat for carpets. A few stitches hold it and the straps together. Was a little bit of work, but with the additional 2cm and the harder carpet I now feel like king of the road. I've only had it on a 100k ride so far, but it makes such at difference!!!

I was wondering about the rain though. So you guys take that thing off once it starts to drizzle? Or put something over it?

cheers, Andi
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 22 Apr 2007
BCK_973's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Buenos Aires,City of good sex,mate and asado!
Posts: 539
multiple uses

Hi andy
I use my sheepskin as a pillow,feet heater,as a improvised matress etc.
If you are riding under rain is allmost no problem.But so soon you stoped and its still raining cover it with some foil(nylon) or take it of.
It will make your seat higher and wider.Better for your .......
I fasten it with transglobe utility straps to the seat.Not moving and easy to remove.Cut to shape and remember to sew an cotton liner under the leather.
I use mine since ages.
KH
__________________
http://vientoderipio.blogspot.com/
America is a nice continent,not a country.All people who lives in this continent are americans.Discover it in peace!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 22 Apr 2007
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,653
Mine used to be a rug


__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 22 Apr 2007
Jake's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Northumberland, uk
Posts: 761
Might be an alternative to some, Reindeer skin offcuts these are silicone treated to make them waterproof, they are thick dense skins and are available for £30.00 from casper - nordic outdoor in Edinburgh tel 01315538844.
I have not used one myself as still have the sheepskin but may get round to getting one when the sheepskin has had enough. Brad.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 24 Apr 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: I S T
Posts: 655
Exclamation Sheepskin ?

Hi,

* Is it real sheepskin?
* If yes, what happens when it heavily rains?
* How do you fit it to the saddle?
* Doesn't it spill like human hair? I mean do you have sheepskin hairs on trousers?

Thx
__________________
"where the traveller goes, nobody knows ! "
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 24 Apr 2007
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,653
Quote:
Originally Posted by Samy View Post
Hi,

* Is it real sheepskin?
* If yes, what happens when it heavily rains?
* How do you fit it to the saddle?
* Doesn't it spill like human hair? I mean do you have sheepskin hairs on trousers?

Thx
*Mine is real,
*When it rains, it gets wet and soggy (not good and will start to smell)
*Fit to the saddle with flat straps or even elastic. You want to be able to *remove it easily for cleaning or heavy rain
*The odd bits come off now and again but its not too bad
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 24 Apr 2007
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Got mine from SHEEPY HOLLOW sheepskin Seat Covers for Motorcycles

I got a universal pad for a large cruiser to fit my GS single seat.

Works well

J
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 25 Apr 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: GENT Belgium
Posts: 503
sheep skins

The story of Mohamed,
Earlier in the year we we're in Morocco, you know how it is, the wife stops for more than 2 seconds in the street and she's dragged into a shop to look at carpets... being the loving husband I follow with a sigh and then in my best French explain we are on a motorbike how can we buy a carpet..... 15 minutes later and I'm desperate so I say OK, how about a sheep skin for my bike ??? the confused carpet seller shouts out of the window and 2 minutes later I've brought Mohamed, black, thick ready prepared sheepskin .. €17 (I gave in )...

Anyway back home, ready to cut and fit my new sheep skin when the dog decides as it doesn't bite she would pee on it .....

Now its hanging in the garage....
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
sheepskins in the uk Matt Cartney Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 30 15 Jun 2006 20:14
Info for UK on Scottoilers and sheepskins Guest2 Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 0 30 Mar 2004 21:27

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:30.