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Dunlop Rubber Saddle Rejuvenation?

Submitted by michael_rettie on Monday, 29 September, 2025 - 01:44
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Anyone have any experience with treating one of these to at least arrest deterioration and perhaps regain a bit of flexibility?

Submitted by Jon Newton on Monday, 29 September, 2025 - 18:37

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You need to revive it with a form of solvent that lubricates the rubber. Mild restoration can be achieved by copious amounts of WD40 and silicone spray. 

For seriously rigid rubber put it in a bag with Brake fluid and massage it in. Rubber is a natural product and absorbs  the solvents that exists in these products. Be careful, no guarantee it will work but I have had success with other rubber items. 

Submitted by michael_rettie on Monday, 29 September, 2025 - 19:31

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............especially when going down the youtube rabbit hole. Thanks Jon, I see others suggesting a similar treatment and others of a more toxic nature @#$%^. Definitely going to do some trials before jumping in. I confess that this saddle is not going on a Norton or even a motorcycle but I know where to look for the deepest font of knowledge. In fact, I don't even have the saddle in hand yet but it appears salvageable in photos.  I'll keep you posted.Sprocket

Submitted by richard_cornish on Monday, 29 September, 2025 - 21:51

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Hi Michael,

   Good info from Jon. The problem with this type of seat is that the rubber takes all the weight and stress and now that they are 50+ years old you need to give them some additional support. It will help preserve the rubber if you can perhaps add some Lycette type springs or extra support tubes which will both be out of sight. A few years ago there were 2 different people making replica Dunlop seats (small and large) but these have both stopped, so none being made in the U.K. now.

Submitted by michael_rettie on Tuesday, 30 September, 2025 - 03:38

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I have a nasty old Lycette saddle that I can cannibalise if need be.  The old girl has come back to life but I would like a more period saddle than the Brooks I have now. An original BSA saddle seems to be way out of reach.

front

Submitted by michael_rettie on Tuesday, 30 September, 2025 - 17:18

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My experience with Armorall is that it is very good at making rubber and upholstery very shiny and extremely slippery and not much else. Many of my comrades have applied the concoction to their Commando saddle with initial delight but at their first vigorous acceleration found themselves having slid off the back of the seat and hanging on for dear life. 

 



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