History and Evolution of the Iconic Bates Motorcycle Seat

The History and Evolution of the Bates Seat

The Bates seat, also known as the Bates pan seat or Bates saddle, refers to a unique motorcycle seat popularized in the 1960s and 70s. Named after its inventor Bates, this stripped-down seat design became a staple of the chopper motorcycle trend during that era.

Choppers gained popularity among motorcycle enthusiasts who wanted to customize their bikes into creative, stripped-down "chopped" versions of stock motorcycles. Central to the chopper look was removing unnecessary parts and cutting down fenders and frames to make the bikes lighter and leaner.

This minimalist chopper aesthetic extended to seats, and the Bates seat emerged as the iconic saddle. The Bates seat is a simple pan seat - basically a metal pan or plate for the rider to sit on top of without much padding or cover. This exposed pan look perfectly matched the barebones style of most choppers.

Origins and Rise of the Bates Seat

California chopper builder Bates (first name unknown) fabricated the first minimalist Bates pan seats in the 1960s. The seats were picked up by other West Coast chopper builders and became must-have accessories. Soon, various companies were manufacturing Bates seats to sell to chopper builders across America.

Bates seats were often paired with high sissy bars to allow the rider to be propped up since the seats lacked any backrest. The seats provide an unobstructed view of the mechanical parts of the bike since they eliminate side covers and only have a small rear fender pad.

By the late 1960s, Bates seats were almost ubiquitous chopper parts. An authentic seat even became a status symbol and required accessory to be considered a legitimate old school chopper. The seats flowed with the long, low frames and extended front forks that defined choppers of the time.

Chopper Influencers That Popularized Bates Seats

Certain customized motorcycles that became iconic choppers played a key role in spreading the popularity of Bates seats.

One of the most famous was the "Billy Bike" ridden by the character Billy in the 1969 classic movie Easy Rider. Builder Ben Hardy fabricated the crazy stretched chopper complete with a Bates seat for actor Dennis Hopper to ride in character as Billy.

Another iconic build featuring a Bates seat was the "Blue Bike" created by Von Dutch in the 1960s. This flashy blue chopper with wild pinstriping put Bates seats firmly on the map.

Famed chopper builder Denver Mullins built many eye-catching choppers in the 1970s outfitted with Bates seats, helping make them must-have accessories.

Bates Seats Today

After falling out of fashion in the 1980s, Bates seats have seen a revival along with renewed interest in old school choppers. Today, many custom bike builders still use Bates seats to pay homage to the quintessential vintage chopper style.

Custom motorcycle part companies like Bates, Biltwell, and Burly Brand produce Bates seats to meet continued demand. While the overall pan seat design remains unchanged, modern seats may include slight padding for comfort.

For those looking to restore or recreate classic choppers, installing an old-fashioned Bates seat remains a great way to maintain period-perfect styling. The Bates seat's uncomplicated yet instantly recognizable aesthetic ensures its place as one of the most iconic motorcycle accessories of motorcycle history.

FAQs

What is a Bates seat?

A Bates seat is a minimalist motorcycle seat that features a simple metal pan for the rider to sit on, without much padding or cover. Bates seats first emerged in the 1960s as part of the stripped-down chopper style.

Who invented the Bates seat?

The Bates seat was invented by a California chopper builder known only by the name Bates in the 1960s. He fabricated the first barebones pan seats that became popular chopper accessories.

Why were Bates seats so popular on choppers?

Bates seats perfectly matched the minimalist chopper aesthetic of removing unnecessary parts to make bikes sleeker. The seats flowed with the lean frames and long front forks of vintage choppers of the time.

Are Bates seats still used today?

Yes, Bates seats have seen a revival along with interest in old school choppers. Many custom builders today use Bates seats to recreate the classic vintage chopper look.

What are Bates seats made of?

Authentic Bates seats consist of a metal pan the rider sits on. Modern versions may include slight padding for comfort but maintain the overall stripped-down pan design.