How To Achieve Backside Bliss On Long Motorcycle Rides
8 Tips to help you maximize your seating comfort on long adventure rides.
6. Seat Pads
A hard seat can be torture on your tush on long motorcycle rides. Padded shorts and analgesic creams may not be enough to overcome that board of a stock seat you have. One of the simplest ways to improve your seat’s comfort is to add more cushioning with a seat pad.
One popular option is the Airhawk2 seat pad. The Airhawk2 uses supple interconnecting air cells in an air bladder that cushions your ride. The technology was originally invented for wheelchair users that are susceptible to painful pressure ulcers. The cushion equalizes forces over the weight-bearing area, relieving pressure points.
While the seat pad may feel strange at first and some may not like the floating on air feel for performance riding, we can attest that we never felt soreness when using the Airhawk2. You can also remove the pad easily for more technical riding, then re-attach it when you hit the highway. Usually, the Small Cruiser Pad or the Small Pillion Pad work best for Adventure and Dual Sport Motorcycles. Check with Airhawk to find out which model will work best for your bike.
Another popular and less expensive seat pad is the Coleman ATV Comfort Ride Seat Protector. This seat pad uses a water-resistant shell that is durable for off-road use. It can be made to fit most long dirt bike style seats. It has a lower profile that looks more integrated with the seat than the Airhawk2 and it’s easy to install. Once the three straps are in position, it can be removed or installed quickly with quick release buckles. While not as plush as the Airhawk2, at a price of less than $20 US, it’s worth giving a try to see if it gives you the relief you are seeking.
Shopping Options:
Airhawk2 Seat Pad
Amazon | Revzilla |
Coleman ATV Seat Pad
Amazon | Cabela’s |
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I use a Russell Day Long seat on my V-Strom. It is an awesome, totally 100% comfortable seat no matter the miles or the hours in the saddle.
I have an xr650r the stock seat was killing me after only riding 1/2 hour, I got a seat from seat concepts , night and day difference, I can ride all day now!
I’m using a Saddlemen Adventure Track on my KLR; it’s the only expensive piece on the whole bike. However, with that seat installed, I can ride for 10 hours w/o needing to visit the ER for monkeybutt-syndrome thereafter. It was worth every penny.