You probably never worry about a sore butt on those short, local rides you take. The problem arises on longer day trips or multi-day motorcycle rides. Depending on your bike, even a few hours in the saddle can be painful and uncomfortable.
Personally, I began my own search for the best motorcycle seat pads after my first trip on the old CBR250R. In this post I want to share my findings on some of the best seat pads for motorcycles. Hopefully this will save you the time of doing your own research and you’ll find something suitable for your bike.
The problem with the stock seat on most motorcycles is that it’s designed to look cool and match the style of the motorbike.
Typically, they’re not very comfortable and unsuitable for longer rides. Poorly designed and uncomfortable seats can reduce circulation, cause numbness, and make you sweat. They can even result in severe pain in your back, legs, tailbone, and butt.
This can deter you from taking longer rides and it’s not enjoyable getting up after a few hours in the saddle. The answer to this problem is using a motorcycle seat cushion, otherwise known as a seat pad. These are designed to absorb vibrations, relieve pressure, and make you more comfortable on longer rides.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best motorcycle seat pads on the market!
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The Best Motorcycle Seat Pads
Airhawk – R-REVB Cruiser R (Best Motorcycle Seat Pad For Long Rides)
The Airhawk Large Motorcycle Seat Cushion is our top choice and one of the most popular options among riders. This pad takes advantage of an inflatable design using air pressure to provide you with a more comfortable and softer riding experience. It’s more of a luxury seat cushion that will completely change how you feel on your next cruise.
With the inflatable Airhawk – R-REVB cushion you’ll no longer be bouncing up and down right on to the hard seat on your motorbike. There won’t be any more tailbone or butt crushing when you’re riding over potholes or bumpy roads. Instead, the inflatable design absorbs and evenly distributes the vibrations and bumps so that your body doesn’t have to.
On the inside of the Airhawk – R-REVB is an inflatable polyurethane air pad. The outside material is made from a breathable, washable mesh cover. It’s easy to wash so you don’t need to worry about any of your sweaty scents getting absorbed in the fabric.
Using the Airhawk – R-REVB motorcycle seat cushion is a simple and straightforward process. Inflating is done by blowing into the air valve to your preferred inflation. If it’s overinflated it’s easy to release the air out until your desired comfort level is reached. You’ll know that it’s ready when there’s no large air gaps between your body and the motorcycle seat. Attaching it to your bike is easy with the elastic straps and non-slip bottom to keep everything in place.
The Airhawk – R-REVB also comes with a few other interesting features. One of these is the air cell technology that supports your tailbone and other pressure points. Another great feature is the breathable mesh cover that provides ample ventilation and keeps you cool. Finally, there’s the ergonomic design that gives you better circulation.
Overall, it’s the Airhawk – R-REVB Cruiser R Large Motorcycle Seat Cushion that I would recommend as the best motorcycle seat pad for most riders. It boasts a quality, durable design and provides ample comfort for a longer rides. It’s hard to go wrong with the Airhawk – R-REVB if you’re looking to ride for longer periods without suffering from as much discomfort.
MadDog GearComfort Ride Seat Protector (Best Motorcycle Seat Cushion For the Price)
The MadDog GearComfort Ride Seat Protector is a great choice if you’re on a budget. This is a comfortable, durable, and practical motorcycle seat pad for your bike that won’t break the bank. The brand, MadDog, is part of the Coleman company line, which many of you might be familiar with.
The MadDog GearComfort Ride Seat Protector offers similar comfort to what you would find with a higher priced, premium product. Thanks to the durable, padded foam construction, this pad is meant to be used as both a cushion and seat protector. Not only does it enhance your comfort on long rides, it helps to protect your seat from getting damaged or scratched.
One of the biggest complaints of many riders is having to deal with uncomfortable seats. Seat pads like the MadDog GearComfort Ride Seat Protector make it easy to alleviate that issue. When it comes to installation, securing this pad is straightforward. It uses a series of straps and buckles that connect under the seat and hold everything securely in place.
Depending on your bike, some alterations might need to be made to get the seat pad properly installed. Otherwise, the MadDog GearComfort Ride Seat Protector is a great choice for more comfort and longer rides. If you’re on a budget or looking for something simple and no frills it’s the MadDog GearComfort Ride Seat Protector that we’d happily recommend.
SKWOOSH Classic Saddle Motorcycle Gel Seat Cushion (Best Motorcycle Gel Seat Pad)
The SKWOOSH Classic Saddle Motorcycle Gel Seat Cushion is our recommendation for the best motorcycle gel seat pad. So far we’ve recommended an air pad, and a foam pad, and this one is a great choice if you’re looking for a pad that uses gel. The gel cushioning helps to relieve pressure points and provide added comfort on longer rides.
One of our favorite features with the SKWOOSH Classic Saddle Motorcycle Gel Seat Cushion is that it’s designed not to have a big impact on the height of your seat. The streamlined, low-profile design allows your bike to keep its sporty, aggressive looks. This design also makes it easier for you to get on and off the bike without having the pad change your seating height too drastically.
As for the build quality, this gel seat pad is covered using a breathable mesh fabric. This helps to keep you cool and encourages airflow when you’re sitting on the bike. The mesh also offers better grip so you’re not sliding around on the seat. This is a cushion that doesn’t require any maintenance.
When it comes to comfort, many riders prefer the gel cushioning offered by the SKWOOSH Classic Saddle Motorcycle Gel Seat Cushion. This cushion comes with a cutaway tailbone relief that reduces pressure on your tailbone when you’re seated. It even moulds to your seating position so that the material or stitching isn’t jabbing into your legs or butt.
For installation, there are two straps that help to keep the seat pad in place. On the underneath is a non-skid fabric that also helps to prevent the cushion from slipping. When you’re not using it too, the pad can be folded away for easy storage.
Overall, the SKWOOSH Classic Saddle Motorcycle Gel Seat Cushion is a durable and reasonably priced motorcycle gel seat pad. If you’re looking for something that offers the gel comfort, ample ventilation, and pressure relief for more comfortable longer rides, it’s the SKWOOSH Classic Saddle Motorcycle Gel Seat Cushion that we recommend checking out.
AirHawk Medium Motorcycle Seat Pad
It shouldn’t be surprising to see the AirHawk Medium Motorcycle Seat Pad as another one of our recommendations. AirHawk is the industry leader when it comes to the best motorcycle seat cushions and pads. This specific model is the medium sized version of the AirHawk pad that’s at the top of our list.
Just as with our top recommendation, the AirHawk Medium Motorcycle Seat Pad comes with all of the same features and benefits. This includes the patented air cell technology and breathable mesh fabric. Both of these features help relieve pressure and provide better ventilation for a more comfortable riding experience.
The AirHawk seat cushions take advantage of air for providing you with the comfort you want. This makes them easily adjustable depending on your preferences. Air cushions also offer a different type of support when you’re on the bike, something that many riders prefer. With an AirHawk seat pad there’s no harsh jarring or bumps when you’re travelling on bad roads – the air helps to keep you off the seat.
Thanks to the tapered shape and versatile design, this pad can be used on a wide range of different bikes. The wider shape is better suited for cruisers that come with the wider seat. Installation is simple with the strap system underneath the pad for connecting to your motorbike.
Overall, it’s easy for us to recommend the AirHawk Medium Motorcycle Seat Pad. This is the best motorcycle seat pad for cruisers that we’d recommend. The added comfort, mesh panels for ventilation, and durable design make this a great choice for most riders.
Air Seat Innovations Pressure Relief Seat Pad
The Air Seat Innovations Pressure Relief Seat Pad is a great alternative to the AirHawk cushions if you’re on a tight budget. This is an inflatable motorcycle seat cushion that’s designed from a durable neoprene rubber material. It’s a good choice for cruisers, adventure bikes, and sport touring motorcycles with a bigger, wider seat.
Thanks to the inflatable air cushion design, the Air Seat Innovations Pressure Relief Seat Pad makes longer riding experiences more comfortable. The pad helps to absorb shocks from the road and dampen the engine vibrations rumbling through your body. It can even be adjusted to the shape of your body for a more comfortable, custom fit.
Installation of the Air Seat Innovations Seat Pad is simple. It’s mounted using two straps that connect underneath the seat. As for the design, the cushion is covered by a reasonable and flexible stretch material. This helps to encourage air flow and keeps you ventilated on those warm summer days.
Overall, the Air Seat Innovations Pressure Relief Seat Pad is a great choice for a cruiser riders. This cushion is reasonably priced, comfortable for longer rides, and suitably designed for wider seats. We would definitely recommend checking it out, especially if you’re looking for an alternative to the AirHawk.
Alaska Leather Medium Sheepskin Motorcycle Buttpad (Best Sheepskin Motorcycle Seat Pad)
While many riders opt for the DIY sheepskin pad, the Alaska Leather Medium Sheepskin Motorcycle Buttpad is our recommendation if you want to buy one outright. Sure, they’re easy to make, but not everyone has the time. In that case, this is a great choice if you’re looking to use a sheepskin for your motorcycle rides.
The Alaska Leather Medium Sheepskin Motorcycle Buttpad is made in Alaska from 100% real sheepskin. It looks really cool on cruisers, but it’s easy to install on most other types of motorcycles as well. Installation is simple with an adjustable elastic strap that keeps the sheepskin pad in place on your seat. There’s even two quick releases making for an easy removal.
The design of this sheepskin pad has been contoured to fit most basic seat sizes. Thanks to the sheepskin material, you’ll be cooler in the summer. It also provides a warmer riding experience during the winter. With sheepskin you won’t be sitting directly on the seat and won’t have to deal with the temperature extremes as much.
Those of you looking for a sheepskin motorcycle seat pad will definitely want to check out the Alaska Leather Medium Sheepskin Motorcycle Buttpad. It’s reasonably priced, made in the USA, and can look pretty cool on your motorcycle!
Airhawk Dual Sport Motorcycle Air Cushion Pad
The Airhawk Dual Sport Motorcycle Air Cushion Pad is a great choice for riders on dual sport or touring motorcycles. The tapered design of this cushion is ideal for narrowed front seats. This helps provide a better fit and keeps the pad in place while you’re riding.
Coming from AirHawk, you can expect the same level of quality and durability with the Airhawk Dual Sport Motorcycle Air Cushion Pad. This one comes equipped with a breathable spacer mesh cover. The cover improve ventilation and keeps you cool on those warm riding days. There’s also a non-skid bottom that helps to keep the pad in place while you’re riding.
As for installation, there are two straps that connect under the seat. These can be adjusted giving the cover a snug fit. Combined with the non-skid bottom, the pad is likely to stay in place while you’re riding along. It’s possible to remove the cover and wash it, which is a good idea for regular maintenance.
Personally, I’ve had great luck with the AirHawk products. This makes it easy for me to recommend the Airhawk Dual Sport Motorcycle Air Cushion Pad for dual sport and touring bike riders. While commanding a higher price, this seat pad offers premium quality, durability, and ample comfort for longer rides.
Features to Consider When Buying a Motorcycle Seat Pad
Materials
Most motorcycle seat pads are made from foam, inflatable neoprene bladders, gel inserts, or sheepskin. Each of these materials has their own benefits and drawbacks. Knowing which type of seat pad will best suit your riding preferences is a good idea. Check out our section on the different types of motorcycle seat cushions down below. This will give you a better idea of the specific materials to look out for.
Shape
It’s important that the pad you’re using properly fits on to your motorcycle seat. There are different sizes and shapes of seat cushions available. Whether you ride a cruiser, sportbike, touring bike, or anything in between, there’s bound to be something designed specifically for your ride. Always double-check the dimensions and product specifications before buying anything.
Height
The seat pad thickness also needs to be considered. A thicker pad will have you sitting higher on your seat. This could have an impact on your riding capability. Some riders prefer a higher seat, which can offer a better view. Other riders prefer a lower seat, which can offer better reach on the controls. You can typically find the pad height in the product dimensions or description.
Riding Conditions
Where you’ll be riding, your typical riding weather, and general road conditions will have an impact on your decision making process. For longer rides, a gel or inflatable pad will offer better comfort and support. In warm weather, you may want a sheepskin pad that’s better for regulating temperature. It’s not a bad idea to have more than one motorcycle seat cushion for different riding conditions.
Budget (Price)
The price and your budget are the final consideration you’ll need to make. In this post we’ve covered seat pads across a wide range of budget needs. Those of you not riding often, or only riding on weekends, will be better off with a more affordable and less expensive cushion. On the other hand, riders spending a lot of time in the saddle might want to increase their budget. There are some great cheap motorcycle seat pads, although the higher-end options command a premium price tag.
The Benefits of Using a Motorcycle Seat Cushion
More Comfortable Riding Experience
The main purpose of motorcycle questions is to make your riding experience more comfortable. They achieve this by providing support for your pressure points, such as your pelvis and tailbone. This is done through a supportive layer of gel padding or air, depending on the cushion you’re using. Having a cushion will likely reduce any aches and pains from longer rides and provide you with a more enjoyable riding experience.
Better Circulation
When used on longer rides, motorcycle cushions can help increase your circulation. Have you ever noticed your butt going numb or tingling after an hour or two in the saddle? This is caused from poor circulation and excessive pressure. Motorcycle seat pads can relieve this pressure and increase circulation in these areas.
Improved Ventilation
Another annoying drawback to longer rides, especially during the summer, is the excessive sweating caused. This is typically caused by warm weather and lack of proper ventilation. Many seat pads are designed to provide air flow around your butt and give you better ventilation when you’re in the saddle. You won’t be sweating as much and you’re not as likely to run into issues with heat rash or skin irritation.
Longer Rides
With a comfortable and properly installed motorcycle seat cushion you’ll be able to spend more time in the saddle. This is great for weekend rides or long trips. It’s unfortunate and uncomfortable when rides are cut short because you’re too sore to continue. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy your time riding and focus on the experience rather than the pain.
Types of Motorcycle Seat Pads
There are a few different types of motorcycle seat pads and cushions available. Each offers their own benefits and drawbacks. It comes down to preference that will determine which is the best type for you and your riding style.
Inflatable (Air)
Inflatable seat pads and air cushions are the most popular and widely available. This is the best type of motorcycle seat pad for added comfort and reduced pressure. With an inflatable cushion you’re less likely to suffer from inflammation, random pains, and an aching butt.
These inflatable seat pads work by using an inner air pad that you will inflate with air. This adds a protective layer of air between your pressure points and your seat. The inflated pad helps to provide support and makes the seat more comfortable.
What’s great about inflatable seat cushions is that they can be inflated to your preferences. You can inflate it to a soft or firmer level depending on what you want.
Gel Pads
This style of cushion is designed using a layer of gel or foam padding. All of the gel motorcycle seat pads provide a comfortable cushion between your hard seat and bones. While not as popular as inflatable cushions, gel pads are still a great choice for comfort and support.
Foam Cushions
Those of you on a budget will find motorcycle seat foam pads to be the most practical choice. These are designed using a traditional foam pad. While they do add comfort, they tend to be thicker and less durable than the alternatives. This type of cushion can add height to your seat. Consider going with a memory foam seat pad, which conforms to the shape of your body.
Sheepskin Motorcycle Cushion
You’ll see many older riders on cruisers using sheepskin motorcycle cushions. These don’t add much in the way of padding. However, they help to regulate temperature in both warm and cold weather. The design of a sheepskin cushion also helps keep you in place on the seat if you happen to be sliding around.
Best Motorcycle Seat Pads | Frequently Asked Questions
Are Motorcycle Seat Cushions Waterproof and Weatherproof?
Not every motorcycle seat cushion or pad is designed to be waterproof. This is dependant on the specific model you’re using. Look at the product description and manufacturer specifications for more information. Some of the best motorcycle seat pads, such as the AirHawk seat cushion, are waterproof. The better quality designs can be used in a wide range of different weather conditions. Using a waterproof spray and regularly cleaning your cushion can help to extend its lifespan.
How Do You Find the Right Size of Seat Pad?
You’ll find that most motorcycle seat pads are designed for specific types of motorcycles. The measurements can typically be found in the product description or manufacturer specifications. You can also look at reviews online to see which types of bikes the cushion has been used on. It’s a good idea to look for motorcycle-specific pads, unless you’re buying a less expensive model.
Will You Sit Higher on the Seat with a Motorcycle Seat Pad?
Yes, most motorcycle seat pads will cause you to sit higher on your seat. Exactly how high depends on the specific type of pad you’re using. Smaller, thinner pads such as inflatable or gel models won’t add as much height. Larger, sticker pads such as the foam models will add a noticeable amount of height. As recommended above, specifications for height can typically be found in the product description.
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