Best Motorcycle Seat Pads: Greater Comfort Equals Longer, More Enjoyable Riding

After the first months of commuting to El Segundo from Santa Clarita when I was working at Motor Trend, I nearly gave up the fastest mode of transportation there is in Los Angeles: motorcycling. Though the SV650 is pretty comfortable, the constant back and forth was killing my butt. I’d get off either at work or back at home and just want to lay down for an hour. Then I grabbed the Airhawk and threw it on. A revelation. This air cushion uses a multi-bladder air system that inflates to your level of chosen comfort that’s sem-fiddly when you’re dialing in your chosen inflation. But once you do, the comfort matches your behind perfectly allowing you to go on whatever long rides you want without issue. And, indeed, I used it until my SV650 blew up. RIP. The only issue I see is the price. At the time of writing, the Airhawk will set you back $89. It’s not the most expensive seat pad on this list, but that’s still a decent chunk of change. That said, can you put a price on comfort? I didn’t.

This gel-based seat pad is a great value buy, as it’s inexpensive but it doesn’t skimp on what’s offered. According to the company, Speedmetal’s gel seat pad “is a great way to stay comfortable as you log seriously long miles. With four sizes to choose from, chances are there is one that is perfect for your needs.” Not only does the gel reduce the strain of sitting, but Speedmetal also designed it so that it reduces the vibration and harshness of a motorcycle’s constant engine thrum and lack of any sort of dampening of such forces. The “medical grade polymer top pad [is designed] for durability,” while micro-spacer fabric improves airflow [to] reduce heat build-up” between you and the seat. Four sizes are available, along with different design variations for different motorcycle types. That said, while the price and design are right, a few folks have said that it can be on the thinner size compared to other seat pad designs. That means that super long rides could actually be somewhat bothersome in the long run.

Aside from the funny name, the Wild Ass Smart Air Gel cushion is one of the best gel seats on the market. This seat pad is made similarly to those gel seats that I used to have on my road bicycle. With a neoprene exterior and gel interior, the whole experience is one that’s reminiscent of playing with kids’ slime. But for your butt. This incredibly soft and comfortable seat will have you riding long across state lines or countries, as you put miles upon miles on your motorcycle. It also has a built-in air bladder, similar to our best overall, to help adjust the overall shape to conform to your, well, ass. This makes finding the perfect fit all but ensured. What is a problem is that it’s incredibly expensive for what it is. At the time of writing, the Wild Ass Smart Air Gel Cushion costs $194 for the Air Gel. If you want the Classic, that’ll add an additional $100. And a few folks have reported that the attachment points aren’t as strong as they’d like.

From the same company as our best overall, this seat is designed for cruiser-type motorcycles and comes with the same pros and cons as that dual-sport model. Get this if you have a cruiser-type motorcycle that’s in deserpate need for some comfort.

From the same company as our best overall, this seat is designed for motorcycle passengers and comes with the same pros and cons as that dual-sport model. Get this if you need to help increase your passenger’s comfort.