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A quick ride down the block isn’t too much of an issue when motorcycling. But when you’re on a multi-state, multi-thousand-mile trek across the country or countries, if you’re on the stock seat pad, you’re gonna have back and butt problems. Thankfully, the aftermarket has you covered in the form of motorcycle seat pads.
These clever little accessories can change an Iron Butt to a Comfort Butt and keep you going well-passed any of your buddies on the stock seat pads. But which is the best available and which is right for you? Well, fine sir or madam, I’ve pulled together the best of the best motorcycle seat pads from around the web and delivered them below to take out all guesswork. Check it out.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Airhawk Dual-Sport Air Cushion
- Best Value: Speedmetal Gel Seat Pad
- Best Gel: Wild Ass Smart Air Gel Cushion
- Best Cruiser: Airhawk R Cruiser Seat Pad
- Best Pillion: Airhawk Cruiser Pillion Seat Pad
Our Methodology
I’ve been riding motorcycles since I was 17. I’ve put on thousands upon thousands of miles behind the bars, and boy let me tell you, my butt still hurts. When I was commuting from the high desert into Los Angeles proper each day for two years, I quickly grabbed a new seat pad for my Suzuki SV650 because I would’ve lost my booty had I not.
I went through a handful before adopting the best overall picked here. For the rest, I used that experience and my motorcycle knowledge to pick the rest.
Best Motorcycle Seat Pad Recommendations
Best Overall: Airhawk Dual-Sport Air Cushion
Pros
- Adjustable
- Adjustable comfort
- Versatility
Cons
- Cost
- Can be fiddly to attach
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.
Best Value: Speedmetal Gel Seat Pad
Pros
- Cost
- Gel material
- Selectable sizes
Cons
- Not thick
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 side compared to other seat pad designs. That means that super-long rides could actually be somewhat bothersome in the long run.
Best Gel: Wild Ass Smart Air Gel Cushion
Pros
- Three designs
- Gel material
- Wide
Cons
- Cost
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 $100. And a few folks have reported that the attachment points aren’t as strong as they’d like.
Best Cruiser: Airhawk R Cruiser Seat Pad
Pros
- Adjustable
- Comfort
- Cruiser design
Cons
- Cost
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 desperate need for some comfort.
Best Passenger Seat Pad: Airhawk Cruiser Pillion Seat Pad
Pros
- Adjustable
- Passenger design
- Uniform support
Cons
- Cost
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.
Our Verdict
After so many years riding motorcycles, I’m at the point where I no longer love the pain. Which is why I went for the Airhawk air cushion. It’s a design that works for dual-sports, cruisers, or your passenger. But if you’re on a budget, you can get a Speedmetal and be happy. Just maybe not as happy as the Airhawks…
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Waterproof. No, not because you’re going to want to stay on for so long, you miss a bathroom stop. But because you absolutely will encounter some sort of precipitation at some point and you don’t want your seat getting gross.
They can! A gel motorcycle pad can help reduce the overall NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) that are sorta built into most motorcycles. They can also help when you’re out running trails or traveling along bumpy highways.
Absolutely, as too much padding can reduce you’re seating position and cause you to be unstable. You then may find yourself adjusting and readjusting as your take turns or worse, almost falling off the seat.
