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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
Best Value
Speedmetal Gel Seat Pad
Pros
- Cost
- Gel material
- Selectable sizes
Cons
- Not thick
Best Gel Seat
Wild Ass Smart Air Gel Cushion
Pros
- Three designs
- Gel material
- Wide
Cons
- Cost
Best Cruiser Seat
Airhawk R Cruiser Seat Pad
Pros
- Adjustable
- Comfort
- Cruiser design
Cons
- Cost
Best Passenger Seat
Airhawk Cruiser Pillion Seat Pad
Pros
- Adjustable
- Passenger design
- Uniform support
Cons
- Cost
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.
