The 5 Best Motorcycle Seat Pads For Long Rides [Reviewed]

Motorcycle seat pads, also known as motorcycle seat cushions, are aftermarket seat toppers that can be added to motorbikes. These cushions provide an additional layer of padding in-between the rider and the seat.

You may be in love with your motorcycle, but you may be not-so-in-love with how the seat feels, especially after extended periods of use.

The best motorcycle seat pad should be comfortable, avoid pressure injuries, as well as have a built-in cushion that’s both breathable and flexible.

For this reason, the right motorcycle seat cushion can make all the difference in the world, and completely change your motorbiking experience (Source).

Motorcycle seat pads are usually constructed of a thin, but firm, base material. A softer substance, such as PUR (polyurethane) or EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) foam is placed on the base. This assembly is then topped with some form of upholstery or leather.

Before purchasing a motorcycle seat pad, consider the upholstery type, finish, comfort, durability, cost, and ease of installation. Also, consider the color options that are available.

In this round-up, we’ll check out top-rated motorcycle seat pads. All of the pads in this review will be ideal whether you’re planning a long motorcycle ride, or just wanting your daily commute to be a little more comfortable.

What is the Best Motorcycle Seat Pad?

The best motorcycle seat pad, by far, may seem to be a slightly counter-intuitive choice. With all of the exotic materials out there, an inflatable seat pad may seem a little lackluster.

However, the Airhawk Motorcycle Seat Cushion was made with long rides in mind.  It’s able to be broken down and packed away quickly. It’s the lightest seat cushion in its class by far. It needs no pumps to set up and it fits on nearly any bike.

On a hot day, a motorcycle seat foam will distribute heat away from your body and the breathable cover can help reduce sweat and other uncomfortable issues. On a cold day, your body heat can charge the air inside the inflatable cells to keep you warm.

Is an Inflatable Motorcycle Seat Durable?

The air in the cells can be adjusted. Those that like a softer seat can let out a little air. If you want a firmer seat, all you need to do is add some air.

Airhawk is also familiar with the trials of the road. Accidents can happen. If your seat is punctured, they send a repair kit with every seat. The repair itself takes about five minutes.

What Are Motorcycle Seats Made Of?

Motorcycle gel pads for seats are made of many different materials. Seat covers and seat pads for motorcycles only increase the variables. Motorcycle seats that are built into a bike in the factory, or that are added to a custom bike, tend to be made of vinyl or leather stretched over a foam pad.

Leather seats require maintenance and care, though they tend to last longer. Vinyl seats are less durable over time but require less daily maintenance and care.

How Much Do Motorcycle Seat Pads Cost?

Motorcycle seat pads cost between $20 and $100, on average. The material, filling, and intended use for these seat pads can increase or decrease the price you’ll need to pay to get exactly what you want.

A sheepskin seat, for example, will cost more than one covered in a synthetic fabric. A seat pad with gel inserts will, likewise, cost more than one stuffed with fiberfill.

Price can also be a good indicator of durability when it comes to selecting a motorcycle seat pad. A less expensive seat pad will be made of more common and less durable materials, in most cases.

That could be perfectly acceptable to anyone looking to be more comfortable on short rides. However, those looking to dramatically increase their comfort on long rides should consider investing in a quality seat pad or motorcycle seat cushion.

Comparing The Best Motorcycle Seat Pads For Long Rides

1. Airhawk Motorcycle Seat Cushion – Best Overall 

Airhawk is a respected name in the motorcycle seat pad business. Their products are backed by a proven track record and they proudly claim that they will double your sit time.

Additionally, they’re quite simple. They can be inflated without the use of any equipment besides your mouth thanks to a small valve. It packs down into a small space when not in use, too.

Moreover, a breathable cover with mesh sides supports the seat pad’s inflatable cells. Likewise, a non-skid base helps the pad stay put, and two straps attach the pad firmly to your bike.

Lastly, the tough inflatable cells do a good job of distributing a rider’s weight, and will undoubtedly make your long motorcycle journey more comfortable.

2. MadDog GearComfort Ride Seat Protector – The Best Heavy-Duty Gel Pad For Motorcycle Seats

This product from MadDog is a substantial seat pad made to fit a variety of bikes. It can also be used on dirt bikes and ATVs thanks to its adjustable straps.

The core of this seat pad is made from a high-density foam which provides much-needed cushioning between you and your saddle. Additionally, the contoured shape of the pad helps to wick away moisture and allows for good blood circulation in your butt area.

Furthermore, it also functions strongly as a seat cover and prevents any rips and tears in your bike’s saddle. Take note that in the long run, it will be easier and cheaper to replace a seat pad than to try to repair or replace your bike’s seat.

Besides’s that, the MadDog is held onto your bike by a series of straps with a Three Buckle Quick Release System, too. This makes it easy to put on and take off, making this a versatile seat pad that you could use with other motorcycle models.

Lastly, don’t forget to tighten the straps down before a long motorcycle ride. You don’t want this seat pad to move underneath you while you’re taking a corner.

3. Pillion 1 Sheepskin Buttpad – The Most Comfortable Gel Seat Cushion

Made from 100% genuine sheepskin, this seat pad may not be suitable for vegetarians. However, the dyed black wool means that it will look good on any bike you choose to use it on.

The Sheepskin Buttpad is more than merely comfortable. It seems counter-intuitive, but sheepskin is actually great at keeping you cool during a long ride. The wool acts as a natural means of insulation and also has a fantastic ability to wick away moisture that can lead to rashes and discomfort.

For riders in colder climates, sheepskin also provides a way to insulate your butt from a cold bike seat. It’s no wonder sheepskin is such a popular choice for motorcycle seat pads.

Moreover, the underside of this butt support has been left natural. Meanwhile, its leather adheres well to the saddle of most bikes. Plus, its single adjustable strap offers two release buckles that make installation and removal quick and easy.

It’s important to note, however, that while this 1-inch thick sheepskin offers some padding, it is not intended to function the same way as a gel, foam, or inflatable seat pad.

4. Butt Buffer BF01316.00

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It has a funny name, but it’s easy to see that the Butt Buffer is a serious motorcycle seat pad. Unfortunately, this motorcycle seat pad also comes at a serious price.

Notably, this gel pad is made to conform to the shape of the user’s body without flattening completely. Its advanced latex-free polymers provide high durability and comfort, too.

Furthermore, its cover is sunlight and water-resistant; hence, it is suitable for use in all kinds of weather. It’s also latex-free, hypoallergenic, and fungus resistant.

Lastly, the Butt Buffer comes with four fastening loops and an adjustable Velcro strap which allow it to adhere tightly to your bike’s seat. It’s super comfortable, too. The silicone gel inside keeps its shape but yields to the weight of the rider.

Thus, for those planning a long ride, the Butt Buffer is an excellent option.

5. Conformax Topper Excel Ultra Flex – The Most Flexible Motorcycle Seat Cushion

With a hinged back cushion, the Conformax offers more in the way of lumbar support than many other motorcycle seat pads. The adjustable back pad allows this seat to be conformed to the proportions of an individual rider.

Its interior combines two materials: gel and foam. A layer of gel that reshapes itself to the rider is placed on top of a layer of foam that absorbs impact and vibration while still providing support. This makes for an extremely comfortable ride, even over long distances.

Finally, the hinged part of the seat can lie flat on a conventional bike seat. However, the shape of this seat means it’s best suited to a cruiser-style bike for the maximum cool appearance.

How Can I Make My Motorcycle Seat More Comfortable?

Accessories are the only way to make a motorcycle seat more comfortable, without investing in a new seat. A foam cushion, beaded cover, or gel overlay can improve your comfort right away with minimal investment.

Not everyone has the same issues with motorcycle seats. For some, heat makes them less comfortable. For others, airflow or a worn-down seat pad are the culprits. Make sure you know what problems you are having before investing in any motorcycle seat solution.

How Do You Stay Comfortable on a Long Motorcycle Ride?

You don’t have to be fit to ride a motorcycle, but the healthier you are and the more flexible your body is, the more enjoyable your trip will be. Even the best motorcycle in the world will have some vibration to it. Those vibrations can wear on your body, even more than just sitting will.

To stay comfortable on a motorcycle for as long as possible, you must take advantage of the following tactics:

• Get a Comfortable Seat Pad – A gel seat cushion pad, cover, or other solution can improve airflow, temperature, stability, and more.
• Stay Healthy and Hydrated – Taking a trip of any kind when you’re not feeling healthy is less comfortable. Motorcycle rides can also be more dehydrating than normal activity.
• Take a Break When You Need To – A small break for hydration and stretching now can add hours to your endurance later.
• Stretch Before, During, and After a Ride – Keeping your muscles and joints loose can help reduce overall fatigue.
• Know You’re Prepared – Confidence can greatly improve your mental stamina and emotional stability. Make sure you have emergency supplies and tools packed on every trip.
• Dress Appropriately – Weather and safety should dictate what you wear on your bike for any trip. 
• Don’t Push Yourself – Work up to longer trips if you have to. Forcing yourself to stay on a bike after you have passed your limits can make future trips that much more unpleasant.

Factors To Consider Before Buying A Motorcycle Seat Pad

We’re all a little bit different, and so are our bikes. The best motorcycle seat pads for long rides are one of those things that will always be shaped by individual preference. Whatever may be comfortable for one person can be a nightmare for another.

However, before you spend a penny on a motorcycle seat pad, you’ll want to think about the following factors:

Size

More specifically, your size. And the size of your butt. The more padding you naturally carry down there, the longer you’ll be comfortable in a stock saddle, and the less additional protection you’ll require.

With that said, the heavier you are, the more weight that seat has to support. Bigger riders may need to look at more heavy-duty pads, while smaller people can get away with something less robust.

Posture

Where and how do you sit on your bike? This is more than a matter of individual preference. Different styles of bikes lead to different riding positions.

For instance, bikes with footpegs set further back on the machine result in more of the rider’s weight being taken on the legs.

On the other hand, bikes that require the rider to lean forward over the handlebars result in more pressure being put on the arms.

Meanwhile, cruiser-style bikes with footpegs set towards the front of the bike will cause the rider’s weight to be mostly on their butt.

Finally, think about how you position yourself when you ride your bike. This will determine where you are in most need of extra padding.

Material

Motorcycle support pads come in different materials, and all have their own pros and cons. What works best for you will be determined by the specific discomforts you feel on a long ride.

Gel or air-cushioned seat pads are great to alleviate the ache of bruised body parts. However, if your problem is related to blocked circulation, you’ll be better off with a seat pad that is made of a natural material like sheepskin or wooden beads.

When you are a traveler, you can never expect the same weather always. Sometimes it’s dry and it may start raining out of nowhere. And if you are thinking of carrying the necessary items with you, storing them in a waterproof motorcycle backpack is recommended.

Climate

Summer is the season for getting out of your bike. But not all summers are created equal. In hotter climates, summer can feel more like an enemy than a friend.

Heat means sweat, and sweat can mean chafing. If you ride in a hot climate, you need to think extra hard about how to avoid excessive perspiration.

In essence, the right motorcycle seat pad should help wick away moisture from your sensitive areas and prevent discomfort.

Length Of Journey

There are long rides, and then there are really long rides. All of the seat pads listed above will help make a long trip more comfortable. But what works for a hundred miles may not be good enough for a thousand or more.

FAQs About Motorcycle Seat Pads

Q: How do you make your motorcycle seat more comfortable?

The best and easiest way to make your motorcycle seat and the ride itself more comfortable is to buy a seat pad. They come in different types: sheepskin that offer breathability and moisture absorption, wood beads that wake your idle butt and upper thigh muscles, air cushions that can be adjusted, gel pads that distribute your weight, and foam that give height.

Q: How do I make my motorcycle seat higher?

Usually, buying and attaching the right seat pad or butt supports would do. If not, you can customize your motorcycle seat and add cushions, or have someone do it. Similarly, you can make adjustments on the motorcycle itself so all your angles are right.

Q: What’s the difference between a motorcycle seat gel and a memory foam?

Ready To Buy The Best Motorcycle Seat Pads For Long Rides?

If you ride your bike every day or routinely take extended trips, comfort should mean everything. A motorcycle seat cover that doesn’t support you properly is more than a nuisance. If you’re distracted by pain as you ride, it can quickly become a safety issue.

After all, most motorcycle stock seats aren’t really designed with comfort in mind – especially over longer trips. Hence, if seating is a big issue for you, you might have considered getting a custom seat installed on your bike.

However, if you don’t want to spend the kind of money a custom seat requires, motorcycle gel seat cushion pads can do a lot to make a long ride more comfortable.

Are you looking for safety kits to prevent your motor vehicle from rolling or overturning while transporting? Buying the motorcycle wheel chocks provide a safe anchor that secures it.

Besides a comfortable seat, if you want a comfortable helmet then the motorcycle half helmet is a perfect solution. Unlike the full helmet, it protects the head of the rider without having to totally cover the rider’s head.