All Reviewed Products Contain Paid Links To Amazon.com
- 1 MadDog GearComfort Ride Seat Protector
- 2 Gel Pad Seat Cushion for Motorcycles with Memory Foam (Driver)
- 3 Air Motorcycle Seat Cushion Pressure Relief Pad Large for Cruiser Touring Saddles 15″ x 13.5″
- 4 Pillion 1 Sheepskin Buttpad – Motorcycle Seat Pad
- 5 CONFORMAX “TOPPER EXCEL” ULTRA-FLEX Motorcycle Gel Seat Cushion
Looking For The Best Motorcycle Seat Pad For Long Rides?
Here’s a look at our favorites, including our top pick – MadDog GearComfort Ride Seat Protector.
#1 Best Motorcycle Seat Pad For Long Rides
Taking a long, leisurely ride on my motorcycle is one of my favorite things to do on weekends. Long rides just have a way of clearing your mind and soothing your soul. The destination is always fun, but to me, the journey is the best part of the trip.
If there’s one thing that can ruin a long ride, it’s a bad seat. Having a poor seat isn’t as noticeable on short rides, but on long rides that sore butt leads to lower back pain, and by the end of the trip you’ve got shooting pains radiating down your legs.
If that’s not enough, add in the discomfort that comes with a hot seat with poor ventilation, and you’ve officially killed the ride. Instead of enjoying the journey, you’re counting the miles until the next rest stop.
Luckily, that’s an easy problem to fix. Instead of relying on the manufacturer’s seat that was designed more for looks than comfort, invest in a good seat pad for extra cushion and better ventilation.
What to look for in a motorcycle seat pad for long rides
As you’re looking around for the best motorcycle seat pad for long rides, here are a few important things to look for:
- Foam – most of the options you’ll see have a foam core. Look for high-density foam and memory foam, as these offer the right blend of cushion and support.
- Gel – I’m not a fan of 100% gel seats (I don’t like riding on Jell-O), but I really like seat cushions that combine gel and foam. A thin layer of gel helps the seat conform to your rear better, and the high-density foam maintains good support.
- Air pads – you won’t see too many of these on the market, but they’re an interesting option if you’re not a fan of traditional foam or gel. Air pad seats usually employ a cluster of compressed-air pouches that provide firm, contouring support with superior airflow.
MadDog GearComfort Ride Seat Protector
The MadDog GearComfort Ride Seat Protector is a simple and versatile option, as it’s built to fit motorcycles, dirt bikes, and ATVs with the adjustable form and straps. It has soft-molded foam for enhanced comfort, and it doubles as a great seat protector to prevent rips and tears on your seat. Installation and removal is super simple with a quick three-buckle release system, and you’ll get a snug fit, so it doesn’t shift underneath you on long rides.
Gel Pad Seat Cushion for Motorcycles with Memory Foam (Driver)
If you’re looking for a premium seat pad with maximum comfort, look no further. The Gel Pad Seat Cushion for Motorcycles with Memory Foam is designed specifically for long rides, with features to reduce vibration, numbness, and discomfort. The pad has three levels of top-quality filling to ensure your comfort—1 inch of memory foam, ½-inch of medical-grade gel, and 1 ½ inches of high-density foam.
The top of the seat cushion is made of a soft, quilted material that’s breathable enough to stay cool in the summer. The bottom of the cushion features a stitched-in non-slip rubber mat, which helps to hold the seat pad firmly in place along with the elastic straps and d-ring loops that you’ll use to install it. The adjustable straps are built to fit any motorcycle, and it comes in a variety of shapes to match your seat style.
Air Motorcycle Seat Cushion Pressure Relief Pad Large for Cruiser Touring Saddles 15″ x 13.5″
This seat pad may look like a bag of rocks, but it’s one of the most comfortable seat cushions on the market. Rather than using traditional foam or gel layers, the Air Motorcycle Seat Cushion Pressure Relief Pad has twelve compressed-air pockets that are ergonomically designed to adjust to your unique shape and build. The air pockets absorb shock and vibration from the engine, road, and terrain, and the space between the pockets allows for significantly better airflow.
The result is a cool, cradling effect on those sensitive areas down there with optimal pressure relief. The manufacturer also uses neoprene rubber instead of the cheaper polyurethane plastic that many seat cushions use, so it’s significantly more durable. Installation is easy with two adjustable straps, and the bottom of the seat pad has a non-slip lining for extra grip. It’s a fantastic choice for long rides, especially when it’s hot and humid outside.
Pillion 1 Sheepskin Buttpad – Motorcycle Seat Pad
I love supporting small businesses, so it’s a no-brainer to consider this unique seat pad from Alaska Leather. It’s made from 100% genuine sheepskin sheared to one inch and contoured to fit most motorcycle seats.
Sheepskin is known for retaining warmth in cold weather while staying cool and breathable in warm weather, so it’s great for long rides in any weather. The Pillion 1 Sheepskin Buttpad is also incredibly comfortable and comes highly recommended.
CONFORMAX “TOPPER EXCEL” ULTRA-FLEX Motorcycle Gel Seat Cushion
The CONFORMAX Topper Excel Ultra-Flex Motorcycle Gel Seat Cushion offers superior performance at a great value. The seat cushions are made with a low-profile combination of gel and high-performance foam that delivers maximum comfort for your buttocks, lower back, and sit-bones. The body-conforming materials and design also provide a custom fit that adapts to every rider’s anatomy, and a noticeable reduction in road vibrations.
The top of the seat is durable enough to endure long rides and less-than-ideal riding conditions. The standard seat provides great airflow ventilation for cool, comfortable rides, and if you upgrade to the AIRMAX style you’ll get even better ventilation and airflow. The seat is also designed to minimize heat buildup on the surface when your motorcycle is parked in the hot sun.
While other seat pads are often one-size-fits-all, CONFORMAX cushions come in five sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL, Jumbo) and multiple styles to fit any rider and every bike. The seat cushions have a non-slip grip on the bottom to minimize sliding while riding, and you can use either the Velcro-type hook & fastening system or a universal D-Ring and ear tab for quick and easy installation. Every CONFROMAX seat cushion is made in the USA to ensure consistency and quality.
Takeaways
I really like seat pads with gel and high-density foam, so I’m a fan of the Gel Pad Seat Cushion for Motorcycles with Memory Foam and the CONFORMAX Topper Excel Ultra-Flex Motorcycle Gel Seat Cushion.
The Pillion 1 Sheepskin Buttpad is a fun and unique option, but I wouldn’t recommend it for riding in the rain, so you’ll need to consider your riding conditions. If support and airflow are your biggest concerns, then I’d recommend looking at the Air Motorcycle Seat Cushion Pressure Relief Pad.
