Best Motorcycle Seat Pad for Long Rides (Top 7 Picks)

Are you searching for the best motorcycle seat pad for long rides?

Well, this comprehensive review and buyer’s guide is for you.

After long rides, you may find yourself dealing with numbness, lower back pain, excessive fatigue, and other issues.

While taking long rides may cause excessive strain and fatigue, sitting on a poor quality seat pad is in most cases the culprit.

Just like sitting on non-ergonomic office chair for extended periods causes back pain and fatigue, using a poorly designed motorcycle seat pad can cause more harm than you could ever imagine.

Fortunately, you can change all that by purchasing some of the most comfortable and supportive seat pads.

In this post, we discuss 7 of the best and most comfortable motorcycle seat pads. The seat pads are specifically designed to prevent discomfort, back pain,numbness, and fatigue during long rides.

Comparison Table

That said:

Here is a detailed review of the top-rated motorcycle seat cushions for long distance;

Best Motorcycle Seat Pad for Long Rides- Our Top 7 Picks

1.AIRHAWK Motorcycle Seat Cushion Cruiser, Medium-Best Motorcycle Seat Pad for Long Rides

Designed using proprietary Air Cell Technology and features sides with open meshes, AIRHAWK Motorcycle Seat Cushion Cruiser, Medium is one of the best motorcycle seat pads for long rides.

Due to efficient air circulation between the surface of the seat pad and the inner parts, this product is able to absorb the shock caused by the ride. Riders can be sure of minimal to zero injuries due to the pressure created from a bumpy ride. If you are looking for the best motorcycle seat pad for long rides, this is the product to buy.

Not only will you feel comfortable in your legs, but your ride height will remain almost intact. This cushioned seating comes with advanced stress-relieving features to reduce pressure on the prostate, scrotum, and tailbone. Air is able to escape through the side panels thus preventing the unnecessary buildup of heat. Thus, the seat pad remains cool in hot weather and warm in the summer.

This is one highly effective seat cushion that can absorb all riding vibrations while assuring you of the ultimate comfort. This is all thanks to their scientifically-proven design and Air Cell Technology. It weighs a paltry 1.25 pounds and measures 16 inches long, 7 inches wide, and 3 inches thick. This seat pad is moderately priced and affordable.

2.AIRHAWK – R-REVB Cruiser R Large Motorcycle Seat Cushion, Large Size

This is basically an air pad that’s made using the proprietary Air Cell Technology to prevent injuries and ensure an enjoyable, longer, pain-free ride.  It is built to support pressure points such as the scrotum, prostate, and tailbone. That makes it the best seat pad for a comfortable ride, anywhere.

Apart from its unique ergonomic design, this seat pad is made using durable polyurethane complete with a breathable mesh cloth cover. It also has a vinyl accent, non-skid bottom, and 3-layers knit polyester. Not only does the air get to circulate freely, but the seat pad is made in such a way that the flow of air under the rider is much better.

It weighs a paltry 1.2 pounds and measure 16.3 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 4 inches thick. By and large, this is a highly priced seat pad but could be preferred by people in need of a more comfortable long ride.

3.Air Motorcycle Seat Cushion Pressure Relief Pad

Made for Harley’s, adventure touring, sports touring, and large cruisers, the Air Motorcycle Seat Cushion Pressure Relief Pad is ergonomically designed to ensure you have a comfortable long ride. It is the best motorcycle seat pad cushion when it comes to heavy-duty assignments such as adventure touring and sports touring. Take it to that rugged terrain and you will almost not have a feel of the riding rough and tumble.

It could easily claim the prize for the best cushion material, given the durable neoprene rubber from which it’s made. You cannot compare that with the other seat pads which feature polyurethane plastic as the main construction material.

This seat pad weighs 1.72 pounds and measures 15 inches long, 13.5 inches wide, and 2 inches thick. Thanks to the proprietary Air Pocket Technology, this seat pad produces optimal pressure for greater relief to the scrotum, tailbone, and prostate. It also features the elevated air design for improved leg passage. For a highly-priced seat pad, it comes with irresistible features that makes it hard to bypass.

4.Comfort Max ‘Topper Excel’ Ultra-Flex Motorcycle Gel Seat Cushion

Unlike other pads made exclusively from gel or foam, the Comfort Max gel seat cushion is made from a combination of the two. In what’s popularly known as the gel-on-foam technology, this is the best motorcycle gel seat pad in the market so far. It provides ultimate protection to the lower back, buttocks, as well as the ‘sitz’ bone. Apart from reducing and equalizing the rider’s sitting pressure, this seat pad ensures that fit conforms to the rider’s anatomy.

For the safe attachment to the seat, this pad has an adhesive bottom, together with a simple but safe adjustable system of straps. As for the seat straps, you may choose between the universal Ear Tab/D-Ring or Velcro-style hook and loop system. It doesn’t really matter the type of strap system you choose. Both types work just well to secure the best motorcycle seat pad in place. You don’t need to be a technician to install this seat pad, given that it comes with simple instructions.

It measures 18 inches long by 14 inches rear width by 6 inches front width by 1 ¼ inches thick. You can be sure of perfect airflow, thanks to the Airmax-3D sturdy top surface.As you ride the motorcycle, air keeps circulating between you and the cushion for additional comfort on long bumpy rides. At the end of the day, there will be very minimal heat buildup due to packing in the sun.

5.Skwoosh XL Touring Natural Sheepskin Motorcycle Pad

Made of natural sheepskin, the Skwoosh Touring Motorcycle Pad is a breathable affair with a surface that remains warm in winter and cool in sunny conditions. This sheepskin motorcycle seat pad is definitely one of the best motorcycle seat pads when it comes to the material used to make the top.

Under the natural sheepskin is a pack of gel, which absorbs pressure and reduces harmful compression to the rider’s spine. But that’s not all. There are other reasons this can be said to be the Best motorcycle gel seat pad. If anything, it features fluidized gel to prevent discomfort and numbness while riding.

To ensure that the pad holds securely to the seat, the makers of this seat cushion have included non-skid anchors at the bottom. It also has an elastic snap trap for easy and convenient installation. It weighs 1 pound 6 ounces and measures 16.5 inches long by 12.5 inches wide, which narrows to 9.5 inches in the front. It is only 2-inches thick and won’t significantly alter your riding height.

6.Large Sheepskin Buttpad – Motorcycle Seat Pad

Due to the fact that it is made of natural sheepskin, this motorcycle seat pad is able to regulate temperature both in the summer and in the winter. It will keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. Apart from being able to hold large volumes of air, the Large Sheepskin Buttpad comes with a refined look. It is, therefore easier to store it away or use it as a pillow on the campsite, if you so wish.

This is perhaps the best motorcycle seat pad when it comes to ease of installation and ease of removal from the seat. Since it is large in nature, it can fit on virtually any size of the motorcycle. It weighs 13 ounces and measures 18 inches long by 18 inches wide by 1 inch thick. Although made of sheepskin, this motorcycle seat pad cushion is resistant to rainwater. They are available in the form of Sheared Buttpads, Long Hair Buttpads, as well as Natural Buttpads. Any of these qualities to be the best-rated motorcycle seat pad, together with the fact that it is affordable.

7.Pillion 1 Sheepskin Buttpad

Made by the same company that makes the Large Sheepskin Buttpadthis product is equally effective when it comes to enhancing the riders comfort while on rough terrain. This bike seat cushion is made of natural sheepskin such that it keeps your butts cool in the hot summer and warm in the cold winter weather. This is one of the top motorcycle seat pads, given its ability to resist damage due to rainwater.

If you are looking for the best motorcycle seat pad for long rides, especially when it comes to being a universal fit for all kinds of motorcycles. Besides, these seat pads are easy to install on the motorcycle and do not come with any moving parts.

It weighs a paltry 9.6 ounces and measures 16 inches long by 13 inches wide by 1 inch thick.Due to the natural outer material, you can use them as pillows when out camping with family and friends. Whether you are buying Long Hair Buttpads, Sheared Buttpads or Natural Buttpads, you will find this product to be very affordable.

What to Look For When Buying a Motorcycle Seat Pad for Long Rides

So you want to buy a motorcycle seat pad? What are some of the things you will look for? Well, before we look at that, it is important to consider the reasons that may drive you to buy a brand new seat pad.

For people with a medical condition such as back pain, you need a seat pad that helps you alleviate that. If the seat pad that came with the motorcycle is too hard or you regularly ride over long distances, you would want to get a new one.

Or it could be that all you want is to improve air circulation to prevent the likelihood of butt numbness. Regardless of the reason you want a new motorcycle seat pad, here are some factors you may want to consider:

• Materials

Among the seat pads discussed here, you will find those that are air pocketed, gel or sheepskin in terms of materials used to make them. It is important to know how these materials look when rained on. When they get wet, how quickly do they dry? Find out if wiping the materials with a piece of cloth is enough. While some materials regulate temperatures when it’s warm and cold, others don’t.

Air pocketed seat pads are great when it comes to evenly distributing the pressure from the rider’s weight and bumps. This prevents the pressure from concentrating in places where they may cause pain and numbness. Its two-dimensional airflow channels ensure that the air flows freely to ensure no moisture builds up and heat is distributed evenly.

Gel seat pads are comfortable when riding over long distances but may begin to slide around the seat for certain brands. The interconnected gel cells in these seat pads allow for the even distribution of pressure due to body weight. Thus the rider’s blood is able to flow consistently in the body. It takes care of all possible pressure points and reduces the possibility of numbness and cramps.

If you are thinking of buying seat cushions made of sheepskin, then you are on the right track. They are the best when it comes to regulating temperature in all types of weather. It has the best airflow both under and on the surface of the seat pad. It is the easiest to dry regardless of whether it is rained on or you sweat over it. In that aspect, it is much better than synthetic materials.

• Attachment

To ensure the safety of the rider, the additional motorcycle seat pad should be easy to securely attach to the existing seat. It should be able to withstand the shifting of your body weight when braking or accelerating. Safety when negotiating bends is also key. If you are buying a pillion seat pad, make sure it has strong, secure straps. It is important to shake the seat pad soon after installation to ensure that it won’t give way once you start riding.

• Cost

There is no need to buy a seat pad you cannot afford. The cheapest seat pads you will find on the market costs about $20. These are usually mass-produced in factories such that there’s nothing special among any two pieces. The most expensive, which cost up to $200 are usually heavy duty and custom-made. Among the cheapest include foam padded and sheepskin designs.

• Functionality

If you have back pain, you need a seat pad that’s able to give you the most comfortable long ride. Overall, you should feel less numb and pained at the end of the journey. Some seat pads also slightly alter the rider’s seating position. As such, you are able to have a better view of the road ahead. Even as you enjoy the comfort of a thick seat pad, you should think about how it affects your overall balance when riding. If that’s your concern, buy a seat pad that’s as thin as possible.

NB: Don’t order a seat pad before measuring the saddle to know how big or small it needs to be. Be prepared for your riding position to be altered once the seat paddle is installed. One or two inches higher than your normal position wouldn’t be too bad. If it’s too high, you may have to reconsider and buy a different seat pad.

Best Motorcycle Seat Pad for Long Rides-Wrapping it Up

Choosing the best motorcycle seat cushion can be a daunting task, but only when you have no idea what to look for. Hopefully, after reading our comprehensive review and top recommendations, you will be in a better position to choose a perfect fit. Go on and enjoy your long rides with the best motorcycle seat pad for long rides.