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Riding your motorcycle is probably one of your favorite pastimes. Whether you're a daily commuter to work or a weekend road-tripper, one of your least favorite aspects of riding your motorcycle is probably how uncomfortable your seat can get after even just a short commute. Long road trips and multi-day excursions can leave you sore and dreading your next ride.

That's where a motorcycle seat pad comes in. These extra layers of precisely engineered cushioning can be a game changer for your backside, allowing you to ride farther and with greater enjoyment. Some motorcycle seat pads even come with extra traction to help keep you more securely anchored to your seat.

Whatever your reason for wanting a new motorcycle seat pad, we've got you covered with our list of top choices on the market. They're guaranteed to help you go the distance and get the most out of your motorcycle season, no matter where you live.

Why Trust Us

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, "wisdom of the crowd" assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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Benefits of a Motorcycle Seat Pads

Avoid pain. When you ride a motorcycle for a prolonged period of time, your body can get stiff, and you may experience some numbness. The best motorcycle seat pad cushion will make your trip more comfortable.
Address health issues. It can be particularly hard to spend a long time riding a motorcycle if you have pain in the lower back, tailbone, or other areas. Motorcycle seat pads can make you more comfortable overall.
Prevent expensive upgrades. Typically, a stock motorcycle seat isn't particularly comfortable. However, upgrading to a new one can cost several hundred dollars. The best motorcycle seat pad for long rides is a cost-effective alternative.
Skip the break-in period. As we just mentioned, stock bike seats can be hard and not too comfortable. It can take miles and miles of riding to break them in, and you'll experience discomfort in the process.
Stop less frequently. When you ride long distances, you may need to stop frequently to stretch your legs and give your butt a break. Cushions for motorcycle seats will keep you on the bike longer between rest stops.

Types of Motorcycle Seat Pads

Air Cushion

Just like the name suggests, a motorcycle air seat cushion is pumped up with air to provide a cushion for your bottom. This type of seat padding for motorcycles is rather popular and is easy to inflate. One of the best qualities of air cushions is that you can decide how high you want them to be. Also, they evenly distribute pressure, which prevents numbness, and they are shock absorbent.

Foam

Motorcycle butt pads made of foam are also very comfortable. They have shock-absorbing qualities and also prevent numbness. Some of the best brands are made of high-density memory foam, which is particularly enjoyable on a long ride. Some products are also made of a combination of foam and gel.

Gel

A motorcycle seat pad made of gel conforms to your body, which makes it quite comfortable. The best motorcycle gel seat pad evenly distributes pressure, which reduces numbness. The medical community initially realized the benefits of gel when designing seat pads for patients in wheelchairs, and the technology has since crossed over to the motorcycle industry.

Sheepskin

What's great about sheepskin is it regulates your temperature—it keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Another benefit is that it dries easily if it gets soaking wet (if you are unexpectedly caught in a rainstorm). Sheepskin absorbs sweat but also provides air circulation. Some sheepskin motorcycle seat pads can be pricey, but there are affordable ones on the market.

Beaded

Beaded motorcycle pads often double as massaging seat covers and don't provide much cushioning. They can be used on motorbikes as well in your car or in the office. They provide ventilation through the spacing in the beading, which keeps you cooler. This type is often a universal fit, so you should measure the dimensions to be sure that it fits correctly on your bike.

Top Brands

AIRHAWK

AIRHAWK was founded in 1997 and is based in Santa Ana, Calif. It patented its Air Cell Technology for the transportation and recreation industries and produces a seat air overlay that provides customers with comfort during long rides, sitting, and more. One top product is the Airhawk Cruiser R Seat.

Alaska Leather

Alaska Leather launched in 1979 and designs aftermarket motorcycle parts, clothing, and accessories. It's known for its famous Sheepskin Buttpad, which ships all over the world. The company also carries men's and women's casual leather jackets, leather hats, gloves, wallets and belts.

Royal Riding

Royal Riding launched in 2009 and is based in Phoenix, Ariz. The company is a popular manufacturer of gel seat pads for motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and power sports vehicles. We recommend its Royal Riding Large Relief Cool-Tush Motorcycle Gel Seat Pad with Contour Cushioning Foam.

ButtyBuddy

ButtyBuddy was founded in 2002, and its central office is located in Maryville, Tenn. Its passenger seat was invented by a biker for bikers. It incorporates the comfort of high-density closed-cell cushioning and a concave ergonomic shape for a firm and correct support for the posterior and lower back. One top product is the ButtyBuddy Black Over The Seat Mounting Seat.

Motorcycle Seat Pad for Long Rides Pricing

Under $50: There are some products in this price range, but you won't get the best motorcycle seat for long distances unless you spend a bit more money. Items here are generally not as durable or as comfortable as higher-end products.
$50-$100: You can find a decent number of good-quality seat pads at this price point. Still, the more you spend, the better you will get in terms of construction and lifespan.
Over $100: Premium motorcycle seat pads can be pricey, but they are built to last and often have features such as height adjustability and waterproofing properties.

Key Features

Size and Shape

Cushions for motorcycle seats come in a variety of shapes and sizes. It's important to measure your seat and match the length and the width with the dimensions of the cushion. Often seat cushions are irregularly sized (wider in the back and more narrow in the front).

Height

Motorcycle seat cushions come in a variety of designs, and some are thicker than others, depending on the brand and the material. You may want one that is thick for more comfort or one that is thinner so it doesn't raise you up too high. Extra height is good or bad depending on the type of rider you are.

Moisture Resistance

Summer is the most popular time to ride a motorcycle, and the warmer it is, the more likely you are to sweat. Sweat causes chafing, which can be really uncomfortable. You need to choose a cushion that wicks away moisture and has good ventilation and airflow so you don't have a wet backside when you get off your bike.

Other Considerations

Easy Installation: Pads are attached to a motorcycle seat in a variety of ways. They can be affixed with buttons, Velcro straps, elastic straps, or loops. It's important that the pad is securely attached to the seat so it sits solidly in place and doesn't move around. Choose a product that provides attachments that are easy to install.
Posture: The way you ride can determine where you feel the pain on your back and your butt. Some riders experience pain in the back of the leg, which involves the sciatic nerve. There are also different issues related to where your footpegs are positioned (rear versus forward, for example). Changing your posture can help, as can air or gel pads. Sheepskin cushions won't help much in terms of posture.

Best Motorcycle Seat Pad Reviews & Recommendations 2021

Best Overall

Airhawk - R-REVB Cruiser R Motorcycle Seat Cushion

If you're looking for the ideal combination of comfort, durability, and cost, the Airhawk - R-REVB Cruiser R Motorcycle Seat Cushion gets our vote for best choice overall. Patented air cell technology inflates the ideal amount to prevent uncomfortable pressure points and chafing. This technology specifically targets the tailbone, prostate, and forefront of your seat so that you can ride farther and longer.

A specially designed center cutout area with a tapered back allows for airflow throughout the cushion that helps prevent you from getting overheated on hot days. The air pad itself is constructed from rugged waterproof polyurethane and the top cover is made from breathable mesh cloth that features three layers of knit polyester and a non-skid bottom.

We like that the ideal inflation for this seat pad is only about half an inch, whereas other models need to be inflated thicker and can sometimes push you too high up on the seat. What we don't love is that the cushion tends to shift under your weight during riding and needs to be repositioned more often than some others.

Best Value

MadDog GearComfort Ride Seat Protector

The MadDog GearComfort Ride Seat Protector by Coleman gets mad props for being a decent cushion that's offered at a decent price point. If you're looking for something to help ease your daily ride to work or the occasional weekend jaunt, this cushion is a great option. It offers a sleek and low-profile design that still provides good support without detracting from the overall appearance of your bike.

This cushion is also quite long, given its low price. It's constructed from soft-molded foam that affixes to your existing bike seat. It's also a great option if you're looking to cover up unsightly tears or abrasions without investing in a new seat altogether. Specially designed independent padding features roomy channels that promote airflow and water flow to keep your backside cool and dry while riding.

This seat pad isn't completely waterproof, unfortunately. It's also not as universally fitting as some other seat pads on our list. On some bikes, the quick-release buckles can get in the way of the rider, causing annoying rubbing or pressure points. However, for the price, and considering it comes backed by a one-year limited warranty, it's really tough to beat.

Honorable Mention

Wild Ass Classic Air Sport Seat Pad

If you're looking for serious padding in a customizable setup, you need to check out the Wild Ass Classic Air Sport Seat Pad. This uniquely designed seat pad is constructed from rugged and high-tech, medical-grade neoprene, so it can withstand some serious wear and tear while still providing reliable and effective cushioning. It helps eliminate annoying pressure points while promoting circulation thanks to the seat's adjustable air cells.

The cells conform to the shape of the rider and can be inflated or deflated to suit your own personal preference. This helps to improve shock absorption, reduce vibration, and allow for airflow between you and the seat. It's the ideal solution for long-distance motorcycle riders.

While we love the adjustability of this seat, on certain models of bike, the height of the cushion might be too high and can push you up so that your windshield is less effective. It's also one of the most expensive motorcycle seat pads on our list. While it could stand to be a little wider at the inner thigh area, it still does a great job at preventing chafe.

Honorable Mention

Pro Pad Sheepskin Medium Seat Pad

If you love supporting companies that make products in the USA, you'll love the Pro Pad Sheepskin Medium Seat Pad. This luxurious sheepskin seat pad stays cool, even in direct sunlight. Underneath the cozy, yet breathable sheepskin is a soft and supportive viso-elastic dry polymer. This is an upgrade from the standard gel cushioning that a lot of lower-end motorcycle pads use.

The cushion is designed to withstand temperatures ranging from negative 60 to 210 degrees Fahrenheit, so it will hold up well in whatever weather you want to ride in. It efficiently and evenly distributes rider weight to reduce painful shocks and vibration and provide protection against sore pressure points.

This model includes adjustable elastic straps to allow it to fit most seats, but due to its size and shape, it's best used as a passenger seat pad. It definitely isn't a universal fit, and even with the elastic straps, the cushion has a tendency to shift during longer rides.

Honorable Mention

Skwoosh Mid Size Seat Pad with Air-Flo3D

If you want comfortable padding at a comfortable price, you'll love the Skwoosh Mid Size Seat Pad with Air-Flo3D. This is one of the most universally fitting motorcycle seat pads on our list. It's perfect if you're going on a massive road trip, but is also great if you're just riding to the store. Use it on your own seat or the passenger seat, it's so versatile.

This seat pad is equipped with a patented Air-Flo3D three-dimensional internal cushion structure that is super breathable but also super comfortable and forgiving at the same time. The inner TekPad gel helps to eliminate numbness, reduce pressure, and maintain proper blood flow on longer rides. The outer fabric is a rugged mesh with all-welded arms, and a grippy non-skid bottom. This model also includes an adjustable snap strap to make sure it stays put on longer excursions.

We love that this motorcycle seat pad is made in the USA and that it's fully machine washable. We also love that you can get this seat cushion for under 100 bucks. One drawback is that its design doesn't promote cooling airflow as well as some other seat pads on our list, but it's a very comfortable cushion that gets a lot of love from users of many different makes and models.

Tips

Some pads can be difficult to strap on, so make sure you tighten down all the buckles and straps on the pad to prevent it from sliding around. Also be sure to look for seat pads that feature a non-slip grip material on the underside to add even more stability.
You may need to try out different seat pads to see which ones offer the most contouring, padded support for your body style.
Keep your seat pad clean by machine washing or wiping down with a damp cloth after long or heavy use.

FAQs

Q: Are seat pads really necessary on a motorcycle?

A: You may not need a seat pad on short excursions or daily commutes, but if you're planning an epic road trip or a multi-state tour, you will be super glad to have one. Regular motorcycle seats can create painful pressure points and decrease vital circulation and blood flow, making your road trip an excruciating experience for your back and spine.

Q: Does my clothing matter with a seat pad?

A: Not usually, but some leather pants can slide around on some seat pads. Of course, we never recommend wearing shorts while riding your motorcycle, whether with a seat pad or without, just from a safety standpoint.

Q: How do seat pads attach to the bike?

A: Most use simple straps and buckles you'll need to tighten down to keep the pad from moving or sliding while the bike is in motion. Also look for a pad with a grippy non-slip layer on the underside that will add an extra layer of stability and prevent sliding while underway.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to our top pick overall, we had to go with the Airhawk - R-REVB Cruiser R Motorcycle Seat Cushion. It's a generously padded option that promotes excellent comfort and airflow and is offered at a good price point.

If you're looking for added comfort on a tighter budget, check out the MadDog GearComfort Ride Seat Protector. It's a sleek and streamlined design that provides just enough extra cushion to let you go farther and longer.