Best Motorcycle Seat Pad (Review & Buying Guide)

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 going to have back and butt problems. Thankfully, the aftermarket has solutions: motorcycle seat pads.

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These clever accessories can change an Iron Butt to a Comfort Butt, letting you outlast any of your buddies on stock seat pads. But which is the best available, and which is right for you? I’ve curated the best motorcycle seat pads from around the web and delivered them below to take out all the guesswork. Check it out.

Cruising on a motorcycle all day looks exciting, and it often is. But it’s not all wind in your hair and adrenaline in your veins. If you’ve taken a long-distance ride on a stock motorcycle seat, you’re familiar with the squirming, chafing, bruised tailbones, and aches and pains that result.

How much did you spend on your bike? Shouldn't you be comfortable? Here’s a solution: get a better seat, or add technology between you and the road. Whether opting for a custom motorcycle seat or enhancing the current one with a pad or cushion, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the many choices. To help, let's explore some common options, along with their pros and cons.

Foam Motorcycle Seats and Seat Pads

Most motorcycle seats use foam as cushioning. Even basic seats have a hard seat pan covered with foam. Foam pads add an extra layer of comfort between your body and the bike.

How foam motorcycle seats work: Foam compresses to conform to your body, containing tiny air pockets to evenly distribute your weight. Various types include open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, and memory foam. Open-cell is soft and absorbent, while closed-cell is water-resistant and firm. Memory foam conforms quickly but is temperature-sensitive and may lose shape in cold weather.

What’s the right foam? Ideally, it’s like Baby Bear’s bed: not too hard, not too soft.

Pros: Basic foam seats and pads are budget-friendly and comfortable, compressing to spread weight.

Cons: Soft foam can be overly compressible, pressing the body against the hard seat pan. Too stiff foam feels hard and causes soreness. Overlay seat pads can add height to the seat, which isn’t always desirable.

Gel Motorcycle Seat Pads

Gel motorcycle seat pads contain polymer gel to cushion and relieve pressure points

Pros: Gel pads relieve some pressure and vibration compared to foam. They provide a different feel that some riders prefer.

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Cons: Gel pads can be heavy and hold heat, which is undesirable in summer. They work better when integrated into the seat rather than placed on top, making installation more expensive. Gel also costs more than foam, and some riders feel it doesn’t offer enough support for the investment.

Airhawk Motorcycle Seat Cushions

How it works: Airhawk motorcycle seat cushions have a cult following. Using technology developed by Robert H. Graebe, they feature a system of adjustable air cells for customized comfort. If it keeps wheelchair-bound patients comfortable for hours, imagine its effects on your long rides!

Pros: Airhawk’s Air Cell Technology evenly distributes weight and prevents painful pressure points. Sitting on air feels like sitting on a cloud. Clinically proven to control vibration and absorb shock better than other products, Airhawk cushions allow for doubling ride times without discomfort.

Cons: There’s not much downside. Finding the right air amount takes a bit of experimentation.

IST (Independent Suspension Technology)

IST is a patented method developed by Danny Gray’s team, leveraging decades of aftermarket and custom motorcycle seat experience.

How it works: Unlike other items, IST isn’t a material but a method. Traditional seats have a hard seat pan covered with foam. This setup results in vibration and discomfort. IST seats have cutouts in the pan, covered by a flexible membrane, foam cushion, and cover.

Pros: IST protects against road shock, pressure points, and bottoming out. It also enhances air circulation, preventing skin irritations.

Cons: IST is extremely effective but only available in Danny Gray’s seats, making it more expensive than adding a pad to an existing seat.

Did you know the same company owns Danny Gray and Airhawk? Danny Gray seats with IST also incorporate Airhawk technology, giving riders the best of both worlds: IST to stop hard pan bounce, and Airhawk’s Air Cell Technology to distribute weight and prevent pressure points.

Contact us to discuss your requirements for Shock-Resistant Packaging Solutions. Our experienced sales team can help identify the best options for you.