Motorcycle Seat Covers

If you have ever gone on a long motorcycle trip you know one thing for sure: motorcycle seats were not made for the human, they were made for the motorcycle. And if you are not endowed with your own “natural” padding, probably after the first couple of hours, your backside was aching and you were wishing the trip were over. If this has happened to you, then read on. This article will be examining five different types of motorcycle seat covers.

Sheepskin

Sheepskin motorcycle seat covers are cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They are very attractive, fully removable and washable, and available in a variety of colors. They can be matched to any bike color as well. Sheepskin itself is a marvel because it can insulate, ventilate and cushion, all at the same time. So if you purchase a sheepskin for your motorcycle seat covers you can be assured you will be comfortable in just about every area, but in moderation. It won’t circulate your blood and it won’t dampen bone contact like air or gel, but it is a good all-around option for comfort. 

Air

This nifty seat actually needs to be inflated before you sit on it. The cushion is a mat of eggshell-like air cells made from durable neoprene rubber, the same material used to make wet suits. It is fully adjustable by way of a two-way valve on the side. When you first take these motorcycle seat covers out of the box, you turn the cushion valve, blow it up until the edges curl, and then place it on the seat. Then you sit on it, and deflate it until comfortable, recommended to be a ½ inch off the seat. The only downfall is it does not attach to the seat, so if you stand on your stand-pegs for any reason, your nifty pad could slide right out from under you! These motorcycle seat covers have removable, washable Lycra covers.

Gel

Gel motorcycle seat covers are the hot new thing lately and for good reason. Experts say it’s kind of like sitting on one of those waveless waterbeds. The gel is enclosed in an attractive, reinforced cover with thick breathable nylon on top and durable faux leather on the bottom. It does secure to the seat frame and stays there, unobtrusively, and detaches quickly, so you can carry it away with you if you need to. Of course, that may not be feasible, since with the gel insert, it does weigh 3 pounds. However, of all the motorcycle seat covers available, it has been voted as the most comfortable.

Foam

Foam motorcycle seat covers generally only add height and not comfort to your ride. Your could strap a rocking chair pad to your bike and get the same effect. Most are constructed well enough, some with corduroy casings, others with leather, or leather-looking vinyl. It is able to be strapped down and does cover the edges of the seat so any chaffing problem is also alleviated. On the plus side, they are almost always reversible, making them more comfortable and breathable. Unfortunately, most agree, the foam motorcycle seat covers are not the best buy.

So before you take that next long ride, take a good look at your bikes, and ask yourself: are your motorcycle seat covers up to the task? If the answer is no, check out one of the above option and guarantee you and your riding partner the most comfortable ride you can.