The Best Motorcycle Seat Pads (Review) in 2020

First on our list of the best motorcycle seat pads is this Airhawk R-REVB Cruiser Large Motorcycle Seat Cushion. This luxury seat cushion features an inflatable polyurethane air pad with a breathable and washable mesh cover. The user inflates the pad by blowing into the valve, and then releases air out until the cushion is at the perfect inflation (it should just fill the gaps between the seat and your body).

This Airhawk seat cushion has a number of features designed to improve your comfort level. The air cell technology supports your pressure points, including your tailbone. The breathable mesh allows air to flow and keep you cool, and the ergonomic design encourages better circulation. In addition, many users say this seat cushion has dramatically improved their comfortable riding time.

This Air Pressure Relief Motorcycle Seat Cushion by Air Seat innovations is another inflatable cushion, this time made from durable neoprene rubber. The user inflates the air pockets until optimum firmness is achieved, and the air pockets provide pressure relief and shock absorption, for a more comfortable riding experience. The pad is large enough to fit cruisers and is one of the best Harley Davidson seats for touring.

There are numerous examples in the reviews of how this motorcycle seat pad has greatly extended users’ riding time, and succeeded where other seats or gel pads failed. There are a couple of reports of the pad losing the ability to hold air over time – although if this did happen within the first year, the manufacturer’s warranty should have you covered.

As far as affordable motorcycle seat pads go, it’s hard to beat this MadDog Gear Comfort Ride Seat Protector by Coleman. The padded foam construction doubles as a cushion and seat protector, as securing this over a seat with rips or tears will cover them and prevent them from getting worse. The cover is easy to attach and remove using the 3 buckles.

Many users say this seat protector has doubled their riding time – although be aware that the manufacturer appears to have altered the design recently, and more recent reviews mention a thinner foam, which is apparently not as comfortable. Even so, considering the pretty unbeatable price tag, we don’t think you can go too far wrong with this!

This is the Medium size version of the Airhawk Motorcycle Seat Cushion featured at number one on our list. It has all the same great benefits, including patented air cell technology to supports pressure points, and breathable mesh panels to keep you cool. This one has a tapered shape and will fit a multitude of bikes, including the Honda Hornet, Triumph Tiger and Suzuki SV.

Comments regarding the level of comfort this Airhawk seat pad provides are almost entirely positive, and it certainly seems as though Airhawk are achieving their ‘double your sit time’ goal. However, there are a few reports of a fault with the valve, which is sharp and can apparently cause a puncture over time.

This Air Pressure Relief Pad for Pillion is the passenger version of the motorcycle seat cushion from Air Seat Innovations. Made from neoprene with a breathable cover, it features the same inflatable, air pocket technology which absorbs shock, relieves pressure points, and makes for a super-comfortable riding experience – because why should the main rider be the only one with a pain-free butt, right?

Many riders say that you need to have ‘just enough’ inflation – only just floating above the seat seems to be about right – but when you do, you’ll notice the improvement straight away. The pad is also stands up to bumpy highways and to helps to keep the seat cool from the heat of the engine.

Another model from leaders-in-their-field Airhawk is this Dual Sport Air Motorcycle Cushion Pad. This one again features all the benefits of their inflatable pad, breathable mesh cover and non-slip bottom, but its slim shape is designed specifically for dual sports bikes with narrowed seats.

Some users mention it takes a while to get the air level right. As seems the norm with these inflatable seats, less is more. You want just enough to take you off the seat, so the air can distribute itself under you where it’s needed. It may be too small for a dual sport bike, so, as always, make sure to check the measurements prior to ordering.

This aptly-named ButtyBuddy Mounting Seat uses close cell cushions to make riding as a passenger on a motorcycle a more comfortable experience. The over-the-seat cover has a 3-piece snap-together design that fits pillion seats up to 11 inches wide. It’s quick and easy to attach and detach in seconds, and can be stored in the included tote bag when not in use. The ergonomic shape and cushioning provide comfort, whilst the ventilated cover keeps you cool.

Many riders say it greatly increases their comfortable riding time. Criticisms are few and far between but include the fact that the pad raises the height of the seat by 2-3 inches and that alterations are required for it to properly fit some motorcycles.

This Cruiser Pillion Cushion is Airhawk’s attempt at increasing passenger comfort, extending their ‘double-your-sit-time’ guarantee to all riders. It measures 11 x 9 inches and fits most passenger seats of sport, sport touring, dual sport, standard and non-touring bikes. As with the other models from Airhawk, it’s inflated by blowing into the internal air pad, and then releasing air until the ideal firmness is achieved.

This one is just as effective at increasing comfort for the passenger as Airhawk’s other models are for the main rider. It receives praise for being easy to attach, cheaper than a new seat, and more comfortable than gel pads. Some users report that they slide around when braking or accelerating, although are fine when cruising.

This Skwoosh Classic Saddle Seat is the first motorcycle gel seat pad on our list. If features gel cushioning to provide comfort and relieve pressure points, and breathable mesh fabric to encourage airflow and keep you cool. Perhaps the best thing about this motorcycle gel seat is that it is designed not to increase the height of your seat, so it shouldn’t affect your riding position, or reach to pegs and controls too much.

This pad may work where air cushions don’t, as air pads can push too much air under the tailbone when you lean forward. A couple of people have complained that the straps not long enough or don’t hold the seat in the right place.

This Small Airmax version of the Conformax Ultra-Flex Topper Excel Motorcycle Gel Cushion is designed for touring bikes and cruisers, and includes 2 types of straps for attachment. The cushion consists of 1/2-inch gel on top of 1/2-inch foam, giving you the benefits of both materials. The durable Airmax-3D Cool Ride cover provides ventilation to help keep you cool as you ride.

Users praise this comfy motorcycle seat foam and gel pad for its shock-absorbing capabilities, and the fact that it doesn’t add too much height to the seat. Also highlighted is the the affordable price, compared to similar products.

Passengers are sure to appreciate the additional comfort offered by this Sturgis Motorcycle Gel Pad Seat Cushion. The pad features a 3-layer construction of 1-inch memory foam, 1/2-inch gel, and 1 1/2-inch high-density foam, designed to absorb vibrations and prevent numbness. This is covered with a quilted, breathable fabric cover to help keep you cool. It measures 11 x 9 inches and is designed for pillion seats.

Many users report that it is very easy to attach this pad to the seat, and it provides significant additional comfort for the passenger. Some users report problems with the clips, including one that was sewn on incorrectly. Another complains that the pad had a strong smell upon arrival, and had to be left outside for it to dissipate.

Next up is something a bit different – this HANSWD Pillion Passenger Seat Pad for Custom Chopper isn’t designed to go on top of an existing seat, but rather to add a motorcycle passenger seat to your custom chopper or cruiser. The firm pad is covered is faux leather and attaches to your bike with 6 suction cups, making it easy to mount and remove.

It’s pretty clear that this is not the most comfortable seat pad around (one reviewer compares it to sitting on a block of wood!) – but then, it doesn’t claim to be. If you need a temporary passenger seat for a very reasonable price, this might just do the job.

This Alaska Leather Medium Sheepskin Seat Pad is made from 100% real sheepskin, and attaches easily to most seats using the single adjustable elastic strap, which passes under the seat. The pad is designed to provide natural temperature control, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.

General consensus from users is that it achieves this aim, and increases overall riding comfort – providing you already have a good seat. The lack of gel or any padding means it won’t compensate for an uncomfortable seat, or provide relief on pressure points as other pads do, but if you’re purely looking for something to keep you cool and reduce sweating and heat rash, this is perfect.

Next on the list is the Extra Large Airmax version of the Conformax Ultra-Flex Topper Excel Motorcycle Seat Cushion. This comfortable motorcycle seat cushion has the same great construction as the Small size; a 1/2 inch of gel sits on top of a 1/2 inch of high performance foam, creating a pad which contours to your body and reduces stress on your pressure points.

This pad is designed for larger bikes and measures L 18 x W 6-14 inches. Once attached, it fits securely and doesn’t slide around – although some users mention that the 1 1/4-inch thickness is noticeable, which might be good or bad depending on whether you want extra height.

The last entrant on our list of the best motorcycle seat pads is this SaddleGel Seat Pad by Saddlemen. This cushion offers the comfort of gel padding, with the coziness of a synthetic sheepskin cover. The pad can be heated or cooled for added comfort, depending on your climate.

Reation to this motorcycle gel seat pad are mixed. Many report that the gel is comfortable, and the sheepskin-style cover durable. A few users highlight the negatives, which are that the pad gets hot in the sun, that it makes it more difficult to get on and off your bike, and that the gel layer is quite thin.