Top 9 Best Motorcycle Seat Pads On The Market In 2021 Review

What would be our perfect day? It has to be spent touring – just you, the bike, and the open road. Let’s face it; there’s no feeling like it! But, we’ve all experienced that little problem. After a while, that motorcycle seat just isn’t comfortable anymore. And a ride with a numb behind is no fun for anyone.

Of course, those of us with a little extra, shall we say, “natural” padding, have no problem! But others need a solution. How about a seat cushion?

That’s why we decided to take a look at some of the best motorcycle seat pads currently available to find the pad that’s the perfect fit for you…

Top 9 Best Motorcycle Seat Pads You Should Buy In 2021 Reviews

1 AIRHAWK Motorcycle Seat Cushion Cruiser, Medium – Best AIRHAWK Seat Pad

A seat at the table

Up first, this inflatable item from Airhawk. This brand proudly claims that it can ‘double your sit time’ on the bike. Can it be true? Using air cell technology, the pad can be pumped up perfectly to suit the rider’s hindquarters. A multi-cell design pattern sees to that.

But how does it help us on long rides?

Well, it reduces pressure on the back, the hips, and most of our other joints. It also increases circulation, meaning not only will it prevent numbness, but it’s also good for the heart too. And it can be inflated to the exact specifications of the rider, not too much and not too little.

Remember though…

It’s easy to overfill and damage if using a machine to inflate. Let’s hope you’ve got a lot of puff, as this needs to be blown up by mouth only.

On the outside, we find a polyurethane cover. Not only is it waterproof, but it also stretches to fit over those cells, no matter how well inflated they are. Plus, underneath, we have straps and a nonskid urethane base to help the pad stay on.

This sounds great! There has to be a catch, right?

Unfortunately, yes. The valve keeping the air in just isn’t tight enough. After a while, it starts to leak, meaning we’d have to keep stopping to reinflate it.

And it isn’t cheap! Though we love that air cell technology, we have to pay for it. This is not a product for those on a budget. So, it isn’t perfect. But what is? We still love it. What a fantastic way to start our review of the top motorcycle seat pads!

2 MadDog GearComfort Ride Seat Protector – Best Value for the Money Motorcycle Seat Pads

Save a seat for me

Up next, a product for price-conscious riders. This seat pad is seriously easy on the pocketbook!

With soft-molded foam construction, we get ample cushioning for our tush. Though it seems a little on the thin side, we actually have a surprising amount of padding. And as it is thin, this gives it the flexibility to be folded up and put away when not in use.

What else did we like about this motorcycle seat pad?

Thanks to broad grooves in the design, we get some moisture resistance here. These channels will help steer water away from the seat and off the bike. Plus, the foam is absorbent, helping to keep us free of sweat, even on hot summer days.

It is not, however, completely waterproof. In the rain, it will collect some water. Unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid it, although those grooves do minimize the issue.

What else?

It stays attached to the bike with three quick release buckle straps. And these fastenings are strong! There’s little chance of the pad slipping or falling off, with buckles as tight as these.

We have to admit that even though we love that foam, it doesn’t provide quite the same level of comfort as some others. But at a price like this, can we really expect it to? We think this is an awesome option that offers excellent value for money. Oh, and a one-year warranty is just the icing on the cake.

3 CONFORMAX”TOPPER EXCEL” ULTRA-FLEX Motorcycle Gel Seat Cushion- AIRMAX Small (15x12x6) – Most Comfortable Motorcycle Seat Pads

On the edge of your seat

Our next item is a motorcycle gel seat pad. Can gel be the answer to our prayers? Well, thanks to Conformaflex technology, we get not one, but two types of padding! ½ inch thick gel is affixed to ½ inch thick Ultrafoam.

Why does this matter?

It means we get the best of both worlds! Foam and gel are both awesome materials for seat pad construction, and now, we don’t have to choose between the two. They complement and support each other, offering a high-end level of protection for our tuckus.

What’s more?

That gel is flexible. The unusual hinge design allows it to curve and fit any seat shape, from CRF to Roadster. Plus, it offers an extra level of support for the rider’s lower back. And as for the foam part? It has body-contouring capabilities. It settles around the shape of the rider’s body for a personalized comfort experience.

Despite the double-layered construction, this pad isn’t too bulky. In fact, it’s only 1.25 inches thick in total. It gives us the comfort we need without becoming too awkward or cumbersome.

How about the outside?

Here, Airmax have provided us with their 3D cool ride cover. It’s just perfect for long distance journeys on hot days. It allows a decent airflow between the padding and the rider, helping to prevent those uncomfortable, sweaty patches we all get!

Plus, the cover has strong grip qualities. That, combined with sturdy, universal straps, ensure the pad won’t slide or slip off.

There has to be a catch, right?

If we have to find one, we could say that those straps could easily be cut. A determined thief would have no problem taking this product. But if that’s the only criticism we can find, then this has to be a pretty great product, right? All that, and it won’t break the bank!

4 Kolpin Seat Cover – Black – 93645 – Best-Rated Motorcycle Seat Pads

Sit and wonder

In mossy oak or fashionable black hues, this Kolpin seat cover is one of the most basic designs on our list.

But how does it stand up against the more high-tech options out there?

Pretty well, actually! Thanks to its incredible durability, this item is sure to stand the test of time. Even on long, multi-day rides, it’s bound to keep our backside well-protected.

What else makes it one of the top motorcycle seat cushions?

Its 600-denier fabric construction is seriously tough stuff. There is little risk of tearing or degradation here. And even better, that fabric is UV-resistant. It won’t fade, even if left out in direct sunlight.

And it’s waterproof, too. We have PVC-backing to thank for that. And its high level of abrasion resistance only adds to its longevity. So, we get durability, and we get waterproofing, all for an incredibly low price! It sounds perfect.

But what’s the real story here?

Unfortunately, it doesn’t have much cushioning. There’s very little here to support our hindquarters. This certainly isn’t the best motorcycle seat for long rides! It would, however, make a decent choice for those who just want to protect their seat.

In harsh conditions, the materials on our motorcycle seat can become worn or damaged. This cover will save it from perishing further in inclement weather.

There’s another downside too…

The size. This one won’t fit a wide range of bikes. We’d recommend you double-check the size of your hog before purchasing. So, there are highs and lows here. But we think there are far more highs! As a low-cost seat protector, this product is pretty hard to beat!

5 VPS Seat Cover Compatible With Honda Recon TRX250 2001-04 Standard Seat Cover – Best Budget Motorcycle Seat Pads

Sit back down

With this VPS seat cover, we get major craftsmanship. Custom-made to order, each pad is hand sewn with amazing attention to detail. This truly offers us a one-of-a-kind, made to measure accessory for our bike. With universal covers, we’ve often found that they almost fit. They’re OK, but they’re not quite right.

We usually have to do a bit of a bodge job to make it suitable for our motorcycle. But we get no such problems here! This one is destined to fit perfectly. Simply provide your seat measurements, and a new, custom-fit cover will be created to those exact specifications.

What is it made from?

We start with heavy-duty vinyl. And not just any old vinyl; this is marine grade. It has top-notch waterproofing capabilities and is amazingly strong too. That vinyl is backed up by 92 weight upholstery thread. It’s substantial and tenacious, holding the fabric firmly in place. Together, these two materials make a formidable team, and give us great peace of mind that the cover won’t break.

And we have to say that the stitching is exquisite. We’d expect the heavy-duty thread to look a little weighty and clunky. Happily, we can say it is very delicately sewn, with a neat, uniform, look.

What about the interior?

Unfortunately, it isn’t as well-padded as others we’ve looked at. It’s not going to give us much support on a long ride. This is another pad that would work better as a seat cover rather than as buttock reinforcement.

But a hand-crafted, bespoke item for a seriously low price? What’s not to like!

6 Moto Gear Graphics Seat Cover – Best Motorcycle Seat Pad for Honda Recon

Sit back and enjoy

Now for the second hand-crafted item in our review of the top motorcycle seat pads! We were seriously impressed with the previous one. How does this item hold up? We should begin by saying that this is not the most comfortable motorcycle seat. Once again, it’s rather lacking in filling. For touring, we might want a product that provides a bit more support.

So, now that we’ve got the negative out of the way…

Let’s get down to the good stuff! What does this seat pad have to offer? Long-lasting construction, for a start. Here, we find our old friend, marine-grade vinyl. Its durability really is second-to-none, and it’s waterproof even in the harshest of conditions. And hefty upholstery thread holds it all together. That strong stitching isn’t likely to break in a hurry.

This is a solid, substantial piece of kit; make no mistake about it. We really need to talk about that stitching, too. Being hand-crafted, it could easily have been untidy. But no, instead, we find a gorgeous uniformity that’s hard to believe it wasn’t made by machine.

The best part?

It has to be the sizing. This item offers a 100% guarantee of a perfect fit! Why? Because it’s custom-made, of course! As long as we measure our seat correctly, this one is bound to be the perfect size. Treat your bike to a tailor-made suit, at a surprisingly wallet-friendly price.

So no, as we mentioned earlier, it isn’t the most supportive seat pad around. But we can’t deny it is an awesome option to protect a seat.

7 ASI – Motorcycle Air Seat Cushion – Best Mid-Range Motorcycle Seat Pads

Sit down and wait for it

One for those who usually ride with a pillion now! This is a motorcycle seat pad for passengers. It’s designed with back seat riders especially in mind. Instead of comparing motorcycle seat gel vs. memory foam, this time, we get an air seat. It’s easy to fill as we can just blow it up like a balloon! And it doesn’t take a lot of puff; in a matter of seconds, our seat pad will be fully inflated.

Once it’s inflated, does it give much support?

Absolutely! Firstly, it massively reduces shock. We all know what it’s like to hit potholes on a bumpy road! This pad disperses the impact, offering a much smoother trip.

Then, it helps to increase circulation. Numb legs are no joke. Using an air pad means that the blood can flow freely throughout the body, negating the need to stop and stretch as often.

And of course…

It gets rid of some pressure from the seat. Our backside is; how can we say it; a sensitive spot! In these areas, we want the ultimate in support and comfort!

At 12 inches by 9.5 inches by 2 inches, it’s the ideal size for a pillion seat. It slips snugly into place, behind the slightly larger rider’s position. And those adjustable straps hold it firmly, avoiding slipping.

It sounds too good to be true! Is it?

Yes, and no. This is a fantastic product. But we have to pay for this level of quality. It isn’t the cheapest option out there. But, maybe here, we get what we pay for?

8 Air Motorcycle Seat Cushion Water Fillable Cooling Down Seat Pad – Best Premium Motorcycle Seat Pads

Cushion the blow

Our next motorcycle seat cushion relies on two nifty methods of supporting our tush. It can be inflated with air, or alternatively, filled with water!

What does this mean?

Well, it lets us choose the most comfortable option for our body. When filled with air, it can help to disperse up to 30% of the pressure on our back. The unique design forces the individual airbags together when sat upon, creating a kind of anti-gravity response which lightens the load.

But on hot days, we don’t want to fill it with air. Instead, we can supply the pad with water. Once full, just pop it in the refrigerator overnight, giving us a unique, cooling experience the following day!

Be careful, though!

Don’t leave that water pad sitting in direct sunlight. The water will get hot, and no one wants a burned backside! Inflation is made easy thanks to the manual air pump provided. There’s no need to run out of breath from blowing it up by mouth. And for water, we get an electric USB pump, so the pad will be full to the brim in a trice.

Whether we choose water or air, both systems are pretty easy on the rear end. The individual pod design allows for a constant flow of air, making it breathable. And the combined Lycra and TPU fabric construction is gentle, durable, and washable.

And we can’t end without mentioning the best part…

This product is extremely economical. At this price, it’s a strong contender for the winner of the top motorcycle seat pads!

9 Airhawk Cruiser Pillion Cushion – Best Motorcycle Seat Pads for Long Rides

In the passenger seat

This Airhawk seat pad is another one for those who like to ride two-up. Here we have a product for the passenger on our bike. Now, Airhawk has long been renowned for manufacturing awesome motorcycle comfort seats. But, having that brand name comes at a price.

Is it worth forking out that little extra?

Well, this pad sure makes a difference! It’ll definitely silence any complaints from a passenger. Once inflated, the seat pad lets the cushioning move around the rider, using a series of connected air chambers. As we shift in the seat, so does the pad. This grants us an even distribution of weight, preventing too much pressure from building up in one spot.

Let’s find out more…

And those chambers have the bonus of encouraging circulation, too. Due to the lack of tension, they let the blood flow freely. Say goodbye to numbness or aching when out on a long ride.

Around the inflatable cushion, we get a silky-smooth polyester cover. Not only does it look fantastic, but thanks to mesh sides, it is also breathable too. And the non-skid underside and straps prevent it from moving around in transit.

What did we ask earlier? Is it worth the extra cash?

It might be! While we do have to put the effort in to blow it up ourselves, we have to admit it is effective. Our pillion is ensured a smooth, comfortable ride, even on rough roads.

The perfect way to end our review of the best motorcycle seat cushions!

Best Motorcycle Seat Pads Buying Guide

There are so many options out there when buying a motorcycle seat pad. It can be difficult to know which one to choose! Let’s take a look at the factors we should consider before purchasing.

Function

Most importantly, we need to think about function. Is this a motorcycle comfort seat? Are we using it for support on lengthy rides?

Or is it being used to protect the seat itself? If so, we don’t need to worry too much about padding. But if we want that scaffolding for our rear end, we need to think about the interior.

Comfort

For maximum comfort, we have a range of options available.

Air

Firstly, there’s an inflatable pad. These are usually an awesome choice for those who want the ability to adjust the thickness of the cushion.

Water

As we saw earlier, some air cushions can be filled with water, too. We love this feature! It can be a real bonus to keep us cool on sweaty days! But, water-filled pillows do carry a risk. If the valve isn’t tight enough, they can start to deflate. And we definitely don’t want to spring a leak mid-trip, especially if we’ve filled it with water!

Foam

Then, there’s memory foam. Much like the mattress, you may have at home, this contours around the body. We can comfortably snuggle in, giving a personalized nest for our frame.

Gel

And we also looked at gel. Gel has similar qualities to memory foam, whilst also providing improved impact distribution. Plus, it’s usually pretty flexible.

Construction

If we want a pad that just protects the seat, then materials and construction should be our paramount concern. It has to be tough! We need to ensure that it won’t get torn or start to fall apart after heavy use.

Regardless of function, it would be nice for the pad to be breathable. We want to avoid getting those annoying, sweaty spots. A fabric that allows the free flow of air is important here.

Waterproof

And if it’s waterproof, then all the better. On long rides in the rain, a pad without water-resistant qualities might get soggy. Riding with a wet bottom isn’t fun for anyone.

Attachment

Finally, we should look at how it fixes to the bike. A combination of straps and grippy material is best. Otherwise, we could find ourselves sliding when flying around a tight corner.

It can be a daunting task! But hopefully, we’ve given you a better idea of what to look for when choosing the best motorcycle seat pad.

For all of your motorbike needs…

Check out our reviews of the Best Motorcycle Racing Helmets, the Best Motorcycle GPS Trackers, the Best Motorcycle Cleaners, the Best Motorcycle Helmet Locks, and the Best Motorcycle Shocks currently on the market.

Or how about taking a look at our reviews of the Best Motorcycle Rain Gear, the Best Motorcycle Handlebar Speakers, and the Quietest Motorcycle Helmets you can buy in 2021.

So, what are the Best Motorcycle Seat Pads?

We looked at some fantastic pads here, and every single one of them had some amazing qualities! But the winner has to be the…

CONFORMAX”TOPPER EXCEL” ULTRA-FLEX Motorcycle Gel Seat Cushion- AIRMAX Small (15x12x6)

That Conformaflex technology just can’t be beaten. Having that combination of gel and memory foam just tipped it over the edge when compared to the others we looked at. Plus, its air-cooling capabilities really sweetened the deal.

All this, and at an awesome price as well! So, best of luck choosing the perfect seat pad for you.

Happy riding, folks.