rockitcity Posted October 27 Share Posted October 27 So I went on a trip from Southern Calfornia to Northern California and back last weekend. Except for some unexpected delays due to road construction and a surprise dead battery one morning, it was a great trip. However, after about an hour in the saddle, my butt gets numb. I have an aftermarket Bill Mayer saddle which is a lot better than the original stock seat, but still not too good for the long haul. Has anyone tried the BeadRider seat covers? My issue is not swamp-ass, just numbness. I wouldn't mind a little extra height, as I use the high seat position anyway. Should I consider re-padding the seat or getting another brand? I have had Sargent seats in the past, but would rather not go to that expense at this time. Not too big a fan of the large-wing Russel Day-long style, although I know some swear by them. Suggestions appreciated! Link to comment
jdub53 Posted October 27 Share Posted October 27 I've tried numerous distance-riding OEM seat fixes over the years on a variety of bikes, including sheepskins (couldn't fix a bad seat, only delayed the pain/numbness onset for a short time), beaded covers (did nothing for me), air flow covers (helped a lot on very hot days, but again couldn't fix a bad seat) and AirHawk seat cushions. All butts are different of course, and no one can guarantee what works for them is right for you, but the several AirHawks I've used have never failed to provide all day comfort - even on torture devices like stock KLR650 and DR650 seats. While the AirHawks provide a slight floating feel which I've always quickly adjusted to, when properly inflated you're only raised up a small amount. My wife has also always used an AirHawk when needed on her pillion seat during cross-country rides on previous bikes. I'm fortunate that both my wife and I find my RT's OEM seats very comfortable, but I always keep a couple of AirHawks on the garage shelf for other bikes. Link to comment
6speedTi Posted October 27 Share Posted October 27 Sadly seat choices are like oil threads. Different seats satisfy different folks. I tried the low comfort seat first. I liked the height but less foam. Found out the seat pan was identical and to achieve the lower height there was less foam padding. So my next seat was the one piece comfort seat. It took a short time to adjust too but I am satisfied with it. Been riding it for several years now. I'm sure like several owners we have a collection of seats sitting around our garage we no longer use. You can spend a small fortune on seats until you find one that fits best for you. 2 Link to comment
RandyShields Posted October 28 Share Posted October 28 On 10/27/2024 at 1:36 AM, rockitcity said: Suggestions appreciated! Thought beads were stupid until I tried them. Now, years later, I can't ride comfortably without them. They are too cool in the winter, when I change them out for an Alaskan sheepskin, but I find the beads to be better (and cheaper) than several different types of aftermarket seats. Give them a try; if they don't work, you can probably sell them. Link to comment
MichiganBob Posted October 28 Share Posted October 28 The key for me has always been four factors. 1. The seat has to be close to the shape of your butt to eliminate pressure points. That explains why you can sit on a metal tractor seat for 12 hours. 2. Good padding. I like the Alaska Leather and Airhawk. 3. No seams. I like LDL shorts. 4. Take a break to promote blood flow. After 55 years riding and 400K on beemers, my current mount is the RDL. But butts are different, riding styles different, all trial and error. Keep experimenting. Good luck and fortune. 1 Link to comment
RTinNC Posted October 28 Share Posted October 28 The seat on my 2016 is the OEM seat and after 62,000 miles it still works fine. I do stop about every 100 miles to stretch and get blood flowing in my butt. Sitting for hours on end is not good for your body in general. I’m on a motorcycle and want to enjoy the ride and scenery. Stopping every couple hours is ok with me. I do have a Sargent on my GS but still follow the same +/- 100 mile protocol. i have used and line the Alaska butt pad in hot weather. Tried beads twice and AirHawk twice …. Not for me but many like them. Link to comment
Dave_in_TX Posted October 28 Share Posted October 28 2 hours ago, RandyShields said: Thought beads were stupid until I tried them. Now, years later, I can't ride comfortably without them. They are too cool in the winter, when I change them out for an Alaskan sheepskin, but I find the beads to be better (and cheaper) than several different types of aftermarket seats. Give them a try; if they don't work, you can probably sell them. For me, beads only make a bad seat worse. Link to comment
RTinNC Posted October 28 Share Posted October 28 15 minutes ago, Dave_in_TX said: For me, beads only make a bad seat worse. Yup ….. seat threads are a lot like oil threads 1 1 Link to comment
syntorz Posted October 28 Share Posted October 28 8 hours ago, RTinNC said: Yup ….. seat threads are a lot like oil threads 3 hours ago, MichiganBob said: Best tires? The best seats are covered with Michelin synthetic material gently conditioned with Rotella 5W-40. 1 Link to comment
Hosstage Posted October 28 Share Posted October 28 Try settling on a seat for a Harley. At least two dozen more choices, and opinions, than for any BMW. Heaven help you if you ask about handlebars. 1 Link to comment
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