How can I improve the comfort of my motorcycle saddle?

Ever heard of the biker twerk? That strange, unsexy gymnastic where you waddle around on your saddle, looking for a position that doesn't hurt your bottom. Well, there are solutions to save you from having to dance on your bike. Whether it's an inflatable cushion, a comfort saddle or a made-to-measure model, we've got all the information you need to take it easy on your next motorcycle road trip!

Here's THE ultimate solution for looking after your buttocks on the cheap. What exactly is it? Well, simply an additional padding that you strap onto your existing saddle. This extra padding absorbs vibrations and distributes your weight evenly over the seat. So you avoid pressure points that can be uncomfortable or even painful for your bottom.

That said, how do you choose the right motorcycle seat cushion?

The first thing to check is the dimensions. It must be adapted to the existing saddle, neither too narrow nor too wide. Next, it must have a secure, play-free fastening system. Obviously, the primary objective is to prevent the cushion from shifting on your bike's saddle. The final criterion is the covering. It must be non-slip, otherwise you'll find yourself straddling the tank every time you brake.

Here are three affordable, high-quality products that meet all these criteria:

----> Givi S230 universal seat cushion

----> Wild Ass SPORT LITE seat cushion (Polyurethane)

----> SW-Motech TRAVELLER RIDER seat cushion 30.5x30cm

When it comes to exotic models, anything's possible. Heated seat cushions for winter, ventilated and breathable for summer, with reduced dimensions to accommodate your passenger's posterior:

----> Tucano Urbano COOL FRESH cooling seat cushion - Motorcycle

----> SW-Motech TRAVELLER PILLION seat cushion 22x30cm

The best of the best? Opt for an inflatable motorcycle seat cushion.

This feature allows you to adapt the cushion's flexibility and cushioning to your morphology and riding style. No need for a compressor or foot pump, a built-in valve regulates the volume of air at the mouth.

----> OXFORD Air Seat Pad ADVENTURE & TOURING

----> Wild Ass SADDLE CLASSIC seat cushion (Neoprene)

The gel-based motorcycle seat cushion model

Finally, if you're riding an old granny that vibrates in all directions and puts your lumbar vertebrae to the test, then you need to take it to the next level: gel. This material replaces traditional air pockets to provide even greater cushioning, transforming your motorcycle saddle into an Italian living-room couch.

----> OJ COMFORT L seat cushion

----> Seat cushion Chaft DELUXE GEL SEAT

Here's an option that can turn out wonderfully or disastrously, depending on your skill level. In fact, this operation requires you to remove the outer skin, sculpt the foam to your liking and then replace the envelope.

Why get into this business? What does it allow you to do? First of all, you can play with the shape of the saddle. You can, for example, hollow out the saddle so that it perfectly matches the curves of your delicate buttocks, or create a "bowl" shape for added stability. You can also add extra material, or even replace the foam with gel plates, to improve cushioning and vibration attenuation.

Let'snot forget the surface. Over the miles, your leatherette can crack, deteriorate and lose its anti-slip properties. With a few notions of sewing, it's possible to replace it. You're free to change the material, color or pattern.

Don't feel like a fashion designer, let alone a foam sculptor? Then buying a comfort saddle is the best solution. The key word: ergonomics. Yes, everything is designed, sculpted and curved to fit the shape of your behind. By doing so, your weight is ideally distributed, avoiding the appearance of pressure points that can become painful in the long run.

The must: opt for a "bowl" profile.

Although not very sexy, this cut gives you rock-solid stability, thanks in particular to the presence of a small backsplash. So there's no risk of sliding backwards, even when you're on the move. The best of all? Opt for a model with a central gutter. It may sound like a gimmick, but this special profile limits stress on the perineum.

----> Comfort saddle Saddlemen ADVENTURE TRACK Suzuki DL1000 V-STROM 14-

Opting for a comfort saddle can also allow you to lower your saddle.

Those few centimetres less are sometimes enough for both feet to touch the ground. Conversely, there are also models that are higher than the original saddle. These allow taller riders to avoid feeling like they're riding a chopper on their trail bike - we're exaggerating, but the idea is there.

Customized, easy-to-install comfort saddle

Color, type of foam, with or without gel, covering, with integrated heating: the options are endless. But you know what we really love about comfort saddles? It's Plug-and-Play. You don't need a mechanical CAP to replace it. In just 10 minutes, with just a few tools, it's ready to go.

----> Bagster READY LUXE comfort saddle (5362Z) BMW S1000XR 15-19 - customizable

----> Bagster READY LUXE comfort saddle (5376ZLA) BMW R1200GS/R1250GS ADVENTURE - plug-and-play

----> Saddlemen ROADSOFA CF heated comfort saddle with backrest Harley-Davidson FLHR, FLHT, FLHX, FLTR - heated

It's the ultimate solution for perfect custom seating. The crème de la crème, ergonomics at its best. So, how does it work? Well, in most cases, you simply send your existing saddle to the saddler by post.

You then have a choice of non-slip coating, color, padding quality (foam or gel), edging and shape. And here, the possibilities are endless. Hollowed out for unrivalled stability, with a backrest to rest your lumbar region, tapered to fit the tank, raised or lowered, the list goes on!

Now you've got everything you need to cherish your legs on your next motorcycle ride! Now you can enjoy long days of riding without worrying about a sore bottom. What's left to do now? Choose your next destination, equip yourself to listen to music while riding, load up your bivouac gear and set off on your adventure. Enjoy the ride!

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