Seat uncomfortable on longer rides?

[moenko]

Hi folks,

last weekend I rode about 2 hours in one stretch and that OEM seat on the 1600 Nad really became uncomfortable. Wish I had the $$$ for a Mustang but don't right now. I'm sure this has been asked and answered in the past, but now that the season is starting again for many of us, does anyone have some ideas how to make the ride more comfortable with the least amount of financial commitment?

Thanks friends ... Moe

[phenrichs]

Check this out. It was one option I was looking into.
http://greatdaytoride.com/Home_Page.php

[damark115]

I was wondering the same. I know some here try beaded seats and some try sheepskin. The backrest made a huge difference for me but some days it's just not enough. Then again, two hours in a car is all I can take without a break. Never mind when I fly. I just figured it is me more than the bike.

[ringadingh]

I think the beads and sheepskin are an economical solution, but maybe not the best for long term comfort. Ive tried a Butt Buffer gel pad and while it seems better at first, its really not that much of an improvement and they get hot in the sun. I have a Piper modified seat and its again better, but not what I think they should be. Like you said, maybe its just me. Id hate to spend $600.00 or so on a Mustang or Corbin and still have a sore ass.

Sheepskin A+.

[moenko]

Great tip, OP - thank you - I'll read more about this at home. Would think that with shipping and $50 for remodding the seat it would be about a $100 deal - that's not bad. Thanks again!


Check this out. It was one option I was looking into.
http://greatdaytoride.com/Home_Page.php

[pirate]

I too have the stock seat on my Nomad, and it actually is pretty good to me. I had a Mustang seat on my VTX, and I didn't think it was worth the investment at all. I don't really think it matters what you're sitting on, your butt's going to get sore sitting in the same position regardless of what you're sitting on. I do have a gel pad that I use on long trips. At fuel stops, I'll put on the pad and ride with it until the next stop. Then, I'll take it off and ride on the stock seat until the next stop. I think just changing what you're sitting on helps, at least for me. The gel pad was only a $50 investment, much better than the $620 I made on my previous Mustang seat.

[waterman]

I made my beaded seat cover for $10. It was a big improvement. I can ride with or without it for changes. If the butt gets a little sore, just rock back and forth and it massages it. I have been looking at having the mod done by great day to ride also but just haven't gotten it done. I would also do the LD upgrade.

[classic1]

I use an Airhawk "medium cruiser cushion" for driver and passenger. I think it works good. You sit up about a 1/2" higher.

[bosko]

Start riding a bicycle. Not only will you get in great shape but your butt will be in Heaven once you get back on the stock seat. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

I'm another one that finds the OEM seat very comfy. ???

[roseman]

I went with the airhawk after doing a lot of research. the key for its use is to minimize the amount of air in it to where you are only 1/4" or so off the seat. its made by the people who make the pads for hospital beds and wheel chairs.

[strobe]

I tried the Mustang seat, AirHawk, Sheepskins and could not find a comfortable solution without a custom seat. Some people (me being one) have issues with the upright position you sit in on a cruiser and the way your tailbone is structured. It creates a lot of pressure on a single spot and that is difficult to address. I would give the AirHawk or sheepskins a try though, they seem to help a lot of people out, the sheepskins likely being the least expensive. I bought mine from Alaska Leather (http://www.alaskaleather.com/), they were good to deal with and quite reasonable in price I think.

[moenko]

LOL, Bosco, guess my butt is too tender due to sitting in an office chair for 9 hours every day.

On a serious note, if you are 6 1/2 feet (like your's truly), you don't have much wiggle room on the Nad. I sampled a Stratoliner this weekend and boy do you have room on that bike.

Going to look into the Airhawk cushion as well....


Start riding a bicycle. Not only will you get in great shape but your butt will be in Heaven once you get back on the stock seat. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

I'm another one that finds the OEM seat very comfy. ???

[strobe]

On a serious note, if you are 6 1/2 feet (like your's truly), you don't have much wiggle room on the Nad. I sampled a Stratoliner this weekend and boy do you have room on that bike.


I am 6'4" and the seats seem to be a common complaint for tall riders. You may find it more difficult to get a comfortable seat than most. I hope the AirHawk works for you, I know how hard it is to really enjoy the ride when you get so uncomfortable in the seat!

Here are a couple custom mods that people did on their own that might work for some riders.

http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/forum/kawasaki-cruisers/100827-memory-foam-seat.html

http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/forum/ladies-only/100433-home-made-gel-seat-pics-done-me.html

[bsa2nomad]

I sent my stock seats to greatdaytoride.com, Spencer is the guy's name I think, he did a great job, however the wife preferred the stock seat. He had me return the passenger seat and he redid it no charge except for the shipping cost to get the seat to him. Haven't had a chance to have her try it out (she's not in to cold weather riding). I also invested in a sheepskin cover from Alaska Leather for her just in case.

[schoeney]

I have been suspecting that no matter what you do or buy that it comes down to one thing. If you sit for long periods of time your butt will hurt.

I think all the suggestions will give temporary relief , I already have the backrest (helped) , and I know stand at almost every stop light (when safe)just to get some blood flowing and relief.

As suggested earlier, just constant change to your position or to what you sit on will help. I have also learned that the more you ride helps "build" up some tolerance....kind of like calluses.

When I first got the bike I needed a break at 50 miles. Now I can go between fill ups (about 150 miles) before it really is uncomfortable.


I have a buddy about my size (6'2") that has the same issue on the Stratoliner...just the nature of the beast.

Maybe we can learn something from horse riders?

[donoller]

i put a mustang on mine but other then the back rest not that much better.

[moenko]

You mean, hit any pothole you can find to jump up in the seat ?? http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif



Maybe we can learn something from horse riders?

[dabull]

I sent my stock seats to greatdaytoride.com, Spencer is the guy's name I think, he did a great job, however the wife preferred the stock seat. He had me return the passenger seat and he redid it no charge except for the shipping cost to get the seat to him. Haven't had a chance to have her try it out (she's not in to cold weather riding). I also invested in a sheepskin cover from Alaska Leather for her just in case.

So you like the way the seat feels?
Did you go with the Memory Foam or or the LD material?

Thanks in advance!

[burkazoid]

At fuel stops, I'll put on the pad and ride with it until the next stop. Then, I'll take it off and ride on the stock seat until the next stop.

THAT, is a darn good idea, changing the pressure points each stop. I think I am seriously going to look into that.

I can go a good 120 miles and have to stop for a few minutes. Then it's around 90 the next leg. Then about 60. Then about 30-45. And at that point in time I am just about SCREAMING from the pain.

Stock seat isn't bad, it just isn't great.

[Jared]

The seat I bought hasn't arrived yet and so I can't say for sure, but I had a mustang seat on my old bike (vn900) it was a huge improvement. Honestly I could go for hours without any unexpected discomfort.

Even in a car, I'm ready to stretch and move around every 150 miles or so.

[ezmoney]

on long rides when I am riding alone, I put my feet up on the passenger boards, pushes my weight off my tail bone onto my thighs, try it you might find it helps you too

[dandolfn]

My butt actually hurt from the stock seat. I had one re-done by Mean City Cycles.

http://www.meancitycycles.com/index.php

They schedule an appointment for you and turn it around that day. Even so, I actually bought a spare stock seat and had them do that one.

After a couple of hours, I still want to get off the bike and shake it out a bit, but by then I'm either thirsty or have to pee or both. I'm addicted to Starbucks Frappuccino and most gas stations and convenience stores seem to carry them.

This actually is the second seat I've had them do. The first one was on my Suzuki C50.

If I had big bucks, I'd probably get a Russell Day Long seat. I've never seen a bad comment on their seats like I have with Mustang or Corbin.

Still for the $140 I paid for a Double Decker Memory Foam Modification, I'm very pleased.

[coacha]

I had mine modified locally at a auto upholstery shop for $125 for rider and pillion seats. He put memory foam in it and it has made a world of difference. I'm going to do the beads and the sheepskin though for Custer. I also have a Butt Buffer but it makes me sit too high.

[bsa2nomad]

I sent my stock seats to greatdaytoride.com, Spencer is the guy's name I think, he did a great job, however the wife preferred the stock seat. He had me return the passenger seat and he redid it no charge except for the shipping cost to get the seat to him. Haven't had a chance to have her try it out (she's not in to cold weather riding). I also invested in a sheepskin cover from Alaska Leather for her just in case.

So you like the way the seat feels?
Did you go with the Memory Foam or or the LD material?

Thanks in advance!


I had the 'LD' mod where he uses Supracor. We were doing 8 hour rides and the stock seat just wasn't doing it. Had no problem with the modded seat.

[dabull]

I had mine modified locally at a auto upholstery shop for $125 for rider and pillion seats. He put memory foam in it and it has made a world of difference. I'm going to do the beads and the sheepskin though for Custer. I also have a Butt Buffer but it makes me sit too high.

butt buffer?? i aint gonna ask..... http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif

[strobe]

butt buffer?? i aint gonna ask..... http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif

Well I'll tell you anyway :)

I think this is what he is talking about anyway...

http://www.buttbuffer.com/

[coacha]

Yep, something like that but it is an off brand.

[johnr475]

I put a on a set of highway pegs. I have them set so my heel rests on the running boards and the middle of my foot rests on the pegs. This works well for me. They take just enough pressure off my butt to keep me comfortable on long trips.

[moenko]

I meanwhile contacted a local auto upholstery outfit and they said they would take the oem foam, carve it out and put gel pads in it, and before resurfacing it, he'd ask me to ride a few hours to see if it's comfortable - I like that he's willing to work with me. I think that plus a sheepskin will be the way I'm going.

[coacha]

My only thought on gel pads is if the bike is out in the sun, the gel will heat up on hot days and cool down on cold days...may be somewhat uncomfortable. JMO

[strobe]

I meanwhile contacted a local auto upholstery outfit and they said they would take the oem foam, carve it out and put gel pads in it, and before resurfacing it, he'd ask me to ride a few hours to see if it's comfortable - I like that he's willing to work with me. I think that plus a sheepskin will be the way I'm going.

How that it works out for you, sounds like you have a shop that will work with you and wants to do a good job.

I should have tried that too, but just got sick of it all and did the day-long. Lots of riders have great success with doing it your way.

[blowndodge]

If the butt gets a little sore, just rock back and forth and it massages it.

Your beaded seat cover must have came with one big honkin tall bead right in the middle of it???!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[b2]

When I got my bike (used) it had a Mustang with back rest. I LOVE the back rest, but still I didn't find it entirely comfortable on long rides. I've added an Alaskan Leather, and honesty I'm not sure it did much.. the seat is not as hot when I leave the bike in the sun, but otherwise the additional comfort has been minor I'd say.

I'm actually going to put the original factory seat back on to try it out.. I sat on a friend's 'mad with OEM seat a few weeks back and thought it was maybe better than the mustang..

Just goes to show, its a very personal thing..

Brian

[jd01]

I use the sheepskin from Alaska Leather also. Helps with the infamous butt burn. Seems to make things a little cooler in the summer and warmer in cooler weather. Nice people to deal with. The elastic straps with quick disconnect buckles that go around the seat were wearing thin after a few years and I contacted them and they sent me new straps free of charge. Can't beat that!

[ridemslow]

I bought the ProPad gel cushions. Not for me. I made a wooded bead seat pad.. It's ok for ventilation. Having been bumped out on Ebay trying to buy a used seat from the 1600 Classic (note the cut of the seat), I took mine to a local upholsterer, and had it cut to look like that of the Classic, and repacked with a memory-type foam those guys use, and personally, I am tickled to death with it. ;) I also have an aftermarket backrest, which makes for a world of difference. If you haven't already, this might be an option to consider. ;) I wish I'd done this sooner. I now have ProPads for both seats I may never use. ???

[jonsamson]

AirHawk works great for me. I have been using it for about 3 years on 2 different bikes.
-Jon

[dogdoc]

Moe ,,,, one word MUSTANG!!!

[nomadliz]

Mustang Seat with Sheep Skin for your bottom & Hwy Pegs to arrange your position for your legs makes for a long day of riding.

[moenko]

Doc - one word: BROKE !! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Thank you all for your input, many different approaches and results. Will start with the least costly (already have an aftermarket backrest - would never ride without one) and just see how it goes. Probably just have to toughen up - jeez I'm a big, bad biker dude LOL


Moe ,,,, one word MUSTANG!!!

[mattbren]

had the same trouble being 6'4. Took the cover and foam off and made a new foam ot of eva closed cell foam, very strong and resilliant, wide range of uses from dash board to boat buffers. Used 35mm and shaped it. Took off about 50mm off the height of the original seat. Been for a few quick rides, seems firm at the start, but then you sink into nit a bit as the foam has a memory. Will go for a long ride on the weekend to see how it goes. Covered in a tan leather.

[ballast]

http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gifI might have a Mustang seat available in the next month or 2. I'll let you know and will give a good deal. I am looking at moving to a Russell Daylong. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

[bebop]

Probably the least expensive potential is sheepskin. I've been using one for quite a while and although it is not a total solution it does make the ride more comfortable and it can be moved to another seat if you choose to go with a Mustang or custom solution. The investment won't be wasted.
I found a nice dense curly sheepskin on Ebay and made two large throw-on covers for a total cost of $30. One for my wifes bike and one for me to swap with my C50 when I ride that.

Cheers!

[ridemslow]

I think Mustangs are way overrated.. IMO http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
i put a mustang on mine but other then the back rest not that much better.

[operater]

I use an Airhawk "medium cruiser cushion" for driver and passenger. I think it works good. You sit up about a 1/2" higher.

1+

[cactusjack]

This is strictly my personal opinion, but you couldn't give me a seat with gel in it. It would be like sitting on a stove burner after sitting out here in the Phoenix sun all day. There isn't any shade here, so don't even go there...

Even in my garage it hits 130 degrees in the afternoons.

[nomad561]

Buy a can of Monkey Butt powder and ride more.It gets better eventually.

[Top Cat]

I bought the ProPad gel cushions. Not for me. I made a wooded bead seat pad.. It's ok for ventilation. Having been bumped out on Ebay trying to buy a used seat from the 1600 Classic (note the cut of the seat), I took mine to a local upholsterer, and had it cut to look like that of the Classic, and repacked with a memory-type foam those guys use, and personally, I am tickled to death with it. ;) I also have an aftermarket backrest, which makes for a world of difference. If you haven't already, this might be an option to consider. ;) I wish I'd done this sooner. I now have ProPads for both seats I may never use. ???

http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif Sorry, that may have been me that sniped you. I bought a stock seat off Ebay for a Classic 1600. It is much more comfortable than the stock Nomad seat.
As for Mustang, I put one on my 650 Silverado and rode for a month then sold it at a substantial loss. It was no better than the stock seat on the Yamaha. JMO.

[ballast]

http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gifI'm hoping Russell Daylong is the answer! I just pulled the trigger at just over a grand. For that it had better wipe my a$$ after a rest stop.
And their production is out almost 2 months. I'm just praying it will get here before Custer.

[vincent]

Check out Russell Cycle Products. They are not cheap but they are remarkably comfy. Great warranty also.

[moenko]

Oh I looked at those, Vincent, but that now would surely break my bank right now. I'll try the cheaper fixes first and work my way up until I found the comfort I'm looking for ;)

[barrynfla]

Carsten......you're just too damn big!!! lol

[moenko]

I know ::) hehe


Carsten......you're just too damn big!!! lol

[nonhog]

I had a 825mi run last week going from Gulfport, MS to Montgomery, AL for the Dixie Gathering of the Guard; a lot of riding in 3 days. I was good for about 200 miles, but I felt like I was sitting on a seat made by the Flintstone's by the end of the trip.

I ordered a custom seat through Diamond Seat Co in FL for $675 (out the door) and it was shipped out yesterday. It took almost a month, but they made the seat to my personal specs and dims. For the price, they use their bucket, pour the foam according to density needs, and provide the cover I want (I went with stock appearance). The seat comes with a backrest and they were going to make the back seat a little wider as well. It should be here early next week; I can't wait! Hurry UPS dude!