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!

Originally Posted by OP

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.

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, 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....

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[strobe]

Originally Posted by moenko

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/fo...foam-seat.html

http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/fo...s-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.