The right motorcycle seat makes the difference between an enjoyable ride and a painful road experience. The first factor to consider is the type of material.
Motorcycle seats are commonly made with two types of polyurethane: open and closed. Open polyurethane uses small cells that allow the seat to conform to the rider’s body. In contrast, closed polyurethane provides the firmness preferred by bike racers.
Airhawk BMW 1600 motorcycle seat
Another option is a gel seat that offers relief from vibrations. For most riders, gel seats provide more comfort than polyurethane. However, a gel seat is heavier and gets hotter.
Finally, an Airhawk - opens in new window or tab. seat uses adjustable air cells. The design allows wheelchair users to sit for long periods while maintaining comfort. In addition, Airhawk seats distribute your weight to prevent pressure spots.
Motorcycle Seats: Vinyl vs. Leather
Burly Brand offers its Harley-Davidson Sportster solo seat/tail section with full or partial coverage.
Your motorcycle seat’s comfort is also affected by the cover material. Vinyl stretches more than leather. But vinyl gets harder with age, whereas more expensive leather becomes softer.
Spring solo seats are a popular choice for choppers and bobbers.
Vinyl also gets colder and stiffer in the winter—and hotter in the summer. Meanwhile, leather provides a more consistent soft feel throughout the year.
Leather has many benefits, and it looks beautiful. But leather motorcycle seats require more care. To clean a leather seat, first, ensure it is free of dust, dirt, or mud. Then apply leather cleaner using a lint-free cloth. Gently wipe the cleaner in a circular motion over the seat. Let it air dry. Then apply a conditioner to nourish the leather and add waterproofing.
Vinyl seat covers—also called synthetic leathers—look like genuine leather, but are easier to care for and are less expensive. Vinyl seats offer nearly the same feel as natural leather. When cleaning is needed, wipe the seat with a damp cloth and apply a vinyl protectant.
The Right Size
A Mustang vintage studded solo seat on a Harley Sportster
You can swap in a new seat if you are interested in changing the motorcycle’s look. Start by measuring the seat’s mounting holes and tabs. Then go directly to eBay’s selection of motorcycle seats. Here are two of our favorite brands:
Corbin seat on an MV Agusta Dragster RR
Corbin - opens in new window or tab. makes high-quality leather seats using closed foam padding, which takes some time to break in. Corbin offers options for top motorcycle manufacturers, from Big Dog to Yamaha. The company guarantees the seat for the first owner’s lifetime use.
Mustang - opens in new window or tab. seats are handmade from top-quality vinyl. Unfortunately, they are only available in black. Mustang seats are usually firmer than stock seats but not as stiff as most aftermarket seats. In addition, Mustang provides mounting hardware matched to your bike.
Keep in mind that seat pans can be unique to the model year. If you can’t find a new seat that matches your bike’s mounting holes, you might need to drill holes in the frame to make it fit.
Mustang wide solo seat and backrest on a Harley Softail
A full swap is not the only solution to add comfort. Another approach is to install new foam padding. Also, adding a backrest can reduce fatigue for riders who spend a lot of time in the saddle. They are affordable and easy to install. However, a backrest can make throwing your leg over the bike harder when getting on and off.
Flat and hump saddle cafe racer seats are modestly priced.
You should also consider adding an affordable cover for your seat and tank. A sheepskin cover is cushy and breathes well. Tank bags, which mount with magnets, help protect the tank while providing a handy place for tools, maps, or water.
After you find the ideal motorcycle seat, you’ll want to maintain its beauty. That usually requires a wipe-down with Armor All to restore a like-new shine to your saddle.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.