Was wondering if anyone has identified a seat cover or pad that really helps fight the numb butt syndrome I get from my current stock GW seat. It is currently heated and wasen't planning on buying a whole new seat, but looking to ease my pain. I would prefer something that would stay on the Trike and looks nice. Got any ideas?
Numb Backside - Help!
- Thread starter Goldrush
- Start date
rmrc51
Lost In The 50's
I don't know if you would consider it a nice looking seat pad, but I swear by the 'Air Hawk-R'! ThumbUp
It has transformed my seat to an extremely comfortable ride!
It has transformed my seat to an extremely comfortable ride!
Take a look at the BeadRider cushions BeadRider – Beaded Motorcycle Seats for a possible solution. I have the ceramic beads and am much more comfortable on long trips than with the stock seat alone. Have had several 6 and 8 hour rides on this cushion and really like it, and it looks good too.
A few years ago, Motorcycle Consumer News evaluated seat toppers and the Airhawk and the Beadrider were recommended. On the other hand, wheel chair pads tend to be made of thick, dense egg-crate foam. Not sure what is causing your problem but spreading out your pressure points would probably make sense.
- Thread starter
- #5
Problem - Butt gets painfully numb after about 45 minutes and eventually numbness & pain travels down my legs, to the point I have to stop riding and rest. Thinking the Air Hawk R may be the way to go, would think sitting on beads would not releave any pressure point issues - but also kind of expensive if dosen't work.
We bought gel seats at Walt Mart or $20 each and have a sheep skin over them. I also cut 1/2" foam to match the seat. We have traveled 12 hours to DC and have had no problems on the gel seats. As for the 1/2", I take to use in case we want different pressure points.
Maybe what you need is different pressure points as you ride. Ride for a while on your gel seat, then take it off and put the foam in to give you a different pressure point.
I would try something less expensive first, and if it doesn't work, go for the more expensive seat.
Good luck, as other people have had the same problem as ou while riding.
Regards,
Rosy & Janice
From NH
Maybe what you need is different pressure points as you ride. Ride for a while on your gel seat, then take it off and put the foam in to give you a different pressure point.
I would try something less expensive first, and if it doesn't work, go for the more expensive seat.
Good luck, as other people have had the same problem as ou while riding.
Regards,
Rosy & Janice
From NH
I just use a "Sheep wool slip on cover" over the existing seat and you get no more Monkey butt during the summer months and it helps keep you warm during the winter months. If you are a larger in size type person, Get a wider seat. I did both because I have a larger backside and the Sheep cover.... my opinion.......
Goldrush - There are also some other factors in play when it comes to butt pain. I've had sciatica and lower back pain in the past and finally was relieved of the problem through surgery. (Worked for me, but not the solution for everyone).
However, I notice you have a straight axle trike, which is a rougher ride on bumpy roads, which might explain your back, butt, and leg fatigue.
Another thing to consider is rear shock adjustment on your Champion, might try a higher position. Tire pressure can also affect your ride comfort. Another thing - do you have a driver back rest? Made a big difference for me when I added one to my trike.
Just some food for thought.
However, I notice you have a straight axle trike, which is a rougher ride on bumpy roads, which might explain your back, butt, and leg fatigue.
Another thing to consider is rear shock adjustment on your Champion, might try a higher position. Tire pressure can also affect your ride comfort. Another thing - do you have a driver back rest? Made a big difference for me when I added one to my trike.
Just some food for thought.
Have you checked out the Ultimate seat website? Mine is color matched - I think it looks good and is comfortable. See pic on my profile:GL1800::GL1800:
Have you tried royalriding! Mine is a combination of gel and foam layers plus a sheepskin cover and its a different kind of gel. Some gel seats are very hard but this one has just the right amount of give. Wasted a lot of money on pads like the Airhawk over the years but this one is a winner. Have it over a year now on my Ultra Classic trike. As much trouble as your having, I'd go to a thick cushion or aftermarket seat like Russel or Hartco.
Cheap fix but IT WORKS!
Buy two (2) Wheel barrow inner tubes.
1 ea with a 4" hole in center
1 ea with an 8" hole in center
Place the two tube one in side the other.
Put tubes inside of a cover of your choosing (I had mine made at an upholstery shop)
Air up tubes a dab Will have to play with the amount of air. You fill find your sweet spots.
I did this before traveling to OK, NM, UT, AZ, CO, KN, & MO. 3,795 miles. Oh, what a relief it was. I always suffered from Monkey Butt but, no more.
It is similar to Air Hawk but, much cheaper.
Buy two (2) Wheel barrow inner tubes.
1 ea with a 4" hole in center
1 ea with an 8" hole in center
Place the two tube one in side the other.
Put tubes inside of a cover of your choosing (I had mine made at an upholstery shop)
Air up tubes a dab Will have to play with the amount of air. You fill find your sweet spots.
I did this before traveling to OK, NM, UT, AZ, CO, KN, & MO. 3,795 miles. Oh, what a relief it was. I always suffered from Monkey Butt but, no more.
It is similar to Air Hawk but, much cheaper.
I don't know if you would consider it a nice looking seat pad, but I swear by the 'Air Hawk-R'! ThumbUp
It has transformed my seat to an extremely comfortable ride!
+1
As Ive been paying attention to this post.
800$$ to 1400 is a bit much for a custom seat I might not like to me.
Maybe you can help me out here??
Where did you find this gel seat pad in Wal-Mart??
All Ive gotten from a few Wal-Mart employees asking about gel pads there is the "Radio Shack stare"...........You have questions?? We have blank stares.
Most pads Ive seen are also a lot of $$$. Medical supply stores for example.
Thanks
Jay
I bought a Road Zeppelin from a Harley shop. It cost less than the Air Hawk and is adjustable on the fly.
You can pump it while you are riding and then push a button to release air until you are comfortable and if you want to change later you can go through the same process.
You can pump it while you are riding and then push a button to release air until you are comfortable and if you want to change later you can go through the same process.
rmrc51
Lost In The 50's
Sarge,
I'm always looking for alternatives. Although I'm quite satisfied with my Air Hawk-R, I like the 'On-The-Fly' adjustability of this Zeppelin Seat Pad. They say it's made for Harleys but I see by your Avatar that you have a Wing. I'm assuming if so, it fits on the Wing's seat. What I also like about the Zeppelin is a comment I read about it on one of the Harley sites that it raises you around 1 1/2 to 2 inches. That would be perfect for me. Below is a copy of that review. Comments??
===============================================
Today I picked up the Road Zeppelin Seat Pad (RZ). For those that aren't familiar with it, it is essentially the same as the Air Hawk R with the HD logo on it. The Air Hawk retails for $199 while the HD Road Zeppelin retails for $120. I picked it up for $108. That's quite a bit cheaper than it's Air Hawk R twin.
What it is, is an inflatable air seat cushion you place on top of your current seat. Besides this, there are foam pads, sheepskin pads, gel pads or a combination of those available. What the RZ (and the Air Hawk) offers the others don't is the ability to adjust the firmness or softness of the cushion the competition can't do. With the others you either take it or leave it the way they come.
The main pad has 12 asymmetric chambers each connected to the other. It's made out of some form soft pliable plastic. There is a bulb and a short tube to inflate the pad with an air release button. Sort of how a blood pressure cuff inflates. It comes with a washable soft synthetic cover that form-fits and has a side pocket for the bulb. The bulb can be operated while in the cover. Which is convenient. The underside of the cover is rubberized to prevent slipping while on your seat. There is also a strap to help secure it further to the seat. It measures 14" in width at its widest and 9" at it's narrow end. It's 13" in length at it's longest and 11" at the shortest portion.
I have had the Sundowner on my current bike and now have the Mustang Wide Touring. My bike is also setup with the 12" Progressive 412 shocks and the Progressive front springs. I also have mid controls and highway pegs.
The Mustang seat combined with the total Progressive suspension package takes a stock bike that is really only setup for short rides before it gets really uncomfortable, to a bike that can be ridden for long distances in relative comfort.
Please note that I am 5'9" with not extremely long legs. They're also not short legs. I have no problem, even with the 12" shocks, flat footing the bike while at a stop. I weigh a stout 220#. Your experiences may vary from mine.
I spent a few hours with it under varying conditions and roads. Without too much hyperbole I'll go as far as saying the Road Zeppelin Seat Pad transforms the comfort of the bike completely. I would put it almost on par with the stock Dyna bikes I've ridden. To me, it soaks up the bumps from the road coming from the rear shock like their almost not even there. when I'm on the Mustang seat alone, while the seat offers good support, I can feel all the road imperfections. The RZ just seems to absorb it all up from under me. I feel it isolates the road and brings the comfort level up several steps forward.
Before I continue on with how well I like it, there are a few issues that I should address.
* If you're short and/or have issues with flat footing your bike, just know the Road Zeppelin will raise the seat height at least 1 inch. Up to 2 full inches. For me, the extra 2" of height, takes the bike without the RZ (which I already have raised an inch in the shocks) and I can easily flat foot, to where I am just off of completely flat foot. In stop and go traffic it's not as easy at a light with the extra 2". An alternative, though, is to keep one foot on the right or left peg and keep only one foot down during stops. Not too bad if you're used to doing that as I often do.
While on the highway the extra height isn't an issue and even gives a bit of additional leg room on the mid controls.
* The isolation of the road feel with the Road Zeppelin takes some getting used to. Feeling what's going on under you can have it's advantages. Especially in the twisties.
While doing long miles on the slab that isolation is more than a welcome gift.
* The "squishy" feel of the air chambers as they shift takes getting used to when you first use it. It can feel a bit unstable and you don't feel as planted in the seat as you do without it.
The air chambers shifting actually prevents your rear end from having too much pressure and keeps your butt from getting numb. There are seats that are soft initially and get flat or the foam gives out over time. This can't happen with the RZ's air chambers. Plus, you can adjust on the fly if you want to.
Basically this is a terrific product. It feels like a new bike. Particularly if you're coming from stock. This proves that a Sportster can be setup for very comfortable touring. I'm planning on a trip that should be about 3000 miles total. The Road Zeppelin Seat Pad will help this old dude do those miles with much better ease.
That's what I thought too. 3 inches thick. Basically a wheelchair cushion which I did find. I was hoping you had a better idea.
Foam isn't cheap and the premade pads for bikes can be a waste of a lot of dollars.
Thanks for the reply.
Foam isn't cheap and the premade pads for bikes can be a waste of a lot of dollars.
Thanks for the reply.
At another riders suggestion I bought a gel pad at Pep Boys and it works pretty good....when I get uncomfortable pressure points after a few hours on the bike I put it on and ride for a while. After a few hours I take it off.
Works good....about 40 dollars!
Works good....about 40 dollars!
I tried a gel pad seat cushion and gave it away when I bought the Road Zeppelin. He loved it but I didn't.
Here are a few pics of the Road Zeppelin. The little pump up bulb is in the pouch. I run it almost flat which seems to give me the support I need for a comfy (as possible) ride.
Here are a few pics of the Road Zeppelin. The little pump up bulb is in the pouch. I run it almost flat which seems to give me the support I need for a comfy (as possible) ride.
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I guess everyone is different. I bought my beads at the suggestion of a good (departed now) friend to stop monkey butt. our last trip to nola , I had my beads but the wife did not she was using a gel pad. all I can say is I now own two sets of beads and the gel pad is in the spare parts box. the beads are no good in cold weather. the air goes under them as they were designed to do and you could get frost bite.////////////bead rider.com are now joined with the iron butt challenges
We tried all kinds of stuff and never were happy.
Then I bought Ultimate Mid Rider seat and also their passenger backrest for my wife (that made her sit more up right).
We now can ride 500-600 mile days in comfort.
Then I bought Ultimate Mid Rider seat and also their passenger backrest for my wife (that made her sit more up right).
We now can ride 500-600 mile days in comfort.
I two have had issues with my rearend. I have tried the rings, they don't hold up long and are getting hard to find. So, I broke down and ordered a Air Hawk R from Amazon. Have been happy with it since it arrived. Good luck in whatever you decided.
I found the same thing as offered at WalMart at Bed Bath and Beyond, here's a pic of what you are looking for at whatever store.
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I highly recommend the Comfort-Max Ortho Deluxe gel pad covered with real sheepskin.
http://www.amspecialtiesusa.com/gelpad.htm
I bought mine in 2006 and have transferred it from bike to bike and won't ride without it. It keeps you dry and comfortable in a hot summer riding the New Mexico desert or warm and comfortable in the ridiculous Ohio Valley winters. I have no financial interest in this product but sure wish I did!
http://www.amspecialtiesusa.com/gelpad.htm
I bought mine in 2006 and have transferred it from bike to bike and won't ride without it. It keeps you dry and comfortable in a hot summer riding the New Mexico desert or warm and comfortable in the ridiculous Ohio Valley winters. I have no financial interest in this product but sure wish I did!
Since this seems to be the least expensive way out to get something that I know will fit.
Does it raise you up at all or do you sit "IN" the foam and gel??
I know it says 1 inch but better to ask the believe print.
Does it raise you up at all or do you sit "IN" the foam and gel??
I know it says 1 inch but better to ask the believe print.
Not sure if you are asking about the Comfort-Max Ortho Deluxe (gel-sheepskin ) but will comment: Yes, it does raise your body about 1" which has the effect of (for me) increasing leg and foot room very pleasantly, and yes, the foam, gel and sheepskin do "give" to conform with your backside so that I feel no particular pressure at any one point. Result: Instead of going 75-100 miles before getting off the bike to re-establish circulation, I can easily ride the full tank, including the aux. tank, without discomfort - I've done it.
I learned long ago about the stock seats on Goldwings if you are too tall or to fat (like me on the fat part).
The stock seat just ain't going to cut it. I've had sheepskins, beads and every kind of cover you could get but it didn't help. After awhile they just quit working.
I ended up with a Corbin seat on my previous two Wings and they worked out great but this time on my 2012 Goldwing CSC Trike I decided to go with a Tom Simmons custom seat for a trike.
I took my stock seat to him in Arkansas and he customized it. He lowered it, made it wider,
lowered my passenger seat so my wife's feet will touch the footrests and also customized her backrest. He installed a custom backrest for me with all stainless steel inside parts.
The new upholstery looks fantastic. Great work. He shipped it back to me Fedex.
I put it on last night and went for a short hundred mile ride this morning. My butt was smiling. I guess it was, I can't turn around far enough to look.
Anyway, a custom seat will be better than anything else you can do to a stock seat.
I think most all of the seat people do good work now but I wanted something for a trike because you just don't lean and have to put a foot on the ground anymore.
I'm happy!
The stock seat just ain't going to cut it. I've had sheepskins, beads and every kind of cover you could get but it didn't help. After awhile they just quit working.
I ended up with a Corbin seat on my previous two Wings and they worked out great but this time on my 2012 Goldwing CSC Trike I decided to go with a Tom Simmons custom seat for a trike.
I took my stock seat to him in Arkansas and he customized it. He lowered it, made it wider,
lowered my passenger seat so my wife's feet will touch the footrests and also customized her backrest. He installed a custom backrest for me with all stainless steel inside parts.
The new upholstery looks fantastic. Great work. He shipped it back to me Fedex.
I put it on last night and went for a short hundred mile ride this morning. My butt was smiling. I guess it was, I can't turn around far enough to look.
Anyway, a custom seat will be better than anything else you can do to a stock seat.
I think most all of the seat people do good work now but I wanted something for a trike because you just don't lean and have to put a foot on the ground anymore.
I'm happy!
Appreciate the description.
A custom seat is out of the question for me.
Im nowhere near any of the custom builders and to describe what I want on a piece of paper doesn't appeal to me for 1500$$$
I think Ill give one a try.
Least expensive way out for me if it works.
Thanks Konrad
A custom seat is out of the question for me.
Im nowhere near any of the custom builders and to describe what I want on a piece of paper doesn't appeal to me for 1500$$$
I think Ill give one a try.
Least expensive way out for me if it works.
Thanks Konrad
I ended up ordering the Ortho-Comfort in neoprene.
I hope its what it says it is.
Ill know in a few days.
Thanks for helping me make up my mind Conrad.
A small price to pay even if it doesn't work out for me.
Edit: 10/30
Came today and I hope Im not disappointed.
Fits no problem feels ok but I guess I need someplace to go now.
Goofy clip on type thing. I hope it wont mar the paint!!!
I hope its what it says it is.
Ill know in a few days.
Thanks for helping me make up my mind Conrad.
A small price to pay even if it doesn't work out for me.
Edit: 10/30
Came today and I hope Im not disappointed.
Fits no problem feels ok but I guess I need someplace to go now.
Goofy clip on type thing. I hope it wont mar the paint!!!
Last edited:
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