A recent article on Adventure Rider magazine details four practical solutions for riders plagued by painful motorcycle seats. Drawing from personal experience, author Zac Kurylyk evaluates options ranging from cheap pads to premium aftermarket replacements. The piece emphasizes affordable fixes for budget-conscious enthusiasts.
Motorcycle seats have long been a source of complaint among riders, as recalled by Zac Kurylyk in his Adventure Rider article published on March 19, 2026. He reminisces about print magazines like Cycle World where reviewers frequently griped about seat discomfort, turning it into a running joke among friends who couldn't afford new bikes anyway. Kurylyk notes that while some bikes indeed have poor seats, modern improvements have reduced issues, yet many riders still seek relief during long rides or rallies. He outlines four solutions he has tested or considered. Padded shorts, borrowed from cycling, appeal to Iron Butt Rally participants and enduro riders for their built-in padding and hip armor, available at Revzilla under brands like EVS TUG. Though cheaper than seats, Kurylyk prefers other options for general use. Next, ATV seat pads offer a low-cost fix; he used one costing about $40 from Amazon on his 1990 Suzuki DR350 for events like the Dawn to Dusk Rally. Originally by Stearns (later Coleman), generics now abound, improving comfort without restricting movement—ideal for old dual-sport bikes like KLRs. Airhawk pads, with inflatable air cushions designed initially for wheelchair users and pilots, secured him through a cross-country trip on a borrowed Harley Dyna. Priced at $100-110 at Revzilla, they suit long hauls but may loosen on adventure bikes during off-road sliding, though his friend Glen swears by one on a GS. Finally, aftermarket seats from firms like Seat Concepts or Corbin represent the priciest choice, starting at $400 or $280 for DIY kits. Kurylyk praises his Seat Concepts on a DR650 for durability and instant comfort but urges checking forums like ADVrider for model-specific reviews and service quality, as experiences vary. He advises trying peers' seats and prioritizing customer support when upgrading.