The Importance of Choosing the right Motorcycle Seat
Obviously, when a motorcycle is manufactured it is built with the necessary controls and equipment. The manufacturer will incorporate a seat for the expected use, a solo seat or one that will accommodate a passenger. Driven by cost factors the manufacturer will design a seat to accommodate the average rider and be cost effective at the same time.
When purchasing a used motorcycle the rider may find that the seat did not weather well or has been worn out by usage. In the case of a new motorcycle or a used bike, the rider may find that the existing seat is not to his liking or does not meet his intended use. The search for a replacement begins with an understanding of what the rider wants and needs.
Motorcycles come in various sizes and designs, depending upon their intended use. A dirt bike or a cruiser will have different requirements for seating accommodations.
For many “height challenged” riders seat height is an important factor. A rider who must balance a motorcycle at a stop light by standing on his toes is looking for a spill. The seat must put the rider at a height where he can comfortably place his feet flat on the ground when stopped. Stop signs and stop lights frequently are soiled with oil and water from cars and trucks. The rider must be able to plant his feet firmly and not be subject to slipping on the oil or water. If he is on his toes the likelihood of a slip and fall with the motorcycle on top of him increases.
Another aspect of the seat is the width. The area where his buttock is resting should be wide enough to be comfortable, but the seat should taper towards the fuel tank. If the taper is insufficient it spreads his legs and takes up valuable inseam length. Again, the rider may find that he cannot reach the ground comfortably.
When the British bikes came to America they came with relatively flat seats. The traditional large American motorcycle, Harley Davidson and Indian, had something more akin to a bicycle solo seat. The flat seat on British, and early Japanese, bikes tended give the rider room to move around on the bike whereas the American seat presented the rider with one option. Under hard acceleration on a flat seat the rider had to cling to the handlebars and grip the motorcycle with his knees. The lip on the bicycle seat served to keep the rider in position. Many modern motorcycle seats retain this lip, especially on the cruiser type seat. Seats that will accommodate a passenger also offer somewhat of a back rest for the rider.
When choosing a new seat the rider should consider the aforementioned seat design in the context of how the motorcycle will be used. If the rider plans on using it for cruising or travel, seat comfort must be high on the list. There are many motorcycles on the market today that are more for “profiling” than distance travel. A “cool” seat may look great but leave the rider hobbling away after a short hop.
For travel the seat should be firm but have sufficient cushion to be comfortable. Often times, when traveling, it is nice to be able to change position of the feet and buttock. Riding with the feet on the middle pegs and then switching to the highway pegs shifts the weight bearing area of the body. This provides some relief so that the same area of the buttock and back are not taking the load for the whole trip.
Finally, consider the material used to manufacture the seat. The seat will have to survive rain and ultraviolet light. Buttons or designs sewn into the seat surface might look attractive but be uncomfortable to sit on for any length of time. If a seam in the seat is not waterproof the cushion material will absorb rainwater and will still be wet the day after being caught in the rain. When the rider sits down the moisture will squeeze out and dampen his pants again. Some riders add a cushion of sorts, like a fur pad, to increase the riding comfort and permit some air to circulate and reduce sweating.
The distance between the seat, the handlebars and the foot pegs is sometimes referred to as the “rider triangle”. The handlebars and foot pegs are typically adjustable to better fit the motorcycle to the rider. Changing the seat can affect this relationship and some adjustment may be required. If you goal is “knees in the breeze” travel be sure to make the adjustments with long term comfort in mind.
