Making a motorcycle seat cover comfortable shouldn’t be difficult—but if you’re like most riders, you’ve probably had some questions about how to do it. Buying a simple seat cushion might feel like the most direct way to go. But is it the best one?
Seat cushions aren’t the only ways to improve your comfort in the saddle. Using a gel pad can also help you enjoy more lower back support when you ride—so you can ride longer, go further, and spend more time doing what you love.
Comfort, Support, & Durability
Traditional Seat Cushions
Traditional seat cushions are designed with foam padding or filled with air so they can provide more comfort during rides. This can be a cost-effective way to reduce fatigue over short to medium distances, since it’s a pretty straightforward way to reduce pressure points and absorb shocks.
The thing is, most riders don’t need too much in the way of extra comfort for short trips. Unless you have some kind of old injury or medical condition that makes getting into the saddle for any length of time uncomfortable, your stock seat foam is probably fine. Cheap cushions also tend to compress over time, leading to a decrease in comfort and support as the materials wear out.
Pros:
- Cost-effective
- Simple
Cons:
- Not needed for short rides
- Not effective on long ones
- Deteriorate over time from compression
Gel Pads
Gel pads often provide an advanced level of comfort by conforming to the rider’s body shape. The gel distributes pressure evenly, which significantly reduces discomfort on longer rides.
Because the materials inside don’t become compressed over time, gel pads also maintain their shape and provide consistent comfort, making them more durable than traditional foam cushions. Some gel pads are even designed with ergonomics in mind so that the gel flows to key support areas when you sit on it.
Pros:
- Evenly distribute weight
- Last longer
Cons:
- Can be a bit more expensive
Learn More: THE EASIEST WAY TO IMPROVE MOTORCYCLE SEAT COMFORT: LUIMOTO'S GOLD GEL R
Installation Process & Ease of Use
Traditional Seat Cushions
You don’t need to do much to put most seat cushions on a motorcycle. They usually come with straps or Velcro, which makes it easy to attach them on top of your existing seat.
If you’re looking for a solution that’s temporary and portable, you could definitely do worse—but if you have a cool seat cover for your motorcycle, know that putting a cushion on top is going to stop people from seeing it.
Pros:
- Install in seconds
- A monkey could do it
Cons:
- You could have the best seat cover in the world—and no one would know
Gel Pads
Installing a gel pad is a bit more involved, but not much. For example, if you’ve purchased Luimoto’s Gold Gel R, you’ll follow these steps:
- Take off your seat cover
- Place the gel pad on top of your OEM seat foam
- Put the cover back on
So there you go—it’s not as simple as throwing on a cushion with velcro straps, but it ain’t exactly rocket science either. You might need a staple remover or flathead screwdriver to get the cover off, but we’re assuming you didn’t get into motorcycles because you were afraid of using tools. ;)
Better yet—once it’s in place, the gel pad gets held in place by the seat cover and an adhesive backing. So there’s no need to worry about it slipping off if any straps come undone.
Pros:
- One-and-done installation
- Securely held in place
Cons:
- Takes a little more effort (but a monkey could still do it)
Choosing the Right Option for Different Riders & Conditions
Traditional Seat Cushions
If you’re a rider who can’t spend more than a minute or two in the saddle without significant discomfort and you happen to be on a budget, any old seat cushion is probably going to do you a bit of good.
If you switch between different bikes a lot and only want one comfort upgrade you can use for all of them, the ability to attach and remove a cushion easily could also come in handy. But let’s be real: if you can afford a fleet of sweet bikes, you can probably also afford a few gel pads.
Gel Pads
Look, we know we’re biased. We designed our gel pads specifically because we wanted to offer riders something better than the average Amazon seat cushion, and we’re confident that ours are the real deal.
But any well-made gel pad offers a few distinct advantages over basic seat cushions. If you’re looking for lasting comfort on longer journeys, gel pads have got your back (or at least, your lumbar spine). They also don’t change the height of your ride, so if you ride a taller bike you won’t need to worry about your legs not touching the ground.
Anyway, we think the choice is pretty clear—but here’s a comparison chart so you can see for yourself:
Luimoto’s Gold Gel R vs. Traditional Seat Cushions At a Glance
|
Traditional Seat Cushions |
Luimoto’s Gold Gel R |
|
|
Comfort |
Good for short to medium rides |
Good for medium to long rides |
|
Support |
Diminishes over time as foam compresses |
Consistent support, conforms to body shape |
|
Durability |
Wears out relatively quickly |
Long-lasting, maintains shape |
|
Installation |
Simple, with straps or Velcro |
Involves removing and reapplying seat cover |
|
Ease of Use |
Quick and easy to attach and remove |
Slightly more involved but still manageable |
|
Customization |
You get what you pay for |
Can be cut to size with scissors |
|
Weight Distribution |
Becomes uneven over time |
Even distribution, reduces pressure points |
|
Impact on Seat Height |
Minimal |
Minimal, with tapered edges |
Pick Up Your Gel Pad from Luimoto Here
If you’re looking for a gel pad you can count on for the long haul, you’re in the right place. Luimoto’s Gold Gel R pads are lightweight, universally shaped, and ergonomically sized to fit all motorcycle seats. The long relief zones are also great for riders who shift weight frequently, and there’s no need to cut into your OEM foam. Buy your gel pad here today.
