A saddle is the component that allows the rider to sit comfortably. The motorcycle saddle can be inspired by a bicycle saddle or a horse saddle. Nowadays you can find a wide range of saddle choices in the market. The brands have been able to manufacture models that keep a certain comfort on the seat. We can currently have three types of saddle shape the original, the cafe racer and the comfort type. In general, the motorcycle saddle has two seating positions. Which means that the saddlers thought them for two people. The main material that is inside the motorcycle seat is foam.
When we bought our motorcycle, the criterion that we have probably forgotten is the quality of the seat, the quality of the saddle. We are often focused on the power and longevity of our motorcycle. However, there is a solution that allows you to change your motorcycle saddle. In this way, you keep the power of it and gain comfort. You must be wondering how to choose a saddle material that will be comfortable in all circumstances? In this article we will detail the technique to recognize this.
You should know that comfort can very well rhyme with quality / price ratio. You just have to know where to look to find the rare pearl. Before proceeding with the purchase, you must know the type of saddle that will be suitable for your type of motorcycle.
Types of motorcycle saddles
comfort saddles
When we hear this term we probably think that this type of saddle is the ideal saddle, the one that is made for everyone. Usually, the external shape of it is like two layers of foam which are not at the same level. A rear part is slightly protruding. However, this is not exactly what provides the comfort. Before making the choice, you really have to test. Which means, sit on the saddle and try it out for a few minutes. If after a few minutes you notice that you are starting to have discomfort or that you feel pain, you must choose another. To tell the truth, comfort is subjective, it depends on each one. exact science does not exist until now. We are waiting for the progress which will make it possible to know which shape of saddle will allow the mass to feel the same level of comfort.
Our recommended products:
Here is a list of motorcycle saddle products that may be of interest to you.
Gel cushion for motorcycle saddle, thickness 1 cm. Total weight, 650g. Waterproof cover.
Gel seat cushion, anti decubitus. Breathable material for optimal comfort.
Leather motorcycle saddle, one place for maximum comfort.
View all comfortable motorcycle saddles on amazon
Cafe racer saddles
You should know that the word café racer means a kind of motorcycle. This type of motorcycle is characteristic of true vintage type motorcycle enthusiasts and a bit sporty at the same time. To put an image in your head, imagine Harley Davidson-type motorcycles. The cafe racer saddle is therefore a fairly simple saddle dedicated to this type of activity. To a large extent this saddle incorporates this type of vintage motorcycle spirit. Usually it is made up of only one seat. The shape can vary from one model to another. It can be completely flat or slightly raised at the rear. The material used is generally leather or imitation leather. We can say that this type of saddle gives charm and character to your motorcycle. However, comfort cannot always be guaranteed with this kind of saddle. In any case, aesthetics take precedence over comfort for this kind of saddle.
Our recommended products:
Here is a list of motorcycle saddle products that may be of interest to you.
Flat motorcycle seat for cafe racer type motorcycle. High quality sponge and leather offering optimal comfort.
Cafe racer type flat leather and sponge motorcycle saddle for a vintage style.
Black leather motorcycle seat, flat for cafe racers. For Honda CG125, GN, CG, CB200 etc. motorcycle models.
See all cafe racer saddles models on amazon
The original saddles
As the name suggests this type of saddle is the one that was installed and delivered with the bike. This means that it does not promise the comfort expected by so many users. However, it remains practical especially to have access to the internal part, the components of your motorcycle. This is explained by the fact that has layers of foam. It is quite possible to replace it. To do this, you have to go to a saddlery or carry out the replacement yourself with the necessary tools.
Our recommended products:
Here is a list of motorcycle saddle products that may be of interest to you.
Black leather seat cover, vintage style for the Guzzi V7 motorcycle or equivalent model.
Black motorcycle seat cover, designed with soft and breathable material, non-slip material.
Original black seat cover for Honda PCX 125 or 150 type motorcycle models. Waterproof and antibacterial.
See all original motorcycle saddle models on amazon
The characteristics of a good saddle
Comfort
As we saw previously in the paragraph on the comfort saddle, comfort is not an exact science. However, to optimize the chances of having a minimum of comfort there are a few configurations to take into account. For the pilot, choose a three-layer bultex foam. This is how it will look, basically we use a fairly strong foam, for the second layer we will put a moderately dense foam and on the surface we will use a foam which is quite soft and flexible at the same time. For the passenger, you have to choose a moiltex component that is uniform and hugs the seat in order to maintain a certain comfort. All this will optimize the comfort offered by the seat.
Stability
To have a certain stability when sitting down, you have to choose to put gel inside the saddle. the objective of this is the good distribution of the weight of the passenger on his seat. Apart from that, this component makes it possible to reduce vibrations and possible sensations of shocks. This way, the pilot or passenger will not be easily tired or have numb legs. This is essential especially for roadster type motorcycles. We can imagine that for use in the city, this will not be felt. For this purpose, it is not really necessary to use gel.
Longevity, life expectancy
In this type of case, it is mostly about the longevity of the material type of your saddle. The materials that can allow this should be chosen before installing the saddle. That is to say before the purchase. Even if this type of material exists, you should know that to better protect your saddle, it is always preferable to cover it with a protective cover. This will ensure its tightness. It makes perfect sense that waterproof material isn't always comfortable. For this purpose, you will only need this cover when you are not using your motorcycle.
Matter
The choice of the material that will compose your motorcycle saddle must meet your expectations. This means that if you are looking for optimal comfort without worrying about aesthetics, you have to choose the material like the gel. With this kind of material, you won't risk tiring your butt even if you take a long trip. This is valid for the pilot and the passenger. The gel should sit on the lower part of the foam layers. That is to say just below the cover of your saddle.
Our recommended products:
Here is a list of motorcycle saddle products that may be of interest to you.
Waterproof black motorcycle seat cover. Designed with breathable mesh material.
Protective cover for motorcycle scooter against dust, rain, snow, bird droppings.
Gel for motorcycle saddle cushion design with dimensions 25 x 25 x 2 cm. To optimize comfort.
View all motorcycle saddle products on amazon
Our selection of the 5 best motorcycle saddles
Moto Guzzi Breva 1100 Seat Cover
Black saddle cover with red logo designed with materials that ensure good comfort. Ideal for Guzzi Breva 100 type motorcycles or equivalent. Non-slip, antibacterial and breathable cover. The biggest advantage with this is that it is completely waterproof. the total weight of the item is 1 Kilogram.
Suzuki Bandit GSF Seat Cover
Seat cover designed for Suzuki GSF 650 to 1250 motorcycle models. Made with very good quality materials. Waterproof thanks to hand-sealed seams, antibacterial and comfortable. The biggest advantage with this model of cover is that it has a non-slip system.
Ducati Monster Seat Cover
Vintage style brown leather seat cover for Ducati monster motorcycle, models 696/796/795/1100, year 2008 to 2014. Material for the design soft and waterproof, antibacterial and non-slip. The seam is also sealed on this model. High quality and resistant materials. Easy installation thanks to a manual delivered with the article.
Triumph Bonneville T100 Seat Cover
Seat cover for flat cafe racer, vintage style in brown color. Designed for Triumph Bonneville T100 type of motorcycle. In the Harley Davidson style. made with waterproof, resistant and antibacterial leather material. For optimal comfort which is ensured by the material and the non-slip concept.
EBTOOLS CG125 1976-2008 Saddle
Vintage style motorcycle seat cover for cafe racers, Honda CG125 models from 1976 to 2008. Black synthetic leather and high quality and resistant terry material, waterproof, available in two size categories flat or hump. Providing comfort to its user in all circumstances. The total weight of the saddle is 1,4 kilograms.
Maintenance of a motorcycle saddle
To maintain a motorcycle saddle, you must first protect it from humidity and all external factors that could damage or damage it. To this end, to protect it from humidity or rain, it must be covered with a waterproof cover. in this way, water will not enter the foam layer. However, protecting the saddle is not enough, like any type of maintenance it is necessary to give it some extra care. This is cleaning, for this you will need a few products such as acetone or a soapy solution or even alcohol. Before proceeding to cleaning, it is useful to specify that the saddle must be disassembled. This will allow you to have access to all of its corners.
Products that will be useful for cleaning your saddle
Leather cleaning cream
To keep the beautiful shine of your leather saddle permanently, you must use a special leather product. This 500ml colorless cream from the Delara brand is applied to the leather of your saddle. It is designed with 100% natural products. Namely beeswax and coconut oil and other natural oils which are kept secret. The advantage with this product is that it protects your saddle from possible humidity.
Waterproof cover
To protect your motorcycle saddle against the ravages of rain, especially in summer, it must be covered with a waterproof and waterproof coating. This cover covers the entire surface of your motorcycle. This way you won't have to worry about your motorcycle being left outside. The advantage with this cover is that it is standard size.
Household alcohol
For cleaning your saddle, whether it is leather or another material, the use of alcohol mixed with a soapy solution makes it possible to remove fairly stubborn stains. This Onyx brand alcohol has a capacity of 5 L. This is sufficient for a few cleaning sessions. Either way, you won't need to clean your motorcycle seat on a daily basis.
