5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Motorcycle Seat

If you're a v-twin cruiser bike owner, you probably love going for long road trips or even planning short and random weekend adventures with fellow riders. It's a fun experience when you get to spend more time on the saddle. Ensuring that you have the best motorcycle seat is a must no matter how long you spend on your bike. It could be the difference between hours of discomfort and a comfortable ride. Many riders opt to upgrade their seats to ensure more comfort and better styling.

But choosing the most comfortable motorcycle seat isn't always easy. Here are 5 things to consider when choosing an aftermarket motorcycle seat:

1. Consider Your Height And Weight

One of the first things you'll want to do is measure your height and weight. That will help you find the best motorcycle seat for your body size so that it doesn't become an uncomfortable experience in any way.

• If you're tall (six feet or taller), you might want a seat that provides more legroom.
• If you're shorter and lighter, it's best to opt for a motorcycle with less weight on the seat so that your body doesn't feel uncomfortable when riding.
• If you have a slight frame, the best option is to get on your V-twin touring bike and lean forward with your hands on the handlebars. You should be able to comfortably fit both feet flat on the ground beneath you when doing this.
• Taller riders need to find seats that offer more legroom so that their knees don't hit the handlebars when steering. An adjustable seat is also best for either height.

2. Consider Motorcycle Seat Style

The best motorcycle seats come in different styles. Some riders prefer a one-piece seat or two-piece seat with storage compartments and back support, while others only care about how the weight is distributed when they're seated. There are other types of seats, such as:

• Extended solo seats that offer sufficient padding and a greater distance between your feet and the front wheel, which some riders prefer
• Sprung saddles that give riders more comfort and a smoother ride
• Seats with built-in backrests for extra back support
• King-and-queen seats that offer a wider seat for both partners to sit on

Find the best fit for your particular needs and preferences. The style of the seat and finishing matter if you're looking to give your bike a premium custom look.

3. Choose A Seat That Best Suits Your Riding Style 

When choosing the best motorcycle seat, you should also consider your riding style to determine your best option.

• If your riding style is best classified as touring, your best option would be a seat with high pillion and rear suspension.
• If you're a city rider who commutes daily, go for a seat with lower pillion and rear suspension.
• If you're a leisure rider who enjoys planning weekend road trips, it's best to go for a seat that has high support at the back while still being the most comfortable motorcycle seat on long rides.
• If you're going on long-distance rides, then an air-cooled seating option might be best (to avoid overheating).
• If you're a cruiser rider, then a more traditional seat might be best for you because it will most likely have the best lumbar support, contoured padding, a lower profile foam density that will provide greater longevity and durability, and a higher backrest to support your upper body when riding.

4. Pay Close Attention to the Materials

The best motorcycle seat should be comfortable and supportive to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on any one part of your body. That means choosing the right material for your new or replacement seat. You'll want to pay closer attention to the material when it comes to how the seat fits your body and what you want in terms of comfort level, durability, and price. Some people prefer leather seats because they're easier to clean, more durable, and provide great airflow.

Others may prefer fabric for its versatility or foam for its shock-absorbing properties. Remember, you want to find a material that best suits your needs.

• Leather seats provide good support for comfort, durability, and airflow
• Fabric seats provide flexibility in design with easy cleaning of spills or sweat.
• Foam seats offer the best comfort for long rides but also have the lowest durability rating
• Vinyl motorcycle seats provide the best value for most riders, with average durability and comfort

5. Invest In A Quality Aftermarket Motorcycle Seat

The quality build of the best motorcycle seat speaks for itself. A quality seat will last longer and provide more comfort than a cheaper one. Ask yourself a few questions.

• How is the quality of the stitching?
• Is the leather material the best quality available?
• How is the overall craftsmanship?
• Does it feel durable and like it will last for many miles on the road ahead of you?
• What about the padding?
• Is it just for show? Or is the padding enough to provide comfort and support on your motorcycle seat?

Consider these different aspects before deciding on the best motorcycle seat.

Shop Aftermarket Seats at West End Motorsports

Ready to upgrade to the most comfortable motorcycle seat? Find the best selection of aftermarket seats for all types of V-twin cruiser bikes, including Harley-Davidson, Indian, Victory, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, European, and others. Explore our selection at West End Motorsports and order today. Enjoy guaranteed fitment and free shipping on orders $99+.