Gel seats

[da prez]

  Any suggestions.   I need some comfort. I am told I do not need the left hip replaced. In 15 minutes , I start suffering. I tough it out and try to forget it. Some days are better than others. I rode 195 miles with some discomfort last week. Yesterday , I couldn't ride 15 miles.  I have not ridden much for two and a half years taking care of Bonnie.  I ride as much as possible now.
  I see a lot of ads for gel underwear. I trust this board more than the ads on line. 

                                                    da prez

[Jack B]

Air Hawk or Wild Ass seat cushion’s are both great choices.
Both use a air bladder, but the wild ass has a memory foam built-in.
These cushions are used for a lot of wheelchair people
Last week got I put on 2200 miles using the Wild Ass cushion with no sore ass and we had some long days.

[98valk]

https://buttbuffer.com/

better than gel pads. used it for my '98 seat for yrs until I replaced it with the '00 seat.

[Jess from VA]

I had a lot of success with an Airhawk seat cushion (for hard seats, not a bad hip).  Like an air mattress, you can blow it up harder or use it half empty.  They have different sizes; and I preferred the chopped off nose (medium), the long nose will run to or over the tank, and uncomfortably lift your junk.  Cheaper than a whole seat, and gel retains heat (which might be good for a sore hip, but maybe bad for the bottom).

https://www.amazon.com/RPM-Airhawk-Motorcycle-Cushion-Cruiser/dp/B07B696YFM/ref=asc_df_B07B696YFM/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693338692942&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7016148726875540594&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008139&hvtargid=pla-1676071517254&psc=1&mcid=4cbf0e350c9e33edb04cc53ec9f14786&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxe-Rpv74hQMVQUpHAR3k0ACpEAQYAiABEgLAYfD_BwE

I have developed a mild/moderate chronic bad left knee.  I have not stopped my daily 2.5 mile walk, but I had to slow down a little (not that I speed-walked, more a quick march).  Straight ahead careful ambulation actually seems to exercise it to improvement, but I must not twist or bend it (too far) or ouch, with an exacerbation of symptoms.  

Some daily walking (start short and slow and work up to longer if you can) maybe with some icy hot liniment might give you improvement.  My daily walking for 18 months has seen my chronic lifetime Achilles tendonitis (with calcified tendons both legs)(since HS football) and occasional low back trouble completely disappear (like a freaking miracle).  The constant and gentle back and forth motion of the low back (lumbar) in walking did more for my back than anything else I ever did.  (I don't know if your hip is bone on bone degeneration, which might make daily walking a bad idea.)

Now with the hip, it seems that finding the right leg position when riding might help more than a softer seat.  My knee acts up when riding sometimes, and relief comes from moving that leg position off the board and up to the hwy peg (not straight out, but bent knee), and back and forth.  

I also remembered I had one of those Sonic Relief little hand held personal ultrasound machines (using conductive gel) which gave great relief on both Achilles tendons (right under the skin), but did not work so well on the much bonier knee joint in the past.  I got it out and began working it in the crack between the knee cap patella and the attaching bones, and damn if it didn't give me some wonderful relief and soft tissue healing (but I had to use it longer with more repetitions than for the Achilles tendons; the 110/12 volt converter box gets hot after one cycle, and has to be unplugged from the wall for 10-15 minutes between each cycle of treatment; not just turned off but unplugged).  

At least sitting in the lazyboy and working on the knee was easier than having to bend over forward and work on the back of my lower legs.  It seems the hip joint is also well buried in the body and surrounded by heavy bone, and it might be a reach to work the machine on your own hip.  The idea is to palpate (rub, push, poke) the hip area, and find the most acute sore spot(s), and then work the machine (with conductive gel) right on them (the machine must be kept in constant motion) (but not right over bone which doesn't get penetrated by the ultrasound, but between the bones to penetrate into soft tissue).

My model of "Sonic Relief" is discontinued, and replaced by a newer model, and there are many personal ultrasound models available.  Research the website Sonic Relief and Amazon for personal ultrasounds.

Some on line research into use of a personal ultraound on a hip would also be in order.  Note that ultrasound is used in both diagnosis as well as treatment.  Treatment is your issue, not diagnosis.  

https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/surgery-free-pain-relief-for-hips-and-knees

https://www.verywellhealth.com/ultrasound-treatment-for-osteoarthitis-2552252

The knee is slowly improving, but the weird thing is it gives me trouble in bed.  Even though there is no weight bearing at all, it doesn't like being pushed on the side by my the mattress (or my other knee, as I am a side sleeper).  So again, it is all about body position, and I have to work at finding just the right  position and knee bend to make it stop bothering me so I can get to sleep.

That's all I got.

  

[old2soon]

         Could you harvest enough good parts from say 5 of us 70+ year old Riders to come up with one decent body?  Even with the new to me trike still gittin back into ridin trim. And while I DO feel good after a ride there are some parts of me that complain a mite. Do any of those extended warranty ads cover the human body?  Yup thought not!  BUT I'm thinkin most of us here agree THE RIDE IS WORTH IT!  And B T W the seat on the trike seems to be good least ways fer now. Gonna have to have a look see at the road boards though! RIDE SAFE.

[Peteg]

I get a lot of butt comfort from the airhawk with little additional seat height for my 5'-4" frame. A back rest is essential too, it gives me lumbar support, but also seems to carry some upper body wait so it doesn't all come down to the lower back and seat. My issue was always lower back and sciatica. It all started in my early 60's when I hurt my back and just pushed through  it. A chiropractor was able to give me relief and I had to stretch every day.

After having a bad stretch my doctor sent me to a physical therapist. It took about 4 months, but she really got me turned around. I still need to stretch every morning, but now my stretching is really focused on what does the most good. Possibly a PT could give you some relief. I'm 10 years older and still feel much better.

[98valk]

         Could you harvest enough good parts from say 5 of us 70+ year old Riders to come up with one decent body?  Even with the new to me trike still gittin back into ridin trim. And while I DO feel good after a ride there are some parts of me that complain a mite. Do any of those extended warranty ads cover the human body?  Yup thought not!  BUT I'm thinkin most of us here agree THE RIDE IS WORTH IT!  And B T W the seat on the trike seems to be good least ways fer now. Gonna have to have a look see at the road boards though! RIDE SAFE.

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at a

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[psckam]

One more vote for Airhawk.

[Firefighter]

I've been using airhawk for ever. For me the secret is very little air. I can shift weight on my hips (rock side to side in the saddle) and feel the air in the bladder move from side to side. That seems to the best for me. Riding underware keeping my sweaty bottom dry is a huge help.

[da prez]

I'm at my northern mansion. No computer  and only my phone access to the world.  When I go back south , I am going to order the air hawk
  Thanks to all for the input.

             da prez

[sidecarwilliam]

I have used sheepskin seat covers that I cut and put together myself.  My Aunt (a nurse) told me this is what is used for wheelchair patients who spend a lot of time in their chairs.  I have used these for over twenty years on several bikes including my dual sport.
I have had six knee replacements (4 right and 2 left) which led to two back surgeries (L5/S1) so not in the best shape at 76 but not riding is not in the books. 
Rode from Muscogee OK to SF ( about 1700 miles) last summer in the heat wave in three days so, at least for me, sheepskin really works.
YMMV

bill.

[Peteg]

One other thought, you might try an anti inflammatory. I hate taking Aleve, it screws up my digestive system, but I used to take it when I went out west skiing in old age. With lots of water and Aleve I was able to ski 3 days straight over very aggressive terrain. If not my leg pain would kill the trip. It might be you get enough relief from the Airhawk, but need to take Aleve to put in a high miles day.

[old2soon]

One other thought, you might try an anti inflammatory. I hate taking Aleve, it screws up my digestive system, but I used to take it when I went out west skiing in old age. With lots of water and Aleve I was able to ski 3 days straight over very aggressive terrain. If not my leg pain would kill the trip. It might be you get enough relief from the Airhawk, but need to take Aleve to put in a high miles day.

     With the combination of stuff I'm taking Doc was CLEAR No Aleve. BUT I found out I am using more Oxygen these days. I'll git er sorted out. Should/If I need to make the 500 mile roll to my Brothers place a 2 day trip I will do that. Figurin at 79 my spring has sprung!    RIDE SAFE.

[Jess from VA]

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are Ototoxic

“Ototoxic drugs are those medications that can cause ototoxic (ear damaging) side effects to your ears. Such drugs can cause hearing loss, hyperacusis, tinnitus, and other phantom sounds and a whole host of balance problems.”

I used to get good relief from Motrin and Ibuprofen (constipation though).

But ever since I woke up one day (after a brutal tooth extraction) with a full time (never ending) high pitched electronic noise tinnitus in my head, I can never take an anti-inflammatory again. 

Even sugar and stimulants (caffeine, nicotine) gives tinnitus a boost, but I'm never giving up coffee (but no sugar). 

[da prez]

  I am on injectable meds for arthritis.  My choices for anti-inflammatory drugs are limited.  Drug interaction and foods that should not be eaten with certain drugs gives fewer choices.
  I will try the Airhawk seats. The info is much appreciated.

                                       da prez

     HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL AT IZ.

[da prez]

  HELP again. I have the Ultimate big boy seat. I went to the Airhawk sizing chart. My bike seat width is about 17 inches. The length is about 9 inches as shown on their info. There is no seat near that size.  I am not a wide load , but how do I get the proper seat .  I am 6'1" and 195lbs.  I just need relief for the left hip.

                                              da prez

[Jess from VA]

Ross, my Medium (with chopped nose) fits both my Ultimate Bigboy and Lowboy seats just fine (two different Interstates, though I can swap seats with a key turn).

I never use it on the Bigboy though because it's softer than the Lowboy.

But again, I use it for hard seats, not a sore hip.  I don't recall the Airhawk size widths; if the large is wider than the medium, and that suits your hip issue better, it may be the better choice.  I just didn't want the long nose large running up to or over the tank and lifting my junk.  I always placed mine as far back as it would fit in the seat pockets.

BTW, the non slip cushion cover bottom works well, but over inflated, you can still kind of roll forward on hard braking.  They work better only partially inflated, but you will have to experiment with your hip issue.

They may come with some kind of tie downs (or at least loops to add tie downs), but I never used or needed them.  I did stick it in the saddlebag leaving the bike to go in stores and such, so no one took it with them.   

[da prez]

 
  Thanks Jess

[clanky]

For what it's worth.
I cannot sit for any length of time due to "sitting bone" sensitivities.  I too have used the Air Hawk for years.  But lately I have been doing hamstring stretching exercises and they have reduced my pain levels and I can now travel up to 200 miles.
I do stand up on my pegs to immediately get pain relief.  I stand up on my pegs every ten minutes or so.
I currently used a seat pillow that has 2 holes in it(brand name "Cushy Tushy") for one's sitting bone to nestle into.  It provides a substantial amount of pain relief.  It doesn't solve everything but it allows me to ride somewhat pain free.
Unless you know for sure that it is your hip, perhaps it's more muscle related?

[da prez]

  Clanky , Hip is out of warrant. I have two shoulders and a right hip. I just want some relief until fall and get it replaced.  The pain is unbearable. I have tried three different seats. I am somewhat comfortable with an oem seat and an Airhawk cushion.

                                                  da prez
   

[Jess from VA]

When I get sore (mostly on longer and hotter rides), I will stand on my floorboards for a while (easier than pegs).  At 5'9", I'm a perfect reach to the bars (with risers), not that far over the seat, and can do curves and hills easily.  Not on the freeway or in traffic, but cruising the countryside.  It's also a great way to blow the heat and sweat off you.  An observer may see it as show-off behavior, but that's not the purpose at all.  I also stand up crossing most RR tracks, esp multiple tracks (the bounce is better on the knees than the back/butt). 

You can't do it with the more forward controls of many bikes, but you can with a center control Valk.

Sadly, VA just recently made standing while riding a traffic offense.

Every person operating a motorcycle, as defined in § 46.2-100, excluding three-wheeled vehicles, shall ride only upon the permanent seat attached to the motorcycle, unless safety dictates standing on both footpegs for no longer than is necessary.

Your honor, my ass was so sore that safety dictated I stand up on my floorboards for 10 minutes.    

Nice try counsel.  Guilty!!