Airhawk seat cushion

[Baloo]

I know, this is not really technical, but I'm looking to buy one of the Airhawk seat cushions to put on my 99 IS. The stock seat is ok for short rides, but as we all know, it's a whole different story for day long trips... An Ultimate or the like does not fit my budget right now, so I'm looking for a cheaper solution. I tried a gel pad with some results, but still get some aching down there after a long run.

Is anyone using the Airhawk and is it worth the expense?

Thanks for any input!

[Tailgate Tommy]

I tried one for several months but ended up removing it. I find the stock seat is actually more comfortable (for me at least) than the Air Hawk, even on 11 hr/day rides.

[ILcruiser]

I like the stock seat, but a friend of mine uses an Airhawk and swears by it.  Check out the VRCC classified's, there's one in there for $75; that's a great deal.

[R J]

Also put a sheep skin on it.........   All asses are different so just feel till ya find what suits ur butt.

If ya plan on keeping the bike for awhile, look into the butt ugly, nice setting, Russel Day Long.

You can Google the link, OK?

[six2go #152]

I have an Airhawk. I take it with me on long trips so I can change the pressure points on my butt which helps even with the Ultimate. One thing to keep in mind if you get one; you want to use the least amount of air as possible, usually just enough for about 1/2 inch of loft. Much more than that & the "Hawk" will soon feel just as hard as any other uncomfortable seat. Used as the directions say, they are hard to beat for the price.

[Wago]

My SO has lower back issues and uses an Airhawk. It helps her as much as anything else she's tried. I have used hers and if used with least possible air pressure I like it OK. But for long rides I still always fall back on sheepskin and beads. (beads on top)

Seat on my '98 Std is a Corbin.

[gordonv]

Also put a sheep skin on it.........   All asses are different so just feel till ya find what suits ur butt.

I also took this advise while away form home on a long ride. Bought a full sheeps skin to make my seat more comfortable, but it didn't.

Don't mistake what a sheeps skin will do. It made the seat softer, nicer to sit on, but it did not make the seat more comfortable so I could drive longer distances without discomfort. So when I got home I've been trying to sell the $125 skin for the last 4 months, no one wants it.

Then again, like said, we are all different. I'm sure someone will come on ans say it worked fine for them. I was still looking at buying an aftermarket seat, like the Ultimate.

[Jess from VA]

I use one year round on my two Interstates (Ultimate lowboy and bigboy) except for the coldest Winter riding days.  It makes any seat an 8-hour seat... you will not be sorry.  About half full of air is perfect, it will raise you in the seat about a half to three/fifths of an inch.  You want a driver's medium, not the large.  They are the same size, except the nose on the large will raise your nuts onto the tank.

This is the cheapest place to get them anywhere.  Note, they were always made of rubber, but they have a new cheaper polyurethane air bladder.... I have no idea about the quality/longevity of the polyurethane.

http://www.rlmotorcycles.com/cgi-bin/eShop/index.cgi?exact_match=yes&product=AirHawk&subbcat=AirHawk_Motorcycle_Seat_Cushion&cart_id=1288396448.62835   

[Alaskamike]

In 2003 I did 9K miles in a month and used an airhawk.  Worth every dime and then some.

[Squatchmo]

I've had one for about 4 years now, I love it.  Like Jess said, get the medium size.  If you leave your bike in the sun very often, it will fade.  Doesn't really bother me, I usually just toss it in the trunk if I'm stopped for a while.  Blow it up just a little bit so it seems like it's almost flat - then bleed out some more air - and it will be just right.

[old grouch]

+1 on the AirHawks.  The wife & I have them on our '99 I/S Trike.  We did 4500 mi in July, IZX and more in 14 days, one 12 hour day.  Over 5000 mi in September in 15 days, one 13 hour day.  No "sore butt" issues for either of us.  My $.02 woth.  Stan

[Baloo]

Thanks for the input, guys! Think it'll be order time soon. Right now, around here, it is about time to put the fat lady in her winter sleep, but I will get one for the next riding season. Thanks also for the size advises. I was wondering if the medium was the good size to order. Answered the question. 

[tarheel-one]

I left California on a newly aquired 1999 Valkyrie Standard with a Corbin seat on July 04, 2010.  I rode 2,900 miles in 4 days back home to North Carolina.  I used a sheepskin on the seat and stayed very comfortable all the way home.  I don't think I would have done so good without it, for that much riding in 4 days, in that heat.

[Jess from VA]

Thanks for the input, guys! Think it'll be order time soon. Right now, around here, it is about time to put the fat lady in her winter sleep, but I will get one for the next riding season. Thanks also for the size advises. I was wondering if the medium was the good size to order. Answered the question. 

One other word to the wise; when riding do not stand up on the pegs/boards and then slam down on the cushion.  They are made pretty tough, but I blew the side seam out of one, and I could not repair it.  It was beyond the one year warranty, and ROJO (the Mfr) would not give me a replacement and they couldn't fix it either.  I got another at my expense. 

They do not have to be tied down and will not slip, and I move one back and forth between two bikes.... but I put it in the bag or trunk when I leave my bike; would be easy for someone to walk away with it.

[YardBoy]

I like mine, its the difference between stopping every 50 or 60 miles or riding until you need fuel. 

[Sterlin]

Bought two at a MC show, Dallas maybe, years ago.  The price was a little lower at the show and buying two.  Have used them for years.  Apparently use a similar design to wheel chair cushions so good for long periods.  Use just enough air (by mouth) to raise hinny a fraction of an inch.  Great seat.       

[Yellow99]

I have also read on the forum that the 2000 and later stock seat is much more comfortable. Any comments?  I also am looking for a better ride on a standard.


Larry

[trantony]

I never felt I needed one with my Ultimate Low Boy seat on my Tourer. Then I got a ST1300. Well, then I needed one. It is unbelievable for eleminating back and leg pain on long rides (300+ miles). I find it works best with the least amount of air you can put in it. I only use it on the ST but I'm sure it would work just as well, if not better on the Fat Lady. Just my 2 cents. A very worthwhile purchase.

[Garland]

When I had a very hard Corbin seat the Airhawk cushion was a godsend. I once did over 800 miles in one day with that cushion on a Corbin! I did not like using it in the twisties when I would go to NC-I like to move a bit on the seat and I felt like it interfered.

You do have to be careful not to over-inflate, as others have said.

I have an Ultimate seat now-very comfortable in all riding conditions.