OK, embarrassing to say but I'm thinking about getting a gel pad for long trips. Got a new 48 and took off the stock seat which was horrible (thats not the only reason I changed it - more so for style and looks) and replaced it with an HD spring seat. This is fine around town or for short hops but took the bike on a 120 mile trip and thought I was gonna die after a while. Supposed to be fun - not painful. Was thinking about getting one of those gel pads like a comfort max ( http://www.amspecialtiesusa.com/gelpad.htm ) or something similar. Without criticizing my old skinny *** - does anybody have any experience with these? Do they really work? Kinda pricey I thought but this monkey butt is for the young guys not for me anymore.

 

I don't have any experience with what you are looking at but i did invest in a airhawk overlay a few years ago, and it certainly makes a difference. It is made by roho, who also makes wheelchair cushions for people that are at high risk for skin break-down so there is some documentation about how the technology works with pressure mapping.

You can read about it here if it interests you
http://www.therohostore.com/Departme...-Cushions.aspx

 

Yes, gel seats work. However, there is a downside. Left out in the sun the gel absorbs the heat and is slow to release it so your butt will be hotter than you'd like. Yes, I've been there. The best thing I've found is a sheepskin.

 

I have an Airhawk pad and Momma uses a sheep skin gel pad on the back. The Airhawk doubles the amount of time I can stay in the saddle. Momma says her pad is big help too.

 

I have been comfortable on the stock seat on my ultras for last 15 years but a cat scratched the seat on my 2008 and I got in contact with alligator bob in the Chicago area.He put a gel pad in my seat and I really notice the difference. The seat is much more comfortable and i have not experienced the heat problems mentioned here.
Again this is a ultra not a 48 so i dont know how this refers to your problems directly
Mazz

 

I like mine - more cushion is always a good thing. Also, in hot weather it's nice to have that pad between me and the seat. I think I paid $100.

 

I use a sheepskin gel pad on trips. It's great. I sweat alot, and sitting in my sweat is almost as bad as, .,.

well, it's great that the sweat can evaporate. Nomo monkeybutt.

 

I bought one of the HD circulator seat pads and love it last week went on 1800 mile trip and was more comfy than anything else I have tried and I have tried alot of things to get a longer ride.

 

My seat, the rear seat for mama, and both back rests. I'm old and like comfort. they do allow me to ride at least twice as far as I could without them.

 

Well, since you asked.....I've got a Harley Air Zeppelin, and I also use a gel pad and an Airhawk. I change every couple hours. There isn't a clear winner, I rotate all of them on long ( 700+ mile ) trips.