Monkey Butt
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 192
Likes: 21
From: Berryville
I spend a lot of time in the saddle and have a couple of thoughts. First thing, seats are very subjective to the individual rider, check a few out.
I'd say that your seat may be too soft and is putting you in a bad position you can't get out of. There are lots of seat builders that can help you out, as well as many aftermarket seats but they are $$$ if you buy new. I'd get some highway pegs so you can change the position of your legs also.
Next thing what are you wearing on a long drive? If I'm going for a long drive (over 300 miles) I'm not going to wear cotton underwear, it traps the sweat next to you and you are swampy and smelling like *****. Try an under armour type of skivies, nothing with seams on the butt; I'm a fan of the Walmart knock-off's. I also don't wear jeans on a long trip. If it is warm I am wearing running type shorts under mesh pants (wouldn't be seen in public with them, but they are covered & work well); if cold again under armour sweat pants (NO SEAMS in the rear).
Use some monkey butt or other powder and take an advil before you start and after you arrive.
I'd say that your seat may be too soft and is putting you in a bad position you can't get out of. There are lots of seat builders that can help you out, as well as many aftermarket seats but they are $$$ if you buy new. I'd get some highway pegs so you can change the position of your legs also.
Next thing what are you wearing on a long drive? If I'm going for a long drive (over 300 miles) I'm not going to wear cotton underwear, it traps the sweat next to you and you are swampy and smelling like *****. Try an under armour type of skivies, nothing with seams on the butt; I'm a fan of the Walmart knock-off's. I also don't wear jeans on a long trip. If it is warm I am wearing running type shorts under mesh pants (wouldn't be seen in public with them, but they are covered & work well); if cold again under armour sweat pants (NO SEAMS in the rear).
Use some monkey butt or other powder and take an advil before you start and after you arrive.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 266
From: Roma Alberta
the term monkey butt seems to confuse a lot of peeps. to me it's always been the sore *** from riding a lot of miles, not swass...or swamp *** some are referring to by recommending creams or powders. coming from an off road background, monkey butt has always referred to the sore *** from a hard seat and rough trail/track/road.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 12,499
Likes: 7,511
From: Edmond, OK
Moisture wicking underwear is a must. A key part of avoiding discomfort is to wear underwear and pants that don't have seams going across your cheeks. The HD circulator pad keeps the temps down significantly. Highway pegs are essential to be able to move around and change pressure points.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,251
Likes: 3,990
From: Windwardside, Saba N.A.
the term monkey butt seems to confuse a lot of peeps. to me it's always been the sore *** from riding a lot of miles, not swass...or swamp *** some are referring to by recommending creams or powders. coming from an off road background, monkey butt has always referred to the sore *** from a hard seat and rough trail/track/road.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,609
Likes: 1,601
From: Eastern Ohio
the term monkey butt seems to confuse a lot of peeps. to me it's always been the sore *** from riding a lot of miles, not swass...or swamp *** some are referring to by recommending creams or powders. coming from an off road background, monkey butt has always referred to the sore *** from a hard seat and rough trail/track/road.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,814
Likes: 1,968
From: Lake of the Ozarks
the term monkey butt seems to confuse a lot of peeps. to me it's always been the sore *** from riding a lot of miles, not swass...or swamp *** some are referring to by recommending creams or powders. coming from an off road background, monkey butt has always referred to the sore *** from a hard seat and rough trail/track/road.
Last edited by TroubleHead Fred; Sep 8, 2016 at 07:45 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 12,219
Likes: 7,786
From: Along the shoreline in SW FL
OP...you're talking about sore *** or aching butt....generally you're just finding the seat not comfortable for you. That's different from monkey butt...also known as swamp ***. That's just a buildup of sweat in the butt cheeks..and a nasty stench.
Try different seats...the stock seat aint for everybody. Many people seem so resistant to changing out the seat. It's one of the, if not THE most, important parts of your bike. Your comfort depends on it. You can shop around and find affordable seats. If you're on a budget (like I shop)....find a seat you like (through dealers, or indy shops)...and note the make/model...and then shop for one used.
Everyones body is different...and there are many different brands of seats. I'm a fan of Mustang. A couple of my riding buds love LaPera seats.
Try different seats...the stock seat aint for everybody. Many people seem so resistant to changing out the seat. It's one of the, if not THE most, important parts of your bike. Your comfort depends on it. You can shop around and find affordable seats. If you're on a budget (like I shop)....find a seat you like (through dealers, or indy shops)...and note the make/model...and then shop for one used.
Everyones body is different...and there are many different brands of seats. I'm a fan of Mustang. A couple of my riding buds love LaPera seats.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,256
Likes: 522
From: USA
Well for the OP...
Perhaps your skin has not recovered fully before you go for a HD bike ride?
Hemorrhoids other health issues?
Monkey Butt powder is a proven product.
Try padded bicycle shorts under your leathers.
Install a Lamb Skin seat cover.
Yes, many do change seats with great success in increasing long distance comfort.
There may be other choices, yet there's my list.
Good luck.
Perhaps your skin has not recovered fully before you go for a HD bike ride?
Hemorrhoids other health issues?
Monkey Butt powder is a proven product.
Try padded bicycle shorts under your leathers.
Install a Lamb Skin seat cover.
Yes, many do change seats with great success in increasing long distance comfort.
There may be other choices, yet there's my list.
Good luck.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 346
Likes: 43
From: Franklin, North Carolina
I think like any issue we have with our bikes, you should start with the cheapest potential solution to the problem. Powder, riding shorts, seat cover - lamb or beads, all are a lot cheaper and easier methods of trying to resolve before jumping to an expensive (not guaranteed) seat replacement.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 964
Likes: 9
From: Savannah, TN
Yep, From your post its not clear if you have monkey butt or saddle sore. Lots of options for both as described from other posters. Myself? I've never have monkey butt, but I have a Corbin bare bones seat (I like the looks of) for around town (1 hr. at a time max) , and a softer 2-up HD stock seat for the road.