As the queen of butt-pad tests, it was appropriate that the latest removable gel cushion from American Motorcycle Specialties should land on my desk for a review. I've tried all the butt-pad mediums out there -- air, gel, sheepskin, even beads -- and I'm pretty hard-assed in my procedure.
I grabbed the new product when I walked out the door for my latest cross-country ride. Five hours down the road the AMS pad was actually hurting my hiney more than helping it. For one thing, the "Standard" model I tested was simply too small to do its job, and the thick edges (about one inch) are extremely uncomfortable on the inner thighs. There is a "Jumbo" size, but I'm wary since the regular pad wasn't even wide enough for my skinny butt. The gel feels heavy yet pliable when you squeeze it with your hands, but honestly, it felt like a brick under my bum after a bit and I was happier in the stock seat.
It's been our experience that gel simply isn't the best way to go if you're looking for a removable seat cushion (although this type of pad does work beautifully inside motorcycle luggage as a vibration-eating base to rest your laptop or camera equipment on.) As far as bum-soothers go we still haven't found anything better than the Roho Airhawk, and even the silly-looking beaded numbers have worked better than any gel job we've tested.
Prices range from $69.96 to $99.95.
EDITOR'S NOTE: For a comparison of additional motorcycle seat pads, see our 1999 seat-pad test.
American Motorcycle Specialties USA
2944 Salmon River Circle
Westlake Village, CA 91362
(805) 496-1599
www.amspecialtiesusa.com
For riders looking for a more substantial improvement in saddle comfort, we suggest our aftermarket saddle comparison
For additional evaluations of, comparisons of, and shopping advice for motorcycle gear and accessories, see the Accessories and Gear section of MotorcycleCruiser.com.