Long (for me) Round Trip

[Neil955i]

My first long run of the season yesterday in sunny, dry 18C conditions.  Perfect setting, lousy roads!

I needed to collect a new starter motor for son's narrow-boat and the only marine supplier with one in stock was 70-ish miles away.  An hour and change on the motorway or 2.5 hours by the scenic route...  I took the dreaded M6 up fully intending to return via the A Roads.

Best laid plans of men & mice gang aft awry?  75 minutes from home I had one starter motor safely stowed under the seat but my rear end was crying "Noooo!" at the thought of a 2-3 hour ride home.  So, back onto the M6 it was through heavy traffic and revisiting my commuting honed lane-splitting skills for at least 10 of those miles.  In the end my backside just about made it home without giving up on me, but I reckon I need some longer runs to toughen up?  That or a reupholstered seat.

[Iahawk]

I always feel my body needs to get used to some longer rides at the start of the season...to get in 'riding shape'.  Not sure if your bum will toughen up?  Some bikes do have seats that put a limit on the riding time.

[randyo]

I'm seriously considering sending my AK550 seat to Russell to get it made into a Day-Long

[Stig / Major Tom]

Well done you, Neil!
I've documented that my very first scooter, my 2012 manufactured LIKE200I LX, came with a 20 minute stock bench seat.
Thin foam directly over a ridge in the underseat pan was the issue.  Short riders could sit forward of this, and reported no comfort issues.
At my 6'3" the seat attacked my tailbone.
20 mins.... then I had to get off.

Short of duct taping a couple of plump cats on the bench - my answer was a total seat rebuild using a seat from a wrecked LIKE 50 found on eBay for $35.
I added 4" of proper furniture foam and never thought about my butt again.
Stig

[Neil955i]

Thanks for the thoughts guys.  I agree, the only sure-fire solution would be a seat rebuild. (Or roll out the Triumph for the longer runs!)

I had the same issue with the X-Town 300 and was seriously considering reupholstering it before its untimely demise.  If circumstances change I may bite the bullet and get it done, but for now I'll grin and bear it.  I guess after an hour I ought to be taking a leg stretch break anyway?

NB:  I treated both my ZX-9R and my first Triumph Daytona to a Corbin aftermarket seat.  What a revelation, they were BRILLIANT.

[Ruffus]

Neil, (don't laugh) did you consider a thick piece of sheepskin.
I had in former times a black, pretty sturdy woolly, seat shaped fur which had elastic strips under the bench to keep it there.
Rides of 800kms (Genoa -Vienna) where feasable.

[Neil955i]

Neil, (don't laugh) did you consider a thick piece of sheepskin.
I had in former times a black, pretty sturdy woolly, seat shaped fur which had elastic strips under the bench to keep it there.
Rides of 800kms (Genoa -Vienna) where feasable.

I'm not laughing Ruffus, I do own a separate gel seat pad with straps to fix it in place, but it's never felt right when in use.  Like the thought of a sheepskin - I could go for the Mad Max look    Seriously, I may take a look at that option, it could be way cheaper than a seat rebuild!

[randyo]

I'm not laughing Ruffus, I do own a separate gel seat pad with straps to fix it in place, but it's never felt right when in use.  Like the thought of a sheepskin - I could go for the Mad Max look    Seriously, I may take a look at that option, it could be way cheaper than a seat rebuild!

there is also the Bead Rider 'https://www.aerostich.com/products/beadrider-saddle-pads

[Neil955i]

Thanks Randy, but I'm inclining towards Ruffus' suggestion of a sheepskin cover, priced here in the UK at £40 so worth the punt.

[Neil955i]

Prior to going down Ruffus' suggested sheepskin route I've tried this, less pricey, option.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CXQ2ZQ5Z?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

This was the Italian review which convinced me to try it: 
5 out of 5 stars
Honeycomb saddle cover
Reviewed in Italy on 25 July 2025
Verified Purchase  Great product. The honeycomb upper material is very resistant to the touch, but also soft when you sit on it for the trip. In the inner part there is an anti-slip that does its job very well. Recommended purchase

Only one short trip so far, but in 30C heat (yes, I know, in England), my delicate rear end stayed cool and comfy.  Will report back after a longer trip.