Review - Air Hawk seat cushion.

I had a terrible time with my MV Agusta's ride quality and tried to make it more comfortable via suspension but only got so far and then was going to get the seat re padded until I remembered reading about these and thought I would give them a try.

These things really are very comfortable!

To start with there are many sizes but I had to go for the smallest actually listed as a pillion seat cushion as all the others were too big for the tiny MV seat.

To inflate you simply unzip the side and unscrew the valve and inflate so that you have something that wont bottom out when you sit on it bit also not over inflated either which lowers it's effectiveness.

Install on the MV is awkward ... it doesnt fit really either way I lay it on due to the shape of the bikes seat. I elected to sit it across the seat (ie sideways) as length ways it seems too narrow - but I may try that way next.

Once rolling you can feel it absorbing the bumps. You float on top of the cushion of air and I can see how people could do very long rides with the larger versions of these on a tourer or cruiser in total comfort.

The only thing I didn't like first ride was how you do move around a little bit. Imagine sitting on some firm jello - thats the feeling but the jello moves backwards under acceleration which is bit off putting.

Update - now much better - worked out I had the pad over inflated, have it now 1/2 inflated and it doesn't move about like jello anymore and also have placed the cushion as far forward as possible which makes it fit well. Now 100% happy.




Update #2 - Now 1 year into use and I don't know how I rode a motorcycle without one of these before. I can ride all day without any numb bum and have no lower back issues that I always experienced when in a saddle for a long day. I have had Corbin seats before and they are better than factory however the air hawk is significantly more comfortable again. They now come in more sizes too so you probably can get one that is shaped closer to your bikes seat shape. I am happy enough to keep using mine as is whilst I have the Brutale and look at that on my next motorbike if needed.



Another photo here

UPDATE THREE

Still using the same Airhawk, have done plenty of miles since interstate, 700km day rides and rain or sun it shows little sign of wear so far. I now have it on my 2009 Buell XB12r and it fits that well. Put them across your seat, you want to spread the weight and stop the sesat sides cutting in to your legs. Also I agree with the comment to try less air, you can get away with perhaps 1/3 inflated if your seat is flat enough, like the Buells. On the MV Agusta I needed to keep about half inflated due to narrow shape.

There are those previously mentioned new models out from when I first purchased mine and I would look at the smaller of the regular models as an alternative to mine depending on the size of your bike seat (and bum)

Amazon seem to have the best prices on these lately if this is of any assistance.

Had a few comments about "you sit on that?!" or "Wouldnt have anything on my seat" or "looks stupid" Actually what is stupid is the same guys not riding very far because they are more worried about image.

As you can see above it only is immediately noticeable because fabric is not as black as the seat. I could take the cover off and dye it for about $4 for a block of black dye and a disposable bucket but I am not bothered thus far. If it gets too faded I might freshen it up.




Regards,
IC





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