Airhawk Seat Cushion

[sign216]

I tried the original style, and found it "crowded" my privates.  Didn't work for me.

Considering the revised Airhawk R, the new "stress reflief" design.

Any experience out there?

[canuguzzi]

I tried an Air Hawk, just couldn't get comfortable no matter how much or how little air I put in. I tried the just enough to allow air to let my butt cushion but still no joy.

On the Norge, the factory gel seat fit me perfectly, happy rides ever since.

[Guzzistajohn]

They're great until they get dry rot after a few years and spring a leak. The one with the junk relief cutout looks like a good idea. We used those in wheelchair seating very effective proven pressure relief. Many over inflate and bitch about how un comfortable they are.

[Wayne Orwig]

Sheepskin

[Guzzistajohn]

Sheepskin

What I use now

[rocker59]

Happy with mine for 11 years, now. No rot. No leaks. Great for long days in the saddle.

[Guzzistajohn]

Happy with mine for 11 years, now. No rot. No leaks. Great for long days in the saddle.

Mine lasted about 5 years. Could it be my arse?

[Sheepdog]

The Airhawk was a slight improvement over my CalVin's stock seat, but no substitute for a proper custom touring saddle. Softness can't make up for the wrong shape...

[jackson]

I have the newer type (bought it last September) and I really like it.  They make this shape in two sizes and I have the smaller one on a BMW R1200RT that has a one piece seat.  That seat came on the bike when I purchased it (used) and it slammed my crotch right into the front of the saddle.  I was going to buy another Russell seat but since I've known riders who really liked the Airhawk cushions, I thought that I'd give it a try.  If you purchase it from an authorized dealer, Airhawk gives you 60 days to try it and if you're not satisfied, you get a full refund.  (http://www.airhawk.net/policies.aspx)
The trick is NOT to put too much air in the inflatable bladder.  Once you've dialed it in, it's extremely comfortable and the models with the new shape absolutely take the pressure off your scrotum.  I recommend it to anyone who needs more cushion but doesn't want to buy a new seat.

[bpreynolds]

After I figured out how to use it, mine has been in incredible boon to my miles in the saddle.  Prior to figuring that out, however, I bought one and inflated it too greatly, then too little, got fed up with it, and sold it.  Found a used one on ebay for cheap and decided to give it a try again with more patience and experimentation.  Worked like a charm and so well, in fact, that I sold a previous custom saddle I had made for my former V7 Stone because I found the Airhawk was all I needed.  Before the AH, I could do about 100 miles tops on the V7 stocker but with the Airhawk set to a comfortable level I could do 300 without much worries.  But it is not a fix it and forget it kinda thing.  I have to reset mine each time I go for a long ride.  Maybe the air expands and contracts or something, not sure, but I usually have to fiddle with it for about 5-10 minutes to get it right. 

[old as dirt 2]

I have been using the air hawk R for a couple years now, much better than the standard air hawk. well worth the bit of extra they want for them.

[Waterbottle]

I've used that Airhawk R for a few years now, and also could never get real comfort from it. The problem I had was that my legs would be sore after a couple of hours ( worse without the Airhawk ) Then in a moment of clarity I thought " It's the back of my legs that need the support , why is the bulk of the Airhawk under my Butt "
Turned the Air hawk around so the bigger part is at the front, and no more problems 
You do have to read the instructions , minimal air in the cushion is key to long distance comfort. 

[novaboy]

I've had my Airhawk for a few years, only use it on long trips, but it's an arse saver. Did a 1005km single day run on the V7 Stone and it was perfect. I have the old small cruiser size.

[alienbogey]

Airhawk R gets a thumbs up from me.

[balvenie]

The "old" AirHawk saved my motorcycling life, so as to speak but after being diagnosed with sciatica, I am now suspicious that that was the problem all along. Now that I am on medication for it, I wonder if I need the AirHawk but have done no riding since before the diagnosis. It makes sense to me for sufferers of butt-pain to have a medical investigation, if such a thing is possible but the medical profession might want to let the condition worsen before prescribing treatment.

[sign216]

Thanks for the replies everyone.  The promise of a comfortable seat is alluring, and the cost of an Airhawk is low enough that I'll give the "R" version a try.

[sturgeon]

The Airhawk R model worked wonders for geezers like me that suffer from BPH, but it never felt quite secure enough for my taste. Lately, I've been having a custom seat guy modify the seats on new-to-me bikes to put a 'divot' in the appropriate place.

[bpreynolds]

Just finshed 190 miles on my old version yesterday.  Rode the first 60 miles without it and my bum was already crying for mercy but with it in place I rode mostly fine for the remainder of the trip. 

[twhitaker]

Picked up a couple used and got several years out of them before they started leaking. Still love them. If I was told smearing mayonnaise on them annually would keep them air tight, I would do it.

[zokn]

I bought an Airhawk 2 for the V7 Stone last spring. I tested it by riding periods with and without it, for shorter and longer time spans, and also when I was already a bit sore - from not using it. My wife/pillion did the same. It made enough of a difference for both of us that we bought a second one and now use them all the time. They were most welcome on our 3 week trip last summer.

The correct amount of air - very little - is the key to success with these cushions. I benefitted from my wife's experience using the Airhawk's parent company's cushions for patients (she's a physical therapist). She knew exactly how to set up the right amount of air for each of us.

The cushion is not slippery on the seat and does not move around unless I move it inadvertently, but I can shift around a bit - there's not much room for bum moving on a V7 when 2-up! - by lifting up a bit then repositioning myself. I do that more for my legs (avoiding cramping) than my bottom, actually. These smaller Airhawk 2 cushions fit the V7 seat nicely.

For us, they are well worth the cost. We seldom ride more than 2 hours at a time, stopping for a break and/or fuel. Our days on holiday will usually top out at less than 7 hours in the saddle, but we have done lots more, though we plan a 6-7 hour day. That 6-7 hours does not include stops (photos, food, water, breaks, and fueling); it is just the on the road, in there saddle time. So, our day, campsite to campsite may run 6-9 hours.

I considered a custom seat, but I can't see how a proper touring seat - wide, police/tractor style - could be built for the V7 and a passenger on the existing V7 seat pan - it just can't accommodate that type and size of seat. We had one on the '75 BMW R90/6 and it was very comfortable. Until someone makes a new seat pan for the V7 and the proper touring cushion for it, the Airhawks are our best available solution.

Finally, opinions to the contrary are, of course, plentiful and valid. If you can borrow an Airhawk to test, that would be the best way to find out if it helps you. Do the same with any other products that are being suggested, too.

Stephen

[dwpeek]

I use an Amphibious Softseat (Large) from MotoMachines. This air cushion seat pad has made all the difference for me. I love my Griso but have always found the seat to be somewhat uncomfortable. What I like about it is it self-inflates if you open the valve and lift off of it, then close the valve. I can do it while I’m riding. On curvy roads I deflate it to give good contact with the bike. On straightaways I’ll reinflate it for comfort. Wish I’d bought this years ago.    http://www.motomachines.com/Amphibious-Softseat-Large_p_5039.html. 




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[kingoffleece]

I find the R version superior in every way to non R versions.

[kirb]

Like others have stated, Airhawks NEED to be inflated properly to work correctly.
I had one on my FJR and it doubled the ride time. I don't need one on the Stelvio, so it hasn't been used.

Inflate, sit, let air out until you are just hovering over the saddle. Some points will contact, but others will be suspended. Air moves around as you do to keep things right.

[davedel44]

Mine lasted about 5 years. Could it be my arse?

You diet.  Methane gas significantly shortens the life of this product.

Dave
Galveston

[Chuck in Indiana]

Maybe the air expands and contracts or something,

Uhhh, yeah. We climbed Pikes Peak and never considered the pressure change. 
 return from 66 338 by Charles Stottlemyer, on Flickr
Airhawk was kind enough to sell her a new one at cost. 

[LowRyter]

I tried the original style, and found it "crowded" my privates.  Didn't work for me.

Considering the revised Airhawk R, the new "stress reflief" design.

Any experience out there?

I've had both.  Prefer the newer style.  The new one is starting to leak but I can find the leaks in it unlike the old one which would leak but I could never seal it.

I think I should pull the Airhawk off the bike in the winter and store it in the house?

[80CX100]

     I picked up one of the new R ones for my Calvin,,, not as heavily constructed as the older ones,,, but it works reasonably well,,, much longer comfortable saddle time.

     Getting just the right amount of "very little" air is crucial,,, riding on top of it overly inflated,,, feels like you're sitting on ball bearing,,, not nice in the corners,lol.

     fwiw ymmv

     Kelly

     

[chuck peterson]

Sheepskin

On top of an airhawk

And I can still feel that pea...

[Lannis]

Sheepskin

On top of an airhawk

And I can still feel that pea...

I know the feeling.   Perhaps some sort of incontinence pad would be in order?   

[Ncdan]

The Airhawk was a slight improvement over my CalVin's stock seat, but no substitute for a proper custom touring saddle. Softness can't make up for the wrong shape...

Sheep. I'm taking my calvin seat to mean street cycle Wednesday to get it rebuilt. Can you give me some tips and advise about shape, firmness, etc.