Setting up a motorcycle with maximum comfort in mind is all about ergonomics. That is, it’s about ensuring that the bike is tailored to your size, style, and riding preferences. That way, you can take your motorcycle out comfortably and confidently.
The seat plays a crucial role in ergonomics, and it’s about much more than its cushioning. As we cover in our guide to motorcycle ergonomics and comfort, the seat is one of three key bike components that make up a so-called “triangle of comfort.” By properly aligning your choice of seat components with the position of your handlebar and foot controls, you can achieve a comfortable fit, no matter how aggressive (or not) of a riding posture you happen to prefer.
Beyond the matters of personal fit and quality materials, motorcycle riders should also consider the following seat elements and types before they choose the most comfortable seat possible that also suits their riding needs.
Explore our recommendations for the most comfortable seats available for some of our most popular Harley® motorcycles.
MOST COMFORTABLE MOTORCYCLE SEATS FOR ALL DAY CRUISING ALL DAY: Sundowner Seats
The Sundowner™ seat line, with a deep bucket design that cradles the tailbone and provides back support for the rider, is excellent for both all-day cruising and long-distance touring.
MOST COMFORTABLE MOTORCYCLE SEATS FOR LONG RIDES: Harley Hammock
Stay in the saddle all day with the Harley® Hammock seat. Featuring broad seating surfaces and a shallow bucket shape to distribute the weight and reduce pressure points, these seats’ revolutionary fabric suspension system supports the rider’s weight for long-haul comfort.
Most Comfortable Touring Seats: Signature Series
The perfect combination of foam density and shape has resulted in our most comfortable motorcycle seat for long-haul touring. The Signature Series® seat is shaped with a wide seating area to spread the pressure across the broad surface and a narrow nose area to keep your legs together for a short reach to the ground.
MOST COMFORTABLE MOTORCYCLE Seats for Short Riders: Reach Seats
Reach Seats are shaped to deliver the ergonomic position that a shorter rider needs. These sets are recommended for maximum comfort for riders between 5’2” and 5’8” in height.
MOST COMFORTABLE MOTORCYCLE Seats for Tall Riders: Tallboy® Seats
Tallboy® Seats offer riders with a longer inseam a most comfortable seating experience, helping them to avoid leg cramps and back strain during a long day on the saddle.
Best MOTORCYCLE Seat for Reducing "Numb Butt": Road Zeppelin® Air
Developed and tested on the open road, the Road Zeppelin® Air Adjustable Seat gives passengers the ability to control the amount of air contained in each bladder within the seat with the push of a button. On a long run, occasional inflating and deflating of the seat reduces the so-called “numb butt” effect. So grab a seat. And enjoy the ride.
Choosing the best motorcycle seat for you, then, is in part about aligning the seat with the rest of your components to create a sound overall design. Of course, while these concepts and general approach are important, they’re certainly not the only factors to consider.
Selecting a seat that’s made from high-quality materials should also play a significant role. At Harley-Davidson, for instance, we test our seats the way we test everything else on our bikes: exhaustively. To make it to our riders, seats must meet extensive requirements in durability, water protection and comfort. And all our tests are performed in certified labs, and all suppliers must meet stringent requirements for product and process quality.
$0 Down and as Low as 3.99% APR
*Financing Offer available only on select, untitled 2022 and 2023 Harley-Davidson® Grand American Touring, Adventure Touring, Trike, CVO™, Softail® and Custom motorcycles financed through Eaglemark Savings Bank and is subject to credit approval. Touring models Road King® Special and Electra Glide® Highway King are excluded. Harley-Davidson® Anniversary and Icons Motorcycle Collection are excluded. Not all applicants will qualify as the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) will vary based on the applicant’s past credit performance and the term of the loan. Financing offer is available only for up to a 60-month term. For example, a 2023 Street Glide® Special motorcycle in Bright Billiard Blue/Billiard Gray with Chrome Finish and an MSRP of $29,499, no down payment and amount financed of $29,499, 60-month repayment term, and 3.99% APR results in monthly payments of $543.14. In this example, customer is responsible for applicable taxes, title, licensing fees and any other fees or charges at the time of sale. APR is calculated according to the simple interest method. Not valid in conjunction with other offers. Customer must take delivery by October 31, 2024. This Financing Offer is valid during the period of August 27, 2024, to October 31, 2024. Other terms, conditions, and limitations may apply. Dealer participation may vary. Financing offer is subject to change or cancellation at anytime. See your Harley-Davidson® Dealership for details.
CUSTOMIZATION CREDIT
**Up to $2,000 incentive valid for in-dealership purchase of Genuine Harley-Davidson® Parts & Accessories and/or Apparel & Licensed merchandise in connection with the purchase of select Grand American Touring, Trike and Softail motorcycles valid at participating Harley-Davidson® dealerships within the U.S. including Alaska and Hawaii. Offer valid toward the purchase of select new, untitled 2022 or 2023 Harley-Davidson® Grand American Touring, Trike and Softail motorcycles available and in stock at participating H-D® dealers between August 27, 2024 and October 31, 2024. Offer may not be available in all states. Touring models Road King® Special, Road Glide®, Street Glide® and Electra Glide® Highway King are excluded. Harley-Davidson® Anniversary, CVO™, Icons Motorcycle Collection and Police Duty Motorcycles are excluded. Offer cannot be redeemed for cash or cash equivalent. Offer is subject to change at any time without notice. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Dealer participation may vary. Additional restrictions apply, see your Harley-Davidson® Dealership for details.
Financing Offer available only on new 2024 Street Bob® 114 Harley-Davidson® motorcycles financed through Eaglemark Savings Bank (ESB) and is subject to credit approval. Not all applicants will qualify. 4.35% APR offer is available only to high credit tier customers at ESB and only for a 48-month term. The APR may vary based on the applicant’s past credit performance and the term of the loan. For example, a 2024 Street Bob® 114 motorcycle in Billiard Gray with an MSRP of $16,999, 10% down payment and amount financed of $15,299.10, 48-month repayment term, and 4.35% APR results in 47 monthly payments of $188.72 and a 48th balloon payment of $8,514.41. In this example, customer is responsible for applicable taxes, title, licensing fees and any other fees or charges at the time of sale. APR is calculated according to the simple interest method. Not valid in conjunction with other offers. This Financing Offer is valid during the period of January 2, 2025 - March 31, 2025. Other terms, conditions, and limitations may apply. Dealer participation may vary. Financing offer is subject to change or cancellation at anytime.
Handlebar height is regulated in many locations. Check local laws to ensure your motorcycle meets applicable regulations.