Air/Gel By Laura Brengelman (Page 2)
Originally Featured In Motorcycle Tour And Cruiser

The seat was recovered with the original cover, and a small hole was cut in the left-hand side for the control valve. When the bladder's inflated, this round valve is the only indication that the seat's been modified. When the bladder's deflated, there are wrinkles in the seat cover, but they don't bother me.

The valve is easy to operate even with thick gloves on. Just push it in to
release or add air. Operate the valve while sitting on the seat, and air is 
compressed out of the foam, which conforms to the shape of your rear end. Let most of the air out, and the gel provides padding between you and the seat pan. Open the valve when you're off the seat, and the foam takes on air and the blade re-inflates. It also slowly re-inflates when the bike's parked.

For safety reasons, the company doesn't recommend adjusting the seat while riding. But I usually forget to adjust it before taking off, and then reach down with my left hand to change the pressure.

How does it work? Well I tried it out on several long, hot, 500-plus-mile days. At the end of these rides, I wasn't saddle sore at all. I did discover, however, that I couldn't let the air all the way out, because the edges 
of the foam cutout bothered me for awhile. Since it means I'm lower, I've tried riding on just the gel layer during stop'n'go stretches and its okay for shorter spells. Overall, the seat is more comfortable.

If your motorcycle seat isn't comfortable and you want to try something cushier than a gel insert, this is a good alternative. Tell Jerry and Chuck we sent you.

MT&C