Everyone brags about the horsepower figures of their motorcycle, or how fast it can go, how far it can lean, and how loud it can rev, but we often forget about one of the most important aspects of a motorcycle: its seat. Unlike the crazy top-end or advanced electronics, the seat is something you will use every time you ride your bike. The only exception where you don’t use a seat on your motorcycle is when you’re off-roading and have to stand up through the rough patches.
The seat is so important that if it’s not good enough for you, you’ll start disliking your motorcycle because you won’t feel comfortable on it. But a comfortable seat can make even a terrible bike much more tolerable — you’ll say, “At least I am comfortable on this.” So, what motorcycle would you pick if your goal was to have the most comfortable seat? You’d start with these motorcycles, which include a couple of sports tourers, a few full-dress baggers, and even a middleweight cruiser.
10 Suzuki Boulevard C50T
An Approachable High-quality Bagger
The Suzuki Boulevard BOSS is a popular motorcycle with many fans and haters, but it has a sibling that’s far more appealing and far less popular: the Boulevard C50T. This bagger from Suzuki is more traditional in styling, but it features a V-twin engine that is a breeze on the freeways. And since it’s a Suzuki, the bike is built to very high-quality standards. And if you’re a fan of Japanese cruisers, you’ll love this one for its comfort. The ergonomics are spacious, and the dual seats are designed with comfort yet inspire confidence on the road — it won’t make you lazy.
9 Indian Challenger
You Don't Need To Sacrifice Comfort For Style
The Indian Challenger is an excellent touring motorcycle if you don’t like a full-dress bagger. It’s light and stylish, especially its boxy batwing fairing that looks menacing. But its comfort is just as appealing as its design — the seat is low-slung and accommodating even for larger riders; even the pillion seat is ample. While there’s not much to the seat, it’s still plush and offers enough lower back and thigh support, so you won’t tire out so fast. It’s not the best seat in the world, but it’s pretty close for a stylish American cruiser.
8 Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited
When Premium Is A Necessity
Speak of comfortable seats, and the picture that comes to mind is of a Harley-Davidson bagger — at least for most of us — and the Ultra Limited is just that. Powered by the Milwaukee Eight 114 V-twin engine with plenty of torque to move earth, this bagger motorcycle is about as comfortable as Harley Davidson motorcycles can get. And the seat plays a significant role in comfort — it’s big and spacious, designed specifically for the long haul. Further improving the comfort are the floorboards for your feet, wide handlebars, Showa suspension, and a batwing fairing. It’s the Harley you’ll ride thousands of miles in, not just visit the local pubs on the weekends.
7 Yamaha FJR 1300 RS
When You Want To Go Fast In Comfort
Alright, enough with cruisers; let’s focus on something a little sporty — the Yamaha FJR 1300 RS. Yes, it does look a little dorky, but it can haul its rear better than most cruisers on the market and with comfort. It’s powered by a smooth yet potent 1,298cc inline-four engine with riding modes, and it features cruise control, traction control, adjustable electronic suspension, and heated grips as standard. The ergonomics are a little sporty, thanks to mid-rear set footpegs and a wide handlebar with slight reach, but the seat is massive and pleasant.
6 BMW K 1600 GTL
The German Tourer
The BMW K 1600 GTL does everything the FJR 1300 RS does but with German precision and all the BMW bells and whistles. Despite its larger dimensions, the bike produces linear torque and has the agility of a much smaller motorcycle. Its suspension is one of the most compliant ones we’ve ever seen in touring bikes. Adding to all this are the comfortable upright ergonomics and seats, which offer plenty of support for your lower back while being plush enough to soak all the undulations that the suspension may let through. Think of the K 1600 GTL as an endurance motorcycle that you’d use to go from one end of Europe to another as quickly as possible.
5 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager
It Makes Harley-Davidson Look Overpriced
If you love Japanese cruisers, but the Boulevard C50T isn’t enough for you, look to Kawasaki for the Vulcan 1700 Voyager. This is the flagship cruiser from the green brand, which offers you mind-blowing performance and comfort. The 1,700cc V-twin engine has enough power to tow a trailer, the design is imposing, and rare bikes have such a road presence as this one. It’s supremely comfortable for the rider and the pillion, with enough support and plushness to keep you going for hundreds of miles.
4 BMW R 18 TransContinental
It Lives Up To The 'TransContinental' Name
The R 18 is a stunning motorcycle that exudes class and luxury but isn’t the most touring-friendly unless it comes with a TransContinental badge. If it’s got this badge, it’s got a massive batwing fairing, a ton of luggage space, and comfortable seats. For the rider, the ergonomics finally aid comfort as the feet aren’t so far out, and the handlebar is much closer, so you sit upright and engage. The pillion seat is enormous with a lot of cushioning and back support, so they can enjoy the views without breaking their backs. The R 18 TransContinental is for you if a premium bagger isn’t luxurious enough and you want something that makes a statement.
3 Indian Roadmaster
More Like Indian Comfortmaster
Undoubtedly, Indian makes some of the most comfortable cruisers, but the Roadmaster is a different ball game altogether. It’s got everything, from an infotainment system to a batwing fairing and from a powerful Thunderstroke 116 V-twin engine to plenty of cargo space. Still, our favorite component of the Roadmaster is its seat. First, it’s so gorgeous to look at, but sit on it, and it feels homely. It lacks some lower back support, but the ergonomics make up for it, so you can stay in the saddle for hundreds of miles before you start questioning, “why isn’t my back hurting after so long?” And don’t be angry at your pillion for dozing off on the ride; they’ve got a cozy seat for themselves.
2 Kawasaki Vulcan S
Surprise: A Middleweight Cruiser
Wait, a middleweight cruiser in a list full of massive touring machines? Yep, the Kawasaki Vulcan rightfully deserves this spot for being one of the most comfortable bikes on the market — often, more comfortable than those that cost 5x its price tag. The credit goes to Kawasaki’s Ergo-Fit system, which tailors the ergonomics for your height and size. This simple approach to comfort makes such a massive difference because you finally have a seat where your butt falls in perfectly, a handlebar that’s just far enough not to strain your back or shoulders, and pegs that you find the most comfortable. Plus, you don’t have to pay extra dollars for this feature, so why wouldn’t we include the Vulcan S so high up on this list?
1 Honda Gold Wing
It’s A Sofa On Two Wheels
Is anyone even surprised to find the Honda Gold Wing on this list? This full-dress touring motorcycle has been the gold standard in the segment, and in its latest avatar, it’s an engineering marvel — it produces gallops of torque, and despite being so big, it feels light and nimble on the go. It’s made for comfort, so Honda didn’t compromise on the seat either. The wide adjustable seat is plush and comfortable for long hauls, offers enough thigh and lower back support, and is designed keeping ergonomics in mind. Pair this seat with wind protection, an easy-to-reach handlebar, and forward-set foot pegs; you’re more comfortable on this than in your home. No wonder people cross continents on this thing.