Pillion comfort

[Hartley]

Out with friends last night and one of them asked my misses what she thought of the GS compared to the Crosstourer we had before.
She looked at me and said, “I wasnt going to say anything because I know you love it and it’s been a big thing for you to finally have a GS. But, it’s by far the most uncomfortable bike I’ve ever been on.” ( Previous bikes, CB750, XJR1300, FJR1300,Crosstourer x2, and ridden Explorer and Super Tenere.

She then listed all the things she doesn’t like about it, mostly down to the seat.

I have a 2021 GS Triple black with heated seats.
So my question is, what are the alternatives or does anyone have any suggestions?
I’m ok with the rider seat so If I could change the pillion seat alone that would be fine. Loosing the heated option would not be a massive issue as my wife only comes on the bike on our summer trips anyway.

Be grateful of any tips or advice.

 

[Winjar]

You can trade up

 

[Santa-2512]

Out with friends last night and one of them asked my misses what she thought of the GS compared to the Crosstourer we had before.
She looked at me and said, “I wasnt going to say anything because I know you love it and it’s been a big thing for you to finally have a GS. But, it’s by far the most uncomfortable bike I’ve ever been on.” ( Previous bikes, CB750, XJR1300, FJR1300,Crosstourer x2, and ridden Explorer and Super Tenere.

She then listed all the things she doesn’t like about it, mostly down to the seat.

I have a 2021 GS Triple black with heated seats.
So my question is, what are the alternatives or does anyone have any suggestions?
I’m ok with the rider seat so If I could change the pillion seat alone that would be fine. Loosing the heated option would not be a massive issue as my wife only comes on the bike on our summer trips anyway.

Be grateful of any tips or advice.

Talk to your dealer, i might be wrong, but i thought you can get comfort passenger seats as well

failing that, any decent bike seat upholsterer, should be able to work some magic on the seat

 

[Hartley]

Thanks Winjar, though if that was an option I’d probably never bother riding the GS!

Santa, it may well be an option to have a seat reworked. Though I’d probably get hold of a standard seat to have it done on that. I’d rather not butcher the heated seat. I think the heated seat is actually a comfort one already?

 

[GSian]

My Misses is the opposite. there's only one bike that she says is more comfortable, that's the Goldwing. Of the bikes you list we have only had the XJR.

I have a 2020 GS Exclusive with comfort high seats. The only issue she has Is getting on the thing, she's had 2 new knees. Think the comfort is not necessarily the seat itself but more like the complete economics that suit some people but not others. She refuses to get on the Harley, think it's cos it's uncomfortable but could be because it's Harley, she rides a Victory.

 

[Winjar]

Thanks Winjar, though if that was an option I’d probably never bother riding the GS!

Santa, it may well be an option to have a seat reworked. Though I’d probably get hold of a standard seat to have it done on that. I’d rather not butcher the heated seat. I think the heated seat is actually a comfort one already?

more serious, maybe just the more upright and high sit position, try other pillion seats in dealer

 

[Hartley]

Indeed, I’m thinking of trying the standard seat to see if that is better for her. Doesn’t always follow that soft is better.

 

[Scotsrick]

My wife liked the standard seat on the 1200 TE but complained about numb bum after a couple of hours. But then again she did the same on the ZZR 1100 and the Sprint GT so maybe it’s her to blame and not the bike. We tend to stop for frequent coffee/food breaks so it’s never been a big deal.

Ergonomic wise she likes the GS better than the 2 previous and I’m hoping the heated pillion seat on the new 1250 will be more comfortable.

Overall she thought the 1200 was the best bike she’d ever been on and like me is counting the days till the 1250 comes.

 

[stever1]

There are 2 ways to resolve this issue.
1, buy a Goldwing. Best seat ever.
2, change the wife.

 

[BobT]

There are 2 ways to resolve this issue.
1, buy a Goldwing. Best seat ever.
2, change the wife.

There is a third way, and I have done it, make her buy her own bike. My girlfriend bought herself a new S1000XR and now never complains about seat comfort.

 

[r1happy]

Indeed, I’m thinking of trying the standard seat to see if that is better for her. Doesn’t always follow that soft is better.

I’ve got a standard pillion seat you can have for £70.

 

[Hartley]

Pm sent

 

[Rowle]

My mrs has been on the GS 3 times and she hates it compared to the HD i had before. I only now ride solo ……
She used to ride pillion loads beforehand so i guess the GS is crap as a pillion bike compared to HD glide..

 

[Neil W]

There is a third way, and I have done it, make her buy her own bike. My girlfriend bought herself a new S1000XR and now never complains about seat comfort.

The fourth way , make her eat more pies and get more padding on her posterior

 

[leadfarmer]

Indeed, I’m thinking of trying the standard seat to see if that is better for her. Doesn’t always follow that soft is better.

Strange!

As you know, I also went from Crosstourer to GS, there was slightly more room for the pillion on the Honda but comfort wise wifey seems to find them pretty equal, as do I, my GS has standard seats

One thing I did do is fit touratech boxes as the varios sit further forward and don’t leave enough room for the pillion to move their feet on the pegs, maybe that’s part of your wife’s problem?

 

[Hartley]

I remember you from the CT group Leadfarmer. Completely agree with the position of the vario cases. We opted for the Givi quick release racks and Alaska panniers which give more room on the pegs.

 

[EKIMYRF]

Try an Airhawk cured my wifes comfort issues

 

[waterloo700]

Consider a pillion footrest lowering kit too. The GS pillion pegs are set quite high.

 

[Doc]

I had a Wunderlich comfort seat with a sheepskin cover. No complaints from the G/F.

 

[lucas]

Try an Airhawk cured my wifes comfort issues

Plus one for the Airhawk. Your wife will be more comfortable ,plus with being slightly higher will have more legroom.