Are the gel seat pads that you put on top of your seat that can be removed when not riding worth buying.

 

I can't answer your question....

But gel inserts inside my Danny Grey were worth the extra cost!

Wouldn't ride without 'em now.

 

I don't have that pad you are talking about but I can tell you I had a seat redone a few years ago with the gel inserts and hated it.

 

I don't know about worth buying but there are definitely a good amount of pads you can buy that attach with straps. Any of the retailers should carry them (JP Cycles, etc.)

 

When I rode to Datona the first time (2001 fxst), I duck taped a foam pad to my seat (Mustang wide solo) to make it more comfortable. While there I had a gel pad installed. The best money I ever spent!

Fast forward to 2010, new bike, flstsb (bones). I tried everything before I installed a gel pad in the stock seat. It made no difference to the way the seat felt. The solution was to get a HD 1925 tractor seat.

As you can tell from the responses, the gel pad works some times and other times not. I would suggest you try the strap-on type. If it works you can insert it into your seat yourself.

 

Can't answer the gel pad question but my Alaska Leather Sheepskin cover does make the long trips more comfortable.

 

I'm in the no category.

I think gel is most usefull as a base layer with different densitiy levels of memory foam layered over it. The gel pad may be an incremental improvement but I didn't find it to be a cure all.

So far the best comfort solution for me has been the AirHawk. It puts a thin layer of air between your areas of pressure and your seat. I have tried a C&C seat, and a Mustang seat. I was uncomfortable with the C&C seat and found the Mustang to be better, but still not an all day rider. I can go all day with the AirHawk on the Mustang.

I am giving serious consideration to the Danny Gray AirHawk seat when it becomes available.

 

I've never tried a gel pad, but a few years ago I bought an AirHawk from J&P Cycle. Now I almost never ride without it. They are expensive, but probably one of the best things I have bought to make your long distance ride more comfortable.

They will move you up and forward about an inch or so...something to keep in mind if you are "vertically challenged".

 

I did the same thing for my '00 Fatboy. Helped a bit, but I wouldn't do it again. I just get a Mustang seat and forget about it.

 

Another fan of the Airhawk inflatable.
it actually carries a money back comfort guarantee.
If it don't work for you send it back no harm no foul.