I have an Airhawk cushion and love it. As others have said, many people over inflate them and thats not good. When I setup for a long trip I slide a jack under the bike just enough to hold it from falling over then adjust the air in the cushion so my butt is a 1/4" to 1/2" off the seat. I also swap to a windsield that is a smidge taller to compensate for the added hieght. Keep in mind changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature will change the pressure in the cushion either up or down. I had this happen going over Wolf's pass in Colarado. By the time I got to the top of the pass I was a full inch off the seat.

As a side benefit the cushion adds ventilation and keeps your butt dryer.

 

My Airhawk story.

In 2005 with a stock seat, I left my home outside Seattle for West Yellowstone. 723 miles later my *** was so sore I was standing on the floorboards as I rode 191 in the dark. The next day at an overlook, I meet a couple from Michigam. He had a airhawk cushion. He told me about it and recommended it. I ordered one immediately.

It makes the difference for all rides. If I am just riding 300+ miles on a one day trip the Mustang is fine by itself. If I add the Alaska Sheepskin pad, then maybe 500 is not a problem. But if I am cruising multiple 300 to 700 mile days, the airhawk makes it possible with comfort.

I have the Airhawk medium cruiser. It has worked on several seats and several bikes and makes 1000 mile days possible even though 700+ is the max I have done in one day. I think it is worth the investment if you do not have a custom seat, that means one that was designed and built by someone like Rich's expressly for your butt.

If I am going to use the airhawk, I take my Mustang off and use it with the stock seat as it fits on that seat better. It will raise you up an 1/2" or so. I keep mine soft.

 

I've done two 500+ mile days and numerous 200+ mile days with the stock seat, no problem with the beaded pad. But after reading this thread, I just spent $150 on the Airhawk. For my 6'2" 210 pound body the stock EGC seat is actually a pretty good fit and comfortable with the exception of monkey butt burn. But if the Airhawk is all it is said to be, it is a bargain at $150. We'll see..

Thanks for identifying additional ways to spend my money.

JackL

 

Something I found by accident that helps "me" with the butt burn is the under armor type boxer briefs. I first wore them a few years back on a long day ride because of the heat, don't like a full day with wet drawers, lol. Butt it turns out helps with the butt burn too, and you don't get the usual bunching up of the under garment.

 

I just ordered a weekday 2 up, i hope it is as comfortable cuz it wasnt cheap!

 

+1. The widely available UA boxers are definitely superior to cotton underwear. They breathe better, feel better, and are much better for those longer trips. You get what you pay for. They are not cheap.