Scooter
Community

I bought one of those Airhawk blow up whoopee cushion things for the seat of my Vespa GTS at the motorcycle show last weekend. It's supposed to make it possible to ride long distances without getting a sore butt. Cost $150. You blow it up , sit on it, then release most of the air. Its the wierdest thing at the start. Its all about getting the right amount of air. Too much and you're rolling around like its jelly, too little and it doesn't work.

It takes getting used to it. To start off it makes the seat even higher. Then it does wierd things as you brake or accelerate. As your body moves around the seat the air moves around after you. I used it during the 25k runs to and from work but it was disconcerting trying to find the right position.I was really unsure if it was any good or not.

Well I took it on a long run today. Over 200ks and it worked a dream. I didn't get a sore bum! Got off the scooter and I was totally comfortable despite over four plus hours in the saddle. I could have easly ridden another 200ks. Looking forward to taking the GTS on a really decent run now.

Now I think it was worth the money. Has anyone else tried these things?

Another solution is buy a scooter with a comortable seat :P

I have heard they can be very good, even witha  good seat on my scooter, I move around a lot, to get the blood flowing.  No matter how good your seat is a long time on your bum you need circulation.

 This technology is used for wheelchairs, airchairs and in pressure care mattresses to alleviate pressure problems. Roho dry floatation products are very similar, but cost much more.

I had seen these advertised in mag's and wondered how they stacked up to the medical equivalent .

I thought that I may have issues when I rode to Sydney but no prob's just moved around on the seat but it's good to actually here a report on how this particular one is in use.

They have a money back guarantee don't they?

Roho are the makers of the Airhawk and thats why they are expensive. I'm not sure about the money back guarantee but there is a limited warranty on defective materials. Anyway I won't be sending this one back!

My cousin bought one for the Snowy Ride - he reported the same thing - takes a while to get used to it but now he loves it.

 

Dakoda:

Another solution is buy a scooter with a comortable seat

 

Yep - Aprilia make the best seats... I rode to Snowy without any extra padding - I have sufficient natural padding 

 my friend has one, he swears by it.

if the bum is numb then it is time to stop, get off for a walk around to get the circulation going again. by which time i have usually being riding for 2 hours. 

petegailey:

Roho are the makers of the Airhawk

 

Then you have a good product!

I  have not heard any unfavorable reports from the many users that use there other products.

Usually they have a recommended level of inflation for your weight.

Interested in getting one of these for my Fly. Anybody know what size to get?

Thanks

I got a "Medium Cruiser" 36cmx36cm although I realised later that a "Small Cruiser" 46cmx30cm would have probably been the right one. Thats the cushion designed for scooters with longer flatter seats. The medium still works.

Thanks. The Fly has a hard seat in particular. Perth Summers can get quite hot. If I get some money for Christmas I might grab one.

The cushion really works well, I dont bother with it during the daily commutes because I have to take it on and off when the scooter is parked in the street, but I did use it again today for one of my weekend rides and it was great. It hadn't deflated any over the week and the butt was not sore after most of the day in the saddle. Only one small problem was when I had to put on my plastic wet weather pants when showers started. The plastic pants didnt grip like my jeans on the cushion and I felt like i was sliding forward on the seat. As the rain stopped I dumped the plastics and all was sweet. The cushion really does stick to the seat and is very comfortable. Definate option for those who get stiff butts.

Well my cushion arrived yesterday, only about 48 hours after I ordered it, cant complain with that one.I purchased the "small cruiser" I could have got a smaller one for the Fly but a slightly larger cushion would fit other bikes if I upgrade or something. Its under the xmas tree at the moment, looks like I will have to work xmas so I will give it a run then.

Thanks

I've only seen them advsertised. How do they attach to the seat? Surely if its strapped it moves around and if its stuck down, doesn't it mark the seat?

robbie55:

I've only seen them advsertised. How do they attach to the seat? Surely if its strapped it moves around and if its stuck down, doesn't it mark the seat?

The Airhawk comes with two elastic straps which go under the seat and hold the cushion in place. The cushion also has a non slip bottom and doesn't move around on the seat and you could use it without the straps if you wanted to. Ive used it on several long rides and it hasn't marked the seats in any way. I mainly use the cushion when I'm touring as I find it makes the seat a little high little when I'm in stop start traffic and my *** doesn't quite settle in when my feet are up and down. On the open road however it is an entirely comfortable and usefull accessory.

robbie55:

I've only seen them advsertised. How do they attach to the seat? Surely if its strapped it moves around and if its stuck down, doesn't it mark the seat?

The Airhawk comes with two elastic straps which go under the seat and hold the cushion in place. The cushion also has a non slip bottom and doesn't move around on the seat and you could use it without the straps if you wanted to. Ive used it on several long rides and it hasn't marked the seats in any way. I mainly use the cushion when I'm touring as I find it makes the seat a little high little when I'm in stop start traffic and my *** doesn't quite settle in when my feet are up and down. On the open road however it is an entirely comfortable and usefull accessory.