For all the sensitive arses out there: after a couple of hours on My Multi V4 (standard seat and height) my bum starts complaining. Would a seat cushion cure it? Which one, Air Hawk, AirRider or anything else?
Not sure where you are but I got one of these and it really helps as well as drain water when it rains and cools nether regions when hot https://coolcovers.co.uk/ They're based in Ledbury and if you're anywhere close they'll fit for free but easy to self fit. If you are at all unsure what you need they are also really helpful on the phone.
Different bike, my last GS, but coolcover added hours to the time in the saddle without discomfort. Great for serious hot weather too.
Btw, tried Airhawk years ago on a Superduke gt, hated the floaty feeling that it gave. Just could not feel what was happening in the corners.
Everyone is different, but I have been pleasantly surprised how good the stock seat is on the V4 Multistrada. I fitted Corbins to all of my GSAs.
I got mine changed and re-profiled with memory foam, much better. I’ve just sold an Air Rider cushion which was miles better than the Airhawk Info on this thread https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/air-rider-seat-cushion.100164/
Have you tried the seat in a different setting ? It changes the angle as well as the height and makes a difference. My multu v4 is much more comfy than my previous gen 2 xr ........painful !
Believe it or not I was happier with my old 1200 with comfort seat. The lower setting on the V4 doesn't really do it for me, I prefer to be on top despite being quite a short arse (5'8). I recently found out I have a tear in my left hip cartilage, it gets painful after sitting on the V4 for some time. I hope some cushioning can improve it, not ideal being on painkillers during a long tour...
I like the standard seat with a cool covers on , perfect. I fit mine on top of the highest front mount and removed the rear pins added spacers to match the front position and placed plastic tubes in the recess for the seat locating sockets , this gives me extra high position to give me that on the bike , not in the bike feel. I am lucky I dont mind the leg stretch. The rear seat locks the front in , but if using pack luggage , rear seat off and a few zip ties , keeps the weight low as possible for Euro tours even tho I only take flipflops and a mankini lol.
I’m afraid IME, there doesn’t appear to be a single solution that resolves the discomfort for everyone. I had to have a coccygectomy due to persistent excruciating pain. Whilst better now than before the surgery, the removal of my coccyx didn’t relieve the pain 100% of the time. I’ve tried air filled cushions (the Wild Ass was my preferred), memory foam and gel inserts and none of them reduces the discomfort totally. I’m currently using a combination of memory foam with a gel pad insert. I can’t ride all day but being a man of a certain age, I need to stop for a pee before I need a stretch. Andy
If mine starts to get uncomfy i put the heated seat on low for 15 mins, seems to cure the eche and i am good for many more hours. was the same on my GSA too
I still remember 30 years ago a Consultant in pain management at Charing Cross Hospital saying to us juniors that pain in the arse was the worst of all. We all laughed, he didn’t. He was terribly serious. He probably didn’t know that even (or perhaps especially) at a certain age, the pain of not being able to ride our motorbike is a lot worse.
I had an accident at 20 which involved a crush injury that broke my pelvis and hips trauma , I was young and got over that , followed by broken arms , knee , wrists and neck damage , all racing plus a few minor bits etc. , my big help now is to wear leathers that keep all tight , may be my age now but works for me and still do 300 to 400 mile days with no issues apart from sounding like a rutting bull when getting off the bike
After having the stock seat, and then the Ducati Accessory heated, lower seat, I went with a Sargent seat, heated for driver & passenger: https://www.sargentcycle.com/seats/ducati/multi/multistrada-v4?page=1 Note: The light makes the seat look gray in some areas, but it is black on all the seating surfaces. As for comfort, I ridden several 4-5 hr rides locally, and absolutely no pain/discomfort or need to move my bum around to get comfortable (again). And it looks like Sargent has a "Fling2025" sale going on, which is 20% off list, so ~$864 USD + tax + shipping if you go with the same seat option as pictured above.
I just did four hours on my new Rally and found my lowered heated seat proper comfy, good for all day in the future and I can still feel my arse and my backs not sore, bonus! Bear in mind though, I came from a KTM 990 ADV and an Aprilia RSV 1000R, so it's all relative!
I would recommend these. Really, really good. Don’t confuse these with padded bicycle shorts though, these are designed for a motorcycle seat/ arse combo https://uk.ripplimpactgear.com/products/apex-rides
