Sheepskin vs beaded seat pad

[GARYD]

Although I don't have a real big problem staying in the saddle for long stretches (Road Zepplin seat), I'm looking for something to aid in even longer rides. I'm looking at the sheepskin cover and the beaded pad. I'm leaning toward the beaded pad because it makes the most logical sense....do to changing pressure points. I have read almost every comparison and so far have only seen 2 or 3 negative responses on the beaded pad unlike the sheepskin cover.

So, I'm here to get your thoughts on the matter, particularly on the pros/cons of the beaded pad.

Thanks

[bikerbillone]

Having used both, I now use the beads, it just works better for me. Although I liked the sheep skin, I didn't see it as cool enough in the Florida sun, the constant thunder showers and trying to keep the thing dry.

[roadrunner1800]

I ridden long miles with both. I find it more convenient to not have to roll up the sheepskin every time it looks like rain and find a place to put it in an already very crowded trunk on top or the saddlebags. The sheepskin if fairly thick and good sized can be very bulky when rolled up.

I made my beaded seat . Get one at WalMart, or any automotive store that sells them. Lay it on the seat and mark the shape with a sharpie....you will want to cut about 10"-12" farther out from the outline to allow for enough nylon line for tying after removing the excess beads. I found those beaded seat covers you get from Walmart are large enough to make two seat covers for the bike....so I made two one for me and one to fit the wife's portion of the seat. I've had mine since I bought my '01 GL1800 and it hasn't fallen apart yet.

[Trike Mid Step]

Although I don't have a real big problem staying in the saddle for long stretches (Road Zepplin seat), I'm looking for something to aid in even longer rides. I'm looking at the sheepskin cover and the beaded pad. I'm leaning toward the beaded pad because it makes the most logical sense....do to changing pressure points. I have read almost every comparison and so far have only seen 2 or 3 negative responses on the beaded pad unlike the sheepskin cover.

So, I'm here to get your thoughts on the matter, particularly on the pros/cons of the beaded pad.

Thanks

Hi Gary, Do you have highway boards? Thanks Tom

[GARYD]

Hi Gary, Do you have highway boards? Thanks Tom

? ? ?

I have highway pegs on the engine guard.

[Trike Mid Step]

? ? ?

I have highway pegs on the engine guard.

Hi, I have highway boards on mine. Very comfortable, I had pegs and my feet would not stay put . That's when I changed them to Boards. Thanks Tom

[hedgie57]

What do highway pegs have to do with the seat? Am I missing something?

[Trike Mid Step]

What do highway pegs have to do with the seat? Am I missing something?

Hi, He is looking for comfort on long rides and highway boards or pegs help. Thanks Tom

[arnie]

I have both. I use the beads almost all the time. If I'm not using them it's because it's to cold out. I'll take off the beads & throw on my sheepskin. When it is hot & humid out, the beads allow enough air to flow between you & the seat, & it helps keep things cool! I also made mine like Roadrunner said.

[Bogeysix]

I've never used either the beads or sheepskin before, but I just received a beautiful black/silver natural(not dyed) sheepskin from www.alaskaleather.com . I will be using it on long rides, but not so much on shorter ones. If I happen to get caught in the rain, well I will do what I always do and that is to keep riding. If it gets wet, it will dry. After-all sheep don't carry umbrellas. Now a downpour is a different story, I will wait that out under the nearest shelter.

[sprinkman]

I have both, personally I like the sheepskin better. It is cooler and more comfortable than the orginal seat on hot days. The draw back is getting it wet and there is no air flow under it like the beads.

[bikerbillone]

Norman, the man is a sponsor here, I would think that gives him license to mention his product in a thread.

[pcombe]

Norman, the man is a sponsor here, I would think that gives him license to mention his product in a thread.

I have to respectfully disagree my friend, It would have been better to private message him with a suggestion or start a new thread?

I'm willing to give him a break because he is a sponsor and have read a few good reviews of his product.

Myself I'm interested in the bead vs sheepskin question and have already seen a post I just might try?

- - - Updated - - -

I ridden long miles with both. I find it more convenient to not have to roll up the sheepskin every time it looks like rain and find a place to put it in an already very crowded trunk on top or the saddlebags. The sheepskin if fairly thick and good sized can be very bulky when rolled up.

I made my beaded seat . Get one at WalMart, or any automotive store that sells them. Lay it on the seat and mark the shape with a sharpie....you will want to cut about 10"-12" farther out from the outline to allow for enough nylon line for tying after removing the excess beads. I found those beaded seat covers you get from Walmart are large enough to make two seat covers for the bike....so I made two one for me and one to fit the wife's portion of the seat. I've had mine since I bought my '01 GL1800 and it hasn't fallen apart yet.

Thank you:

Im gonna give this a shot? I tried a sheepskin some years back on my old tour glide and it was just to hot?

[bikerbillone]

Understand your point, and that's what these forums are all about.

[jaxbobg]

Years ago I tried a gel pad for awhile and was disappointed with it.

Then looked at the sheepskin and Beadrider alternatives. The sheepskin might work well in the Illinois climate, but here in Florida, the heat, humidity and frequent thunderstorms made it seem impractical to me. Also, as another poster noted it is a bulky item when rolled up and takes some time to dry out.

For the past 4 years I've used the ceramic beadrider pad and am very pleased. The trike is used for commuting and week long road trips in all kinds of weather and the beads still look like new. I've seen the wooden beads on other bikes and they look pretty worn after a year or so.

The beads are cool and comfortable on long trips. Downside is seat heater is of limited value in cool weather - the beads act as an insulator. For a little bit more I think the ceramic beads are well worth the cost.

[JetDoc]

- Updated - - -

I've tried both for long distance riding and never had really satisfactory results from either. For my last touring bike, I had a custom made saddle built with a velour fabric seat area. MUCH more comfortable for long distance rides as the fabric breathes and allows air circulation. No more "monkey butt!"

Don't know yet what I'll do for my new HD trike, but I really liked the Russell "Day Long" seats I had built for the BMW

[tbear]

Has anyone thought about putting the Sheepskin over the Beads!?? of course, you would have to strap the Skin down. just a thought............

[Gorilla]

I purchased a sheepskin custom cover. I have it on my TRI over the Zep seat. Been on for more than a year and 15k miles. I have a rain cover for the seat that I use over night for the dew and the days that I ride in the rain. I have found that works great for me. If I do get some rain on it before I get it covered it will mostly stay on the top and drys off with a towel enough to put the cover on. I live in South Florida and find it more comfortable then not having it. I do not get monkey butt with it on but I did with it off on the Zep standard covering. 8 hour days are the norm when we are on our trips. MY personal opinion is I like the sheep skin. I have removed it from the seat since I put it on over a year ago. As always we are all different and what works for me may not work for you. When I tried the beads several years ago I did not like them either on my bike or on my car seat.

[roadking2]

Maybe I'm just lucky, but I like a really good quality seat that my backside likes. I find a good seat doesn't need anything else. I managed to do an iron butt without beads or sheepskin and my rear end was of no concern at all. Like I said before, maybe I'm just lucky. I also have yet to find ANY Harley seat that is as comfortable as several aftermarket brands. Mainly Mustang and Danny Grey. I think seats are like bars. What works for one doesn't necessarily work for all. I have tried sheep skin and beads, but for me, nothing but a good seat is best. Besides that, I don't care for the appearance of either on mine. Naturally your rear end may scream a different tune.

[roadrunner1800]

it is important to keep in mind if making your own set of beads to not make them big enough to rub on the false gas tank paint or you will have scuff marks not easily removed...I made mine so I can tuck the back edge of them under the two seat "horns" as I call them and the area that divides the front from the rear portion of the seat and that holds them in place when mounting and dismounting....the front portion is approximately 1 1/4" away from the false gas tank...also by tucking them in at the back edge there is no need to attach them with straps or Velcro...they do not move when sitting on them or with the wind when dismounted

I haven't attempted to post any pictures here on this site yet, so I don't know how to do that to show you....rather simple so if you look at the stock seat you'll see what I'm referring to