This unglamorous, unsung moto accessory solves one of the biggest long ride problems

There’s a reason the 84,000+ member group dedicated to safe, long-distance motorcycle riding handing out certificates for is called the Iron Butt Association.

It’s the same reason they hand out certificates with names like the Saddlesore 1000 and the Bun Burner 1500: extended moto rides are a real pain in the ass. 

Perhaps no one knows this better than Patrick Cornell, who just set four bonkers distance riding records, which has to be the best endorsement ever for a product he swears by.

Strapped onto the saddle of his 2025 Indian Pursuit is a little something called the Wild Ass Smart Classic Motorcycle Cushion.

Save your own ass

According to Rider Magazine, Cornell is awaiting Guinness certification for the following marks: Longest Continuous Motorcycle Ride in One Country, Most Days on a Motorcycle Averaging 1,000 Miles, Most Consecutive 1,000 Mile Days on a Motorcycle, and Most Miles Ridden on a Motorcycle in one year.

Considering the last figure tops 200,000 miles (an average of 548 miles per day), I’m inclined to trust any wisdom this man has on the topic, so I instantly jumped over to (not making this up) wild-ass.com to check out that cushion.

The brand has a very credible back story. Founders Craig Johnson and Scott Parman were motorcycle product reps for ROHO, which specializes in medical tech that distributes pressure, protecting patients who are seated long term.

Left in the lurch when the company got sold in 2015, they turned their passion for two-wheeling into an accessory made in a wheelchair cushion with medical materials and their own patented designs.

One of many the brand offers, the Smart Classic is the top of the line. It’s composed of a ventilated machine-washable mesh cover and an insert made of inflatable neoprene rubber. 

Offering a universal fit for cruisers, standards, sport touring and adventure bikes, the cushing feature a wide front to back cut-out to reduce pressure on the scrotum, prostate and tail bone, plus tapered front and back air cells that accommodate the contours of a moto saddle and “improve leg passage.”

It works by spreading your weight across the cushion area to reduce painful pressure points while the transfer of air from cell to cell increases blood flow and decreases numbness.

Meanwhile, the air zone between the rider and the seat reduces shock and vibration, while the space between air cells boosts ventilation, dispersing heat and moisture. 

The brand also offers saddle, sport and pillion seats, as well as alternate inserts made of polyurethane, filled with gel or air.

(All of these offerings are a bit pricier and presumably much more effective than my own tried-and-true low-tech solution: throwing on a pair of padded bike shorts under my jeans.)

Considering Cornell is still, you know, walking after all that mileage, one of them is bound to save your ass on a long ride, too.

Availability and pricing

The Wild Ass Smart Classic Motorcycle Cushion is available now for $260.

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