ADVrider.com
Have you ever considered buying a sheepskin for your motorcycle seat?
The seat is one of the most common motorcycle upgrades, to gain more comfort for long rides. Aftermarket seats are a good but also expensive option. Is there another way to gain all-day comfort regardless of what you ride? A sheepskin seat cover is an alternative, and is a less expensive way to gain a little more comfort on your ride.
I added one to my Honda CT125 postie bike. I decided on a long-haired version and rode with it for over 12,000 miles around 48 states in temperatures ranging from 24F/ -4C to 108F/42C and it added comfort throughout that temperature range… so yes, I can say I’m a convert.
Photo: rtwPaul, safety third
Of course, you guys might want to know a little more, so I sent over a few questions to Barb at Alaska Leather and asked for short and sweet answers to help you decide if a sheepskin is a good idea for your ride. She runs, as she puts it, a “one man show,” so I didn’t want to take more of her time than necessary. But she is the guru, so read and learn.
ADVrider: A little history first—how long has Alaska Leather been in business?
Barb: We have been in business since 1979
ADVrider: Why should I choose a sheepskin butt pad over say a silicon insert?
Barb: Sheepskin is a natural product that supports the tissues surrounding the buttbones. Gel or silicone just refers buttbone pressure to a point like body weight on a high heel shoe. Sheepskin is also cooling in the heat and warm in the cold. Silicone and gel retain heat and cold, they are also heavier and boost you up higher than sheepskin.
ADVrider: Why do I need one?
Barb: No one “needs” a buttpad, but as most stock seats are uncomfortable, this can take the edge off and is a much cheaper option to gain some comfort on those long rides.
ADVrider: Is there any type of rider/bike that isn’t a good idea?
Barb: no, but I wouldn’t use it on track day
Photo: Alaska Leather
ADVrider: Am I better to have the original seat made to fit me first and then add the butt pad after?
Barb: No, try the buttpad first, it may be all you need before spending money on modifications
ADVrider: How are they in the rain?
Barb: It is usually small enough to stay dry under you if it rains. They do soak water like a sponge; if it gets wet, beat it against a fence post to drive out water and roll in a towel and step on it to transfer water
ADVrider: Surely, they retain dirt/ dust; are they easy to clean?
Barb: If it gets dirty just shake it out or use a dog brush. It is washable if you get stains. Washing instructions are in the FAQs on the website
ADVrider: How does it attach to the seat of my bike?
Barb: A quick-release elastic strap that is adjustable on both sides
ADVrider: How do I decide what size or shape I need as a first-time user?
Barb: The size chart is on the website under available colors
ADVrider: Color options, what are they?
Barb: There is a range of colors so please look here to see what suits you and your bike best, but a little word about variations. Some colors, like our pinks and purples, are only available in long hair variants. Our natural colorings come in both. Please note dyed hides can transfer to light pants or seats when wet. Please choose cream or natural if you have a light seat or pants.
Photo: Alaska Leather
ADVrider: Hair length, is there any benefit to how short or long the hair is?
Barb: Sheared is more efficient for cooling, long hair may boost you up in the seat because of thickness and add some comfort. It’s a personal preference
Photo: Alaska Leather
ADVrider: What is your turnaround time from when I place my order?
Barb: Orders are shipped within hours of receiving, No shipping on Sundays or postal holidays
ADVrider: I’m riding to Alaska, can I stop in along the way and buy one?
Barb: 100% yes, we moved the workshop to New Mexico, which of course means even faster shipping for all of our American customers, but the retail store is still in Anchorage, Alaska
ADVrider: You don’t just sell Sheepskin Butt Pads, what else does Alaska Leather offer?
Barb: We sell lots of riding gear and aftermarket accessories there. If you forgot something on your ride north there’s a good chance we will have what you need. Here is a link to the website retail store!
ADVrider: What is your main vendor thread?
Barb: Our vendor thread has been running since 2005, a good place for you to ask questions, I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can to answer, its here – Sheepskin buttpad discount
ADVrider: …and are you offering any discounts to inmates?
Barb: Yes, we have a discount code for inmates – ‘deadsheep’
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