My fifth anniversary of Multi ownership and love the bike. Various "changes" made over the years and about to fit an Oberon slave cylinder- and full of expectations! Just thinking about getting an Airhawk seat for hopefully added comfort and longer hours in the saddle when touring. Wondered if anyone has used one and whether a positive experience.
They are a bit "Marmite". I used one last year to get me to Croatia and back and was all day comfortable. The trick is to use as little air in it as you can get away with. They do two version based on different materials used. My only advice is don't waste your money on the more expensive of the two as it makes no difference to comfort between them. I swapped over with my friends more expensive one for the return trip and neither he or I could tell the difference. I guess potentially longevity may be better , but for the few times in the year you will use it , it will not be an issue.
Same as psy69, I used the cheaper version last summer for a trip to Italy. I wouldn't even bother with the 'adventure bike' version either as that more expensive too. It works very very well in my experience.
I used an AirHawk seat cushion (the lower cost polyurethane version, AirHawk 2) when I found the standard and lower seats on the 2013 model very uncomfortable after only 30 minutes riding. This was a bit of a shock as I had a 2010 model which I had no issues with the standard seat. I used an AirHawk (the lower cost polyurethane AirHawk 2) for a 2,500 miles tour down and around the Alps. It was very comfortable for long days in the saddle. As stated above, the trick is to get the pressure right - less is more. Initially I found it a bit strange as the cushion re-balanced when leaning into a bend, getting the pressure right helps but you still get a bit of a disconnected feeling. I removed the cushion every night when leaving the bike outside, which adds a minute or two before setting off in the morning. I ended up buying a Sargent seat which I find very comfortable. I've still got the AirHawk, which I'm hoping I won't need when I get my new 2015 Multistrada in a month or so.
Other inflatable seats are available, apart from the AirHawk, such as the Debbon: https://www.danmedicasouth.co.uk/product/motorcycle-air-seat-pad/ Mine has been useful on long trips.
Funny, had an issue with the low seat on the 2010 which the Airhawk solved. Transferred that over to the 2013 without question. Recently tried without it, was actually more comfortable. Skyhook seems more assured. Probably as I wasn't bobbing around so much. Handling better overall. If the SH is feeling too bouncy, think about tweaking the preload.
