It may not be the most critical interface between man and machine, but it is the most prone to cause agonizing discomfort. I am of course speaking to the dual-sport motorcycle seat. Many aftermarket seat manufacturers have a refined appreciation for seat shape, density, and overall construction, but fail to take their designs a step further and make them breathable. I will be the first to admit, I didn’t fully appreciated that final detail until I spent several days with Touratech’s new DriRide Breathable Seat.
As technical fabrics continue to evolve, we have all become familiar with the importance of moisture management. It’s the primary function of base, mid, and outer apparel layers as controlling moisture is essential to regulating temperature and maintaining general comfort. This is why many of us happily shell out the big bucks for breathable motorcycle jackets––and pants. Plop down on a non-breathable seat and those fancy fabrics are rendered useless, at least as it relates to managing moisture and subsiquently, comfort.
Originally designed to provide Dakar Rally racers with a cool and comfortable place to sit for long and unforgiving rides in warm climates, the DriRide Breathable Seat is a sophisticated solution employing a number of high-tech foams, fabrics, and waterproof/breathable materials. The end result is a seat that remains cool, dry, and comfortable.
The key to the DriRide is the Vapor-Flow Membrane Technology which allows moisture to escape the rider’s apparel layers where it enters the seat and escapes out the sides. The structure of the seat’s outer layer is made of Rain-Block Fabric which is breathable enough to allow vapor to pas through it, but tight enough to repel large water droplets. Beneath those outer layers is a foundation of Ergo-Response Foam tuned for a firm, yet comfortable ride.
Ride Impressions
As our local temperatures began to warm with the arrival of summer, I thought this would be an ideal opportunity to test the new DriRide Breathable Seat. My first concern was with the general shape and comfort of the seat. Given its off-road inspired shape, I expected the DriRide to be less than luxurious. While comfort is always heavily influenced by the individual, I did find the DriRide was surprisingly plush. I also found it easy to move about the seat to find just the right spot, or to position myself for off-road sections. I’d be hard pressed to say it will be comfortable for everyone, but it does seem to have a very accommodating shape.
The forward aspect of the seat didn’t have the uncomfortable slope that plagues many solutions and the slight scalloping at the sit bone area was not too pronounced. While I did solicit the assistance of a pillion to help evaluate passenger comfort, that time was limited. No complaints filed, I can only assume the rear aspect of the seat is as comfortable as the forward section. The textured weave of the outer covering provides a secure grip and appears to be sufficiently durable to endure years of hard use. Most importantly, the breathability of the DriRide was immediately noticeable. For long rides in warm temperatures it more than delivers on its promise.
