After a lot of thought, I finally decided to modify the seat. The goal was simple – add some extra cushion for those long touring days
BHPian TrailsOnBoard recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
Riding a Royal Enfield Himalayan is an experience in itself. When I picked mine back in 2020, I knew this machine was meant for long tours, scenic rides, and countless memories on the road. But like every rider, after spending enough time in the saddle, I started chasing that elusive idea of *more comfort*.
On paper, it felt like the perfect upgrade. In reality, it turned out to be a poor decision.
Yes, the cushioning improved, but it came at the cost of handling. My height is 5’6″, and with the increased seat height, I found myself struggling to maneuver the bike the way I used to. Sure, the elevated seat gave me a better view ahead, but it also took away that natural balance and confidence I had while tackling traffic, tight turns, or tricky terrain.
My takeaway from this experiment is simple:
– **Seat modifications are not one-size-fits-all.** They heavily depend on your height, riding posture, and comfort preferences.
– If you’re on the shorter side like me, even a small increase in seat height can throw off handling.
– Instead of cutting or reshaping the seat, a **removable gel pad** is a smarter choice. It gives you extra comfort on long rides while keeping the original ergonomics intact.
The worst part? In trying to improve comfort, I ended up destroying my Himalayan’s stock seat – something that really bothered me every time I got on the bike. After weeks of discomfort and second thoughts, I finally removed the added cushion and went back to the original setup.
Looking back, I wouldn’t recommend seat modification unless you’re taller and can manage the increased seat height comfortably. For riders like me, a gel pad is a far better choice – it gives you the cushioning you need on long rides without messing up the ergonomics and handling of the bike.
Sometimes, stock is the best. Lesson learned.
Pro-Tip for Fellow Riders
– Try **gel/air cushions** before making permanent changes to your stock seat.
– If you still want a modified seat, **test ride with a temporary add-on cushion** to judge handling before cutting the stock foam.
– Always keep your **original seat untouched**—get a spare seat for modifications so you can switch back if needed.
– Comfort should never come at the cost of **confidence and control** on the bike.
Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
