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Why Do My Buttocks Hurt After Riding a Motorcycle?

Why Do My Buttocks Hurt After Riding a Motorcycle?

Motorcyclists often suffer from pain in their buttocks after riding a motorcycle. It’s normal for your bum to feel slightly sore after riding due to sitting on a compact seat and your weight is distributed onto the two small bones at the bottom of your pelvis.


This article discusses the reasons why your buttocks hurt after riding a motorcycle and how to prevent this discomfort.

1. Reasons for Buttock Pain After Motorcycle Riding

1.1 Seat is Too Soft

When riding around town, a plush foam or gel seat will help you feel at ease. Unfortunately, if your body sinks into the dense padding during an intense ride, these soft saddles can put more pressure on your crotch and buttocks.

1.2 Wrong Saddle

The stock saddle that comes with your motorbike may not be the best fit for your body type.


The saddle width and shape should be specific to your physique. A seat that is too small distributes the bulk of your weight on your body's sensitive areas.

1.3 Riding for a Long Time

Riding your motorcycle across long distances for a long time, especially while wearing incorrect riding gear, can result in your buttocks being sore. If you want to increase your riding time, gradually extend the time and length of your trip.

1.4 Pressure Points

Pressure points are one of the most prevalent causes of buttock discomfort during motorcycle riding. These are sensitive points on the buttocks that are constantly in contact with the rider seat, resulting in discomfort due to being constantly pressed. Pressure points can induce numbness, tingling, a burning sensation, ulcers, or skin damage.


The pressure points are in the ischial tuberosities, bony protrusions at the base of the pelvis that support the body's weight while sitting. The ischial tuberosities are subjected to pressure and friction from the seat when riding a motorbike, causing pain and discomfort.

1.5 Vibrations

Frequent vibrations from the motorbike can travel into and cause discomfort in the buttocks, hands, arms, and feet. These vibrations are due to the engine, the bumpy road, or the wind.

1.6 Not Taking Breaks

Buttock soreness can also be due to not taking enough breaks on long rides. Long rides without stopping can cause exhaustion, soreness, numbness, and tingling in the buttocks. Taking frequent breaks during lengthy rides will allow you to stretch and rest your buttocks.

1.7 Posture

Riding with an appropriate posture when riding a motorbike will help avoid putting strain on parts of your buttocks. Slouching can put pressure on the lower back and buttocks. However, an overly upright posture might put a strain on the sit bones, which are the bones in the buttocks that support your entire weight while sitting.

2. Tips to Prevent Buttock Pain After Riding a Motorcycle

2.1 Invest in a Good-Quality Rider Seat

Purchasing a high-quality rider seat with ample padding and supports is a reliable way to prevent buttock pain when riding. A well-designed motorbike seat can properly distribute pressure across your buttocks, lowering the likelihood of putting strain on any pressure points. Search for a seat that is compatible with your model and riding style, while able to support your body type.

2.2 Wear Motorcycle Pants or Padded Shorts

Wear motorbike pants with cushions or padded cycling shorts to alleviate buttock soreness. These garments have additional padding that reduces pressure and pain on your buttocks. Look for motorcycle clothing made of breathable, moisture-wicking materials that will keep you dry and comfortable on long rides.

2.3 Take Regular Breaks

Taking breaks frequently during long rides will allow you to spend time stretching and relaxing your buttocks every hour. Use breaks to walk around, do stretches, and hydrate yourself.

2.4 Adjust the Foot Pegs and Handlebars

Adjust the height and position of the handlebars and foot pegs to ensure a more comfortable riding position. Try various handlebar and footpeg configurations to see which offers maximum comfort and best supports your body type and riding style. An upright riding position will put less strain on your sit bones. Meanwhile, a forward-leaning position relieves pressure on the lower back. Try both of these riding positions to determine which is best for you.

3. Treatment Options for Buttock Pain Caused by Motorcycle Riding

3.1 Ice or Heat Therapy

It is possible to relieve buttock soreness by using ice or heat therapy. Applying an ice pack to the afflicted region will help reduce inflammation and dull pain. Meanwhile, applying heat to the affected area can help stimulate blood flow and promote recovery. To prevent skin injury, be cautious while applying a heating pad or ice pack, and try to avoid direct contact with your skin.

3.2 Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

You can relieve buttock soreness by using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These drugs can help reduce inflammation and discomfort, but they should only be taken as specified by a healthcare practitioner and the directions on the label.

3.3 Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can create a personalized training program to help you strengthen your glutes, increase flexibility, and relieve discomfort. Massage treatment, ultrasound therapy, and other procedures to promote recovery and relieve pain are examples of physical therapy.

3.4 Surgery

Surgery may be required if you are experiencing severe pain in your buttocks. If the discomfort is due to a physical condition, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, surgery may be necessary. To find the best treatment option, speak with a healthcare expert.

4. Last Words

Buttock pain following a motorcycle ride is a common problem caused by a soft seat, incorrectly sized saddle, longer riding time, pressure points, vibrations, not taking breaks, and incorrect posture. It is important to take steps to prevent buttock pain, such as wearing motorcycle pants or padded shorts, investing in a good-quality rider seat, adjusting the footpegs and handlebars, and taking regular breaks during long rides. Furthermore, treatment options for buttock pain due to motorcycle riding include ice or heat therapy, over-the-counter pain medication, physical therapy, and surgery in severe cases. By following these steps, you can ensure safe and comfortable motorcycle rides.


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