Patents suggest BMW working on adjustable motorcycle seat

The novel development would better allow the cushions to accommodate a variety of human buttocks

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I’m not sure if it comes across in my articles, but I am a diehard motorcyclist. I make all my money in cars, and spend it all on bikes.

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The primary quality I seek in any of the multitude of two-wheelers I’ve owned is comfort, especially for what is most politely described as the boniest of butts. I’m constantly fettling with the seats of my motorcycles, so much so that I have no less than six different custom perches for my otherwise much-loved Suzuki V-Strom.

That’s why I’m so excited by a recent patent application by BMW’s Motorrad — that’s “motorcycle,” to non-Teutons — division that seems to indicate it’s come up with an adjustable seat. Essentially, it appears that the padded section that accommodates the rider’s rump is split into two, with a pivot at the front and a set of adjustment slots at the rear.

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Held tightly together, the two separate sections will be perfect for those with the skinniest of pelvis, or anyone that wants to “hang off” their seat while dragging a knee round a corner. Pivot the two rear sections wider, and their greater coverage puts less pressure per square inch on our fragile buttocks area, promising hyper-mile comfort.

The only question is whether the pivoting mechanism would be manually adjustable or customizable electronically. If it were the latter, that would mean that not only could you choose your ideal seat shape, but also conveniently alter its shape while riding to alleviate pressure points.

Sign me up!