Modern Vespa

I went on a 3 hour ride yesterday through our famed wine country. It was amazing but by the time I started back home my butt and back were killing me! This has happened before and I've wondered if it has anything to do with the strap that lays over the middle of the seat (GT200 stock seat). I took out my wallet and that helped a little but not enough. So, (A)has anyone else experienced this and thought to blame it on the strap, (B) can the strap be removed or (C) is there an ultra comfortable seat out there anyone can recommend?

I got a beaded seat cover from www.beadrider.com that I use on longer rides. It seems counter-intuitive that hard beads are more comfortable than a soft cushion, but it sure works for me. Great ventilation, the beads massage my butt, and if it rains, I don't sit in a puddle - it drains right through! They claim it also prevents "monkey butt," which I gather is a combination of saddle sores and chapped skin. I certainly haven't gotten that problem, so maybe they are right!

Good Luck!

I use the airhawk cushion. It's expensive, but I found it really helped on long trips.

REVIEW: Airhawk Motorcycle Seat Cushion
Put an Airhawk seat cushion on my S150 today.

I put the GT 200 seat on my GTS, in order to have clearance for fuel lines underneath, BUT it is more comfy than the GTS seat.
1. I removed the strap.( cut it off from below) It allows sliding back and no lump.

2. I also use the beadrider seat "cushion" I got the basic version 15 in by 15 in. for 30 bucks. works great! and only 1/10th the cost of the Airhawk.
just sayin'

I have a taller windscreen , this avoids the need to bend down and tuck in behind the smaller screen ( saves the back).

also I keep a small duffel strapped right behind me ( holds raingear, and ethafoam from a computer delivery box) adds an excellent lower back support!
good luck and Cheers
BTW removing the strap removes " the rider hold on to thingy", which may be required somewhere on earth....

Another vote here for the Airhawk.