Funny thing I've noticed about Honda is it amazes me that when it came to the GoldWing How can they put a $10.00 seat on a 10.000 Bike. Or in the case when I bought my 95 SE new it was a $15.00 seat on a 15.000 Bike. Yet on a Helix they can put a Barcolounger of a seat on it. All was needed on it was a Utpoia Backrest & its good to go. Sometimes I'll put my gel pad on it simply so I'm not sitting on the hot vinal.
One thing I've learned is that after 35 years of riding I'm spoiled. I don't ride anything without a good backrest!
I put a Russell Day long saddle on my 95 SE. Had no regrets. Had over 90.000 comfortable miles on it when I sold the bike. I've found Russell has got a bit expensive over the years. I also have a Russell on my Burgman. Still a top notch seat, Ought to be for the money.
Below is my 78 wing in the shape its in after rebuying it 16 Years after I had to sell it. I had this Diamond custom seat made for in back in the 80's. It had well over 70.000 comfortable miles on it when I sold it. I googled them & found them to still be in business. So I sent out the seat to be remade & of course add a backrest to it. Found them to be much cheaper than Russell.
When it comes to comfort you have to ask yourself what kind of riding are you going to do? If your going to do a lot of touring a well made custom seat with a backrest is worth every penny you spend on it.
Just around town & maybe just day trips. A good Gel pad along with a Utpoia backrest will work just fine.
78 wing with a worn out Diamond seat.
Helix with a stock seat & utpoia backrest,
Burgman with a Russell day long saddle,