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What is the best piece of equipment you've ever bought for your bike?

Chip

By Chip
in Bike Related Things

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Chip

Chip

Posted
Posted

I saw this thread on advrider.com (thanks jeffro115). I learned a lot from it and am guessing so have other folks (over half a million hits on this topic).

 

Over the years, I've purchased lot's of motorcycle clothing and farkles. Some good, some great, and some not so good. So, if you were to gear up with the best stuff, what would you get...what would you recommend? What's the one best piece of gear/equipment you've purchased?

 

Here's mine.

Russell Day Long saddle. Years ago, I bought a used 1996 R1100RT that had a Day Long on it. The saddle was extremely comfortable but I didn't really appreciate it until I bought a new 2010 R1200RT. It took about 200 miles for me to realize the limitations of the stock seat would make vacations uncomfortable. The Day Long was my first, and best, piece of equipment I've bought.

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russell_bynum

russell_bynum

Posted
Posted

Solidly in first place: California Superbike School.

 

A VERY distant second: Aftermarket suspension

 

An extremely distant 3rd: Valentine One

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Joe Frickin' Friday

Joe Frickin' Friday

Posted
Posted

GPS is a godsend for following prescribed routes in unfamiliar areas. Example, I took this route through SW Wisconsin last summer:

 

982679564_5frQ7-O.jpg

 

It's 378 miles, with dozens upon dozens of turns. I would have been staring at either a map or a set of directions on my gas tank far too much of the time were it not for GPS with audible notification of upcoming turns.

 

Autocomm is close second if you spend significant time riding with other folks. Nice to be able to communicate detailed information (more than is easily conveyed via hand signals) without having to stop side-by-side on the road shoulder to chat. It's less important when riding solo, but still nice to feed the GPS alerts (and music) into your ears.

 

Wouldn't be able to do long rides were it not for my Corbin, but that's a pretty individual thing; some folks like Russell/Meyer saddles, and a few rare folks are fine with the stock seat.

 

But the first two items are things that I think just about everyone who is into touring and riding with friends.

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chrisolson

chrisolson

Posted
Posted

Hard to say just one...

 

Gerbings - say goodbye to being cold

Music and bike to bike communications - after many early years without, just fabulous

Every new set of tires - oh what a feeling

GPS - makes traveling so much easier

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Kathy R

Kathy R

Posted
Posted

Of course I don't want to follow directions and give you just one...

 

In this order:

 

Gerbings

Heated Corbin seat on the R1150RT (tie with the Gerbings for 1st place)

Top Case (biggest purse I've ever owned :grin: )

Crash Bars on the DL650

GPS

Throttle Rocker (need this now,more and more)

 

 

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Paul Mihalka

Paul Mihalka

Posted
Posted

With old age and lots of knee damage, the footpeg lowering kits.

I could not ride long distance without them.

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Armando

Armando

Posted
Posted

based on use, my Autocom takes it. I can hear my radar detector, GPS directions, tunes and yes, the occasional phone call asking when I will be coming home :)

 

Second best my Darien jacket/pants. Waited 10 years to buy them. Once owned, I wondered why I waited so long.

 

Third, although the front is not installed and only have a couple of days on the rear, the Wilbers are sure to stay on the short list of best purchases.

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VinnyR11

VinnyR11

Posted
Posted

1) Cali Superbike School

 

2) Stich. It's so nice not to think, what's the weather forecast and what am I going to wear? Just put it on and go.

 

3) Peg lowering kit

 

4) Heated jacket liner.

 

The best change I made to any bike was trimming down the rear rubber seat bushings under my R1100RT. Completely stopped the sliding forward and down and transformed the seat. Not really an "addition", but it had the same effect. Free too.

 

 

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EffBee

EffBee

Posted
Posted

In order:

 

Russell Saddle

GS Intake Tubes

Gerbing's

Works Performance Suspension

Big Mak Tankbag (powered and holds my Autocom, XM and V1)

Arizona Al Custom Earplugs

HID Headlight

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VTBeemer

VTBeemer

Posted
Posted

RAM mounts for versatility holding GPS, MP3 or drink cup holder.

ZTechnik engine gaurds with Ilium highway pegs.

Russell Saddle. Allowed me to cover 1012 miles in one long day on straight Midwest slabs.

 

Officially all farkled out and ready for next roadtrip...

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sardineone

sardineone

Posted
Posted

While tires are way up there in importance, I'll list benchmark purchases below.

1)Helmet to helmet Bluetooth communicators - Golden for me to tutor my son in real time when he finally got into street riding. :Cool:

2)Corbin seat for my Guzzi LeMans - When your arse is happy, you are happy! :clap:

3)Belstaff Mercury Jacket - Almost has made my heated vest obsolete. :eek:

4)Heated grips! :grin:

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Angel

Angel

Posted
Posted

I honestly cant choose one thing.

GPS has got to be high on the list but that came with the bike so if we are strictly speaking of additional purchases...

- Corbin saddle,

- AZ ear plugs ( I went through at least a dozen earbuds of all types & kinds including some that were "top of the line")

- sirrius radio

-motoport mesh kevlar garments

 

 

 

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Shaman97

Shaman97

Posted
Posted

 

 

- Custom seat - the original was cruel and unusual punishment.

- Taller windscreen - really cuts down on wind noise for taller riders.

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OoPEZoO

OoPEZoO

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This is kinda sparked by a different thread, but I'm gonna have to go with the Mojo lever I picked up from Mitch.

 

Its the only thing I've bought for my bike that has helped me to save enough money to buy the other great pieces of equipment I've wanted/needed. Not to mention the amount of time and aggravation it has saved me because I no longer have to rely on motorcycle shops or business hours to keep me on the road. Thanks Mitch :thumbsup::thumbsup:

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RockBottom

RockBottom

Posted
Posted

It's been said already, but for me it's a tie between a Zumo and a Roadcrafter. I guess I'd lean toward the Zumo since I use it every ride and there are upper and lower temperature limits for the Roadcrafter.

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aterry1067

aterry1067

Posted
Posted

The greatest, most absolute best, piece of equipment I have added to the bike, cost me about $0.40, if I divided it out. I work on a military base, and driving through the gate is a hassle with an ID card. I took a paper clamp, cut up a Bic pen to match the size, and zip-tied it to the handlebars. It holds the ID card or credit card securely for at least 80mph (tested) and will hold cash for a toll as well. The second best would be the RDL seat.

 

Attached is a pic of the holder with a Food Lion card attached. I used muffler repair paste to build a base, which should be molded different, but it serves the purpose. Not pretty, but it works for me.

IMG_20110423_222743.jpg

 

I havent used a credit card at toll booths, so I dont know if they take them or not. I will be testing that this summer though. :-)

 

 

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RockBottom

RockBottom

Posted
Posted

Don't you have to wear a high viz vest to get on base? I just stick my CAC in the vest pocket.

 

On the tolls, I have an EZpass transponder. I gorilla glued rare earth magnets to the velcro fasteners on it and just pop the thing on my tank.

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Linz

Linz

Posted
Posted

Corbin

Cee Bailey Eurocut screen

reflective tape for top case and side cases (lots of night riding)

One Piece Aerostich

One piece thermal bicycle suit for winter riding.

BMW System V helmet.

Gerbing socks (before socks, winter nights were painful)

Techlusion unit, good tools and this site for fixing the surge.

Finally, the manometer which made a good bike perfect. Thanks gang.

 

Linz :)

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aterry1067

aterry1067

Posted
Posted
Don't you have to wear a high viz vest to get on base? I just stick my CAC in the vest pocket.

 

Funny enough, no, not on this Navy base (or if they do, it's not enforced...or maybe it's only required for active duty, I'm not sure). I'm prior AF and yes, on all AF bases a hi-viz vest is required. When I seen the "Mil-Spec" vests were $70+, I bought a $12 one from wal-mart (no pockets) expecting it to be required on this installation as well. Then I seen all the other people on bikes wearing normal jackets, so I stopped wearing the vest and wear a black armoured jacket with reflective material. If they do eventually require the hi-viz, I will just wear the hi-viz full jacket.

 

I tried keeping the CAC in the left pocket of the jacket, but trying to fumble around with winter gloves took considerable time at the gate. That's when I installed the clip.

 

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thencamebronson

thencamebronson

Posted
Posted

For active duty, the vest is mandatory. At a lot of posts you have to show a current MSF card in addition to the CAC.

 

 

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RockBottom

RockBottom

Posted
Posted
Don't you have to wear a high viz vest to get on base? I just stick my CAC in the vest pocket.

 

Funny enough, no, not on this Navy base (or if they do, it's not enforced...or maybe it's only required for active duty, I'm not sure). I'm prior AF and yes, on all AF bases a hi-viz vest is required. When I seen the "Mil-Spec" vests were $70+, I bought a $12 one from wal-mart (no pockets) expecting it to be required on this installation as well. Then I seen all the other people on bikes wearing normal jackets, so I stopped wearing the vest and wear a black armoured jacket with reflective material. If they do eventually require the hi-viz, I will just wear the hi-viz full jacket.

 

I tried keeping the CAC in the left pocket of the jacket, but trying to fumble around with winter gloves took considerable time at the gate. That's when I installed the clip.

 

At mine, high viz is required for everyone. They check the MSF card before they register a bike, so don't require it to be shown again. The only issue I have with the CAC in the vest pocket is the 5-10 seconds it takes to put gloves back on.

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thencamebronson

thencamebronson

Posted
Posted
Don't you have to wear a high viz vest to get on base? I just stick my CAC in the vest pocket.

 

Funny enough, no, not on this Navy base (or if they do, it's not enforced...or maybe it's only required for active duty, I'm not sure). I'm prior AF and yes, on all AF bases a hi-viz vest is required. When I seen the "Mil-Spec" vests were $70+, I bought a $12 one from wal-mart (no pockets) expecting it to be required on this installation as well. Then I seen all the other people on bikes wearing normal jackets, so I stopped wearing the vest and wear a black armoured jacket with reflective material. If they do eventually require the hi-viz, I will just wear the hi-viz full jacket.

 

I tried keeping the CAC in the left pocket of the jacket, but trying to fumble around with winter gloves took considerable time at the gate. That's when I installed the clip.

 

We have to show the MSF at registration here too, and at the gate. At Ft Irwin, for a while, they were making people take off their helmets if you had a full face helmet!

 

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OlGeezer

OlGeezer

Posted
Posted

GPS, aftermarket seat and premium (rebuildable) shocks. Sorry, I couldn't separate the three.

 

Yes, tires, but we all need tires. There is no choice there. I'm due for #35.

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BeemerLover

BeemerLover

Posted
Posted

In terms of making my riding experience better, in this order riding on the R1200RT

 

Russell seat

 

Barbacks and foot peg lowering kits

 

BMW topcase (easy to store/access helmet, gloves, earplugs, etc)

 

larger windshield (CalSci)

 

Powered tank bag with GPS velcroed to a plate attached to the back of it

 

Heated gloves with controller

 

Heated jacket (not vest)

 

Leather overpants (not chaps)

 

Leather jacket for winter

 

"Blow through" jacket for summer

 

 

 

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RiceToy

RiceToy

Posted
Posted

Moto Techniques bar backs (shoulders thanked me)

Aeroflow screen & headlight protector (ears thanked me)

Zumo 550 w/XM (even when you know where you're going)

Starcom1Digital (wife thanked me)

CVM Touring 'Sparky' hiway disappear when closed (could not have ridden 16 days straight without them)

Brake! LED brake light & modulator & Radianz 100-LED strip on topbox (probably saved me more than I'll ever know)

VVME HID low beam kit (nice to see and be seen)

SW Motec 'GS' tank bag (how else can you get 28L on the tank of an R1150RT)

 

And occasionally #1 would be the Escort 9500ix!

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RockBottom

RockBottom

Posted
Posted
At Ft Irwin, for a while, they were making people take off their helmets if you had a full face helmet!

 

I used my flip up to ride on base and not for anything else. It's a Nolan and I'm not crazy about it.

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Chip

Chip

Posted
  • Author
Posted
I saw this thread on advrider.com (thanks jeffro115). I learned a lot from it and am guessing so have other folks (over half a million hits on this topic).

 

Over the years, I've purchased lot's of motorcycle clothing and farkles. Some good, some great, and some not so good. So, if you were to gear up with the best stuff, what would you get...what would you recommend? What's the one best piece of gear/equipment you've purchased?

 

Here's mine.

Russell Day Long saddle. Years ago, I bought a used 1996 R1100RT that had a Day Long on it. The saddle was extremely comfortable but I didn't really appreciate it until I bought a new 2010 R1200RT. It took about 200 miles for me to realize the limitations of the stock seat would make vacations uncomfortable. The Day Long was my first, and best, piece of equipment I've bought.

 

Thought it only right that I provide an update to this thread. As of today, here is a list of the most frequently listed equipment in order of the number of times it was mentioned. When someone mentioned more than one item (and most everyone did), I just counted.

 

Sooooo......are you ready to farkle?

 

Number of times

Equipment is mentioned

15 GPS

8 Russell Day Long Saddle

7 Shocks (non-stock, usually Ohlins)

5 Aerostitch

5 Corbin

4 Heated Jacket liner

4 Riding School

3 Arizona Al earplugs

3 CB Windscreen

3 Gerbings - unspecified

3 Lower foot pegs

2 Autocom

2 bar backs

2 BMW tank bag

2 custom seat

2 highway pegs

2 tall windscreen

1 49l top case

1 Aeroflow screen

1 Ardmore lights

1 Belstaff Jacket

1 Big Mac tank bag

1 bluetooth communication

1 BMW System V helmet

1 BMW top case

1 Brake! LED brake light & modulator

1 Camera

1 CVM Touring 'Sparky' hiway

1 Darien Jacket/pants

1 Etymotic ER-6i

1 Gerbing socks

1 Givi topcase

1 GS Intake tubes

1 heated grips

1 Helmet hanger

1 HID headlight

1 iJet iPod remote

1 Ilium Sportboards

1 leather jacket

1 leather pants

1 log book

1 Mojo lever

1 Motec 'GS' tank bag

1 Motoport Canyon II jacket

1 Motoport Mesh jacket

1 Music

1 one piece suit

1 Powered Tank bag

1 RAM Mounts

1 reflective tape

1 Sargent seat

1 Satellite radio

1 small compressor and tire patch kit

1 Starcom1Digita

1 summer jacket

1 Techlusion

1 thermal bicycle suit

1 Valentine One (radar detector)

1 VVME HID

1 Ztechnik Engine Guards

1 heated gloves

 

 

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Douglas Arnold

Douglas Arnold

Posted
Posted

Yeah, clothes, seats, etc., etc., etc.

 

But realistically from a 2 million plus mile rider,

 

#1 Continual yearly training by MSF Rider Coaches

#2. Headlight modulator, reflective tape on the rear of any jacket and side bags and led's on the rear of the bike. Yes, tell me you didn't see me.

 

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