Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: swordds on May 10, 2016, 08:21:37 PM
-
The thread "Where To Start" has given me an idea - not including your motorcycle, name the three best or most important motorcycling items you have. It could apparel, or safety/skill training, or a book, or tools, or bling, or safety gear, or extra lights, or baggage, or whatever. But limit it to only three things so the list isn't too expansive and some will have to make some hard choices (I think). My list: my Schuberth C3 Pro helmet. That is all that currently makes my list. I probably have over $3,000 in motorcycling appurtanaces (5 pairs of different types of boots and shoes, some tools, saddlebags and rain gear, kevlar jeans, two motorcycle jackets, multiple pairs of gloves, etc) but so far for me only my Schuberth helmet would I unequivocally recommend to anyone. But I am new to motorcycles so I would like to see what others consider to their best or most important purchases. Of course, this may cause me to rush out and buy something (or it may create no interest or response).
-
Aerostich Roadcrafter
Combat Boots
supportive wife
-
Credit card that's not expired aero stitch supportive signifigent other???
-
credit card, cell phone and the support of my wife.
-
Credit card that's not expired aero stitch supportive signifigent other???
I thought he left you :wink:
-
Electric vest. All the Guzzi National rallies except one. All the regional Guzzi rallies I've attended in the past 45 years.
Tex
-
A concrete floor, service manuals, and a job to pay for the other stuff.
-
Probably the many donations I've made to metezler, Dunlop & Michelin
Camping gear
And I'd better say supportive wife (just in case)
-
Well, I am not married, but a wife who would support me does sound like a winner! Maybe then I could even afford more than one motorcycle. :smiley:
-
1) Handheld GPS and RAM mounts for every motorcycle and even my mountain-bicycle. I use an outdated Garmin 60-series.
2) Quality boots for appropriate uses (I "cheated" on this one, because I have Alpinestars dirt-bike and 2-pair Dainese street-bike boots, high and low-cut).
3) Used Harbor Freight motorcycle lift - gets the bike up higher for service and I can move the lift with the bike on it to get it out of the way if my project needs to sit a while.
I could go on..... but those are the first three that came to mind and I would not like to be without any of them.
Why would you recommend the Schuberth helmet? What's so great about it?
-
Electric vest. All the Guzzi National rallies except one. All the regional Guzzi rallies I've attended in the past 45 years.
Tex
#4 for me.. heated liner..airvantage (Aerostich again)
-
#4 for me.. heated liner..airvantage (Aerostich again)
Cheater!!!!
#4 for me is any money spent on suspension parts matched (by professionals) to my weight and riding style - and that's only because I didn't think of it till after I posted.
-
- A custom fitted saddle - in my case, a Russell Day-Long.
- Money spent to actually go out and ride - gas, motels, whatever. There's no substitute for experience.
- Time spent on(and contributions to the operators of) forums like this one. Whether sharing my own experience and knowledge, or more likely gaining from that of others...
-
1. Proper fitting Shoei Helmet - full face flip up
2. Proper riding gear (Jacket, pants, boots)
3. Corbin Seat (with backrest for my girlfriend - she likes to ride along)
3a. The right windscreen
3b. GPS TomTom Rider for getting lost and enjoying it
3c. Good weather...that's always worth paying for
3d. Fun rallies - these are priceless
3e. Great riding buddies - also priceless
-
Had two other, admittedly cheaper, helmets. The Schuberth is much, much quieter and isn't buffeted around like the others were, very comfortable for me, I can ride all day and never feel like needing to take it off, my face shield doesn't fog, great ventilation, the chin bar is easy to lift and very secure, the strap is easy to work even with gloves on, I can put it on and take it off without removing my glasses, looks and feels like very high quality, internal sun shade is great. When I consider all of my gear, jacket, pants, gloves, boots, helmet (am I forgetting something?) my helmet is the item that I find most comfortable and that I most enjoy putting on. Everything else seems a bit of a bother. My current boots are new so maybe in a few weeks or months I will change my mind but they are a little difficult to put on and I'm always glad to take them off, my padded jacket is heavy and I am also glad to take it off, but my helmet I don't mind putting on. Though I don't do it, I sometimes wish I could ride in shorts and a tee shirt and tennis shoes, but I never feel like that about my Schuberth helmet, and not just for safety reasons. I am more comfortable riding with on than I would be riding without it, and I can't say the same about my other gear. Of course, I don't own Aerostitch stuff.
-
Sorry for rambling but I will try putting it this way, of all the things I have bought, I don't believe I have found my perfect boots or jacket or pants or gloves or saddlebags, etc and so I am always looking at adds for those things thinking maybe I should get those different boots or that different jacket etc. But I am never looking at adds for helmets, I have found my perfect helmet and don't feel even the slightest urge to try a different one, but I can't say that about the other things.
-
Shoei X-12
Combat boots --- (gift)
Basic riders course
-
Custom seat for the Stelvio
Antigravity XP1 personal lithium battery system http://shop.antigravitybatteries.com/micro-start-xp-1/
Kermit Chair
-
Aerostitch suit
Corbin seats
Heated grip
I am just returning from a 4000+ mile trip. Couldn't have done it without the Corbin. Used the heated grips every day. Layed the bike down once (unfortunate flash flood induced water crossing) and the stitch worked wonders. Felt like I fell on a mattress and suffered no harm of any kind. The bike (Triumph Trophy) did not fair so well but it is still ticking.
-
My small donation to WG every year is a great investment .
The small investment in Cedar Vale every year brings great happiness
My $5.00 tankbag .
Dusty
-
Gasoline
Tires
Earplugs
-
Hepco Becker 30ltr Jr.s - Hands down the best investment ever.
Tourmaster Rincon jacket - bought it through NewEnough.com several years ago, best $100 I ever spent on gear.
Arai Profile - Best fitting helmet I've ever owned, it's getting past time to replace, but like it too much!
-
Best buys:
1. BMW heated vest
2. Dainese "Greyhound pelle" leather jacket.
3. Airhawk seat pad.
You didn't ask, but Worst buys:
1 Powerlet heated gloves (burned the webbing of my hands, even on Low wattage). Others love Powerlet stuff, my luck was bad.
2 Too many jackets.
3 Open faced helmet. Never use it.
-
Barbour waxed cotton jacket and trousers.
A quality helmet.
-
1. Custom seat
2. SPIII fairing
3. Schuberth helmet (I agree with all posted above, but, it has to fit)
4. Heated gloves (mine are Gerbing)
Tourmaster FlexIII jacket is great, but, would not object to a stich one piece.
-
1. Arai Signet Q (and previous Signets) - only helmet that fits my long-oval head.
2. Lazer Lite ear plugs - I used Aerostich's sampler pack of 20 to find the plugs that fit best and now buy them by the box.
3. Rev-It Off Track jacket and pants - Euro cut fits me best and it's held up well for seven years.
-
1. Harbor freight bike lift- should NEVER have waited so long
2. Shoei with pinlock antifog- a must for the NW for winter riding
3. Appropriate clothing- in my case multiple jackets, electric vest/gloves,rain gear. As David Hough in MCN in notes- you won't react quickly if your miserable. I somewhat wish I'd gone the Aerostitch route though, but I ALREADY look like the Michelin Man!
-
1) redwing boots with wedge sole
2) elastic cargo net (cheap but handy)
3) aprilia mirrors on the V7
still looking for the right helmet and jacket... what I have works but lacks comfort ... Glasses always get in the way
-
1. Exhaust Upgrade (Mistral)
2. Bar-End Mirrors (CRG)
3. Custom Seat (Every Bike Owned)
-
Sex, drugs and rock n' roll... :angel:
-
Sex, drugs and rock n' roll... :angel:
There's more to life than those??? :)
If just limited to motorcycles:
1. Turtle fur face/neck cover for Kim.
2. Dead sheep for the seats
3. All of my past and present helmets that have the flip down shade.
-
Custom Bates jacket purchased 4 decades ago - worked very well in multiple high speed dismounts. it would be very nice if I could fit it again
My Griso, riding it has helped my back more than any Doctor, Drugs or Masseuse well except one well endowed Blond who doesn't work anymore
A couple of helmets that I've had to replace.
Mark
-
1. My Norge
2. Gasoline
3. Oil
#2-3 allow #1 to provide the best motorcycling experiences to date. I might add to but won't give up the Norge for all the STs out there although a new FJR might be headed home soon. Something has to reign supreme in the garage and on the road, that job goes to the Norge, all others are filler material.
-
Sex, drugs and rock n' roll... :angel:
:thumb: Now, we're talkin.. :smiley:
-
I might add to but won't give up the Norge for all the STs out there although a new FJR might be headed home soon. Something has to reign supreme in the garage and on the road, that job goes to the Norge, all others are filler material.
Can we make this quote a sticky please! :grin: :grin: :1: :1:
-
Aerostich Darien Jacket/pants
Gerbing heated jacket liner
Goretex Boots
Ear plugs (never leave home without them)
-
Weirdly, given the OP's parameters I start with real estate.
Buying acreage in the White Mountains went a long way towards making up for less than fun riding in most of this state of Arizona compared to New England and California - they being my "gold standards" for riding fun.
Then - when "Ton-Up" closed down here - from whom I bought my Calvin - I bought one of their lifts. The first proper platform lift I've owned. Priceless and the connection is cool to boot.
Rolling through "Big Tex" trailers just to get a light or something, I came across a trailer which was mis-delivered to them. They never have them in stock here in Phoenix as they are under-engineered for any of the trades but perfect for me. It's almost exactly 4x8 feet inside - you can just get your fingers around a piece of plywood laying flat - but as small outside so as to track exactly the width of our old Cherokee. Outstanding dimensions for one fella to move one motorcycle by himself. That particular trailer has allowed me to jump on three separate motorcycles, a 1962 Cub Cadet and several golf carts for its convenience of ownership.
So:
Dirt to ride to.
A lift to bend less.
A trailer to spend more.
Todd.
-
Since you said: "not including your motorcycle" my picks are as follow:
1. Vespa GTV 300
2. Davida Jet Helmet
3. Crosby Jacket from Belstaff / Moto Guzzi 3/4 Riding Jacket by Dainese
-
1. Baxley Sport Chock
Makes life much easier when hauling, storing, working on, changing oil, cleaning the motorcycle. Worth every penny, and then some.
Randy
-
Waterproof duffle bag. Can be strapped of course, but also it can be used as a backpack.
Ear plugs
Heated grips
-
A small engine repair teacher at Maricopa County Technical College named John back in the '70's who wasn't afraid to tackle an engine he wasn't familiar with and then figure out how to fix it.
Heinrich Reisman, the Guzzi dealer in Albuquerque again back in the '70's, who was a veritable surgeon when it came to working on bikes.
Craftsman tools which I started buying one or two every payday beginning in the early '70's.
-
In no particular order:
My iPhone (my only link to the Guzzi forum! camera, docs holder, research, bla, bla, bla)
My Guzzi t-shirt (s)
My 25 year old Leatherman tool
-honourable mention: my Arai helmet
-
Handy Lift and a good collection of tools
Rostra cruise control on Griso
Flyscreens with stowable over-screens
-
As far as Guzzi buys:
1. A nice tail bag for my Mille (Firstgear Onyx)
2. A CDI unit for my Mille (great price since I made it myself)
3. A new U-joint and carrier bearing for my Mille, replaced just as both were starting to show early signs of trouble
-
Heated Gloves for the cold days
Riding Jeans for the hot days
mesh jacket for the hot days
Seriously, nothing is worse than a bad case of monkey butt, or numb fingers in the winter. If I don't have to literally peel my clothes off after riding, I consider it a good ride.
-
1. " Profecient Motorcycling" by David Hough. By far the best book on motorcycling I've read.
2. Heated Jacket Liner and Gloves. My most important gear for comfort as I have lousy circulation.
3. SW-Motech Evo Cargobag Tail Bag. No more bungee cords.
-
Interesting that more often than not a saddle that works for the rider is mentioned.
So, three choices, eh?
1) 49 years on a motorcycle and the Stayin' Safe riding school was so informative I went back two years later.
2) Proper suspension. At the very least time spent to sort out the stock components but quality aftermarket from the leaders like Ohlins and such makes such a huge difference. As they say, until you've experienced a proper set up you'll never know what your missing, and then you'll never go back!
3) Proper airflow management.
-
Earplugs
suspension upgrades
heated grips
If "best" means bang-for-the-buck, then earplugs are a clear winner. To think I used to ride without them, I must have been crazy (or young).
-
Hmmn,
1 - a German motorcycle lift - I love it, and at 52, I've earned it
2 - El Cheapo 'Hippo Hands' knock off's from Moose Racing. I've used them on lotsa bikes in the 16 yrs I've owned them. Paid less than $10 and they're priceless for cold days!
3 - Dainese armored touring leather pants. The support the offer makes almost any seat comfortable and they've saved my knees too many times .
-
Wife & Business that supports my mental motorcycle health.
Brown Leather Jacket: New $149.00
Hi Top leather boots with side zipper & laces in the front: New $85.00
-
Definitely #1: a loving spouse who supports my habit, even though she doesn't go along. My SPOT Locator gives her regular updates of my whereabouts.
#2: the Fox Creek vented racing jacket in brown leather. Got it for half price on their clearance page. They don't normally make the jacket in brown, but someone had special ordered it and never took delivery. Luckily it was my size.
#3: the new Shoei Multitec helmet in safety yellow that I just got. Shoei helmets fit my skull. This is my third Shoei. I love the flip-down sun visor.
-
Handy Lift and a good collection of tools
Rostra cruise control on Griso
Flyscreens with stowable over-screens
Moto, I'm interested in your Rostra cruise control. Their website says their product can be used on engines with 3 cylinders and up. Unless you're riding a rare 3-cylinder Griso, you know something their website isn't telling me. Did you buy it through a dealer? Did you do the install? Please enlighten me. :bow:
-
Moto, I'm interested in your Rostra cruise control. Their website says their product can be used on engines with 3 cylinders and up. Unless you're riding a rare 3-cylinder Griso, you know something their website isn't telling me. Did you buy it through a dealer? Did you do the install? Please enlighten me. :bow:
Gnorts, it's all here, in detail: http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=63286.0 (http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=63286.0)
I never heard that anyone followed my lead, but the installation is still working well! :grin:
Moto
-
Gnorts, it's all here, in detail: http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=63286.0 (http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=63286.0)
I never heard that anyone followed my lead, but the installation is still working well! :grin:
Moto
Hey Moto, thanks for the link. I look forward to some careful reading.
I had an ST1300 for a few years, and a group of the local ST guys did a group install of the generic Audiovox cruise control on our bikes. They worked well, and my arthritic hands would appreciate one on the G - it will enable me to do more miles in a day.
-
Lots of good things mentioned, so I'll limit my responses to those things that I thought I could "get by without" in the beginning mainly due to expense.
1) Practical and convenient storage- whether it be saddlebags, top box, tank bag or what have you. It's the difference between the bike being a toy or being practical transportation. A place to stow real tools, a few grocery items, sack lunch, etc. The backpack & skinny throw-overs didn't cut it for me. Once I got a top box I could do so much more with the bike because I could shuttle all of that everyday stuff around with me. Heck, I can bring home a large pizza if I have them split it into 2 medium boxes :laugh:
2) Ned's comfort seat - Unfortunately, what looks good on the showroom floor and what feels good on your bum are rarely the same. Don't put up with an uncomfortable stock seat for another minute. You'll never miss the money.
3) Lower fork mounted auxiliary lights - Opinions vary, but I feel they're the single best thing you can do to improve your visibility to others. I'll put them on every bike I own.
-
Red '07 Norge, Tom Tom Rider, High quality tent ( and a hundred other bits for camping and touring)
-
Red '07 Norge, Tom Tom Rider, High quality tent ( and a hundred other bits for camping and touring)
Woops ! Not including bike, sorry. Let's delete #1 and add ultra lite American rollout cot to keep me off the ground.