The best extras for your bike or your self

[DaveS]

I was thinking to myself on the way home tonight what is the best extra that I've bought for the bike or for myself to do with biking.

What would I really not want to do without.

I have two choices at the moment. If I'm allowed two, but its my post so I make up the rules.

1. My Autocom System coupled with my Nokia 6230i, and the Boxit case.
Basically I can listen to the radio on the way in to work and on the way out and its bloody excellent. Oh and I can answer phone calls if I want as well. Cool or what. Even better work paid for it all.

2. My Klan heated gloves which are miles better than my Honda OEM heated grips as my thumbs and finger tips do not get cold. They are lovely and warm. All the hassle of plugging in and everything is worth it every single time.


So what's your choices? Only 2 mind!

[jvaughan]

Autocom system7 with the Nokia 6310i, coupled to the mp3 player.

My Magellan GPS on Touratech mount. Looks the dogs!

[Chad]

me too with the autocom system 7 coupled to W800i and ipod.
and my paint job

[xrv_jim]

Zega Panniers.

[LaughingBob]

1. Garmin V on TT mount

2. Metal Mule panniers.

[YEN_POWELL]

My £15 surplus goretex kneelength socks, who cares if boots are waterproof and at weekends I wade across fords in them too.

My heated gloves and waistcoat (10 years old last month). Like going to work in front of a roaring log fire, mmmmm....................

[africatijn]

1) My rider/pillion intercom. Very nice to have a chat while driving. And you can switch it off as well..

2) Garmin GPS-V.

[Whealie]

I'm going to cheat here and have categories so I can have two answers in each category.

1. General
The two things in this category are the two XRV.org.uk mugs I bought - Not only great for drinking tea but my only way of supporting this site, which has been invaluable to me, not only for advice and help but for the Salisbury Plain trip, without which I would never have ventured off road. Although that terrified me it has resulted in me being a much better rider and I'm definitely intending to do it again.

2. The bike
1. The protection I've had fitted - Caveman's bars and a pair of bark busters. Losing the fear of dropping the bike and damaging it actually makes you less likely to drop it.
2. Tank bag. I went for a Baglux cover and bag. With hindsight I'd have gone for one of Caveman's FAMSA bags, which are simpler and slightly smaller (mine can be stuffed to the point that it gets in the way). The combination of a tank bag and topbox (which was already on mine) is enough for an overnight trip, including my laptop and projector so I can run training courses without side luggage (enabling easy filtering on crowded roads). That was the practical excuse for buying a bike in the first place so 'er indoors in placated.

3. Personal
1. The Starcom system (from a review on this site), which works with the mobile and MP3 player - I had a call recently from someone who had no idea I was doing 90mph on the M25.
2. Garmin Quest and handlebar mount.

Still a few things on the wish-list though so the league positions may move.

[Simon]

I think for me the first thing would be my Baglux trail tank bag. The tank cover came with the bike so i had to get a tank bag. It is small but thats all i wanted as i have a massive topbox. Its enough to hold my phone etc and a flask and lunch for a wee run out.

My next thing is a toss up between my £20 heated grips and buy one get one free Halfords mega bright bulbs. The grips are lovely and hot but the right is a bit tempermental. The bulbs mean i nearly intentionally ride in the dark because they are so brilliant.

[Recycler]

1. My Autocom System coupled with my Nokia 6230i, and the Boxit case.
Basically I can listen to the radio on the way in to work and on the way out and its bloody excellent.

Does your phone have a built in radio?
If so what acts as the aerial?

My 2;
Autocom with either minidisc or miniDABradio - PlanetRock!!!
Magnetic map holder for touring - poor mans GPS.