Top accessories for long distance riding

Something I forgot on post of long trip. NEP throttle stop really relives hand/wrist efforts on long straight stretches/wiping nose, etc.
$20-$22 still available from Aerostich.

Agree with that! A cheap fix that really works when you need a brief break from that throttle. Not a true cruise control but workable substitute for a short time.

Hi,

Newbie SW rider here. What are the top accessories to get for some long distance riding, say a 1,000 miles trip which takes about 3-4 days to complete?

Thanks.

greenspam wrote:

Hi,

Newbie SW rider here.  What are the top accessories to get for some long distance riding, say a 1,000 miles trip which takes about 3-4 days to complete?

Thanks.

Number 1 item a good cup holder!

Happy Motoring Lloyd 193.

Having ridden a lot of miles the past 62 years----surely not a cupholder in my use! Best are professional quality riding clothes, rubber overboots, rain gloves---and on SilverWing, Givi adjustable windshield, ear plugs---good map---Helmet that is all day comfortable----adding accessories to bike does nothing for comfort/aid in getting there. .My last trip this year was 7,000 miles

Rear top box.  Cup holder.  GPS and ram mount holder from GPSCITY.com.  

I would get a motorcycle coat and look at motorcycle specific boots.  Motorcycle boots have a shaft in the sole that does not allow your foot to bend backwards in an accident.....  no broken bones in your foot, which will allow you to go back to work or walk.  

I am a motorcycle camper guy.  You didn't mention that aspect of your travels.  If you are planning on camping, there is a specific motorcycle forum that would be of great benefit to you http://motocampers.com. Motocampers is all about camping off of the motorcycle.  Great camp ground reviews..... equipment reviews and you can develop friendships with motorcycle campers.  Similar to the idea that you have the opportunity to meet and become friends with Silverwing Owners on this site.

I would also look at a throttle lock on the silverwing.  That will increase your mileage.

I have a Corbin seat on mine and find it more comfortable than the stock seat.

I also have an adjustable windshield.  

I hope you find what you are looking for and find a reason to come back to this forum and become a regular contributor.  Come back and let us know how your trip went.

Remember, it didn't happen without pictures.

I think one of the most important things to have is a seat that is comfortable. Many claim that spending a lot on rebuilding or replacing the seat works.
Years ago someone here told me about the AirHalk seat pad. The best price at the time was on Amazon., even better than trying to buy directly from the AirHalk Co. It is basically many air filled chambers that you blow up with one easy valve and you ride on air.
Can you think of anything more comfortable? The price was around $ 85.00 and so far it has lasted 4 years.
Cruz control. eBay $ 20.00. Not a real Cruz control, but it helps in the long straight halls.
The Givi 214? adjustable windshield is out of this world comfortable. Just make sure, you tighten the 10mm nuts down every once and a while. Otherwise, you might have the top part fly off and hit you smack in the middle of your face like I and others have had happen.
The one thing that I never did, was, buy a pair of chaps that you can easily put on when the weather changes. My riding pants had protection ( a must have) but the layers were on the inside and a pain in the ass to remove.

And if you want to buy a pair of barely used rear side bags to carry even more things I have some that you can buy. I bought them through Leather Up. When they arrived I needed to add some heavy duty Velcro strips, so that I could attach them to each other going under the seat. There are two small rubber (bungee cords) that attach from underneath. Behind the rear fender and in-front inside of the rear wheel.
Unbelievable how much more you can carry and not even know you are, and they are expandable with rain covers.
Don't have any pictures, but can send you some.
Good Luck

Isn't this just a variation of that topic in June ’When I Go Touring I Always Pack A... ?' The one that got canned because a couple of US members said they always carried a hand gun.

Meldrew wrote:

Isn't this just a variation of that topic in June ’When I Go Touring I Always Pack A... ?' The one that got canned because a couple of US members said they always carried a hand gun.

it is

A wrist rest. The best $10 you'll spend. There are several brands on the market. Here's a link to one https://www.crampbuster.com
Kinda works hand-in-glove with a throttle lock/cruise control, as mentioned above.

Tim

I've found those wrist rests useful in the past, but a throttle lock/cruise control is only useful if you're droning along empty,straight, horizon to horizon type roads such as in Arizona. They're not much use here in the UK, or on European motorways where you spending a lot of time overtaking convoys of trucks.

My new unused Go Cruise throttle lock has been stored in the red lid compartment of my Givi top box for at least the last five years, not once have I been on any road or motorway home or abroad that warranted it's use, or even thought I'd stop and fit it.

Apart from proper gear, which I hope people wear and carry as a matter of course, and water (and biscuits), my most important item these days is a well-planned schedule.
JG referred to 'planning' recently and I find as I get older that if I plan stops by the hour and rests by sensible lengths of time, I can ride further without getting nearly so tired or losing concentration.

Suits me.

I don't go long distance riding, I just ride every other day, usually no more than 130-140mls. I do ride every month of the year. I have the wrist rest that others have mentioned and bought one for my son-in-law, he wouldn't be without it now. I have heated grips for colder weather and handlebar muffs for winter. In my emergency pack I have a first aid kit. Puncture repair, adjustable spanner, set of Allen keys, flashlight,  plastic gloves and hand cleaner also thread locker. I always carry damp cloth and  dry cloth for cleaning screen I forgot to mention my multitool ( like a swiss army knife) got a hammer and several blades and screw driver bit in it.

Wind deflectors for your legs

You're forgetting the most important thing - bike maintenance.
Make sure the tyres, brake pads, drive belt, oil level and fluids are up to it. If that means doing something early do so before you go, don't assume something will last another 1000 miles.
Nowt worse than service hassles on a long trip.
You can always stop to drink a coffee where you buy it, no need to carry it on the bike!

I'd say a well fitting comfortable helmet and earplugs because you'll be wearing them for hours on end. If your helmet causes pressure points around your forehead, your ears, or your temples wearing spectacles or sunglasses, or lets in a lot of wind noise you'll distracted, annoyed, and basically pissed off within a short time.

Badly fitted helmet speakers can cause discomfort too, especially if the helmet doesn't have speaker pockets recessed into the liner and press into your ears. A helmet without decent ventilation and effective rain seals between helmet and visor will mist up and let rain in on the inner surface of the visor.

It's the same with earplugs, I've tried many different types of disposables and they either work well when inserted or they don't. Don't insert them correctly and they're useless. Push them in too far and they'll gradually become painful on the ride, and they'll be even more painful to remove.

I've got a couple of pairs of custom made silicone earplugs I had made about 12 year ago, and they're 100% better than any disposables.

I know cup-holders are a bone of contention but as I said, I always carry water and biscuits (usually shortbread), having been stranded at the roadside with a burst tyre for nearly four hours on one occasion.
Fortunately, the weather was clement, and it was only by chance on that occasion - early on in my Riding Experience - that I had water and snacks.

There shouldn't be any contention surrounding a cup holder. If you want one, there are plenty of options for those that do want them. If you don't want one, then don't buy one. One can just move on to the next post.

In the USA, there are stretches of roads that don't bend at all for 50 plus miles. Nothing wrong with having an insulated cup full of ice and your favorite beverage available to you. I happen to prefer Root Beer in the afternoon, but coffee in the morning.

Coffee is so important to me that I carry my own coffee maker on day rides. It is a part of my regular gear. A few bottles of water and a Melita drip cone and some coffee in the bag along with my Jet Boil stove and I can make a cup of coffee faster than you can pour one in the store, stand in line to pay for it. (Then regret you even bought that crappy stuff they sell at the gas stations.)

Cup holders on motorcycles are an American thing, you can slurp your cuppa Joe or Root Beer (a drink that most Brits would say tastes like drain cleaner or disinfectant) on the move on those long straight roads simply because more US riders wear open face helmets, those ridiculous brain buckets, bandanas, or nothing at all.

Over here the vast majority of riders wear full face helmets and stop if they want a drink, or if they're an Adventure bike clone, take a sip from a Camelbak. Some of our straight roads are built on what were Roman military roads and are miles long, but they're undulating not flat straight like airport runways. They may be exceptions to that rule in the flat lands of Lincolnshire, and East Anglia but I don't venture down there much, my preference is to stay North Of The Wall.



Interestly enough Holland and Belgium are two countries I've regularly been to that have very long straight flat roads, in fact they're perfect cup holder countries. Yet I've never spotted any rider slurping a drink on the move.

As I said it's an American thing, our winos and street drinkers don't conceal their gut rot of choice in a brown paper bag like yours do either.

Coffee was mentioned too, I may touch on that later.

Cup Holders...not for me----I prefer to pay attention to the riding.

john grinsel wrote:

Cup Holders...not for me----I prefer to pay attention to the riding.

Hi John, Holding your drink in your left hand while touring is dangerous, A good cup holder is a necessity.

john grinsel wrote:

Cup Holders...not for me----I prefer to pay attention to the riding.

Holding that Margarita can become very tiring, Hence cup holder. I understand that Facial features over yonder require full facial cover.

Happy Motoring Lloyd 193.

You may want to try RIDE ON for your tires, they will not only keep your tires continuously balanced but will also (in most cases) keep the bottom of your tires from going flat, up to 1/8 size object, and, it will extend the life of your tires. Also, what was mentioned earlier about the Air Hawk seat cushions, well worth the cost for comfort.

Modernman1953 wrote:

There shouldn't be any contention surrounding a cup holder.  If you want one, there are plenty of options for those that do want them.  If you don't want one, then don't buy one.  One can just move on to the next post.  

In the USA, there are stretches of roads that don't bend at all for 50 plus miles.  Nothing wrong with having an insulated cup full of ice and your favorite beverage available to you.  I happen to prefer Root Beer in the afternoon, but coffee in the morning.  

Coffee is so important to me that I carry my own coffee maker on day rides.  It is a part of my regular gear.  A few bottles of water and a Melita drip cone and some coffee in the bag along with my Jet Boil stove and I can make a cup of coffee faster than you can pour one in the store, stand in line to pay for it.  (Then regret you even bought that crappy stuff they sell at the gas stations.)  

Hi Modernman, Thanks for your intelligent remarks concerning cup holders. I will add that location of your cup holder is very important, Siphoning by high speed air flow becomes a real problem at about 95 or 100 indicated MPH. I try to find a location where my cocktail is not syphoned by the slip stream before I can enjoy it. Beside it not looking good on my T shirt.

Happy Motoring Lloyd 193.

john grinsel wrote:

Something I forgot on post of long trip.  NEP throttle stop really relives hand/wrist efforts on long straight stretches/wiping nose, etc.
$20-$22   still available from Aerostich.

Hi john, Another available throttle lock is offered by Vista Cruise, The simplest 7/8" dual cable is the best at about $20.00. The one I prefer for the Silverwing is the dual throttle cable model. It is great to be able to set that speed and let your bike roll.

Happy motoring Lloyd 193.

Ride On works for me....and I get some pretty long mileage from my tires on SilverWing...and hope I get no nail/small screw punctures in tread area,

As this topic is called Top accessories for long distance riding,  I thought I'd dig out my copies of 'Going the Extra Mile, Insider Tips for Long Distance Motorcycling and Endurance Rallies', and 'Against the Wind, A Rider's Accont of the Incredible Iron Butt Rally', both by Ron Ayres.

I checked to see if cup holders are in fact essential kit for hard ass long-distance riders, it seems they aren't. In the List of Resources Section, there's plenty of info on the expected stuff like auxiliary fuel tanks, custom-made seats, cool vests, heated gear,  GPS, hot and cold weather gear, alarm clocks loud enough to wake the dead etc. No mention of a cup holder being a top accessory at all.

However there is a small paragraph on 'Pavement Wetting Systems', another peculiar to America piece of kit. These are ideal for the mobile coffee slurpers on here. As coffee is a well known diuretic, instead of stopping to relieve that bursting bladder, a quick fumble with the zip, aim, and instant relief.

There could be endless future topics on these things, for example techniques. Are you a 'Through The Gate or an Over The Fence Guy?’ I'd be fascinated to know if you can use one  'blasting through the twisties' without misting the visor of the rider behind you. What about ’Have You Ever Accidentally Caught Your Danglies In The Zipper After Using A Pavement Wetting System', then 'Who Always Carries A First Aid Kit? Maybe one about how many states you've peed in on the move.

There could be photos of home made wetting systems made from a few dollars worth of bits from Ace Hardware, maybe even a Pictorial.  

Meldrew
PMSL or should that now be PWMSL (pavement wetting myself laughing)

However there is a small paragraph on 'Pavement Wetting Systems', another peculiar to America piece of kit. These are ideal for the mobile coffee slurpers on here. As coffee is a well known diuretic, instead of stopping to relieve that bursting bladder, a quick fumble with the zip, aim, and instant relief.<<>>

No need to unzip nor manufacture, just find a NOS EZleaker, install and ride on

OMG, Meldrew, I do love your sarcasm and humor.

Regarding long distance riding and Iron Butt Rallies; because one becomes dehydraded during a ride, every LD rider uses some type of a hydration system. You are correct that cup holders aren't used. But many LD riders I know have, at least, a camelback hydration pack, while most have 1 or 1.5 gallon insulated cooler jugs custom mounted on the pillion peg along with a camelback-type bite tube for hydration. Hydration systems and auxiliary fuel tanks go hand in glove.

Thanks so much for your sardonic enlightenment.

Tim

[Edit] Hmm, maybe "hand-in-glove" is the wrong metaphor after Meldrew's condom catheter remarks (below)

Thanks It took a while but I finally tracked down what the ezleaker is, a sort of condom cum catheter device the rider wears with a drain tube. They apparently never sold well because of the differences in US and UK sizing charts. Consumer reports reveal even fitting them with tyre levers, the largest XXL size was restricting blood circulation for the average Brit.

I'm really trying not to imagine the tyre levers bit ... :-)

I have changed my H7 head lights to LED. Wow, what a difference. Now I can see like never before with my night riding.

dwintersnz wrote:

I have changed my H7 head lights to LED.  Wow, what a difference.  Now I can see like never before with my night riding.

Thanks! At least we are marginally back on topic... EZleaker indeed... dwintersnz some more specific on your LED switch would be appreciated.

Yes it's all right when owners change to LED's or HID sets ups and they think they're great. Especially fitted to the headlights of older maxi scooters designed for halogen bulbs long before LED lights became OE. But if you're on the other side of the road coming towards them getting dazzled, your retinas seared, and your night vision ruined by someone's badly adjusted DIY set ups, at the least it's inconsiderate and annoying, and at times downright dangerous.

Meldrew wrote:

Yes it's all right when owners change to LED's or HID sets ups and they think they're great. Especially fitted to the headlights of older maxi scooters designed for halogen bulbs long before LED lights became OE.

Yes, I agree.

Meldrew wrote:

Thanks It took a while but I finally tracked down what the ezleaker is, a sort of condom cum catheter device the rider wears with a drain tube. They apparently never sold well because of the differences in US and UK sizing charts.  Consumer reports reveal even fitting them with tyre levers, the largest XXL size was restricting blood circulation for the average Brit.

I Googled Brit wearing condom to see what you were referring to. Now I understand the blood circulation restriction comment:

So it's taken you over 2 months to figure out how to Google about something I posted in September, and you've still don't get what I meant.

One thing that I should have mentioned, there are many H7 and H4 LED lamps out there, but I have only found 1 x H4 and 1 x H7 types that give an acceptable headlight pattern that meet the regulations.

dwintersnz wrote:

One thing that I should have mentioned, there are many H7 and H4 LED lamps out there, but I have only found 1 x H4 and 1 x H7 types that give an acceptable headlight pattern that meet the regulations.

Which of the available H4 & H7 LEDs project an acceptable pattern?
Sources, stock #'s...

Tim

Meldrew wrote:

So it's taken you over 2 months to figure out how to Google about something I posted in September, and you've still don't get what I meant.

Hmmmm, I bet if I insult a member directly or indirectly, action would be taken against me.

Also, could someone instruct me on how a user can determine when someone reads a post??????????

Cosmic_Jumper wrote:

dwintersnz wrote:

One thing that I should have mentioned, there are many H7 and H4 LED lamps out there, but I have only found 1 x H4 and 1 x H7 types that give an acceptable headlight pattern that meet the regulations.

Which of the available H4 & H7 LEDs project an acceptable pattern?
Sources, stock #'s...

Tim

Look on Ebay (Store pueri-pu) or Aliexpress (Store Sohoo0206) for an H4 20W. Look for the ones that have a cooling fan at the front of the lamp, and make sure they have standard separate lo and hi beam. When you first look at the picture it does not seem possible, but they are really good.

H7 Alliexpress (car safety TPMS Store) These I have fitted to my Silverwing and are very satisfied with them.

Meldrew wrote:

I'd say a well fitting comfortable helmet and earplugs because you'll be wearing them for hours on end. If your helmet causes pressure points around your forehead, your ears, or your temples wearing spectacles or sunglasses, or lets in a lot of wind noise you'll distracted, annoyed, and basically pissed off within a short time.

Badly fitted helmet speakers can cause discomfort too, especially if the helmet doesn't have speaker pockets recessed into the liner and press into your ears. A helmet without decent ventilation and effective rain seals between helmet and visor will mist up and let rain in on the inner surface of the visor.

I'll add to this post by saying I've now replaced my Scorpion EXO-900 flip up helmet with a newly purchased Schuberth E1 adventure style flip up helmet. This gives me an alternative touring helmet to my usual Schuberth M1 open face.

I chose the E1 because it's basically a modded version of Schuberth's C3 touring helmet, it's acoustically quiet, the inner liner is comfortable, washable and easy to remove and refit, and has no seams in the brow area to cause pressure points. The visor seals well and is fitted with a Pinlock inner.  

The Scorpion had became a pain in the arse/head over time because I now know it was probably more suited to a Narrow Oval head shape than Intermediate Oval. When I bought the helmet a few years ago there was no online info out available about what head shapes manufacturers built their helmets for.


Unlike the Scorpion, the E1 helmet has recesses either side for intercom speakers, although so far I haven't decided whether I'll buy the Schuberth Pro set up with everything installed in a replacement neck piece that also utilises the helmets built in antennae, or there's another more compact set up that fits inside the helmet.

Alternatively I could use my Interphone F4 clamped on the side and a new unused full face or open face/flip up headset. I don't really care about the microphone as sat nav/GPS instructions are all I want to hear on this helmet. I've never had any interest in listening to radio or music, neither have I had any desire to Bluetooth my mobile phone to a helmet and I'm not starting now.

Of course a big plus with the Schuberth E1 helmet is the fitted peak, it's height adjustable and also removable. At this time on year dazzle from low winter sun can be a real problem, so is riding in bright sun from West to East, constantly going from bright sun to dark forests etc. I've had good service with a Super Visor peak on both open face helmets and my Scorpion, this is a lot better.

The Schuberth E1 is an expensive helmet but shopping around got a very good deal buying a helmet with the now discontinued Hunter Red graphics, I like the red E1 side bars and black zebra brush stripes on white background paint job a lot better than any in the current E1 range, or any of the new paint jobs. It's nice to be able to register this helmet online with Schuberth for it's 5 year guarantee too.

Meldrew wrote:

Yes it's all right when owners change to LED's or HID sets ups and they think they're great. Especially fitted to the headlights of older maxi scooters designed for halogen bulbs long before LED lights became OE.

Want to emphasize this. I hate nothing more than meeting a vehicle with ill fitted HID kits in reflector housings, 2 or 4 wheels.

I'm running a double HID setup in my silverwing using projectors in the stock housing. Both low and high beams are BRIGHT but not going to blind anyone because they have a solenoid actuator for proper cutoff.

As far as necessary items for long distance touring... Credit card for gas and enough rubber on the tires to make it. I've taken my wing on several 1000+ mile trips and done several 600+ mile days in both stock and modded form, the only mod that I feel is a must is the seat, running a corbin. #2 would be a windshield, I've got a stock on there for now but had both a givi oversized and an adjustable one, the adjustable was my favorite but it broke this summer and I've yet to order a replacement. #3 is cramp buster so your throttle hand gets some stretch time.

No cup holder on my bike but I usually throw a few coca cola products in the topcase or under the seat. I'll hydrate at fuel stops. Full face helmet makes a cup holder useless for me.