To my mind, there are two great ways of making a pay cheque disappear. The first is to employ the services of David Copperfield. You'll need to contact David's agent in Los Angeles and arrange a time and venue for him to disappear your monthly pay. Chances are that his agent will insist on a fairly high-class venue and there will most likely be some sort of rider you'll have to fulfill; a large brandy glass full of blue M&Ms, for example—I hear David likes them. Alternatively, you can take up motorcycling. While it may not have the pzazz and glamour of your own private session with a world-famous magician, it can at least be enjoyed over a longer period.
Motorcycling is a hobby which tends to start relatively cheaply. Many of us start with a used bike and budget clothing, but as the years roll by, we buy bigger, more expensive bikes and upgrade our gear with flashier helmets and better clothing. We buy various lotions and potions to keep our machines clean, and discover new tools and gadgets to help maintain them. After a few decades of riding, we'll own a tool for everything, more helmets than we know what to do with and enough fluid-filled aerosols to drown an elephant. Don't be afraid; this is perfectly normal.
Furthermore, we'll accumulate accessories. Small items which fulfill some kind of need to make riding safer, easier or more fun. I've chosen six items from Bike Stop, which every rider needs in their arsenal.
Kriega R35
I'm on my second Kriega R35, due to the first one having to be cut off my shoulders by paramedics. However, were it not for that fateful evening in June, ten years ago, I'm positive the original bag would still be in service today. Kriega produce arguably the toughest, most practical, versatile and comfortable motorcycle luggage on the market.
Kriega produces a range of backpacks from a tiny trail pack with a 9-litre capacity all the way up to the R35 with its whopping 35 litres of storage space. While it's somewhat more pricey than a backpack from Argos, it still represents fantastic value for money. Most important, Kriega uses its Quadloc™ harness, which transfers weight from the shoulders to the chest and body, which ensures that, after several hundred miles of riding, you won't knacker your neck and shoulders. I've ridden with a weighty, fully-loaded R35 for over four-hundred miles without really knowing it's there.
As well as the large main compartment, which has a handy sleeve for a laptop, there are two concealed compartments on the insides, which are suitable for a wallet, cash or a passport. On the outside, there are two zipped side pockets, which are capacious enough for water bottles and a handy meshed compartment, which is a great place to stuff a beanie, if you're as bald as me and need quick access to a hat.
Additionally, and perhaps the best feature, are the two zipped pockets on the front part of the harness. These are perfect for a mobile phone, cash, tickets or anything small you might need quick-access to whilst riding.
Furthmore, the whole pack is covered in compression straps, bands, toggles and adjustors to keep your load as tight as possible. It really is the perfect pack and despite now owning a bike with enormous panniers, I still take my R35 when I need a little extra carrying capacity. Every biker should have one.
Click here to shop the Kriega R35
Dainese Leg Bag
Of course, sometimes you don't need an enormous pack like the Kriega R35. Sometimes you just need a small, convenient space to put your phone and wallet. It used to be the case that even on the most aggressive of sports bikes there would be a small compartment under the pillion seat to stash these items—I remember being able to store a spare visor under the pillion seat of a GSX-R600 K3—but as bikes have become sleeker and tauter, you'll be lucky to have enough space to store a single Malteser.
Thankfully, the boys and girls at Dainese provide the leg pack. The leg pack, as well as being infinitely more stylish than a bumbag, provides just enough space for your essentials. Designed primarily for sports bike riders, the leg pack attaches to the riders thigh, which provides convenient access whilst off the bike but also doesn't get in the way whilst you're moving around on the bike. If you're the kind of rider who wants to get their knee down on every corner whilst safely carrying a pack of Marlboro Gold, you need a leg pack.
There's a divider in the pack to keep your phone screen away from your keys and zippered pocket to keep loose items, such as coins and keys in check. To ensure the pack doesn't move around or rotate around your leg, there are two straps and buckles. The first strap goes around the waist and the second secure around the thigh. It's convenient, comfortable and, best of all, relatively cheap, making it a no-brainer for those without anywhere else to store their essentials.
Click here to shop the Dainese Leg Bag
Sena 30K Dual
If you want to talk with other pillions or other riders, or if you want to listen to music or take call while you ride, you'll need an intercom. As a biker who frequently rides with friends, communication and connectivity are crucial. Why bother with a range of convulted hand gestures to signal your riding buddies when you can just talk to them instead?
One of the standout features of the Sena 30K is its mesh intercom technology. This allows for seamless, hands-free communication between riders within a range of up to 2 kilometers, even if they temporarily move out of range from each other. This was a game-changer for group rides, as it eliminated the need to constantly reconnect and ensured that everyone stayed connected throughout the journey.
The audio quality of the Sena 30K is exceptional. The speakers provided clear and crisp sound, even at high speeds and in noisy environments. The intercom functionality allowed for clear voice communication between riders, making it easy to give directions, discuss routes, or simply have a chat while on the road. Additionally, the Advanced Noise Control feature effectively reduced wind and background noise, further enhancing the overall audio experience.
The Sena 30K offers a wide range of connectivity options. It is Bluetooth 4.1 enabled, allowing riders to connect their smartphones, GPS devices, and other compatible Bluetooth devices seamlessly. I found it effortless to connect my phone to the intercom and enjoy music streaming, make hands-free calls, or even receive GPS navigation prompts. The intuitive Jog Dial made it easy to navigate through the various functions and settings while riding.
The battery life of the Sena 30K is impressive. With an average talk time of up to 13 hours and a standby time of 10 days, it lasted through long rides without needing frequent recharging. The device also charges relatively quickly, which is convenient for those on the go.
Click here to shop the Sena 30K Dual
Drift Ghost X Action Camera
Cameras on bikes can be a bit of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you get to record footage of your amazing ride and create a reliable source of evidence should the unthinkable happen. On the other hand, they can also save footage which is admissable in a court of law. However, if you're not being too daft on your bike, it's nice to have a recording of a top ride or proof that the small Korean hatchback definitely didn't give way at a junction.
The Drift Ghost X excels in versatility and mounting options. The camera comes with a range of mounting accessories, allowing you to securely attach it to various surfaces such as helmets, handlebars, or even a tripod. The rotating lens allows for flexible positioning, ensuring that you capture the perfect angle for your shots.
With a built-in rechargeable battery, the Drift Ghost X can record continuously for up to 5 hours. This extended battery life ensures that you won't miss out on any of the action during your adventures. Additionally, the camera supports loop recording, which automatically overwrites the oldest footage when the memory card is full, so you can keep recording without interruption.
The camera is equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing you to connect it to your smartphone or tablet via the Drift Life app. This app provides a convenient way to control the camera remotely, preview your shots, and transfer files for quick sharing on social media. The wireless connectivity adds a layer of convenience and enhances the overall user experience.
It features a rugged, waterproof housing that is submersible up to 40 meter, making it suitable for capturing underwater adventures. The camera is also resistant to dust and shock, ensuring that it can withstand the demands of extreme sports and outdoor activities. The durable construction gives you peace of mind, knowing that the camera can handle the rigors of your adventures.
Whether recording for fun or for evidence, the Ghost X Drift is a solid choice.
Click here to shop the Ghost X Drift Action Camera
Quad Lock Mounts
Carrying a phone while riding can be a little tricky. While you can keep it in your pocket and stream audio to your intercom, the horror of scratching your screen is a very real possibility. Even if you don't use your phone for audio, you probably own one and don't want to knacker the screen any more than is necessary. Furthermore, if you use your phone for navigation, you'll want to mount it somewhere it can be easily seen without running the risk of it falling off and tumbling down the road behind you. This is why you need a Quad Lock mount.
Quad Lock motorcycle mounts are designed to securely hold your smartphone or action camera in place, providing peace of mind during your rides. The Quad Lock system features a patented dual-stage lock that ensures a strong and secure connection, even on bumpy or rough terrains. You can trust that your device will stay firmly attached to the mount, allowing you to focus on the road ahead.
Quad Lock offers a variety of mounting options that cater to different preferences and needs. Their motorcycle mounts can be attached to various parts of your bike, such as the handlebars, mirror stem, or even the fork stem, providing flexibility in choosing the most convenient and accessible location for your device. This versatility ensures that you can easily view your smartphone or action camera without compromising your riding experience.
The Quad Lock mounting system is designed for quick and effortless attachment and detachment of your device. With a simple twist and lock mechanism, you can securely mount or remove your smartphone or action camera in a matter of seconds, allowing you to get on the road swiftly and hassle-free. This convenience is particularly beneficial for riders who frequently need to access their devices or switch between different devices.
Overall, Quad Lock motorcycle mounts provide a secure, convenient, and accessible solution for mounting your smartphone or action camera on your motorcycle. With their reliable locking mechanism, versatile mounting options, ease of use, durability, and compatibility, Quad Lock offers a trusted solution for riders who want to have their devices safely within reach while enjoying their journey on two wheels.
Click here to shop Quad Lock
ACF-50
If you run your motorcycle over winter, you'll be acutely aware of the spectre of corrosion. A quick ten-minute ride in salty winter conditions will be enough to start the process of turning most metals into rotting, unattractive blobs of corrosion. To prevent this, you need an anti-corrosion treament to keep the rot at bay. Every year, I go through the process of applying ACF-50 to my pride and joy, to keep it in tip-top condition.
ACF-50 is specifically formulated to combat corrosion effectively. It creates a thin, clear film on metal surfaces, penetrating into the smallest crevices and displacing moisture. This protective barrier prevents the formation of rust and corrosion caused by exposure to moisture, salt, road grime, and other environmental contaminants.
It provides long-lasting protection, even in harsh conditions. Its active ingredients remain active and continue to protect your motorcycle for extended periods, reducing the need for frequent reapplication. This is particularly beneficial for motorcycles that are regularly exposed to moisture or harsh weather conditions.
Applying ACF-50 is a straightforward process that can be done by most motorcycle owners. It is available in a convenient aerosol spray or liquid form, making it easy to apply to different parts of your motorcycle. Simply spray or brush the product onto the desired surfaces, allowing it to penetrate and create a protective layer. ACF-50 is self-spreading, ensuring complete coverage and reaching inaccessible areas.
While you can apply ACF-50 yourself, there are companies out there who will do it all for you, for a reasonable price. In fact, if you pay attention to Bike Stop's calendar as we approach winter, you'll see a handful of events where you can turn up at the shop on your bike and a team of professionals will ensure your bike is coated and treated, while you enjoy a nice cup of tea.
Click here to shop ACF-50
