Tuiroo

Ghost bikes have excellent communications, fast postage and good prices for an online shop. However, I would recommend what I do. Based on reviews choose the kit you want. Then go try it on and buy it from a real shop (supporting your local etc...). I tend to find that they will knock down the price if you know you can get it cheaper online. I am picking up my new textiles on Monday and still can't believe the price I got at the shop (though I did haggle) + they have thrown in some free CE hip armour. I can't find an online price even close to it. Also, as first set of gear maybe don't spend too much. Just get stuff that is safe and will last a year or two. After a year or so you will know exactly what you want/like and don't need/want. Then you can splash your cash on decent textiles/leathers/helmet etc... You will also have a spare set for a mate, in case you have an off or they get soaked through and need a couple of days to dry out. Hope that helped

I used a tail pack (Oxford) for about a year. It did the job but as it strapped under the seat and then bungied down for stability but it ended up scratching my paint. I used it everyday for commuting though. I now have a top box (Givi). Best addition to my bike by far. I just clip it on and go. No hassle, no worries and I can leave it on my bike and know that whatever is inside (usually helmet and gloves) is safe when I am off my bike. If you use it regularly then get a top box. If it is just sometimes then a tail bag will do.

A few months back Ride did a review of Bluetooth intercoms. It was amazing how many were rubbish. Have a hunt through some back issues for the article. I subscribe as it saves me money getting the right kit at the right price, first time. So often before I got stuff that said it would do the job but didn't in real world conditions. Good luck mate

I picked up a couple of sets from Lidl. They have random motorbike stuff sometimes. The base layers are excellent for keeping a regulated body temp. If it gets hot then it wicks away sweat, I have never been to cold in them. I would recommend them as I have had mine for 18 months and they are still good as new. I never go on a long ride without them and once they are on you don't notice them at all, they act as a second skin. Really cheap too, just a few quid for the top and bottoms.

Hey all, I have just ordered the above after I went in to get a set of rst paragon 3's. The Adventures just caught my eye and seemed to offer so much for the money (particularly after haggling 20% off + free CE hip armour). They were very comfy too but didn't have my size in the colour I wanted. Anyone got some? Would appreciate your thoughts on whether you rate them or slate them (and why). Thanks

Hey all, I just want to say a big thank you to all of you that have contributed to this thread. I am blown away by all of you giving your time and sharing your knowledge. I will have to update you all when I get it done and how it all worked out. I am really looking forward to more time tinkering with my bike. Thanks

It need to be as close to the battery as possible so if you use a relay you will need to put one closer to the battery before the relay Thanks Stu

This might be useful too: http://www.bcae1.com/relays.htm Will think about it as that is my preferred option. Maybe I need start basic though and then look at going down the relay route later. I am learning a whole new skill set so it is very much baby steps for me. Once I actually look at the wiring on my bike I will get a better sense of what I am comfortable with. Thanks for the very clear instructions though. Just what I need as makes it less daunting.

No worries. It has a 15A inline fuse

Hi Chrissb6, Yip! I think I am going to try out a direct battery connection for my first attempt at this. If it seems to continuously drain my battery I will start to look at other more sophisticated solutions. The second link you sent seems to be about what I need to get my head around this - thanks. I could not open the first link for some reason. Thanks for your help

Thanks Mrbarry, So you fancy a ride up to Edinburgh this weekend? I have job (read: paid in beer) for you...lol Cheers

Hey Joeman, I think I will skip the relay. Do you think I could hook it up on the same line as my heated grips or best just to go directly to the battery? Cheers

Hi Fozzie, There are two USB plugs. For one I was going to run my iPhone 4S for Sat Nav and music on longer trips and weekend rides and the other my Drift HD camera. Again just for rides and trips. I commute daily but won't be using the USB during the week as only a 10mile commute. I already have heated grips an they only come on with the ignition. I am not sure how they are wired as they were already on the bike when I bought it. Hope that helps Thanks

Thanks Weebl -is that not connecting it to the battery though or do I splice it into the brake/horn wire? Would prefer if it turned off when ignition off. You connect it to a power line. If you want it on the horn line find the power line going to that and connect it there. Don't inline it unless you have to, odds on that one of the power connections for something like the horn will be a terminal screwed on, screw it on there with the existing line. Don't stick it on anything like the lights, ancilliary stuff like the horn is OK but don't mess with a power draw that is fundamental to the bike. Realistically, you are best off getting a mate who knows wiggly amps to help you out, if you really are clueless with electrics, you should not mess with them, at least until he has shown you some basics. Yip! I really am that clueless - time to phone a friend. Thanks for the tip on not going via lights, they are kind of fundamental. You have been a great help.

Thanks Stu. It has an inline fuse so will that prevent any disasters? Also (and I apologise for being so thick), what is a relay?