Capt Sisko Posted October 9, 2023 Share Posted October 9, 2023 (edited) As the title says, and opportunity to spread the word about small gadgets, accessories or bits of kit that are modestly priced, but have made a significant improvement to either you, your bike or just the overall pleasure of riding. If you want to wax lyrically about your £1,200 Rukka jacket please brag elsewhere. Try and keep it to what us ordinary folk can afford and if not self explanatory, a brief note of why you think it's so good. I'll start the ball rolling. Held Infinium Kidney Belt. This isn't a lower back support (though by the very nature of wrapping something around your waist you do get a little bit of support), but rather a warm comfort blanket for you vital organs. If like me you tend to suffer from the cold this is one of those bits of kit that makes such a difference. Windproof, warm, elasticated and very comfortable to wear. Edited October 9, 2023 by Capt Sisko 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
husoi Posted October 9, 2023 Share Posted October 9, 2023 I would go for the TPMS installed on the Pan. £30 well spent 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RideWithStyles Posted October 9, 2023 Share Posted October 9, 2023 If we are keeping to cheap bargains: Bandit spark plug tool kit set that came supplied by suzuki. Changed the plugs far easier than other ones i had in my took box. £ free. Honeywell Foamy earplugs, hearing afterwards is important. £10 for hundreds. Pin lock visor insert, if you're a warm blooded or a huffer and puffer type having a clear visor in anything less than 15c is essential. £20-60. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiddlesticks Posted October 9, 2023 Share Posted October 9, 2023 Goretex DPM Desert Overtrousers. Got these to go over my drop liner textiles (they wet out after a while). A few mods - hot glued the fly and pocket slits shut for extra rain protection, and replaced the drawstring with elastic. £20 vs. two and a half grand on a new Rukka suit. There's something to be said for layering. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megaross Posted October 9, 2023 Share Posted October 9, 2023 Another for goretex military overproofs, get the ones that have side zips so they go on over boots. I ride year round in a 7 year old richa leather jacket and rev'it axis overtrousers. Only additions are a jumper if it's cold or waterproof overs if it's pissing down. Cheap and highly effective, like white ace. Tools constantly in use when I'm working on bikes - magnetic parts tray, T handle 6 and 5mm allen keys, T handle 8/10,12/13mm 6 siders, oxford english dictionary (dirty words mostly) In terms of gear to carry get a worm kit and one of those airman bike inflators to keep under the seat. That's the difference between a 5 minute repair and 4 hours waiting for the AA wondering if you should move your bike away from the front of that porn and sex toy warehouse you just visited. For motocamping? Tarp, tarp tarp tarp. Tie to bike, tie to tent. Oh look a nice shelter to sit under drinking tea while it pisses with rain Also worth carrying a little towel if you've got a topbox - dry your helmet before you put it in there and wet weather riding becomes much less a ballache. No one likes a soggy lid. I just have a 50p teatowel 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nute Posted October 9, 2023 Share Posted October 9, 2023 No idea what it’s called but the 90 degree tyre valve extension thingy makes inflating tyres so much easier 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiddlesticks Posted October 9, 2023 Share Posted October 9, 2023 (edited) Slightly off topic but I have picked up plenty of small and not altogether useful things. Eg.a bike turntable made from one of these sandwiched between two pieces of ply: It didn't save a whole lot of time, but being able to ride in and out of the garage made me feel like I was one of the Thunderbirds. Edit: Come to think of it - it did allow me to put the bike width-ways across the back of the garage for a month or so while I had it all in pieces, so not altogether useless. Edited October 9, 2023 by Fiddlesticks 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megaross Posted October 10, 2023 Share Posted October 10, 2023 That's not a bad little shout, quite like the idea of building a bike dolly that pivots. Mind you, cost of ply these days I might as well go without and go stay at a five star greek hotel for 2 weeks. 1 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onesea Posted October 10, 2023 Share Posted October 10, 2023 Heated jacket powered by usb battery pack: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rechargeable-Electric-Lightweight-Heating-Motorbike/dp/B0BK8NTQ22 Copy puppy grips: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/374022852368 PIR Led light battery light in garage: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beams-Wireless-Battery-Operated-Outdoor-Motion-Sensing/dp/B00196WS6S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_M Posted October 10, 2023 Share Posted October 10, 2023 I dislike having a dirty visor so I carry A small spray bottle of visor cleaner and a soft cloth. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
husoi Posted October 10, 2023 Share Posted October 10, 2023 I got a dolly for the pan and love it. Ride in, turn it around and ready to go again in less than 30secs. Another magic item. microfiber cloth. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
husoi Posted October 10, 2023 Share Posted October 10, 2023 (edited) Just remembered. A pair of carrier bags and plastic gloves, the ones you find in petrol stations. Why? The bags are the best way to keep your feet dry(ish) and the gloves for the same effect. Not ideal but it keeps you that little bit dry for a wee bit longer. Edited October 10, 2023 by husoi 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick the wanderer Posted October 10, 2023 Share Posted October 10, 2023 Hi, Rok straps I find useful for, well, strapping stuff.. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_M Posted October 10, 2023 Share Posted October 10, 2023 1 hour ago, husoi said: Just remembered. A pair of carrier bags and plastic gloves, the ones you find in petrol stations. Why? The bags are the best way to keep your feet dry(ish) and the gloves for the same effect. Not ideal but it keeps you that little bit dry for a wee bit longer. Putting the bags over your wet boots makes it easier to put on waterproof over trousers, too. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
husoi Posted October 10, 2023 Share Posted October 10, 2023 10 minutes ago, Steve_M said: Putting the bags over your wet boots makes it easier to put on waterproof over trousers, too. I put the bags over the socks inside the boots. Same with plastic gloves going inside the riding gloves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_M Posted October 10, 2023 Share Posted October 10, 2023 2 hours ago, husoi said: I put the bags over the socks inside the boots. Same with plastic gloves going inside the riding gloves. Carry another couple of bags to help putting on the overtrousers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
husoi Posted October 10, 2023 Share Posted October 10, 2023 1 minute ago, Steve_M said: Carry another couple of bags to help putting on the overtrousers? Now, who's being silly? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_M Posted October 10, 2023 Share Posted October 10, 2023 Just now, husoi said: Now, who's being silly? It’s my default setting. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Westerly Posted October 10, 2023 Share Posted October 10, 2023 5 hours ago, husoi said: I put the bags over the socks inside the boots. Same with plastic gloves going inside the riding gloves. I can't do that- I sweat buckets if I do and end up with soaking wet hands and feet. Stick with expensive waterproof boots and gloves for that. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt Sisko Posted October 10, 2023 Author Share Posted October 10, 2023 9 hours ago, onesea said: PIR Led light battery light in garage: I've got one of the plug in version of those PIR lights at either end of the garage. Brilliant (excuse the pun) if you're only popping into get something. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_M Posted October 10, 2023 Share Posted October 10, 2023 10 hours ago, onesea said: PIR Led light battery light in garage: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beams-Wireless-Battery-Operated-Outdoor-Motion-Sensing/dp/B00196WS6S I’m often in the doghouse for turning lights off in the barn / garage / workshop which my good lady has to pass through to return to the house from the veg garden. One of those would be so handy… and keep me in her good books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
husoi Posted October 10, 2023 Share Posted October 10, 2023 4 minutes ago, Steve_M said: I’m often in the doghouse for turning lights off in the barn / garage / workshop which my good lady has to pass through to return to the house from the veg garden. One of those would be so handy… and keep me in her good books. They are actually quite cheap even from toolstation or screfix. Don't buy the really cheap ones from Home bargain, isn't a bargain. They are shaite 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiddlesticks Posted October 10, 2023 Share Posted October 10, 2023 Here's another.. Thirteen quid motion alarm. Stick it under the seat and treat claims of waterproofness with skepticism. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RideWithStyles Posted October 10, 2023 Share Posted October 10, 2023 Get her a bobble hat with a light on... cheaper than electricity 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerontious Posted October 10, 2023 Share Posted October 10, 2023 what is cheaper than completely free and gift wrapped. My little tool kit. thanks mum. largely pointless but thank you anyway. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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