What are /r/SuggestAMotorcycle's favorite Products & Services?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

I use the 3M disposable earplugs. It was something like $20 for a 200 pack and they come individually packaged. They've lasted since August for me, riding 5-6 days a week, throwing them away after every ride, still have lots of them left.

Also running a Sena 30K in my Shoei X-Fourteen helmet. The sound quality is great and can be heard easily but the earplugs totally eliminate wind noise, it's great. I would highly recommend this setup. Audiologist recommended to me, and now on to you.

Earplugs link to Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008MCUOH2/

Things I can vouch for not working:

• Mpow Foam earplugs, disposable - comfy and soft and would be great for sleeping, but not for repeated motorcycle use. They're OK, but they just don't fit as well as the 3M's and in the cold weather here right now, they never expand back out all the way.
• Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs - expensive as hell, and they block entirely too much sound. If you can't really hear your bike anymore, that's a problem. They also stick out of your ears too far and hit your Sena helmet speakers. No bueno. Also, the foam earpieces need infrequent replacement, running into the same issues as complained about with the Etymotic's I'll review next:
• Etymotic Research ER20XS High Fidelity earplugs - apparently these don't have the decibel rating advertised, and aren't doing enough to protect your hearing. Also, the foam earpieces only last a week or so, and they're $15 for a 4-pack, so you're spending $15 a month on replacement eartips for earplugs that don't work as well as advertised. Shame, because I really liked these at the start, but now I'm really sold on my disposable 3M's.

I must've spent over $100 on trying all these various setups, and in the end, the cheapest solution is actually the best. It's crazy, but also great.

Thanks so much for the information. It is evident that I am a noob here. Woould you be so kind as to give me exact links of the resources. You mentioned the following: 1. a couple different places to get parts from(apart from Honda dealers) 2. so many tutorials and walkthrough videos on YouTube 3. parts diagrams can be found on sites like BikeBandit with part numbers right there for you to order.

Also, does this bike sound like it is a good deal? What further questions can I ask the owner about this? https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/600103100627426/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Honda-1999-2005-2004-2007-1995-2010-2003-2006/dp/B07T61PWF3/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?dchild=1&keywords=hornet+gear+indicator&qid=1625494861&quartzVehicle=1541-12066&replacementKeywords=gear+indicator&sr=8-13

I have the Cardo freecom 2.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MYC87B5/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_glc_fabc_H.GbGb7S4GYVQ

It’s not the best honesty. The sound quality is below average. Intercom is okay. I have a relatively loud motorcycle and I wouldn’t recommend it if you have a loud motorcycle too. They have a JBL speaker set which they sell. I haven’t tried it and can’t say if it makes it any better. Battery life is excellent though.

Cardo Scala Rider FREECOM Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmet Communication Headset with Cardo Logo Neck Gaiter (FREECOM 2+ DUO) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083QRN4XB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_t2DbGb77GRW9M?psc=1

what do you think of this? is it worth it or not? in this case, I just want it to that my fiance and I can go talking on our motorcycle trips

Fortunately lowering kits is a thing. See for instance this BlackPath lowering kit on Amazon ($75). You can use it to lower saddle height up to 4 inches. If you are also very light you might have to look into softer springs front and rear, or even a revalve job.

The problem with used helmets is that the foam can become compressed without obvious visible damage to the shell, and once the foam is compressed it won't protect you in a crash. At my motorcycle safety class they said that they replace any helmet that has been dropped and suggested we do the same. It's just not worth risking your life over.

You can get a good quality fullface motorcycle helmet for ~$100. For example, this Bell Qualifier helmet for $109 on Amazon is what I use: https://smile.amazon.com/Bell-Qualifier-Full-Face-Motorcycle-7049224/dp/B00HLUWN34/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=bell+motorcycle+helmet&qid=1557894214&s=gateway&sprefix=bell+mot&sr=8-3

OP, here's the budget gloves I use also, Joe Rocket Eclipse for $18: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01NABSLI6?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

This is going to be a tough find. I would say something custom, or at least universal, might work best for you here.

Measure the gap between these two brackets/holes, then you can try to use something like these generic aluminum mounting plates in order to try to mount other rack-mounted systems.

The bike itself is a bit old, and I couldn't quickly find any existing locations to buy a drop-in replacement. You could, however, opt to try and find an original seat.

This is going to be a tough find. I would say something custom, or at least universal, might work best for you here.

Measure the gap between these two brackets/holes, then you can try to use something like these generic aluminum mounting plates in order to try to mount other rack-mounted systems.

The bike itself is a bit old, and I couldn't quickly find any existing locations to buy a drop-in replacement. You could, however, opt to try and find an original seat.

I've found Alpinestars to be very good in quality/$ for gear and Scorpion is the same for helmets. On the latter, you pay a lot more for noise protection with Aria, Schuthbert, etc being very quiet. However you can and should ride with quality earplugs which is a lot cheaper and better for your ears. These are my favorites.

Honda H100SD 12months mot fantastic condition very low mileage, https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/honda-h100sd-12months-mot-fantastic-condition-very-low-mileage/1336574547?utm_source=com.google.android.apps.docs&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_android

Price: £ 675 (got it down to £590)

II have this one. I like that it has a loop on one end so you can cinch it up to something solid and then lock the end to your bike or vis versa.

A heavy chain to a tree or something else solid and a locking cover would be my recommendation.

And full coverage on that insurance policy.

I would actually truly love to do that. That’s something I would be proud of. But —> I live in an appartement (Annecy, France) and I don’t have the space allocated to do this. My garage is already taken by the car my gf uses daily + I really don’t know anything about mechanics or bike restauration. I just bought the book How to Build a Motorcycle: A Nut-and-Bolt Guide to Customizing Your Bike https://www.amazon.fr/dp/1786277581/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_6PRM2NCHFSWNP81NMD24?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

As a 1st step. But truly, my biggest issue is « where am I going to do that? » :/

Longer rides: super comfortable, can be on it all day with the girlfriend on the back no issues whatsoever.

Highway: up to 70mph stock and it's easy, after that the wind gets rough.

Purchased one of these and can actually comfortably ride 90mph up 110 for short distances.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HCPN1PX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_JHY4E774NAEHJMYYXPYF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Bike tops out at 160mph. Plan on putting one of these on her eventually and testing it out ;)

I LOVE my bike.

Sport bike performance and handling Pillion comfort Old-school classic drop dead gorgeous looks Japanese reliability

Only cons I can think about:

Came from a Ninja 300 with 70mpgs on regular gas Now I'm on premium gas with 40mpg

Still wouldn't trade it for anything in the world

Sat on both the Cafe and the regular, can't go wrong with either.

Road Comet Fairing

https://www.samurider.com/?p=28024

https://www.amazon.com/Enduro-Street-Motorcycle-Sunglasses-Handgrip/dp/B07Q8KD46P

See SRKcycles (or bikes and beards, no idea on what channel he uploaded), he has a good review and torture test on it. And Hawks are build sollid unlike most chinese bikes. Also im pretty shure you could get a DRZ400S for like 2 grand or a TW200, or other bikes as such for arround 2 grand.

Ok. I am going to give you the most useful trick on ktm.

2 to 20 nm 1/4 inch drive torque wrench. Most fasteners are aluminum, and you have to torque them in small increments. If I can do it you can do it better. https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Bike-Tool-Torque-Wrench/dp/B07JKJTDWC

If earplugs are hurting you, try a few different pair until you find ones that work. Earplugs shouldn't hurt even after hours and hours and hours of riding.

The first search on Amazon of 'earplug sample pack' gave me this. For under $5 for 10 different pair you can't go wrong. https://www.amazon.com/Disposable-Plug-UNCORDED-Samples-pieces/dp/B0001YXOQC/

Don't try similar, literally try Howard Leight Laser Lights. If they're the ones I'm thinking they're a little smaller (but still 32NR rated) for smaller ears.

Howard Leight also offers a sampler package with 10-20 different pairs of earplugs they make. Years and years ago I learned that MAX-1 was the right earplug for me. I now buy them by the case on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013A0C0Y

My suggestion would be to start with a comprehensive "mechanic" tool set of reasonable quality, something like this DeWalt set on Amazon for $145. Personally I stick with Stanley tools (good enough for the home gamer like me) but there are many good options out there.

Add a good torque wrench or two and you are good to go!

You can then simply add tools as needed for specific jobs and before you know it, you'll have everything you need.

OptiMate makes a pretty decent battery tender, but there are cheaper alternatives out there that does a similar job.

Remember that Japanese bikes were seen as crap until they weren't.

I know that the other guys are talking about though: there are some desperately crap Chinese bikes out there (for very little money). And even "my" Hanway would suck if you get stuck without support. So do your homework and know what you are getting into before parting with your cash.

For example: Check out this road legal 250cc dirt bike, sold on Amazon for $1500. It offers amazing value for money, but you need to have appropriate expectations or face disappointment.

Oh jeez. Statistically, people who were taught by a friend have the highest percentage of fatal accidents. Take a MSF course. Trust me. Those teachers are veteran riders and very well trained. Your friends could be shitty riders. There is riding a bike and there is controlling a bike.

MSF courses will provide a bike, usually 125cc that if you drop (many people do), it’s not your property.

Take a MSF state approved course and buy this book. https://www.amazon.com/Proficient-Motorcycling-Ultimate-Guide-Riding/dp/1620081199

You can die on a motorcycle. Easily. And they can be every bit as boring on long rides as driving a car. Do not take this decision lightly.

An even cheaper C-Clamp, and likely better because there are fewer things to go wrong with this one. Oh - make sure you get a large one, at least 4". 6" is even better. A three inch clamp might not be large enough for compressing brake pistons.

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-Malleable-C-Clamp-Opening-4027/dp/B000NY6QO2

The torque wrench looks fine.

The Craftsman set - it's definitely NOT the right one to get. For working on that bike you only want metric tools - those are SAE (inchs vs. millimeters). Make sure you get a metric set. I'm also surprised at the lack of wrenches in that one. What you really need out of a combination package like that are the sockets, socket extension, ratchet, and a set of wrenches. Allen wrenches (hex keys) are a plus but the ones in that set don't appear large enough for what you'll run into on your bike (but I didn't look much).

For working on your bike the only sockets you're ever going to need (really) are 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, and 17mm. Once you realize that, you can narrow down what kind of combination set you need. (Hint: you don't need 60 sockets, but it's an easy way for them to put "more items" into the combo back.)

I have very little experience with bike stands, as I make sure to buy bikes that come with a centerstand. I recommend making sure they fit your bike before buying them.

Edit to ask: what area of the country are you in? If you tell me which Craigslist area to look in, I'll glance at the tools in your local area and see if I can point any out.

Any old bike cover will generally do you just fine. Look for ones that have at least 1 strap connector underneath, to make sure the wind doesn't take it.

GoPro - chin-mounting is great, but handlebar mounting means it's easier to run power to it from the bike itself for infinite battery life. For bar mounting, I'd just grab their handlebar clamping accessory, for $23 it's better now than most aftermarket solutions. The Session 4 is super easy to use, but if you get the Session5, and do run external power to it, you have to remove that little external door for waterproofing and it's easy to lose, so keep track of it.

Otherwise for chin-mount to the helmet, I really like these guys, it's super effective. Attach the arms to the center piece, remove the 3M tape covers on all 3 parts, and press the middle on to the helmet first before pressing the arms down. Very secure mount in my humble opinion, and extra easy.

I think you're on the right track, rent a manual transmission bike to see how you like it. Better yet, rent a different bike every weekend and see how you like and dislike different features of each. If riding instructors aren't commonly available, I highly recommend this book as the next best thing:

https://www.amazon.com/Proficient-Motorcycling-Ultimate-Guide-Riding/dp/1889540536/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1492880892&sr=8-2&keywords=proficient+motorcycling

Wow, thanks for the gold! I've never had it before.

Ah, I just realized you're likely in South Africa. Can you get the Yamaha XT660Z Tenere there? It appears to be very similar to a KLR. Other 650-ish thumper singles are the Honda XR650l and R, and Suzuki DR650. Also, that land speed record Triumph is pretty. It would probably be a good first bike.

I have heard great things about the BMW classes, but haven't taken one myself. Perhaps while you're shopping classes and bikes, get your hands on this book or one of its previous editions. It's an excellent read: http://www.amazon.com/Proficient-Motorcycling-Ultimate-Guide-Riding/dp/1620081199/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430230294&sr=8-1&keywords=proficient+motorcycling

Key phrases to know NOT to take someone's motorcycling advice seriously:

"I had to lay 'er down." No. Rubber on the road brakes faster than steel or plastic on the road. If you know you're going to crash, laying the bike down intentionally just means your speed is higher when you hit.

"Loud pipes save lives." No. Paying attention to the inattentive or aggressive drivers around you and avoiding them saves lives.