Lets talk about Commuter mods/add ons

Dr Astronaut

Dr Astronaut

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Hey Everyone,

I was thinking we could have a discussion thread about some of the more common add-ons and mods used for commuting and light touring?

I'm currently shopping around for

-a Rear Luggage Case
-an iPhone handlebar mount
-a bluetooth helmet receiver
-a tire lock

Anyone have a recommendation or a product to stay away from? A good place to shop? I'm sure there's more than a few people that could benefit from some actual rider reviews. I'm gonna post a few of the ones I'm looking at and any guides I can find here, as well as pics once I've installed.

thanks!
 
For a tank bag, I personally am looking for something with a reasonable amount of storage, but more importantly, that I can remove quickly and return the bike to it's naked sexy self.

I think this is pretty neat, it looks like it's held on with straps and doubles as a backpack.

http://lockitt.com/Lockitt/product/LGOX320.html

I like the idea, maybe in black.

For iPhone mounts, this article lists 5 different styles

http://thetechreviewer.com/tech-tips/best-motorcycle-bike-mounts-iphone-5s/


Anyone know a dealer that would carry some of these?
 
I have this for the back seat, small enough to not be bulky but big enough to carry miscellaneous items I need like a sweater or a rain suit (tight) and when empty even a medium 2x2. I hate tank bags so this is perfect

matte_blk.jpg


I also have a Scala with Bluetooth and FM I use to listen to music.

Heated gear (heated gloves, heated Jacket with control module) for when it is still cold.

And a phone carrier for my phone with the GPS Pro app (off line GPS)

407 special license plate for those traffic days
 
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Dr Astronaut said:
Hey Everyone,

I was thinking we could have a discussion thread about some of the more common add-ons and mods used for commuting and light touring?
Click to expand...


Have you considered a large windshield?
Some people hate the idea because it changes the looks of the bike, especially when it is a naked bike.
But going from no windshield to a large windshield makes an actual difference for light touring....
 
That bag looks great, how easy is it to take off, (is it just strapped on?) and what's the model? Pretty much the size I was looking for.

The scala line looks nice, Revzilla put a video up last year showing off some bluetooth options too, here's a link for those curious

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJVTPBQjZhc
 
Dr Astronaut said:
That bag looks great, how easy is it to take off, (is it just strapped on?) and what's the model? Pretty much the size I was looking for.

The scala line looks nice, Revzilla put a video up last year showing off some bluetooth options too, here's a link for those curious

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJVTPBQjZhc
Click to expand...
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/parts/accessories/extras/axio/hardpack_motorcycle_tail_bag.html

It takes 5 seconds to take off, 2 velcro straps going to the rear passenger pegs, this is mine on my street bike

1375980_10151592812681191_39751420_n.jpg

1385947_10151588612741191_1399939490_n.jpg
 
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Dr Astronaut said:
if you're actually serious, no, I haven't. I wouldn't use a windshield for buzzing around toronto, or for short trips, would you?
Click to expand...

If your planning on doing some touring, a windshield makes a huge difference, even a small one to deflect the wind. What type of bike are you riding?
 
Dr Astronaut said:
if you're actually serious, no, I haven't. I wouldn't use a windshield for buzzing around toronto, or for short trips, would you?
Click to expand...

Of course I am serious...

Look, if your "commute" is defined as a 15 minute trip, that's great. You won't feel /need / appreciate the extra protection.

BUt you mentioned touring. Even if it is "light" touring, you can feel the difference after 2 hours on the highway.

You could get the kind that comes on and off from the bike, just the mounting hardware stays on...

But you can also feel free to ignore the windshield suggestion.
 
Dr Astronaut said:
if you're actually serious, no, I haven't. I wouldn't use a windshield for buzzing around toronto, or for short trips, would you?
Click to expand...
probably this and a more comfortable seat are the 2 best mods you can use if your commute involves HWY driving like mine does, I also do 14 hr continuous riding days

I got a double bubble for my gsxr 750, it does help a lot
 
MarcosSantiago said:
Of course I am serious...
Click to expand...

I'm sorry, I'm so used to people posting sarcastic/joke replies, I apologize, thanks for the suggestion.

My last bike was a cbr125, and I took a couple trips to my cottage and back (200kms) I remember it being awful for a number of reasons, (stiff legs, barely enough gas, no power) but I can't remember the wind being that bad. I was younger, who knows.

I like the idea of a removable screen, I wonder if they make one for a duck.
 
I was thinking a USB charge outlet maybe useful, but then I was thinking of picking up an AntiGravity pac...

As for luggage, nothing beats a hard case that you can lock right on the bike. Great for helmets when you got off the bike.
 
The CBR125 has a fairing I believe no? If it does, it is deflecting the wind away from you keeping a lot of the wind off of you. With the S2R, it is a naked bike and nothing is really deflecting the wind around you. I had a Honda CB919 in the past, similar naked bike to your Ducati. I bought it without a small wind screen, but added one shortly after. Now this was a very small screen, but it made a HUGE difference and made longer trips all the more enjoyable. I wondered how I put up with the wind afterwards.

If you have the money, getting a GPS that has bluetooth and can handle your phone is handy. My Zumo 660 is connected to my phone, so when it rings, I see it on the GPS screen, I can call from it, go through my address book. It then sends the phone call to my helmet (schuberth C3 Pro). It is a slick setup if you in my opinion. No need to mount the phone, it stays in a cell phone pocket on my jacket and automatically connects via bluetooth when the gps is on.
 
Dr Astronaut said:
I'm sorry, I'm so used to people posting sarcastic/joke replies, I apologize, thanks for the suggestion.

My last bike was a cbr125, and I took a couple trips to my cottage and back (200kms) I remember it being awful for a number of reasons, (stiff legs, barely enough gas, no power) but I can't remember the wind being that bad. I was younger, who knows.

I like the idea of a removable screen, I wonder if they make one for a duck.
Click to expand...

Barely enough gas? For 200 kms?
You can go farther with a 125 vs a 600ss

There is also the adjustable windshield attachment that you can fold, unfold to change angle and height.
 
EC2010 said:
I was thinking a USB charge outlet maybe useful, but then I was thinking of picking up an AntiGravity pac...

As for luggage, nothing beats a hard case that you can lock right on the bike. Great for helmets when you got off the bike.
Click to expand...


I carry a simple charge pack, they are pretty cheap nowadays and can charge your phone 2-3 times depending on the size you get. Much easier then wiring an outlet to your bike.
 
Best commuter mod is a lockable hardcase. Briefcase in the bag when riding, helmet, and jacket the bag while in the office.
Big hassle to walk around carrying your helmet or worse someone peeing in it if you leave it locked to your bike.



Add heated grips, its always there when you need it. USB charger is easy to install, and once you have it its always there when you need it.
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